10th Annual AMI artsHOP features art walks in all three cities
November, 11, 13 and 18, 2016
Anna Maria Island, Florida (Oct. 31, 2016) – Art walks are part of the 10th annual Anna Maria Island artsHOP, November 10-20, that includes over 20 fun, educational and interactive cultural events. Other scheduled events include Symphony on the Sand, two additional outdoor concerts on Coquina beach featuring country singer John Michael Montgomery and the Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute, ten performances of the play “Murderers” at Island Players, Sandblast sand sculpture clinics and competition, “Painting with a Twist” at the Center, Coquina beach markets, a lecture and exhibit at the Florida Maritime Museum, and a community BBQ honoring Veterans at CrossPointe Fellowship Church.
artsHOP began as one art walk in the Holmes Beach Arts District in 2007. This November, for the first time, there will be three separate art walks –- one in each of the island cities of Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach. As the numbers of island galleries and local artists have grown, it’s become apparent that there’s too much going on to experience it all in one evening. In addition, each city has its own unique culture, and separating the events makes each one totally “walk-able”. This year, visitors are encouraged to “Come for the art, enjoy the music and stay for dinner”.
Dozens of island galleries, shops and restaurants offer special exhibits, art demonstrations, artist-meet-and-greets, creative activities, local musicians, tasty island tidbits and more. Upon arrival, participants are issued a “passport” to each art “destination” making them eligible for prize drawings after the art walk. Prizes include gift certificates from over 15 local restaurants, original art, giclée prints, baskets of art supplies from Keeton’s, books by local authors, island music and, in Bradenton Beach, a Stay & Play Getaway Package (valued at $500+).
The Holmes Beach Art Walk is Friday November 11, 5:30 – 8 pm in the Holmes Beach Arts District located at Marina and Gulf Drives. It is anchored by three arts organizations founded over 25 years ago. Island Gallery West displays the art of nearly 30 artists while Anna Maria Island Art League and the Artists’ Guild Gallery, both not-for-profits, promote the art of over 50 artists as part of their organizational missions. Island Coffee Haus, Saltair, Egrets Landing and Restless Natives are HOP spots at this year’s art walk. Look for mermaids – live and as art. And beware of pirates, at this year’s event.
HOP Spots in Holmes Beach
AMI Art League hosts an opening reception from 5:30 – 7:30 for the November exhibit, “Mermaids, Sirens, and Manatees, what calls you to the sea”. Come for the art, complementary refreshments, and live music in the courtyard by AMI Radio, Bill Mott, John Puckett and Marlo the Kid.
Artists Guild Gallery’s shenanigans include taking Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson, Manatee Community Foundation’s Susie Bowie, Keeton’s Frank Perry and others hostage, to raise money for the Guild’s scholarship fund. Bargain with live mermaids for the prisoner’s release. Be on the lookout for pirates, listen to music by Larry Wilhelm and “Drink and put grub in your gullet”.
Island Coffee Haus will display the award winning photography of local artist, Margie Amberge. just outside… the tunes of Debbie Hood & Friends.
Island Gallery West hosts an opening reception for featured artist of the month, oil artist, Jane Keeling with her exhibit “Surf’s Up”. View the pottery, jewelry, photography, mixed media and paintings of nearly 30 local artists. Meet the artists, sample tasty bites, sip wine and enjoy live music by Chip Ragsdale. On the way to the Art League stroll by Lobstah’s for the music of Tim Connelly.
Restless Natives is a sophisticated lifestyle and home accessories boutique with an ever changing showroom where the work of local artisans is creatively displayed among custom in-house designed pieces. Take time for live art with fused glass artist Helen Tish Mihelarakis and painter Mark Burdette, whose specialty is mermaids and waves.
Saltair is a coastal chic inspired shop that features the art work of local artist Kim Darnell
The Egret’s Landing is the place for live art by painter Ruth Santiago and live music by Kenny Marshall. Check out their coastal furnishings and art work.
