BIG ARTS Dunham Gallery is opening its doors to the community as it hosts Sanibel Captiva Art League’s 44th Annual Juried Art Council of SW Florida Exhibit. The exhibit, which opens on March 5, features exciting, new works by regional artists. There will be an artist reception Friday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Dunham Gallery. The reception, which is free to attend, will feature awards, as well as complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.
“It’s really exciting to be able to host so many fabulous local artists in our new state-of-the-art gallery,” said gallery manager Lauren Huff. “The Sanibel Captiva Art League’s annual juried show is always one we look forward to on the calendar. We’re really fortunate to have so many talented artists in our community.”
Anita Force Marshall, president of Sanibel Captiva Art League, is also particularly excited about this year’s show. She said, “I can’t wait! BIG ARTS and their dedicated and talented staff have always welcomed Sanibel Captiva Art League with open arms, and we are very honored to be one of the first exhibits to show off their new digs – It’s a must see!”
Sanibel Captiva Art League was started in 1964 by a group of 25 island artists who wanted to further the interest in art within the community. The first show, of 19 paintings, was hung for a single day in the Captiva Post Office a year earlier, but the League has evolved into large exhibits and juried shows in public venues, such as Sanibel Public Library and Captiva Community Association.
When asked about what’s new in this year’s show, Anita responded, “Well let’s start with our theme, 2020. It inspires our artists to bring in their most recent and superlative artwork for this show in the wonderful new Dunham Gallery at BIG ARTS.”
“My favorite part of our annual show is the anticipation of seeing all our talented local artists bringing in their best artwork and then seeing it hanging in the gallery altogether,” commented Marshall when asked what’s special about the annual juried show. “It really moves me seeing all the artists in one room. It’s spectacular. My second favorite part is the BIG ARTS reception where you get to see our island residents all in one place – the artists, the locals, the visitors, everyone comes out and we have a fabulous time.”
Sanibel Captiva Art League’s 44th Annual Juried Art Council of SW Florida Exhibit opens on March 5 in the BIG ARTS Dunham Gallery located on 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. The exhibit will be on display until March 29. For information about gallery hours, visit BIGARTS.org, or call the box office at 239-395-0900.
ABOUT BIG ARTS
BIG ARTS, established in 1979, is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing quality artistic, cultural and educational experiences to Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors. Visit www.BIGARTS.org to learn more about the 2020 Dream Season and to purchase tickets. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 239-395-0900. And don’t forget to like BIG ARTS on Facebook!
