Rise, Woven Fabric on PaperArtist Reception: Saturday, February 1There is an almost imperceptible impact in contemplating how rare and unique our environments can be; hence, the information to which we are exposed shapes how we may perceive life and transform it. “Life is Alchemy” is an exhibition that explores the seemingly magical process of transformation […]
Rhapsody in Blue, Four Panels, Oil on Paper Collage, 90"x164"Artist Reception: Saturday, February 1A master of oil and collage, Mally returns to BIG ARTS with her new, dynamic work. Collage demands refined balance, not only in imagery and form, but also of content and theme. Her oils on canvas and paper collage emerge from personal […]
Mondays, February 3, 10, 17 & 24 2025 from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM4-session class fee: $135 / $108 annual donors In this four-week workshop open to all levels, you will discover the joy of writing as you write with others to generate fresh material, whether it be for fiction, nonfiction, or poetry – or […]
Intermediate & Advanced PaintersMondays, February 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM4-session class fee $245 / $196 annual donorsThis class varies between Alla Prima, Impressionism, Expressionism, and Realism. Intermediate and advanced students will learn to paint with flair, have fun, and transfer their emotional reaction from the subject onto the canvas. […]
Tuesdays, February 11, 18 & 25 2025 from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM3-week class fee: $245 / $196 annual donorsLearn techniques for successful pastel painting. Work with an instructor experienced in the use of pastels to depict portraits and still life. Instruction will consist of (1) selection of materials to use for successful pastel paintings, […]
Monday, February 24 - Thursday, February 27 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 4-day workshop fee: $875 / $700 annual donors Create texture and add depth to your paintings in this experimental workshop with Jean Pederson. Using a variety of acrylic mediums, you will learn to build up interesting surfaces and intriguing grounds that can […]
Wednesday, February 26 through Friday, February 28 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 3-day class fee: $125 / $100 annual donors Supply fee: $12 per student for all materials provided, payable to instructor. This class is designed to further explore the art of Zentangle. Experienced students will learn more tangles and techniques to add to […]
Graciously Sponsored by Susen H. and James C. Berg & Doug and Sherry Gentry Ailey II is universally celebrated for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dancers with the passion and creativity of today’s finest emerging choreographers. For this unforgettable experience, the gifted Ailey II dance company will perform the enduring […]
Graciously Sponsored by BIG ARTS Classical Series Circle:Nancy Dehmlow, David Huggin & Ken NeesThe multi-award-winning musical ensemble, Fandango! is a spicy mix of Latin, Spanish, Sephardic, Balkan and classical sounds. Spanish flutist Eugenia Moliner and Bosnian guitarist Denis Azabagic are a husband-and-wife team acclaimed worldwide as the Cavatina Duo; French violinist Blaise Magnière and Taiwanese […]
The “Sister” is back, and BIG ARTS audiences are in store for another hysterical catechism lesson – this time one filled with spooky fun! This session is about the church's take on Halloween tales of ghosts and goblins. In this hilarious one-woman show, "Sister" treats the audience as members of her adult catechism class. A […]
Monday & Tuesday, March 3 & 4, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM2-day workshop fee: $180 / $144 annual donorsSupply fee: $40 per student, payable to instructor for all supplies provided.Grab a smock and dive into the fun and beginner-friendly world of alcohol-ink mixed-media art, no experience required! During this two-part workshop, you will […]
Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25 2025, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 4-session workshop fee: $245 / $196 annual donors This course is open to artists of all levels with the caveat that one should have some experience in watercolor. Cheryl will present sketches and a finished painting, guiding the students through a […]
Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM 4-session class fee: $168 / $135 annual donors Supply fee: See below. Glass fusing, also called kiln‐formed glass, offers an outlet for creativity for those who are artistically blessed, as well as those who are artistically challenged. As Petra always says, "Glass […]
1-day class fee: $175 / $140 annual donorsSupply fee: $100 per student payable to instructor for all supplies provided.The bloom technique is an advanced fluid art technique that has multiple layers and recipes. Immerse yourself in this comprehensive 1-day course mixing colors and creating up to six original bloom paintings each, from a basic bloom, […]
The emergence of public artificial intelligence products has increased focus on how they may affect our society and lives. At recent hearings, Congress was introduced to the progress and dangers of these rapidly advancing technologies. Dr. Peter Singer examines the scope of AI development, the benefits it offers, and the ethical challenges to human society. […]
Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM 3-session class fee: $168 / $135 annual donors Supply fee: See below. Glass fusing, also called kiln‐formed glass, offers an outlet for creativity for those who are artistically blessed, as well as those who are artistically challenged. As Petra always says, "Glass […]
Experience the magic of music with the Gulf Coast Symphony, a distinguished professional orchestra from Southwest Florida, whose rich traditions of unique and innovative collaborations create high-quality, dynamic performances. This event will feature the Oscar and Tony-winning songs of West Side Story, brought to life by talented Broadway singers.
