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…
Ode to Joy
Sanibel-Captiva Art League
Dunham Family Gallery
Artist Reception: Friday, December 19, 2025, 5:00 PM
Let your spirit be uplifted by original artworks of Southwest Florida artists. This exhibit features a collection of fine art embracing various media, styles, colors, moods, and techniques, inviting you to explore the beauty and spirit of joy.
BEGINNING POTTERY WHEEL 101
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
SOLD OUT!
Mondays, January 5, 12, 19, 26, & February 2, 9, 2026, from 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
SOLD OUT!
Mondays January 5, 12, 19, 26 & February 2, 9, 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, January 6, 13, 20, 27 & February 3, 10, 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
SOLD OUT!
Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27 & February 3, 10, 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.
GLASS-FUSED ART
Artist-Instructor: Petra Kaiser
Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, 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.
ADVANCED POTTERY WHEEL 103
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Wednesdays January 7, 14, 21, 28 & February 4, 11, 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, January 7, 14, 21, 28, & February 4, 11, 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.
GLASS-FUSED ART
Artist-Instructor: Petra Kaiser
Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29, 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.
ALL LEVELS HANDBUILDING
Artist-Instructor: Kim Tetmeyer
Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 & February 5, 12, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Discover the art of creating with your hands in this all-levels pottery handbuilding class! Whether you’re brand new to clay or an experienced ceramic artist, this class offers a supportive, creative environment to explore traditional and contemporary handbuilding techniques.
BEGINNING POTTERY WHEEL 101
Artist-Instructor: Tim Smith
Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 & February 5, 12, 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.