About Big Picture

Big Picture Director, Becky Popelka

Becky Popelka

Hello Friends!

Big Picture Gallery and Studio is was founded by Ms. Becky Popelka. Ms. Popelka realized she was passionate about the visual arts as an undergraduate student at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. After obtaining a degree in visual art and art education, she taught for one-year abroad in Cairo, Egypt followed by two-years of teaching k-8th grade art and coordinating the 5th- 8th grade Talented & Gifted program at Clayton Ridge School District in NE Iowa. From 2008-2011 Ms. Popelka studied graphic design at Iowa State University, earning her MFA and teaching college level design technology courses. Ms. Popelka settled in Iowa City in 2011 and taught art at Regina Catholic Education Center through the spring of 2017. In addition to teaching in the k-8 classroom Ms. Popelka taught college level art education classes and supervised student teachers at the University of Iowa through the spring of 2021. Ms. Popelka holds a Master Teaching License in the State of Iowa. In the fall of 2023 Ms. Popelka made the difficult decision to return to teaching in the public schools and sell Big Picture. A wonderful buyer, Adam Gent, who was also a studio parent purchased the studio and is continuing the work of bringing art to our community. Ms. Popelka currently teaches elementary art at Hiawatha and Harrison in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

A note from the Founder:

I was thrilled to bring life to Big Picture Gallery and Studio! Owning my own art school and gallery had been a dream of mine since I was an undergraduate student. Big Picture seeks to make the arts more accessible to the community by creating a welcoming work and play space that is filled with joy, excitement and wonder. The arts bring such a vibrancy and richness to our lives. The vision for Big Picture is to facilitate and inspire creative expression for our patrons and students. The Gallery enhances the Studio/School, offering a place for local artists to exhibit  works for sale, gain exposure, and influence budding artists. Come visit us and get your art on!

"I am seeking, I am striving. I am in it with all my heart."

-Vincent van Gogh

 

Studio Owner

 

Gent Family

Hello!  

We are Adam and Allison Gent, new owners of Big Picture.  We have 3 children- Jace, Stella, and Camden. We have lived in North Liberty for several years, and keep busy with our pets (2 cockatiels-Dusty and Pearl, 2 guinea pigs- Oreo and S'more, and our dog Bader), traveling (preferably to a beach), various sports, and music lessons (Bass, violin, guitars, and piano).  Our kids have attended the studio since it opened 7 years ago.  We love the opportunities art provides for our kids.  Adam has a passion for business and Allison for art- so we made the decision to buy Big Picture and keep this valuable space in our community.

There are many valuable lessons our children learn through art- such as working through mistakes, problem solving, celebrating the differences of others, and building a natural confidence in themselves.  Art is healing for those struggling.  Art brings feelings of joy, accomplishment, and appreciation. Art is a way to bring out the best versions of ourselves.

Our mission of Big Picture is to continue what Becky (founder of Big Picture) started-  offering a fun and uplifting place in our community for people to gather, learn, and be creative.  We plan to give back to our community through donations, volunteering, and by offering new opportunities.

 

Our Staff

 

Alisa Pursley

Alisa Pursley,
Studio Director
Instructor

I started working at Big Picture as a summer camp assistant art teacher back in June of 2021. At Big Picture I found my passion for teaching and I immediately switched my degree at the University of Iowa to Elementary Education with an endorsement in art and minors in psychology and art. Since 2021, I have been pursing my degree at Iowa and teaching at the studio. I love working with students and learning together in all capacities, but especially in the art room!

When I am not teaching you can find me snuggling my cats Groot & Mango, spending time outside, going to concerts, reading, crocheting, or starting a new hobby.

 

Cheryl Weatherford

Cheryl Weatherford,
Director of Pre-School Education
Instructor

Hello,  I'm excited to be the Director of pre-school education here at Big Picture Gallery and Studio!  Early childcare with focuses on creativity and expression through art has been a theme in my life working jobs in daycare along with being a nanny for over 16 years.  I have a background in dance, music, writing and being a jewelry instructor as a local in eastern Iowa growing up here in Iowa City after moving here in '98 from the St. Louis area.  I look forward to teaching and assisting in art classes to expand a child's experience in expression through different mediums as it's been such a huge part of my life. 

