Suncoast art events, galleries, exhibitions, parades, craft shows and festivities on Anna Maria Island
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.
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.
The Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival returns Saturday and Sunday February 16 & 17 from 10:00 to 18:00.
Spend a day amongst fishing boats, gear, fish houses and commercial fishermen to appreciate a different perspective on life.
Originally known as Hunter’s Point, Cortez is located on the northern edge of Sarasota Bay adjacent to Anna Maria Island and its three cities, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Cortez has one of the few remaining active commercial fishing waterfronts in Florida.
Historic Cortez has long been an important fishing village and the fish so plentiful the adjacent Anna Maria Sound was referred to as ‘The Kitchen’. In the 1850’s, before refrigeration, most of the mullet caught was salted and shipped to Cuba.
The 43rd Annual Antique and Collectible Show will be held February 15, 16, and 17 at the Manatee Convention and Civic Center in Palmetto.
A gala Evening Preview Sale will be at 5 – 9 pm, Friday Feb 15. Tickets are $10 in advance or $20 at the door, and are good for the entire weekend. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $6, and are good for both days. Advance tickets can be purchased on the island at Ginny’s & Jane E’s Old IGA Store.
