BIG ARTS to host Annual Art Vibe
The community is invited out for an evening of locally-created artwork, live music and more.
BIG ARTS will host its Annual Art Vibe on June 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. Free and open to the public, it will highlight a new exhibit and scholarship recipients and will feature entertainment, food and drinks.
“BIG ARTS is a place for all ages and all arts,” Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder said. “This annual event is a celebration of the community and the role the arts play. There’s several things going on.”
In the Dunham Family Gallery, “Bootcamp: An Immersive Experience in Contemporary Art” curated by senior visual arts students from Florida SouthWestern State College will be on display. The students and professors will be on hand for an artists’ reception to speak about their work and the experience of creating, hanging and jurying a professional show.
She explained that 15 students will show off their work in the exhibit.
“There’s going to be 40 to 50 pieces of artwork,” Harder said. “It’s all paintings.”
BIG ARTS will also recognize this year’s Performing and Creative Arts Scholarship winners.
“We will present them with their certificate for their award,” she said.
Open to Lee County residents, the donor-backed program is for those attending college to pursue a professional career in creative or performing arts. Six recipients will receive a total of $25,000.
“We also will have live demonstrations by four of our BIG ARTS art instructors to give a sample of what we offer during the year for workshops and classes,” Harder said.
The instructors conducting the demos will be oil painting artist Jan Atkielski, pastel painting artist Mary Klunk, watercolor artist Sunny Krchmar and mixed media sculpture artist Jeff Ocasio.
“Our BIG ARTS gift shop will be open and some of our gift shop artists will be on hand to talk about their work,” she said. “We feature local and regional artists and they’re all one-of-a-kind, unique.”
Those taking part will include ceramics artist Chris Christian, sculpture artist Gil Sanchez and weaver Diana Urso, who will have her large loom, along with Donna Filimio-Guarglua and Arlene Stigum.
Live music will be provided by Wilder Duo.
“They’re a local band, local musicians,” Harder said.
Attendees will enjoy hearty appetizers by Catering by Leslie Adams.
There will be an open bar with beer, wine and soda.
“New this year, we’re partnering with No.3 Craft Brews of Cape Coral,” she said. “They are coming to serve up some of their craft beers.”
The public is invited to come and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes.
“Art Vibe is a wonderful evening with art and music,” Harder said. “Celebrate and support the students of the community, enjoy time and friendship with each other and see and experience the role that the arts play in the community.”
For more information, visit https://bigarts.org/ or call 239-395-0900.
BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Annual Art Vibe
When
June 15 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where
BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Details
Free and open to the public