Realize Bradenton Presents
ArtSlam 2015
March 21 § 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
A celebration of creativity! This fifth annual event in downtown Bradenton features dozens of young artists, musicians and performers, site-specific art installations, and interactive art experiences.
(Bradenton, FL) Organizers at Realize Bradenton announce the fifth annual ArtSlam, a celebration of the arts taking place in conjunction with the Bradenton Farmers’ Market on Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton (between 3rd Ave. West and Manatee Ave).
ArtSlam invites teams of creatives to take their work out of the studios, galleries, theaters, and classrooms and onto the streets of downtown Bradenton. According to Johnette Isham, the executive director at Realize Bradenton, the festival’s focus this year is highlighting the creative youth of Manatee County. “We’re celebrating Manatee County students and their teachers by showcasing student performances, art works and street art,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity for the students to experience a real-world connection to the art they make. It’s also a great experience for audiences, who don’t often get a chance to view works by young and emerging artists.”
Isham adds that the festival will also feature dozens of other creative projects, exhibits and performances by professional artists and performers, including Fuzion Dance Artists, the Hoola Monsters, and State College of Florida. Jugglers, balloon twisters, and stilt walkers will delight all ages and free glitter tattoos and face painting will also be offered. “This is a family-friendly festival with plenty of opportunities for audiences to become part of the creative process,” she says.
Realize Bradenton is also encouraging real-time interaction on social media with an added bonus: recognition and free ice cream. Jeremy Piper, communication manager for Realize Bradenton explains, “We want to connect with youth on a platform they are familiar with, and encourage them to share the ArtSlam experience with their circle of friends.” To participate, share a photo using the hashtag #ARTslam15 on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, and Realize Bradenton will choose, and showcase, the most unique photo posted during each hour of event. A new picture tagged with the hashtag will be featured every hour, for a total of seven winners. In addition to the recognition, Realize Bradenton will award a small ice cream party at Corwin’s for the selected winners and six of their closest friends.
“We want to make sure everyone is exposed to the convergence of creativity in downtown Bradenton, and the ice cream is a sweet reward for sharing” Piper adds.
Creative Team Descriptions
“I Shall Give You Rain” with Bradenton Christian School
Students will perform rain dances to music of the Andes and invite children and families to create their own rainsticks to take home.
“Street Art” with Richie Brasil, aerosolist
Live aerosol paintings will give viewers an inside look at the process of photorealistic graffiti art.
“Their Words, Our Voice” with Visible Men Academy
4th grade students from VMA will interpret North Port High School students’ art work in the form of poetry and spoken word. The public will be invited to submit ways in which they shine in the community.
“Body Painting” with Southeast High School
For the fourth year, Southeast High art students will create three full body master paintings using the theme “Space and Galaxies.” Students will also offer face and arm painting for children.
“Community Mural” with Bayshore High School
Bayshore Art Club students will provide large outlined canvases ready to be filled by the public with images inspired by downtown Bradenton.
“I Want to Start a Movement” with Manatee School for the Arts
Dance students from MSA will dance in a variety of styles using an interactive backdrop that invites audience participation in improvisational dance performances.
“Art Boutique” with Lakewood Ranch High School
LRHS student art work will be available for purchase by donation. The public will be invited to test out various art mediums at the “art table.”
“Art Rocks” with Manatee Art Education Administration
The MAEA invites the public to express themselves creatively by crafting their own works of art from natural elements.
“My House: A Visual Narrative” with State College of Florida
The Museum Club at SCF will display thought-provoking artistic creations that inspire public response and engage participants in producing a collaborative mixed-media work of art.
“Art Poems” with Manatee County Public Library Youth Services
Library staff will invite the public to take part in creating an interactive collage filled with words, images, and other artistic elements.
“Hats Off” with the Village of the Arts
An interactive hat-making project using recycled materials and sparkly fabulousness. Participants will keep the hats they create.
“The Labyrinth of the Unbroken Path” with Florida Modeling Network and The Flow Factory
A collaborative arts installation that fuses recycled materials, cultural paradigms, and the active expression of those who experience it. The Labyrinth will invite participants to journey into their own creative minds as they move within the labyrinth.
“Make Your Own Hoop” with Hoola Monsters
The talented Hoola Monsters will engage the public with hoop demonstrations, performances, and a station where children can create their own hula hoops.
“Paint Me” with Fuzion Dance Artists
Fuzion will get the community moving together with their engaging dance and drumming segment, mini classes, and the art-interactive “Paint Me” dance, an ArtSlam favorite.
“Artistic Sweets” with Sugar Cubed
The artisan bakery will demonstrate sugar sculpting and kids are invited to create their own edible crafts.
“Celebrate Individuality” with Embracing our Differences
Children are invited to create submissions for the Embracing our Differences juried international art exhibit. Art supplies and inspiration will be provided.
Music Lineup – 3 Stages
11AM
Erik Livingston – stage 1
Ryan Willis – stage 2
Nathanael Hyer – stage 3
12:15PM
Sean McInerney – stage 1
Michael Miller – stage 2
Michael J Weiss – stage 3
1:30PM
Billy Burke – stage 1
Lady&Gent – stage 2
Lesa Silvermore – stage 3
2:45PM
Danny Wampole
Kristopher James
George Worthmore
With support from the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, the Manatee Education Foundation, and the Bradenton Herald, Art Slam 2015 is organized by 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.
