BIG ARTS is excited to announce the opening of their new, main lobby gift shop. The BIG ARTS gift shop features one-of-a-kind gifts hand made by local artists and craftspeople. You can visit the gift shop during BIG ARTS regular operating hours: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. While you’re there, be sure to visit the several fine arts exhibits on display.

The talented gift shop team, comprised of Jan Jaeger, Libby Carpenter, Mary Elizabeth Snyder and Anni Wellauer, conducted an exhaustive search to find unique and beautiful items, from jewelry to pottery. “We spent three months visiting galleries, and craft shows recruiting artists,” said Libby Carpenter, adding, “In the end, we recruited 26 talented artists to display and sell their work.”

The BIG ARTS Gift Shop management team has created a pleasant experience, even for those who are simply window shopping. “There’s really something for everyone,” Jan Jaeger commented. “We have everything from coloring books to furniture and keepsakes. We will continue to recruit more artists in the future.”

“Some of the artists whose work is for sale have also volunteered to docent the gift shop,” explained Mary Elizabeth Snyder. “It offers our visitors a chance to meet and greet with the artists.” The gift shop offers local artists a unique opportunity, not only to show off their work, but also to interact with those who visit BIG ARTS.

“It was a pleasure to be able to support local artists in this time when craft shows are limited,” Anni Wellauer added. “It’s a real joy to be able to offer these talented artists a place to sell their work.”

Visit BIGARTS.org to view a small sampling of the wonderful work on display. BIG ARTS is located at 900 Dunlop Road on Sanibel. For more information, call (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 our 2021 Season, and don’t forget to visit us on Facebook!

BIG ARTS is practicing the highest standards of safety during this challenging time. All visitors are required to wear masks throughout the facility. Please be sure to put on your mask before entering the building. We ask that you are mindful of physical distancing. With physical distancing precautions in mind, BIG ARTS is selling only 50% of the seats in Christensen Performance Hall. Until further notice, only 200 seats will be available for any event in the Hall, and a maximum of 25 people will be allowed in the gallery at any given time. BIG ARTS has enhanced its air-filtration system, all surfaces are wiped down between use, a professional sanitation fogger is being used after each gathering, and there are hand sanitation “stations” throughout the ground floor.