There are so many interesting and exciting people and places in the Bradenton area, yet many don’t receive the attention they truly deserve.
Over the next year, Discover Bradenton will be uncovering Manatee County’s best “hidden gems” – the locals making waves and must-visit places that are some of the area’s best-kept secrets.
This week, we were thrilled to learn more about Island Gallery and Studios, located in downtown Bradenton.
It’s so great to connect with you today. Island Gallery & Studios is truly one of the area’s best Hidden Gems. Can you share a bit about its history?
Established more than 30 years ago by a small core group of local artists on Florida’s Anna Maria Island, our gallery has evolved into a successful gallery that is owned and operated by nearly 30 members. We offer paintings, photography, mixed media, ceramic arts, stained glass, pottery, jewelry, notecards, and more. The works of different artists are featured each month.
The gallery was intended to be a source for local artists to display their works of art and enhance the experience of visiting this island community. Sadly, in 2022, the increased expenses, traffic patterns, and limited onsite parking forced the Gallery to consider an alternative location. This four-month search resulted in acquiring a larger space more centrally located in downtown Bradenton
We moved to 456 12th St West (Old Main Street) in Bradenton. The gallery is staffed six days a week (Tuesday-Sunday) by member artists who welcome the opportunity to discuss their art with you. Stop by for a pleasant, relaxing visit and enjoy the many fine works of art on display.
So the artists actually own the studio? Tell me more about that!
Island Gallery and Studios is owned and operated as a nonprofit 501©3 organization by the individual artists who are full-time exhibitors. Currently, this includes between 23-28 individuals. Each participating artist is required to actively participate by:
1) exhibiting their individual works of art with routine updating,
2) volunteering at least once per month to staff the gallery,
3) actively participating in the management of the gallery by sharing their time and talent on one of the many committees,
4) assisting in the educational workshops and “Art Walks” that represent the gallery,
5) Sharing their talents with our local community through demonstrations, classes, local school lectures, and hands-on training.
Oh! So the gallery & studio is a nonprofit. What kind of services do you provide?
As a registered 501©3 nonprofit organization, the gallery is cognizant of our responsibility to provide a benefit to our local community. This is being done by offering art classes, free monthly critique events, monthly art walks, free art demonstrations and lectures, and guest artist opportunities.
Can you tell me a bit more about your artists?
All artists at the Gallery are either full-time permanent artists or guest artists. This special opportunity to sign on as a “guest artist” is unique because it provides a new artist, or one who has never previously presented in a gallery, with a 60-day showing to determine if exhibiting in a gallery on a full-time basis is the right match for them.
Regardless of full-time or guest status, each artist submitting an application to the Gallery must undergo a “juried” interview to determine if their works are of the same quality currently being displayed at the gallery. This interview is required by both two- and three-dimensional artists.
You can learn more about our artists and view some of their work on our website, but you’ll definitely get the best experience with an in-person visit.
Island Gallery and Studios, Inc. is located at:
456 12th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205
www.IslandGalleryandStudios.org
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
