BIG ARTS to host holiday open house, film
BIG ARTS on Sanibel will celebrate the season with two more activities for the community.
Part of its Holiday Magic programs for the month of December, BIG ARTS will host a Holiday Open House on Dec. 19 at 5 p.m., followed by a Holiday Family Film Night on Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
“These events have really become a tradition for us,” Marketing Director Meghan Govoni said. “They’re family friendly, they’re fun and they’re free. You can’t beat that for the holidays.”
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
The Holiday Open House is free and open to the public; no ticket is required.
“Santa Claus will be in the Christensen Performance Hall in his chair,” she said. “He’ll be available for kids to take photos with him, and he’ll hand out candy canes.”
There will be holiday-themed art projects for youths.
“The arts education activity table will have make-and-take clay and paper holiday ornaments,” Arts Education Director Aimee Harrison said.
Led by members of the BIG ARTS Community Chorus, attendees can take part in sing-a-longs of Christmas carols in the lobby throughout the evening.
“They invite people to join in and sing along with them,” Govoni said.
ACT Catering and Boards will serve up light bites.
“They’re going to do a big charcuterie spread, veggies and a couple little light bites,” she said. “And then we’re adding in some kid-friendly things, like chicken nuggets.”
There will also be a cash bar.
“The bartenders came up with some speciality cocktails and mocktails,” Govoni said.
The gift shop will be open for last-minute holiday shopping.
“The gift shop is fully stocked with holiday gifts,” she said, noting that the handcrafted treasures and unique keepsakes created by local artists will include ornaments, cards and more.
“A few of the gift shop artists will be available to talk,” Govoni added.
An Artist Reception for the Sanibel-Captiva Art League’s (SCAL) “Ode to Joy” will take place at 5 p.m. in the Dunham Family Gallery. The SCAL brought together members of all affiliates of the Art Council of Southwest Florida to take part. It will feature a collection of fine art embracing various media, styles, colors, moods and techniques, inviting viewers to explore the beauty and spirit of joy.
“BIG ARTS is proud to host the 50th Annual Juried Art Council of Southwest Florida exhibit,” Gallery Director Wilson McCray said.
In addition, Marti Koehler’s “Just Keep Swimming” will be on display in the Mezzanine Gallery.
Bank of the Islands is the presenting sponsor for the Holiday Open House.
“We’re so happy to work with them and so grateful for their support,” Govoni said.
The community is invited to swing by.
HOLIDAY FAMILY FILM NIGHT
The Holiday Family Film Night is free, but tickets are required.
“This is a great night out for all ages to continue the festivities of the holiday season,” Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder said. “Enjoy a holiday beverage and believe in the spirit of Christmas.”
The movie will be “The Polar Express,” shown on the big screen in the Christensen Performance Hall. The enchanting holiday film follows the magical journey of a young boy to the North Pole, where he discovers the true meaning of friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
Children will receive jingle bells to add to the fun.
“All the kids in attendance will get little jiggle bells for the movie,” Govoni said.
There will be a cash bar, including holiday-themed mocktails and cocktails.
“There will be popcorn available,” she said.
Attendees are encouraged to come in their pajamas.
“It makes for a fun evening,” Govoni said.
The community is invited to secure a ticket.
For tickets to the movie or for more information about the Holiday Open House or Holiday Family Film Night, visit www.bigarts.org or contact the BIG ARTS box office at 239-395-0900.
BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
…..
IF YOU GO
What
Holiday Open House
When
Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.
Where
BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Details
Free and open to public
…..
IF YOU GO
What
Holiday Family Film Night
When
Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Where
BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Details
Free but tickets required
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email