Compared to some of the more exclusive keys along the Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island is often referred to as the friendly island, where visitors are welcomed to join locals in relaxed enjoyment of this wonderful Florida season. There is no better way to do this than at the festivals that support the Anna Maria Island Art League. There is no admission charge for festival visitors, even though these festivals raise most of the funds that keep the Art League in operation.
The Art League is a modest, but charming, art center in downtown Holmes Beach, where a wide variety of art by island and area artists is presented throughout the year. Classes are taught there, too. Most of the funding for this special island facility and organization comes from two festivals held every year: Winterfest, in December, and Springfest, which is coming up this weekend, on March 14 and 15.
There is something about a gallery walk that brings out the best in people. A sense of relaxed camaraderie prevails. And when it takes place on a beautiful island, at a time of year when many part-time residents are returning for winter, very pleased they are escaping the winter snows, the atmosphere is all the more festive.
Such an event took place on Anna Maria Island on November 14, when various arts and cultural organizations banded together for the ArtsHOP Gallery Walk. The balmy air that evening made walking, driving or riding the trolley from one venue to the next an absolute pleasure. Paradise was found that night. The arts were celebrated.
Anna Maria Island Art League held its ” Landscapes of the Island” exhibition award ceremony Friday. On display were the prize winners and the works of artists selected by the jury for adjudication. Joyce Karp, the Art League’s executive director, presented the awards for best of show, top 3 places, and honorable mention.
A buffet of seafood pate, fresh fruit, and pasta salad was donated by the Sandbar Restaurant.
The exhibition runs from April 11th through May 1st, 9:30 – 2:30 Tuesday to Friday at the Art League gallery, 5312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach. Admission is free and most pieces are for sale.
Anna Maria Island Art League presents the 20th Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts on March 8 – 9, at the Holmes Beach City Hall field, 5800 Marina Drive.
The festival is open from 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday, with many artists’ works on display and for sale. Paintings, glass, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, textiles, woodwork, and photography will be exhibited.
Also featured will be “Young at Art”, an exhibit for children’s art. A raffle will be held for over 50 items of donated works from participating artists. Live Cajun and Bluegrass music will be performed and festival food available.
Springfest fund raising goes towards the Anna Maria Island Art League classes and workshops, and helps support the gallery at 5312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach.
The Art League is a modest, but charming, art center in downtown Holmes Beach, where a wide variety of art by island and area artists is presented throughout the year. Classes are taught there, too. Most of the funding for this special island facility and organization comes from two festivals held every year: Winterfest, in December, and Springfest, which is coming up this weekend, on March 14 and 15.
