Tom Hall

BIG ARTS is built to last. The building weathered Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton largely unscathed. The outdoor sculpture garden wasn’t as lucky. But it has now been restored and Gallery Director Wilson McCray hopes people will check out the improvements this season and is busy preparing a map that will facilitate self-guided walking tours.

The Naples New Year's Art Fair and Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival take place January 3-4.

Marco Island Center for the Arts is celebrating the start of Christmas week with “Singin' and Swingin' – The Holiday Songbook.” It’s a musical revue that features singer Charlie Blum. He’ll not only perform. Director Hyla Crane points out that he’s also the one who chose the music for the show.

Adam Szymkowicz’s “Clown Bar Christmas” spoofs conventional Christmas stories, shows and songs. Hallmark is among the franchises lampooned, with a clown named Petunia serving as the mistress of mischief on a Christmas tree farm.

Three months ago, ballerina Skylar Frye found herself at a crossroads. After studying ballet from age 8, and 10-hour days and performances every night for weeks at a time during her four years at the University of Arizona, she was tired. But Gulfshore Ballet has helped rekindle her passion with its invitation to dance Dew Drop, Snow and Arabian in 'The Nutcracker' ballet.

Producing Artistic Director Joe Simonelli has announced the closing of Cape Café Dessert Theatre in Cape Coral. Citing sparse ticket sales, the theater will close permanently as of January 1.

George Balanchine is often called the father of American ballet, A groundbreaking choreographer and co-founder of New York City Ballet, his innovative neoclassical style made him one of the most transformative figures in dance history. In “Masters of Movement,” Sarasota Ballet pays tribute to Balanchine with two dances that celebrate composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The 15th Annual Coconut Point New Year’s Art Festival will be held in Estero Dec. 27 and 28. This two-day outdoor art festival takes place in the parking lot along Via Villagio Drive.

This week, one show opens, 10 close and 10 continue their runs at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.

The Robin Dawn Academy Holiday Showcase 2025 takes place at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Monday, December 15. Academy dancers ages 3–18 will light up the stage with high-energy routines in every style — ballet, jazz, hip hop, and more — set to favorite holiday hits.