Graciously Sponsored by Brian & Kim on behalf of the Rist Family Foundation This must-see show is an incredible tribute to George Michael and the music of WHAM! Robert Barko is a spot-on look-alike and sound- alike to the late, great legendary artist and brings energy and passion to his performances. Crowds are on their […]
Monday & Tuesday, March 10 & 11, 2025 from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM 2-day workshop fee: $423 / $345 annual donors New Workshop! Class will cover the basic principles of oil painting regarding painting Palms. Includes interesting and memorable discussions on composition, massing, building form, light and shadow: and depending on your own style, […]
Monday & Tuesday, March 10 & 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM2-day workshop fee: $215 / $175 annual donorsSupply fee: $10 per student payable to instructor for supplies provided.Discover the breathtaking allure of Alcohol Inks - a remarkably dynamic and vibrant medium that almost effortlessly brings your artwork to life! Join our class […]
1-day class fee: $65 / $52 annual donorsSupply fee: $10 per student payable to instructor for all supplies provided.This class welcomes artists of all levels, from beginners eager to explore their artistic abilities to experienced artists seeking to embrace a playful and whimsical artistic approach where they will learn the basics of sculpting with masking tape.Jeff’s […]
We live in an age obsessed with the prospect of ever-longer lifespans. The Wall Street Journal reports that the anti-aging industry sells longevity as “the ultimate luxury good.” Researchers are delving into the mysteries of stem cells and the human genome, discovering what causes physical aging and how to keep those processes from happening. Billionaires […]
Thursdays, March 13, 20 & 27, 2025 from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM3-week class fee: $245 / $196 annual donorsStudents will learn how to draw and tone an image to make objects appear 3 dimensional on a 2-dimensional surface. Students will learn freehand drawing and drawing using a grid. Focus will be on examining the […]
1-day class fee: $105 / $84 annual donorsBarbara will begin the class with a demonstration and help students prep their canvases and mix paint. While painting your canvases, we will discuss elements of composition and dynamic use of color and guide you through the process of creating your very own acrylic painting of a fishing boat […]
LEFT: Lonesome, Frida Oliv, Oli on Wood, 8" x 9 3/4" x1/2"RIGHT: Palm, Monika Larsen Dennis, C-Print Under Glass, 18" x 15" x 1/2"Artist Reception: Saturday, March 15In their collaborative installation, Monika Larsen Dennis and Frida Oliv invite us to wonder and think about obstacles that may be keeping us from loving ourselves and each […]
Graciously sponsored by Michael and Marilee Wood Join the masterful musicians of the acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents as they bring the soul of New Orleans and the sizzling spirit of Mardi Gras to beautiful BIG ARTS Christensen Performance Hall. Led by pianist Luther S. Allison and vocalists Quiana Lynell and Milton Suggs, this […]
Monday & Tuesday, March 17 & 18, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 2-day workshop fee: $285 / $228 annual donors Intermediate & Advanced Painters. This information-packed workshop is designed to give a good foundation for bold, direct palette knife paintings. Participants can expect to produce at least one painting. Class starts with a […]
Wednesday & Thursday, March 19 & 20, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 2-day watercolor workshop fee: $415 / $332 annual donors Helen will begin this watercolor workshop with an exploration of shape using a collection of variously shaped objects of assorted sizes then applying paint to the paper surface in a somewhat arbitrary […]
Professor Raymond Arsenault will illuminate the life and legacy of John Robert Lewis (1940-2020), the 17-term congressman from Atlanta, Georgia, who first rose to fame as a courageous civil rights activist during the early 1960s. Professor Arsenault’s recent biography of Lewis, In Search of the Beloved Community, is as relevant today as it was during […]
