BIG ARTS hosts art sale, studio tour

MYRA ROBERTS Become better acquainted with local artists through the BIG ARTS Members' Art Show and Sale, and the fifth annual Artists Studio Tour. The events are set for Friday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Studio Tour tickets are limited and can be purchased for $45.

The tour is supported by TheGallery@ SanibelFaux.com. Participants who do not wish to go on the tour of the artists' homes can still support local artists by visiting the Art Show and Sale in Boler Garden (ticket charge will not apply). In addition to viewing gallery pieces, visitors can meet local artists at their tables and purchase artwork.

Artists Studio Tour participants start the day at BIG ARTS, 9 a.m. to noon:

• Enjoy coffee and pastries

• See the Southwest Florida Craft Guild Exhibit in Phillips Gallery

• Visit the Invitational Exhibit in Founders Gallery featuring Randon Eddy, James Ferrari, Ernesto Masis and Peter Zell

• See the BIG ARTS Members' Art Show and Sale

Visit the Artists' Studios: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COURTESY PHOTO Sculptor Wes Roberts working in his studio. • Artist Eleanor Dominek, who uses oils, pastels, and monoprints to create landscapes.

• Sculptor Andi McCarter, influenced by the rebellious nature of the emerging Bohemian culture, creates art out of surprises and conflicts in nature.

• Innovator Rene Miville, who created a process of chemical manipulation using the classic darkroom printing process.

• Painter Myra Roberts, who creates vintage Florida and Old Hollywood paintings, together with sculptor Wes Roberts, who creates award-winning, one-of-a-kind-functional pieces of art made from rare, unusual and recycled wood.

• Homeowner June Rosner, whose art collection includes works by her friend Robert Rauschenberg.

• Author and Illustrator Michael Stadther, whose children's book, "A Treasure's Trove," became a bestseller and led to a national treasure hunt. His illustrations and books will be on display along with the Stadther's collection of English and French impressionists, German portrait painters, 18th century Flemish and Dutch masters, and contemporary works by Russian and Spanish artists.

Lunch will be served at the Captiva Island Yacht Club from noon to 2 p.m.

The tour ends with a wine and cheese reception hosted by TheGallery@Sanibel- Faux.com, at 695 Tarpon Bay Road.

For further information, stop by BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road Sanibel, call 395- 0900, e-mail info@BIGARTS.org, or log on to www.BIGARTS.org.