Realize Bradenton Presents
ArtSlam 2016
March 5 § 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Downtown Bradenton will be transformed into an innovation zone as students and creatives take over Old Main Street. This fifth annual, free event in downtown Bradenton features 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 and arts education, which takes place in conjunction with the Bradenton Farmers’ Market on Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton (between 3rd Ave. West and Manatee Ave).
According to Johnette Isham, the executive director at Realize Bradenton, the festival’s focus this year is showcasing arts educators and their students. “Our collaboration with Manatee County Public Schools is stronger than ever,” she says, explaining that the Realize Bradenton team convened with teachers several times during the summer to plan for the event.
“Arts education doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” she says. “We recognize the vital importance of community-school partnerships. This experience takes students and educators out of the classroom and puts them in a situation where they engage and inspire the public.”
Isham says that creative teams from Manatee County public schools will participate at this year’s ArtSlam, along with Inspiration Academy and Manatee School for the Arts. “The projects and performances put on by these teams encourage innovation, creativity, leadership, and teamwork. They will showcase all areas of the arts—visual, musical, theatrical, and dance.”
Isham adds that the festival will also feature many other creative projects, exhibits and performances by professional artists and performers, including Sarasota Contemporary Dance, chalk artist Matt McAllister, graffiti artists from Can Jam, and more. Jugglers, balloon twisters, and stilt walkers will delight all ages and free 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. 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 #ARTslam16 on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. “We’ll compile an online photo album based on images from users,” says Piper.
With support from the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, the Manatee Education Foundation, Keller Williams Realty of Manatee, and the Bradenton Herald, Art Slam 2016 is produced by Realize Bradenton.
Creative Team Descriptions
“Recycled Fashion” with Manatee County Public Library Youth Services
Create a fashionable outfit using recycled book pages and make your own recycled jewelry.
“Be a Fan of Art Education” with Manatee Art Education Association
Express yourself creatively by crafting your own decorative fan.
“Comedy, Magic and more” with George Gilbert
A comedy magic show featuring mind-boggling tricks, audience interaction and hilarious improvisation.
“Mars is Watching” with Matt McAllister Art
Watch chalk artist Matt McAllister create a colorful mars attack alien close up. Original art by Jason Edmiston.
“Chalk Art for Kids“ with Manatee Young Professionals
Kids are invited to create their own chalk masterpieces.
“The Nerdy Noah Show” with Nerdy Noah
Featuring balloon twisting and stilt walking.
“Machines Making Masterpieces” with Manatee School for the Arts (MSA)
A large art-making machine powered by MSA students will create art while students perform Improvisational dances inspired by the machines. Smaller art-making machines will be available for the community to create their own masterpieces to keep.
“Realizing Rhythm” with Haile Middle School
Haile art students and the Haile Jazz Band create a visual representation rhythm and its use in creating artwork.
“Community Mural” with Bayshore High School
Large outlined canvases ready to be filled by the public with images inspired by Manatee County.
“Freestyle Lollipops” with Sugar Cubed
Sugar Artists create signature lollipops, made to order, in a variety of flavors and funky colors.
“Woven Together” with Wakeland Elementary School of International Studies
A collaborative community quilt demonstrating the diversity of our community. Create a fabric bracelet to take home reminding you of how our differences, combined, has a beautiful result.
“CAN JAM at ArtSlam” with Keeton’s Office & Art Supply
Live aerosol paintings on a giant canvas cube give viewers an inside look at the process of graffiti art.
“Interactive Dance Lessons and Performances” with Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD)
SCD (formerly Fuzion) gets the community moving together with their engaging dance and drumming segment, mini classes, and the art-interactive “Paint Me” dance, an ArtSlam favorite.
“Crafty Musicians” with The Music Compound
Create your own unique and personal musical instrument.
“Paint Your Own Bird House” with Keller Williams Realty of Manatee
Design a colorful keepsake bird house for your backyard.
“Communi-tree” with Artist Brandon Scott
Contribute to the “communi-tree” by painting a leaf and attaching it to the tree. Once full of leaves, the tree will represent Bradenton’s cultural heritage. Brandon Scott will also paint a unique piece on a Bradenton Herald newspaper.
“Interactive Environmental Art” with Lakewood Ranch High School
Hands on environmental art projects lead by students. Support LRHS by purchasing student artwork by donation.
“Pop Art Face Painting” with Palmetto High School
Be a superhero for the day. Choose from three superhero themed face paint designs and get your picture taken in front of an artistic comic backdrop.
“Slow Motion Photo Booth” with Inspiration Academy
Learn about the art of filmmaking and be a part of the ArtSlam montage created by the Student Film Academy.
“HeART Attack” with Inspiration Academy
A collaborative art installation showing the unity and uniqueness of our community. Plus fun photo ops and student artwork for sale.
“Paint Your Own Bird House” with Keller Williams Realty of Manatee
Design a colorful keepsake bird house for your backyard.
“Body Painting” with Southeast High School
Three full body master paintings will be created and free face and arm painting for children.
Music Lineup – 2 Stages
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Stage 1: Dan & Becca Shafer
Stage 2: Billy Burke & Erik Livingston
1-4 p.m.
Stage 1: Lesa Silvermore
Stage 2: Michael Miller
# # #
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.
