Get to Know the Local Arts Center

For more than 30 years the Sanibel and Captiva Island institution known as BIG ARTS has been striving to serve as a source of “cultural enrichment and fulfillment to island residents” through its many monthly and annual programs. It relies on more than two hundred area volunteers to meet its mission, and it includes several galleries, a performance hall, sculpture garden, and a roster of incredibly interesting events.

Coming up within the next few months will be such welcome events as their BIG ARTS Summer Arts Camp experience that gives kids a seemingly endless menu of options for hands-on arts experiences. This mixes children of all ages and even has a fine arts apprentice program for both middle and high school students.

There is also the ongoing Phillips and Founders Gallery displays, the annual Film Series, regular lectures and workshops, and more. Any of the events or regular activities in the BIG ARTS facility are open to residents and visitors alike, and it is a good idea to encourage everyone in the Sanibel and Captiva Island area to make a visit to the grounds. This is because the lovely Boler Garden sculpture park is located at the site and it is full of gorgeous plantings, walkways, and sculptures for all to enjoy entirely free of charge.

Consider too that there is also a fabulous gift shop in the popular Periwinkle shopping area that can provide locals and travelers alike with a way to purchase unique items and objects crafted by Sanibel and Captiva Island artists. The shop also houses a few classrooms and meeting spaces that have a lineup of regular events as well. Because it is in the shopping area many visitors make a point of enjoying a meal in one of the Sanibel Island restaurants nearby too.