BIG ARTS brings works of art from around the world | News, Sports, Jobs – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

Ryota Matsumoto won the “Gracie” award for her play “Still from Cities of Inextricable Velocities”. ASHLEY GOODMAN

The International Society of Experimental Artists’ 26th annual exhibition and symposium, which debuted at BIG ARTS earlier this month, features works by artists from as far away as Japan.

The exhibition, which runs until November 27, features 87 pieces – from all types of mediums at the Phillips Gallery. Artworks from ISEA Board members can be viewed in the Founders Gallery, all pieces are for sale.

“It’s a really good show,” said Bea Pappas, fourth vice president of the International Society of Experimental Artists.

Two Sanibel artists, Deborah Butler, recording secretary of the International Society of Experimental Artists, and Joan Klutch, have pieces in the exhibit.

“There are a lot of wonderful techniques here – some that are very new. Some of them may look traditional, but they really aren’t because they may have an unusual technique or material, ”Butler said.

The artists reception will take place on Friday, October 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Light refreshments and finger foods will be served – prizes will also be awarded. The exhibition is presented by Jade Dellinger, director of the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida SouthWestern State College. The exhibit gives around $ 10,000 in prizes each year.

The symposium, which is scheduled for October 23-29, will give participating artists a taste of the island. Artists will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, demonstrations and visit Useppa Island and other galleries in Fort Myers. The symposium will be organized by Sundial Resort & Spa.

ISEA was founded in 1991 by Maxine Masterfield and Gracie Hegeman after the two women felt bound by the rules of art exhibitions of other major national and international art groups. The annual ISEA Jury Exhibitions have taken place in Indiana, Michigan, Texas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, Washington State and California. The highest achievement, the “Gracie” Prize, is awarded each year to a different artist.

The Phillips and Founders Galleries are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, the galleries are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information on the show, call 239-395-0900.