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…
Art as Therapy
Dunham Family Gallery
Artist Reception: Friday, May 1, 2026, 5:00 PM
This collaboration between Hope Healthcare’s Art Therapy Program and Lee Health’s Arts in Healthcare Program highlights the healing power of creative expression.
WINE & RAKU MIXER
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Enjoy this fun-filled evening as we begin in the classroom learning about Raku, a traditional Japanese pottery-firing technique.
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BEGINNING POTTERY WHEEL 101
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Mondays, June 8, 15, 22, 29 & July 6, 13, 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.
INTERMEDIATE POTTERY WHEEL 102
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Tuesdays, June 9, 16, 23, 30 & July 7, 14, 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.
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.
ADVANCED POTTERY WHEEL 103
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Wednesdays June 10, 17, 24 & July 1, 8, 15, 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.
CERAMICS OPEN STUDIO
Studio Monitor: Tim Smith
Fridays, June 12, 19, 26 & July 3, 10, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Students who are registered in the June/July 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.
Student Exhibit
Florida SouthWestern State College
Dunham Family Gallery
Artist Reception: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 5:00 PM
BIG ARTS is proud to collaborate with Florida SouthWestern State College to showcase the work of emerging artists.
Art Vibe
An unforgettable evening of artistic inspiration at this free and open-to-the-public event!
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GLASS MOSAICS AND MORE
Instructor: Petra Kaiser
Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26, 2026, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Ages 10-14
Students will have fun learning the art of fused glass. First, creating projects like wind chimes, dishes, jewelry, wall hangings, and more.
BRING OUT YOUR INNER PICASSO
Instructor: Dana Nicloy
Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26, 2026, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Ages 9-12 (students entering 4th, 5th & 6th grade)
During this 1-week pottery camp, students will learn how to create colorful clay masks inspired by the artist, Picasso. Using the “slab” method, students will roll out a flat piece of clay to form the base of their masks.