Graciously sponsored by Gustav and Vibeke Christensen For almost 40 years, The Peking Acrobats have amazed audiences worldwide, fusing astonishing athletics with modern special effects to create a kaleidoscopic marvel for all ages. Often described as "Cirque du Soleil meets the Far East," these world-class gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers provide a gravity- defying spectacle […]
FEE: $5 per hour for all participants Artists generate ideas, but they need space and time to develop these ideas, and for visual artists, it all comes together in the studio. Join in during Open Studio once a month and use this time to work on your individual art projects while interacting with other artists. […]
Monday & Tuesday, March 24 & 25, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 2-day workshop fee: $151 / $121 annual donors Supply Fee: $40 per student payable to instructor for all materials provided. In this fun class, we will be working with natural and dyed pine needles to create colorful baskets. Students will learn […]
1-day workshop fee $ 95 / $76 Annual Donors Supply fee: $25 per student payable to instructor for all materials provided. Monoprint is the art of painting a surface and then printing a mirror image of the painting onto paper. Students will explore the art of monoprint using a transparent plate and small press. Deborah will demonstrate […]
Annabelle Tometich went from medical school reject to line cook to journalist to author. She spent 18 years as a food writer, editor, and restaurant critic for The News-Press in her hometown of Fort Myers, Florida. Her first book, The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony (April 2024, Little Brown), was called […]
Thursday & Friday, March 27 & 28, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM2-day class fee: $115 / $92 annual donors Come learn basics techniques of acrylic painting through a variety of exercises using both brushes and knives. This introductory class to abstract art is sure to inspire beginners or refresh experienced painters. Learn to […]
The Players features Keith Howland and Jeff Coffey, 2 former members of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame band “Chicago” and their all star band, along with a kickin' horn section!Keith Howland served as lead guitarist and occasional lead vocalist with Chicago for 27 years and was the longest tenured guitarist in the band’s history. Several […]
Mickela Mallozzi is the four-time Emmy® Award-winning Host and Executive Producer of "Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi," a travel series highlighting the diversity of dance, which airs on PBS stations nationwide and on Amazon Prime globally. A professional dancer and trained musician, Mickela decided to start a journey around the world, taking her camera with […]
1-day workshop fee: $62 / $50 annual donorsSupply fee: $15 per student payable to instructor for all supplies providedJoin us for this 2-hour mixer and create your very own "Sweet Island Home" under Sissi’s instruction. Journey into a mix of realism, a hint of childlike joy, and a harmonious play of bright colors with a sneaky dash of […]
Thursdays, April 3, 10 & 17 2025 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM2-day class fee: $149 / $119 annual donors This three-session watercolor course will inspire students to enhance their skills by adding paper, ink, colored pencils, and acrylics to their work. Learning how to embellish your watercolor with mixed media techniques to create texture […]
Thursdays, April 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM4-session class fee: $168 / $135 annual donorsSupply fee: See below.Glass fusing, also called kiln‐formed glass, offers an outlet for creativity for those who are artistically blessed, as well as those who are artistically challenged. As Petra always says, "Glass is difficult to […]