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
BEGINNING POTTERY WHEEL 101
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Mondays, October 6, 13, 20, 27 & November 3, 10, 2025, 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 POTTERY - HANDBUILDING 101
Artist-Instructor: Dana Nicloy
Mondays, October 6, 13, 20, 27 & November 3, 10, 2025, 9:30 AM – 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!
INTERMEDIATE POTTERY WHEEL 102
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, & November 4, 11, 2025, 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 POTTERY WHEEL 101
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Thursdays October 9, 16, 23, 30, & November 6, 13, 2025, 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, October 10, 17, 24, 31 & November 7, 2025, 9:30 AM – 12:30PM
Students who are registered in the October/November 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.
Just Keep Swimming
Marti Koehler
Mezzanine Gallery
Artist Reception: Friday, November 7, 2025, 5:00 PM
“The process of making art starts with an abstract memory or feeling that sparks inspiration, leading to a colorful, gestural exploration…”
Curious
Reynier Llanes
Dunham Family Gallery
Artist Reception: Friday, November 7, 2025, 5:00 PM
Reynier Llanes is a master of color, form, and figure. The narratives are born of fables and Magic Realism where tapestries of fantasy and unlikely narratives intertwine with our reality.
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…
GLASS-FUSED ART
Artist-Instructor: Petra Kaiser
Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19, 2025, 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.
ZENTANGLE DRAWING
Artist-Instructor: Donna Lee Cole
Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20, 2025, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The art of Zentangle® was founded in 2004 by Rick Roberts, a monk, meditator, and the “ZEN,” along with Maria Thomas, an artist, calligrapher, and the “tangle” creating repetitive patterns called Zentangle.
PLAYFUL DISCOVERIES WITH ACRYLICS
Artist-Instructor: Sissi Janku
Join Sissi for a 3-hour start-to-finish paint along class designed for islanders and visitors alike who are ready to bring joyful art and sunshine into their lives. Students will create a charming island landscape while learning new techniques and amazing effects. Awaken the joy of playful discoveries with acrylics!
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Wreckage, Resilience & Recovery:
The History of Hurricanes on Sanibel
Presented in partnership with the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village
Join us for a showing of Wreckage, Resilience & Recovery, a compelling documentary by award-winning filmmaker Ken Sneeden. Learn how 100 years of storms shaped Sanibel – before Ian.