Brush away the beach sand and towel off that warm Gulf water. You need to check out the arts scene in the Anna Maria Island/Longboat Key area and yes, it will require shoes and a shirt. But don't worry – this isn't going to be your stuffy, snobby art affair. Around these parts, art is casual, engaging, exciting and accessible.
Visual Arts
There's no such thing as a visit to the area without spending a day in the Village of the Arts, a working artists' community in the southern portion of downtown Bradenton. In what was once a distressed area, a veritable grassroots movement of creatives in search of a stamp of land (and cheap real estate) took over and created what is possibly the largest artist colony in the state. Village of the Arts is comprised of about 35 locally owned shops, including art galleries and studios, eateries, and the Manatee County Cultural Alliance. Because each gallery is independently owned with unique hours, your best bet is to explore on a Friday or Saturday (the first Friday of every month is also an ArtWalk). Spend an afternoon window shopping and stop for a drink or light meal.
The Studio at Gulf and Pine on Anna Maria Island is where true art lovers gather. The facility not only sells the works of exceptional local artists, but also hosts lively and provocative discussions (think religion and politics – gasp!), art classes and lectures. The studio is open Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Located in downtown Bradenton, ArtCenter Manatee has a bountiful calendar of art exhibits, art education classes and art-centric events. Notably, ArtCenter Manatee provides an array of classes and seasonal camps for kids, making it an excellent alternative for families needing something besides the beach to keep the children entertained. Definitely stop in to the Artists' Market, a gift shop selling locally made arts and crafts. In fact, most of the jewelry is made by the kids in the center's jewelry classes!
A gallery opening and fancy dinner will make you feel oh-so Longboat Key. Head to the Longboat Key Center for the Arts to attend an exhibition opening, lecture or concert. If you want to keep idle hands busy, take any number of hands-on art classes. And you don't need weeks of free time to try one out, either. The LBKCA hosts Master Classes, one-day to one-week-long art classes that are as intense as they are inspiring. The 2012 season has several noteworthy events, including a Clyde Butcher show Jan. 19-Feb. 24 and the Hermitage Artists Retreat on Jan. 6.
Off the islands is the must-see Ringling Museum. If the name sounds familiar, that's because it's the estate and museum of John and Mable Ringling of Ringling Circus fame. Here, you'll find a stunning art museum, a stately bay-front mansion called the Ca' d'Zan, beautiful garden grounds and a captivating miniature circus display and museum that will make you feel 10 years old again. No need to go off campus for lunch, either. The Ringling, as the locals call it, has the Italian-American Treviso Restaurant with a menu devoid of hot dogs and chicken nuggets – though if you're into that sort of thing, the casual Banyan Café, also on site, will suit you fine.
Performing Arts
With more than a dozen awards to its name, the Manatee Players serves as an important cultural and artistic fixture in the southwestern Gulf region. Check the performance calendar to plan your theater night out. The venue is across the street from the Manatee River (a.k.a. “the water”) downtown and is perfectly situated near restaurants and shopping.
An island complement to the mainland Manatee Players, the Island Players on Anna Maria Island presents small-scale productions in an intimate atmosphere. Its Gulf Drive location makes it within walking distance of many local lodgings. If you plan to stay a while and have always fancied yourself a stage star, note that this establishment welcomes newbies to its auditions.
You can have a beautiful night out, complete with dinner and the theater, in one convenient area near Sarasota Bay. Your first option is the theater at the Powel Crosley Estate, near the Ringling Estate. Built in 1929 by Powel Crosley (credited with inventing the first compact economy car, adding shelves to refrigerator doors, holding the first nighttime baseball game and much more), this 11,000-square-foot mansion had fallen into disrepair before Manatee County bought it in 1991. Restoration began in 1997, and it now serves as a stunning wedding and conference venue. The Powel Crosley Theater hosts several performances during its regular season.
Your second option in this area is the Hisotric Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum. Stepping into the theater, you'll feel transported in time – and, in a way, you are. Believe it or not, the theater was originally built in Asolo, Italy, in 1798 and transported to the Ringling estate in the 1940s. The Asolo's calendar is constantly full, hosting everything from story time for kids to popular movies to world-class theatrical performances. Dining options for both the Powel Crosley Theater and the Asolo include a multitude of local and chain restaurants along U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail and nearby University Parkway.
