Mainly Art Launches 2014-2015 Season at the
Downtown Bradenton’s Farmers’ Market
Saturday, October 18
This art- and music-filled, family friendly event happens every third Saturday, from October to May.
BRADENTON, FL—It’s that time of year again! Every third Saturday, from October to May, the downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market hosts Mainly Art, a showcase of local artists, artisans and craftspeople displaying and selling their creations, including paintings, jewelry, baskets, glassware, photography, painted furniture, woodworks, glass/plant hangings, children’s clothing and more. The event also features live music and “Art Of” demonstrations. This month’s Mainly Art is October 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Fourth Avenue West in downtown Bradenton. To learn more about Mainly Art, visit BradentonFarmersMarket.com.
“We’re very excited about this season’s line-up of artists, performers, and demonstrators,” says Peg Haynes, who coordinates Mainly Art for Realize Bradenton. “We’re continuing the ‘Art Of’ series that began last season, which features an area-based expert demonstrating the art of how things are made and how they work.” Haynes says that the first demonstration, on October 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., will be The Art of Making Canoe and Kayak Paddles, with Neil Singer and Tom Dugger, volunteer boat builders at the Florida Maritime Museum.
Haynes adds that guitar virtuoso Mac McConnell and award-winning percussionist Scott Blum will rock the festivities at the October 18 Mainly Art event. McConnell and Blum have performed at a wide range of venues throughout southwest Florida, including Realize Bradenton’s events, “Music in the Park,” “ArtSlam and “Courtyard Concerts.”
In addition to the many familiar faces found in the booths at Mainly Art, returning after a long absence is Cheryl Hall of C-Shaw Designs with her intricate and distinctive jewelry and bead work. New artists joining for the 2014-15 season are David and Kathy Miller of Stay Inspired, which features turned-wood objects and art created with ink, acrylics, pastels and oil; and Nora Branson of Nora’s Abstract Art.
A new feature this season at the market is the “Vendors’ Showcase” with vendors sharing their products and knowledge each week beginning at noon. On October 11, Karen Hattaway of KJH Designs will show how to make aprons; on October 18, Brian Smith, of Integrated Body Therapies, will demonstrate stretching exercises; on October 25 Hannah, of Leah’s Lemonade, will show kids (and grownups!) how to make fruit smoothies; and on November 1, Laura McSeaton of Essence of the Heart, presents “Basil: The Royal Herb, Culinary and Medicinal Gifts.”
Another new initiative is “Foodies at the Market,” showcasing local residents who love to cook using local produce and food products. First in the series, on October 25, is Jacki Dezelski, executive vice president of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Holly Lundgren, events and creative services manager at Realize Bradenton, with her fiancée, Derek Eisemann from Syprett Meshad Attorneys at Law, are next up on November 22; Ericka Dow, information services supervisor at the Central Library will talk about her culinary passions on December 27; and Jeremy Piper, Realize Bradenton’s communication manager and his wife Sara, a Manatee County teacher, will reveal their food loves on January 24.
The Central Library brings the 5th annual ManaCon Comic Convention to the Community Tent on October 25. ManaCon, winner of the 2013 Florida Library Association Youth Services Award, is an interactive program that inspires creativity and imagination in kids, teens, and kids at heart. Check out the manga-style (Japanese animation) art demonstrations, an interactive art workshop, and ManaCon and Star Wars coloring sheets for the little ones. Costumed characters add to the fun on Main Street.
The Creative Learning Station in the Community Tent continues with:
- November 22: The Blues, featuring a story time with blues-themed books and a musician from the Suncoast Blues Society who will perform and share information about the blues.
- December 27: Librarian Foodie! As the holiday season continues, cookbooks and books about entertaining will be available to check out, well as samples of some of the appetizers and desserts featured in the books. There will also be children’s craft books and supplies and materials available for children to make crafts.
For more information about the Bradenton Farmers’ Market, visit www.bradentonfarmersmarket.com. Prospective vendors can apply by completing an online application form.
About the Bradenton Farmers’ Market
Supported by the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, the Bradenton Farmers’ Market features more than 35 vendors who offer locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods, and the work of local artists and craftspeople. Live music, demonstrations by local chefs, and free family activities are also part of the fun. The market, located on Old Main Street, between Manatee Avenue West and 3rd Avenue West in downtown Bradenton, is open on Saturdays through May, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking is free and dogs on leashes are welcome. For more information, visit: www.bradentonfarmersmarket.com.
About Realize Bradenton
Realize Bradenton is a non-profit organization that brings people together to create a vibrant and prosperous Bradenton area. For more information, visit: www.RealizeBradenton.com.
