Welcome to BIG ARTS Press Room
For general event and performance information, contact BIG ARTS Marks Box Office at (239) 395-0900.
For information regarding press releases, marketing and other promotional material, email Maureen Tesoro at mtesoro@BIGARTS.org, or call (239) 472-9700.
Our press releases for journalists and other media representatives:
BIG ARTS Overview
Each year during "season" BIG ARTS presents world-renowned music and dance, intimate theater, distinguished speakers, fine art exhibits, critically-acclaimed films, and workshops taught by gifted artists.
Entertainers including jazz, pop, classical, folk, and big band musicians perform in BIG ARTS 400-seat Schein Performance Hall.BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater offers Broadway-caliber talent in an intimate atmosphere.
Phillips and Founders galleries each host eight new exhibits annually, providing an enriching visual arts experience and promoting the diverse talents of local, regional, and national artists. The gift shop at the main BIG ARTS center, located at 900 Dunlop Road, is a place to find unique gifts of affordable luxury.BIG ARTS presents exciting dance programs every season— this year professional ballet, tango, and tap dance performances.
The Film Society's programs include the fabulous Monday night series of critically-acclaimed feel-good films and documentaries, as well as several cinema series with film discussions. Wednesday matinees, film festivals, and presentations by local filmmakers are also popular. Ballet and opera fans have the rarefied chance to see the finest productions from all over the world, captured live in High-Definition, presented on the big screen in surround sound through our Opera & Ballet in Cinema program.
Many distinguished and influential speakers lecture at the popular and often sold-out series, The FORUM.
New Frontiers Health and Science Program invites speakers who are on the cutting edge of research. There are also weekly current events discussion groups.
Classes and Workshops: More than 200 opportunities to study something new are offered at BIG ARTS. With an abundance of choices including watercolors, drawing, dance, pottery, languages, photography, jewelry making, fused glass, collage, writing, and music, there is something for everyone — adults as well as youth.
Treat yourself to time at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. Rest or picnic in the beautiful garden, visit the gift shops, view the art in the galleries, and learn about the variety of events the islands' dynamic cultural arts center has to offer.
2011 Chrysalis Award:
Video created by Ken Sneeden and Associates for the 2011 Chrysalis Awards. BIG ARTS was the winner in the Cultural Achievement category.
On May 19, 2011 The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce honored eight local individuals and businesses at the annual Celebration of Business & Tourism "Chrysalis" Awards.
Organizations were judged on innovation, how they have distinguished themselves in the community, their efforts to promote Southwest Florida, their contributions to business and tourism partnerships for the overall benefit of the county, and their work to foster growth and sustainability.
2011 Angel of the Arts Awards:
- Arts Organization of the Year
- Arts Organization Leader of the Year
Photo: Lee Ellen Harder accepting the 2011 Angel of the Arts Award for BIG ARTS - 2011 Arts Organization of the Year on May 2, 2011.
Alliance for the Arts Angels of the Arts Awards Program recognizes the positive contributions and essential impact of artists, arts organizations, arts educators and supporters in Lee County. The 2011 award for Arts Organization of the Year was given to BIG ARTS, and Arts Organization Leader of the Year was given to Lee Ellen Harder, Executive Director of BIG ARTS.