The Bradenton Beach Art Walk is Sunday November 13, noon – 5 pm on charming Bridge Street, where there are water views from beach to bay. Visitors can participate in Public Art by picking up their very own mermaid template, designed by island artist Kathy Sparks, to create at home and keep or enter in an artsHOP show early next year on Bridge Street. Bridge Street Bistro & Gallery (2nd Floor), BridgeWalk Resort, Adventure Away, The Uptown Lot, Sea-renity, Bridge Street Interiors/Mermaid Haven, Blue Marlin Grill, Tide & Moon/Room with a Hue and A.M.O.B. at the Pier are all HOP spots in Bradenton Beach.
HOP Spots in Bradenton Beach
Bridge Street Bistro invites you to experience the art of the view, from their second floor banquet room and gallery, with a stunning Gulf view. Their Chef will be serving complimentary tastes. The Gallery features original works of art from Quidley and of Boston, Nantucket and Naples.
Bridgewalk, a Landmark Resort and boutique hotel – with retail stores, restaurant and spa – will be featuring live art with Rhonda K, Native Florida Folk Artist. Rhonda’s signs are highly collectible. Have a cup of coffee and cookies while you watch her work.
Adventure Away/Segs by the Sea shares the art of motion. Chill out on the porch with fresh lemonade and take your turn on a Segway or Pedgo Electric Bicycle. Local artist Shelby Counihan will have her distinctive island-style graphics on t-shirts and tanks for sale. Hoppers will get discount coupons for Segways, bikes, scooters and golf carts.
The Uptown Lot is the place to connect with Gayden Shell, master photographer and proprietor of the unusual. Shell, her actual surname, makes art with shells, baubles and the like by “up-cycling” vintage jewelry and found objects into new creations for wearing, wall hanging and adoring.
Sea-renity Beach Spa & Eco Boutique is where you will truly “see the sea” in the original coastal wood art and watercolors by co-owner Kelly Daszynski of sky30 art studio. The Eco Boutique will serve refreshing cucumber water while showing a gulf-inspired collection of artisan soaps, candles and jewelry. The works of a nearly two dozen different artists are represented, including sea glass art by Avery Jackson who will be on-site. Sea-renity will also offer the art of relaxation with complimentary chair massage for Hoppers.
Bridge Street Interiors is now a Mermaid Haven. Toast the owners with a wine spritzer in celebration of 15 years in the same location. Check out their growing selection of Mermaid-related gifts, hand-crafted jewelry and art work by many local artists. This is THE stop for artsHOP 2016 PUBLIC ART MERMAID PICKUP.
Blue Marlin Grill is an award-winning eatery with old Florida charm and will be offering up a free draft beer or house wine. “Street Food” will be available for sale, including their famous fish tacos. Chill out to music in the “The Trap Yard” under the trees. Live Bluegrass with Will Corr starts at 4pm.
Tide & Moon / Room with a Hue is a two for one stop right on the Pier where you’ll find whimsical treasures of all kinds including hand-painted glassware and jewelry. Metal smith Laura Shely will demonstrate jewelry-making techniques and show her one-of-a-kind pieces.
A.M.O.B. / Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier offers water-views and free margaritas– the art of a great time. Toast artsHOP for 10 great years with a selection of complimentary margarita samples, including the oh-so-Florida Key Lime.
The Anna Maria Art Walk is Friday November 18, 5:30 – 8 pm on historic Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive. There are fifteen stops in Anna Maria including Al’s Art Studio, Art Space, Anna Maria General Store, A Beachy Place, Emerson’s Studio, Anna Maria Historical Museum, Home Town Desserts, J.Lazarra Gallery on Pine, Paradise Found, Pineapple Junktion, Salon Salon, Shiny Fish, The Studio at Gulf and Pine, Three Island Monkeys and the White Egret.
HOP Spots in Anna Maria
A Beachy Place features Candy Bennington’s award winning paintings and unique coastal furniture with hand painted tops. Watch Candy while she paints a coastal table top at 6 pm. Browse, enjoy tasty treats and listen to music by AMI Radio and John Puckett on the Plaza.
Al’s Studio’s will be packed with fabulous art and the local artists who create it. Meet and greet photographers Enzo Telli, Christa Joyner Moody, Grant Jefferies and Steve Nesius; sculptor Selinah Eldridge; jeweler Terry Stewart; watercolorist Karen Beach; fine artist Suzanne Richarson and glass mosaics artist Annabel Synder. Enjoy a beer and lively music on the porch by Bill Mott.
