2025-2026 Community Engagement
BIG ARTS, formally known as the Barrier Island Group for the Arts, was created by and for the community more than four decades ago. Its founding principle remains to this day: to experience and celebrate the artist in all of us and to remind us of our shared humanity. Each year we offer a vibrant cultural palette of performing and fine arts, films, workshops, classes and community events that enrich our lives
I Am My Home
Mariapia Malerba
West Gallery
Artist Reception: Friday, November 7, 2025, 5:00 PM
Without the corals, the octopus has no sanctuary…
A Journey to the Oracle
Ebenezer Leyva
Mezzanine Gallery
Artist Reception: Friday, January 30, 2026, 5:00 PM
Ebenezer Leyva is carrying out an experimental inquiry about perception.
Impressions and Relics
Jonas Stirner
Dunham Family Gallery
Artist Reception: Friday, January 30, 2026, 5:00 PM
Jonas Stirner returns to BIG ARTS with Impressions and Relics, a powerful exhibition of new two- and three-dimensional works, including maquettes of large-scale outdoor sculptures and photographic collages inspired by his global travels.
BEGINNING POTTERY WHEEL 101
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Mondays, February 16, 23, & March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Beginning students will discover how to center a ball of clay and shape it into various objects. Those with prior experience will refine their skills and learn techniques to create more intricate forms.
BEGINNING HAND-BUILDING 101
Artist-Instructor: Kim Tetmeyer
Mondays, February 16, 23, & March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Discover the timeless art of pottery through hand-building! This beginner-friendly class is perfect for those new to working with clay. You’ll learn foundational techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab construction to create both functional and decorative pieces.
INTERMEDIATE POTTERY WHEEL 102
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Tuesdays, February 17, 24 & March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
If you’re comfortable with the basics of throwing and eager to learn more advanced techniques, this class is for you! Students will explore methods for creating larger forms, lidded pieces, and incorporating sculptural and surface techniques.
BEGINNING HAND-BUILDING 101
Artist-Instructor: Kim Tetmeyer
Tuesdays February 17, 24, & March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Discover the timeless art of pottery through hand-building! This beginner-friendly class is perfect for those new to working with clay. You’ll learn foundational techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab construction to create both functional and decorative pieces.
ADVANCED POTTERY WHEEL 103
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Wednesdays February 18, 25 & March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Prerequisite: Participants must have taken Beginner and Intermediate Pottery Wheel classes in advance of this class -OR- have significant pottery wheel experience prior to registering for this class. In this advanced pottery wheel course, students will engage in independent special projects.
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED HANDBUILDING
Artist-Instructor: Kim Tetmeyer
Wednesdays, February 18, 25, & March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Designed for students with basic hand-building experience, this class deepens your understanding of techniques such as coil, slab, and pinch construction. You’ll focus on improving form, structure, and surface design while incorporating decorative elements like carving, stamping, and glazing.
BEGINNING POTTERY WHEEL 101
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Thursdays, February 19, 26 & March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Beginning students will discover how to center a ball of clay and shape it into various objects. Those with prior experience will refine their skills and learn techniques to create more intricate forms.
CERAMICS OPEN STUDIO
Studio Monitor: Tim Smith
Fridays, February 20, 27 & March 6, 13, 20, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Students who are registered in the February/March 6-week pottery sessions will be allowed to participate in these Friday open studio classes. The open studio will offer current students extra time outside of class to continue and complete their artwork.
GLASS-FUSED ART
Artist-Instructor: Petra Kaiser
Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Petra will provide students with guidance and assistance, demonstrating procedures and basic glass fusing techniques, and will include compatibility and testing, annealing, and slumping.