Island Arts

Art Scene in and around Anna Maria Island….

The island offers several galleries and artist’s groups along with some of the wonderful murals on various buildings and places of business. Living in an area so rich in its color and beauty brings out the creative side of many of our residents and seasonal renters.

Village of the Arts, Bradenton, FLThe Village of the Arts in Bradenton is a community of 40 or more artists who live and work in their ‘florida home’ galleries. They open up their galleries the first Friday and Saturday of each month and it’s quite a festive night for all. Among the galleries on the tour are the studios of Graciela Giles, Herbie Rose and Mark Runnals are not to be missed. Check their web site for special events and gallery listings.
 

Cultural Connections on Anna Maria Island

Click here for ArtsHop, A celebration of Anna Maria Island’s art and cultural scene held in each year in early November when the weather is generally perfect for outdoor festivals.

Island Galleries:
Island Gallery West is a co-operative art gallery of prize winning local and regional members working in a wide variety of media. In addition to paintings, you will find sculpture, decorative and functional ceramics, jewelry, photography, prints, stained glass, beading and quilting. Check their online schedule for demonstrations and classes at the gallery by member artists.

The Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island is in Holmes Beach, presenting the works of their members and area artists. Check out their web site for announcements of featured artist’s openings, programs and demonstrations that are free to the public. In the same area (to the west of the shopping center) is the home of the Anna Maria Island Art League. The art league offers studio space and classes, as well as a gallery for their member artists, plus two amazing art festivals each year: Winterfest and Springfest.

Our newest gallery is the Studio at Gulf and Pine, owned and operated by Rhea Chiles. She has not only scheduled shows for local artist throughout the year, but also hosts various discussion groups in conjunction with the USF Learning Academy and offers the gallery for local events.

Art shops, and galleries are all over the island. Historic Bridge Street has a gallery of fantasy art that is just delightful. There are too many new little shops opening on the island to keep up with, it’s just fun to poke around to see what’s new.

Joan VoylesPurchasing Local Art
Most of the artists mentioned have online portfolios for you to view at your leisure. If you don’t see what you want, most of the artists accept commission work to meet your specifications and would look forward to hearing from you.

We are most fortunate to be in a community that supports the arts. You might find the links to the right useful to begin your inquiries. Contact the artists if you wish, via email or give them a call.

If you are going to be in the area for a while you can make appointments to see their work or check the local gallery listings to see what artists are being feature