 

Tyler Bubser

Tyler Bubser,
Instructor

My name is Tyler and I’m a first-year art teacher. I moved to Iowa City in 2016, to attend the University of Iowa, where I received a Studio Art BA in 2018, followed by my teaching certification and Art Education BA in 2023. I teach art with a studio based approach at school and at Big Picture. In our Intermediate and Advanced Open Studio classes, I encourage experimentation and exploration of materials. I enjoy introducing contemporary artists to students, especially as it relates to their personal art practice. It is my intention to create an environment that promotes inclusive thinking and celebrates diversity through the arts. Some of my favorite art processes include ceramics, printmaking, and fiber arts. Away from the studio, I love to read, exercise, and spend time with my family.

 

Leah Stitt

Leah Stitt,
Instructor

Art has always been a passion of mine as well as early childhood development, working with children for 8 years in daycare! I am in awe of all the different ways you can express yourself through art and I thoroughly enjoy helping young artists find their own unique style. My favorite art mediums include; fiber art, ceramics, collage and abstract ink drawings. I also love expressing myself through my hair, being a former hair stylist! 

I have lived in Iowa City since 2000, moving here from Minot, North Dakota. During my free time I enjoy hanging out with my 2 cats Timmy and Maevis, practicing yoga and crocheting by the fireplace -:)

 

Mia Eckhoff

Mia Eckhoff,
Instructor

Hi! My name is Mia and I have been an instructor at Big Picture for two years. I graduated with my BA in art from the University of Iowa in 2023, I love all types of art but I especially enjoy printmaking. I have loved art my whole life and grew up going to art classes just like the ones offered at Big Picture! I love seeing kid’s creativity and skills develop and encourage their love for art. When I am not at work I love camping, seeing live music around Iowa City, and spending time with my pets. 

 

Lexi Moon

Lexi Moon,
Instructor

Since moving to North Liberty in 2022 with my associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, I have been continuing my education at the University of Iowa. Currently pursuing a BA in Studio Art and Art Education, I anticipate graduating in fall 2025 with licensure to teach K–12, along with a Teacher Leader Certificate in Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health. With over 5 years of diverse childcare and teaching roles, from nanny and summer camp counselor to painting instructor and lead teacher for a before-and-after school program, I am deeply committed to merging my passion for art with the joy of education. My overarching goal is to inspire individuals not only to appreciate and create art but also to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth through the creative process. Whether in the classroom or in my personal artistic endeavors, I am dedicated to fostering a community where individuals can explore, learn, and thrive together. From painting and ceramics to printmaking, drawing, sculpture, and beyond, I encourage students to experiment and discover their unique artistic voice.

 

Rachel Peters

Rachel Peters,
Assistant Instructor

Hello all!

My name is Rachel and I am a teaching assistant at Big Picture! I am one of Becky's former students. I started taking her Advanced Artist Studio class in fall of 2017, and began working as an assistant teacher during the summer of 2021. I am homeschooled, and I go to Liberty High School part time, and take high school academies at Kirkwood. I have loved art my whole life, it has always been a way for me to express my emotions. I enjoy drawing and painting especially, but I love all kinds of art! I also enjoy spending time with a bunch of lovely young artists here at Big Picture!

I love to do crazy makeup, make my own jewelry, as well as cut and dye my own hair - I express myself through my appearance, so if the first time you meet me I have blue eyebrows, you can expect that they will be pink by the next week! :)

 
 

Jesse Bly

Jesse Bly,
Assistant Instructor

Hello!

My name is Jesse, and I am a teaching assistant at Big Picture. I was a student here for a few years, and then after a brief hiatus, I returned as a volunteer in the summer of 2022. I am now very excited to be an employee. My main medias include graphite, inks, acrylic paint, as well as digital art. I also enjoy watching movies and taking a martial arts class in my free time. I love working with kids, and I am so happy to be a part of this wonderful community.