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Take afternoon to tour artists and collectors homes

4 min read

For those of you who have ever wanted to peek into the world of artists – here’s your chance.

In order to help the community learn more about the area artists and collectors BIG ARTS is featuring a program – BIG ARTS Members’ Art Show and Sale, and the Fifth Annual Artists Studio Tour – on Friday, April 24th at 4 p.m. that will let people see first hand where some of the area’s most talented artist and serious collectors live and in some cases work.

Here how the event works: After participants buy a ticket for the program they are given directions and the afternoon to visit with the artists and collectors who will be awaiting their arrival. And from noon to 2 p.m. participants will have a chance to eat lunch, sip wine and mingle at the Captiva Yacht Club.

The BIG ARTS Members’ Art Show and Sale, and the Fifth Annual Artists Studio Tour chair Laurie Meyers expects a good turn-out for the event.

“It’s always been a sell-out,” Meyers said. “It’s kind of self-propelled. everyone seems to enjoy it.”

Meyers said the tour is a great way for residents to see parts of the island they have never seen before as well as view great art.

The hosts are preparing for what BIG ARTS expects to be a busy day at their homes and studios.

“It will be great,” said June Rosner, a collector showing her home. “We have some nice pieces and we would like to share it.”

Author and Illustrator Michael Stadther is looking forward to showing his home during the tour.

“I think they will see something a little different than art hanging on the wall,” he said.

Stadther’s children’s book, “A Treasure’s Trove” became a bestseller and led to a national treasure hunt. His illustrations and books will be on display along with the Stadther’s collection of English and French impressionists, German portrait painters.

Myra and Wes Roberts are married artists who will be opening their home and studios for the tour.

“My husband and I are both honored by being chosen for the tour,” Myra Roberts said. “The teacher in me looks forward to talking to people about techniques and art.”

Other homes to visited during the tour include Artist Eleanor Dominek, sculptor Andi McCarter and innovator Rene Miville.

The BIG ARTS Members’ Art Show and Sale, and the Fifth Annual Artists Studio Tour tickets are limited and can be purchased for $45.

Anyone who does not wish to go on the tour of the artists’ homes can still support local artists by visiting the Art Show and Sale in Boler Garden (ticket charge will not apply). In addition to viewing gallery pieces, visitors can meet local artists at their tables and purchase artwork.

Artists’ Studio Tour Participants Start the day at BIG ARTS:

9 a.m. to Noon

n Pick up itinerary and driving directions

n Enjoy coffee and pastries

n See the Southwest Florida Craft Guild Exhibit in Phillips Gallery

n Visit the Invitational Exhibit in Founders Gallery featuring Randon Eddy, James Ferrari, Ernesto Masis and Peter Zell

n Browse in BIG ARTS Gift Shop

n See the BIG ARTS Members’ Art Show and Sale

Visit the Artists’ Studios:

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

n Artist Eleanor Dominek, who uses oils, pastels, and monoprints to create landscapes.

n Sculptor Andi McCarter, influenced by the rebellious nature of the emerging Bohemian culture, creates art out of surprises and conflicts in nature.

n Innovator Rene Miville, who created a process of chemical manipulation using the classic darkroom printing process.

n Painter Myra Roberts, who creates vintage Florida and Old Hollywood paintings, together with Sculptor Wes Roberts, who creates award-winning, one-of-a-kind-functional pieces of art made from rare, unusual and recycled wood.

n Homeowner June Rosner, whose deep art collection includes her personal friend Robert Rauschenberg. She also collects Do_an Art and many others.

n Author and Illustrator Michael Stadther, whose children’s book, “A Treasure’s Trove” became a bestseller and led to a national treasure hunt. His illustrations and books will be on display along with the Stadther’s collection of English and French impressionists, German portrait painters, 18th Century Flemish and Dutch masters, and contemporary works by Russian and Spanish artists.

Lunch – Captiva Island Yacht Club

Noon to 2 p.m.

Enjoy a lunch with wine, mingle, and purchase miniature paintings by

BIG ARTS’ SECRET artworks artists.

Tour ends with a wine and cheese reception hosted by TheGallery@SanibelFaux.com, at 695 Tarpon Bay Road.

For more information about programs at BIG ARTS, to purchase tickets, to sign up for workshops, or to become a member, stop by BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road Sanibel, call 395-0900, e-mail info@BIGARTS.org, or log on to www.BIGARTS.org.

(Staff reports contributed to this story).