Anna Maria Historical Museum boasts the historical Anna Maria jail known for having “no roof, no windows, no doors and no bars”! Tour the jail house and museum during this unusual evening open house. Connect with Tim Connelly’s live music outside the museum.
Anna Maria General Store is the center of the Green Village. This cluster of renovated historic buildings has become a showcase for sustainable living, electrical generation and water conservation. Scott Pritchard is on the deck all evening with live music. Come by for an after-art-walk jam session at 8 pm where prize drawing winners will be announced.
Artspace invites you to “Flutterby”- An exploration of creativity inspired by the butterfly form. Stop in for a champagne and dessert reception with live music by Thor Olsen, raffles and more!
Island Coffee Haus in Anna Maria just opened in time to present Margie Amberge and her award winning photography inspired by Anna Maria Island. Just steps away on the porch…live music by folksy jazz songstress Lorraine Baker and Friends.
Emerson’s Studio namesake, cartoonist Emerson Quillin, describes his humorous art as “fun and free-moving, whimsical and off-beat”. Stop in for laugh, a bit of fruit and wine, a prize drawing for a free sweatshirt –and leave with a smile. Musicians Lorraine Baker and Friends are live on the porch.
Hometown Desserts invites you to experience the art of baking…taste the fall inspired treats…order your holiday pies…at this lovely island bakery. Stay for live music outside by “On a Whim”.
J.Lazarra Gallery on Pine offers an array of fine art in a variety of mediums and the work of internationally recognized artist Joyce Lazarra. Come make a hemp and bead bracelet; receive the instructions and materials for $10. Enjoy a light spread of finger foods and refreshments, and the music of “On a Whim”.
Paradise Found Bookstore is the newest shop on Pine Avenue. The shop features original watercolors by Carmen Beecher plus “living driftwood sculptures” – driftwood with tropical plants incorporated into them, plus dish gardens and “living pictures” – vertical gardens to hang on the wall. All that and books for children and adults too.
Pineapple Junktion is a one-stop shop for collectors and treasure seekers. Check out the funky finds and large scale classic black and white celebrity images by David McGough, internationally known photographer. Browse Joe Hutcheson’s sought after repurposed furniture, the paintings of Bill DiMenna and more. Enjoy refreshments and live music by Daniel VonZangensberg.
Pink and Navy boutique owner, Jenae Rudicelle, will host the unique and distinctive art work of long time island resident Dr. Andre Renard.
Salon Salon is THE place to be transformed into a beautiful mermaid through the magic and art of makeup and elaborate hair braiding. All while enjoying refreshments and music on the porch by Lorraine Baker & Friends.
Shiny Fish Emporium is a Family Oasis retail store, where classic 1950’s Florida meets the artistic flare of Soho with a touch of beach glam. Paint shells, experience the live art of Kelley Burdette, local artist, while listening to the music of Tony Lapera.
The Studio at Gulf and Pine was founded by Rhea Chiles, the former First Lady of Florida. Recognized area artists works are featured along with finger foods, wine, and quiet music.
Three Island Monkeys is a tiny shop filled with unique watercolors, photos, jewelry and more crafted by local Florida artists. Musician Tony O’Dell is featured on the porch.
The White Egret, a coastal and colorful home accent and gift shop, features live art by Ruth Santiago and live music by Kenny Marshall.
artsHOP is the signature festival of Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island, a non-profit dedicated to the promotion of Anna Maria Island as a cultural destination by supporting, promoting and advocating for art and culture on the island.
For more information on the Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Art Walks and a complete schedule of events, visit www.islandartshop.com or contact Joyce Karp at [email protected], 941 – 704-3722. For info on the Bradenton Beach Event or Public Art Project contact Amanda Escobio 941-896-2222
About Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island
Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island, 501(c)3, was established in 2008 to promote Anna Maria Island as a cultural destination by supporting, promoting and advocating for art and culture on the Island. For additional information visit www.culturalconnections.info.
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