BIG ARTS to present Family & Friends Day
Tickets are available for a free island event that will include an animal show and activities.
BIG ARTS will host its Family & Friends Day on April 12 beginning at 4 p.m. at its Sanibel campus. It will feature the Wild World of Animals, plus live entertainment, art projects, food, drinks and more.
“This is really an event to appeal to the families of the Sanibel and Captiva communities,” Marketing Director Meghan Govoni said, noting that it also kicks off its summer programming for families.
It will open with a show by the Wild World of Animals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Christensen Performance Hall. Both entertaining and educational, moderator and animal advocate Grant Kemmerer will provide an exploration into the fascinating world of the wildlife we share with the planet.
“He’s really an expert in endangered animal species,” she said. “He’s going to bring in a bunch of animals and bring them out on stage.”
The lineup will include a New Guinea snake-neck turtle, African spur-thigh tortoise, European legless lizard, blood python, alligator, tri-color milk snake, kestrel, falcon, eagle owl, laughing kookaburra, binturong, sloth, capybara, prehensile-tail porcupine, three-banded armadillo, kangaroo and tamandua.
Govoni explained that he will talk about each animal and how the public can help them.
Following the show, a Party on the Patio will be held in the Malone Family Sculpture Garden.
“We have some members from Citrus Circus performing. One is a stilt walker and the other is a hula hoop girl,” she said, noting that the hula hoop performer will teach attendees different moves.
“So that’s really fun,” Govoni added.
Led by Workshops Director Aimee Harrisson and The Sanibel School art teacher Erica Sharp, who work with BIG ARTS as youth instructors, there will be a couple of make-and-take art projects.
“They will be animal based to go with the show,” she said.
Rib City will provide a family-friendly spread, plus cookies and brownies for dessert.
“It’s going to be very casual, kind of like cookout-style food,” Govoni said.
BIG ARTS will have its bar open.
“And we’ll do a mocktail for the kids,” she said.
In addition, the BIG ARTS galleries and gift shop will be open for attendees to enjoy.
While a free event, tickets are required.
The community is encouraged to secure a seat for the show.
“It’s going to be a really fun day — just a great chance to get everyone together,” Govoni said. “Come and mingle with other families.”
For tickets or more information, visit https://bigarts.org/ or call the box office at 239-395-0900.
BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Family & Friends Day
When
April 12 starting at 4 p.m.
Where
BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Details
Free to public, but tickets required