artsHOP 2015 Event Coming to Anna Maria Island on November 13,14 & 15

The 9th annual Anna Maria Island artsHOP will take place November 13-15. Presented by Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island, the weekend-long cultural festival spans the island’s three cities and will feature special art exhibits with artist meet-and-greets, live music and theatre performances, an arts & crafts show, samplings from local restaurants, creative activities for all ages, and more. A free trolley service will be available to shuttle event-goers around the island.

Seven major events will take place beginning Friday at 5:00 p.m. with “The Artwalk” in the cities of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. Some two dozen galleries, shops and restaurants will be open late to offer one-of-a-kind creations, food, music, and refreshments. Blowtorch art demonstrations, live sketches with live pirates, and illuminated hairstyles will add interactive fun to the Artwalk.

Join two dozen galleries, shops and restaurants at Anna Maria's Artwalk 

Radio Ridiculous by the Island Players Theater

For Friday’s second big event, the Island Players Theater will present a special performance of “Radio Ridiculous” at 8:00 pm. This comic homage to the golden age of radio will bring Island Players veterans to the stage under the direction of well-known local director and actor James Thaggard. General admission is $20 and includes a dessert reception after the show. The performance will be presented again on Sunday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in person at the box office or by calling 941-778-5755.

The "Butterfly Garden" Arts & Crafts Show

On Saturday & Sunday November 14 & 15, the “Butterfly Garden” Arts & Crafts Show will be held on the grounds of the Holmes Beach City Hall beginning at 10:00 a.m. In addition to a variety of handmade jewelry, ceramics, fiber art, and stained glass by local artists, an expansive green market will offer plants, orchids, handmade soaps, gourmet spices, and freshly made kettle corn. Live music will be featured so bring the family and enjoy the festivities. This free event will benefit the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park. Lawn chairs are welcome and free parking will be available.

The "Butterfly Garden" Arts & Crafts show includes jewelry, ceramics, stained glass & more! 

Symphony on the Sand

Saturday’s 3rd Annual “Symphony On The Sand” at Coquina Beach Park commences at 4:30 p.m. and will feature the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra led by the baton of skillful conductor Alfred Gershfeld. Enjoy the sunset and an elegant evening on the beach while the orchestra performs broadway, classical, and patriotic American songs. General admission seating is $35 per person with cash bar available. Upgraded admission with options for table seating, complimentary beer and wine, and small plates from several of the area’s finest restaurants, are also available.

Sunday’s events span the entire island with second day of the Butterfly Garden Arts & Crafts Show in Holmes Beach, a repeat performance of “Radio Ridiculous” at the Island Players Theatre on Anna Maria Island. Bradenton Beach joins the celebration with “Taste Of Bridge Street”, offering a sampling of fare from Bridge Street’s best restaurants, and the seasonal “Bridge Street Market Kick-Off” with over 30 outdoor vendors and live entertainment until 3:00 p.m. As part of this year’s public art project, fifty wooden turtles, each created especially for the event by local artists, will be available through an online auction. The turtles will be on display for preview beginning November 1 along Bridge Street. See Visit Bridge Street for details.

About Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island

Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island, a 501(c)3, was established in 2008 to promote Anna Maria Island as a cultural destination by supporting, promoting, and advocating for art and culture on the island.

We look forward to seeing you there!