Program areas at Big Arts
Performing Arts series the 2023-2024 performing Arts series at Big Arts offered a diverse range of performances, attracting audiences with a variety of musical genres, theatrical productions, and dance performances. Some highlights from the series included: the greatest piano men: a captivating performance celebrating the music of iconic piano legends. Jeremy denk: an engaging recital by the celebrated pianist, known for his expressive interpretations. Bodytraffic: a contemporary dance ensemble that delivered a dynamic and emotionally charged performance. Twisted pine: a lively bluegrass band that energized the audience with their innovative sound. the doo wop project: a nostalgic journey through the history of doo-wop, featuring exceptional vocal talent. Late nite catechism - sisters summer school catechism: a humorous and interactive theatrical production that delighted the audience. Additionally, our classical music series was a significant highlight, showcasing world-class musicians and ensembles. the series included performances by: academy of st. martin in the fields wind ensemble: a breathtaking concert that highlighted the precision and elegance of classical music. Young concert artists on tour: featuring rising stars in classical music, offering a glimpse into the future of the genre. Anthony mcgill, clarinet, susanna phillips, soprano & myra huang, piano: a deeply moving performance that combined instrumental and vocal artistry. This series not only brought high-caliber classical performances to the Island but also reinforced Big Arts' commitment to presenting a wide range of cultural experiences for the community
Big Arts 2023-2024 season was a notable success, bolstered by the generous support of the Florida council on Arts and culture. Despite the lingering challenges from the 2022 hurricane, which continues to leave many seasonal residents displaced, Big Arts remained steadfast in its mission to deliver exceptional Arts and cultural experiences to the community. Fine Arts exhibitions throughout the season, Big Arts hosted a total of nine exhibitions, highlighting a diverse array of artists and mediums: bea pappas - a retrospective: a beautiful retrospective celebrating the artistic journey and legacy of bea pappas, with a good turnout. Maria pia malerba - in the blink of an eye: an exploration of time and perception, presented in the west gallery. Dana roes (artist) & brandi george (poet) - involution: a multidisciplinary exhibit blending visual art and poetry. the collaboration featured extraordinary visual combinations through massive video projections, with amazing paintings and a great performance by brandi george. Sanibel-captiva art league's 48th annual juried exhibit - imaginary lines: featuring regional talent and exploring boundaries. the sanibel-captiva art league exhibited strong organizational skills, and the exhibit supported all local artists who wished to participate. Shah hadjebi & al chailosky - common ground, an urban experience: a brilliant collaboration between two accomplished artists highly skilled in realism. Shah in 2d watercolor and al in 3d work created a delightful and powerful experience. Beth schroeder - gatha poem paintings: an amazing exhibit featuring stunning work, well displayed with a good turnout and an insightful talk by the artist. Wendy klemperer - uprising: this exhibit evolved into an artist-in- residence program. the gallerys patio was transformed into a welding studio where wendy created the "causeway panther," an 8-foot-long, 600 lb. Sculpture of a Florida panther made from rebar retrieved from the causeway. the exhibit inside the gallery was magical, including over 100 plasma-cut metal fish and 60 drawings and paintings, engaging viewers with its beauty and depth. Art as therapy - hope and healing in the act of making art: now an annual exhibit, this collaboration between Big Arts, lee health, and hope healthcare highlighted the spiritual health and inspiration that come from supporting artists with disabilities. the exhibit featured powerful backstories of perseverance and grace. Florida southwestern state college student exhibit - bootcamp: an immersive experience in contemporary art: this exhibit was the result of an intensive course, with large-scale paintings responding to themes like papa de kooning, mother nature, and god. It provided advanced art students with the opportunity to experience the process of installing an exhibit in a formal gallery setting. the art vibe event, including their opening reception, was a great success with excellent turnout and vibrant energy. Each exhibition was accompanied by artist receptions, community engagement activities, and educational opportunities, fostering a deeper connection between the community and the Arts.
Workshops & educational programming Big Arts offered a robust selection of workshops throughout the year, covering various mediums and skill levels. Some of the workshops included: december 2023: structural drawing; ribbons & bows, fluid art - open cup acrylic pour. January 2024: playful discoveries with acrylics, fluid art - ring pour acrylic pour. February 2024: portrait drawing / painting, an invitation to photographic storytelling. March 2024: alcohol ink artistry, fluid art - swiping acrylic pour. April 2024: painterly florals acrylic painting, white is a color. June 2024: gelli plate printing mono-print. These workshops catered to a wide range of artistic interests, from introductory classes to advanced techniques, fostering creativity and skill development within the community. Film series the monday night film series was a highlight of the season, featuring 28 award-winning international and independent films, followed by moderated discussions. Some of the films included: perfumes (france), compartment no. 6 (finland/russia), the good boss (spain), and dr. strangelove (uk). Hallelujah: leonard cohen, a journey, a song and the holiday favorite the polar express. the series provided a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, enhanced by live discussions with filmmakers. Free community events Big Arts held several free community events throughout the 2023-2024 season, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community through the Arts. These events included: artist receptions: held throughout the year, these events provided opportunities to meet artists, view exhibitions, and enjoy refreshments. Holiday open house: a festive event that highlighted local artists, offered free food and entertainment, and welcomed the community into the Big Arts space. Family & friends free day: a day filled with performances, interactive art experiences, and family-friendly activities, fostering community engagement. Art vibe: this vibrant event combined live music, craft beers, and an opening reception for the Florida southwestern state college student exhibit. It also included the performing and creative Arts scholarships certificate award ceremony, adding a celebratory element to the evening. These free community events were essential in making the Arts accessible to all, reinforcing Big Arts role as a cultural hub and a welcoming space for creativity and connection. Community impact & resilience in the aftermath of hurricane ian, Big Arts quickly became a crucial community hub, and continues to host city government meetings, civic gatherings, and hurricane preparedness workshops. the facility's resilience and continued operations underscored its role as a beacon of hope and recovery for the islands. Through these efforts, Big Arts not only fulfilled its mission of nurturing creativity but also reinforced its position as a cornerstone of the community, offering support and connection in times of need. Conclusion the 2023-2024 season was a testament to Big Arts dedication to cultural enrichment and community engagement. From diverse exhibitions and workshops to community events and film series, Big Arts played a pivotal role in bringing the community together through the Arts, even in the face of adversity. Looking ahead, Big Arts remains committed to its mission of fostering creativity, resilience, and connection to residents and visitors on the islands.