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
Sanibel School K-8 Artists
Mezzanine Gallery
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Artist Reception: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 5:00 PM
BIG ARTS is proud to continue its cherished partnership with Sanibel School for the second consecutive year.
CURRENTS
Dunham Family Gallery
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Artist Reception: Friday, October 30, 5PM
CURRENTS brings together artists Shah Hadjebi, Dahye Kim, Marti Koehler, MariaPia Malerba, Wilson McCray, and Macy Noll to collaboratively transform the Dunham Family Gallery into an immersive underwater mural. Visit throughout the exhibition to witness the creative process and watch the artwork evolve.
COLOR AND SHAPES
West Gallery
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Artist Reception: Saturday, November 14, 5PM
Each summer, BIG ARTS Outreach Program partners with The Heights Center to provide more than 120 students in grades K–8 with hands-on visual arts experiences that encourage creativity and self-expression.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
9/11 Institute Speaker
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Graciously Sponsored by Bank of the Islands.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the events that took place on 9/11 and BIG ARTS is partnering with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for a special event to never forget the lives affected by it. This is a free event but a ticket is required.
Beginning Potter’s Wheel
Artist-Instructor: Dana Nicloy
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Mondays, September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
During this 6-week course, beginning students will learn the basics of throwing clay on the pottery wheel, learning how to wedge, center, and start on a path to making many different shapes.
Intermediate/Advanced Handbuilding
Artist-Instructor: Dana Nicloy
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Tuesdays, September 15, 22, 29, October 6 13, 20, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Hand-building for the intermediate to the advanced. We will explore more hand-building techniques and work on skills. We will further your understanding of techniques such as coil, slab, and pinch construction. We will focus on improving form, structure, and surface design while incorporating decorative elements like carving, stamping, and glazing.
INTERMEDIATE POTTERS WHEEL
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Tuesdays, September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 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 and lidded pieces and incorporating sculptural and surface techniques.
Artisan Fused-Glass Jewelry:
From Kiln to Wearable Art
Artist-Instructor: Petra Kaiser
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
September 16, 17, 2026 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Discover the vibrant world of kiln-formed glass in this hands-on, multi-session workshop. Whether you are a seasoned fuser or a complete beginner, this class guides you through the process of designing, firing, and finishing stunning glass pendants that capture light and color. All levels welcome.
Beginning Pottery - Handbuilding
Artist-Instructor: Dana Nicloy
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Wednesdays, September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21 2026 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
“Ready to get your hands dirty and your creativity flowing?” Step away from the screen and into the soothing, tactile world of clay. Our handbuilding class is the perfect place to slow down, explore your imagination, and create something truly unique — no pottery wheel required!
ADVANCED POTTERS WHEEL
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Wednesdays, September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 2026 from 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.
BEGINNING POTTERY WHEEL
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Thursdays, September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Have you always wanted to learn the basics of throwing clay on the pottery wheel? Join us! 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
BIG ARTS Sanibel
900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL, United States
Fridays, September 18, 25, & October 2, 9, 16, 2026
Available to currently registeredstudents only.
Open studio offers students extra time outside of class to continue and complete their artwork.