Village of the Arts in Bradenton

The Village Of The Arts is located in Bradenton, close to downtown and located between 9th Ave W and 17th Ave W & between 9th St W and 14th St W.

There are about 40 shops, art studios and galleries located in this neighborhood.

The Artists Guild of Manatee, Inc was formed in the summer of 1999 to create the Village of the Arts in Bradenton. The idea for the community was to develop a neighborhood where artists of all kinds could live, work and run their businesses. Many of the shops & galleries are open to the public during the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon Art Walks. The streets become filled with people browsing the shops and galleries.

It's best to bring your walking shoes, camera and pocketbook for a fun afternoon visiting the shops and galleries as well as browsing the eclectic like homes located in the Village of The Arts.

Monthly ArtWalks are the first Friday of the month from 6-9:30pm and the first Saturday of each month from 11-4pm.

Here is a list of shops, galleries and art studios that you will find there.

Mark's Plant Place (941)746-9228
1012 11th Ave W
Vintage glassware, memorabilia, antiques and collectibles. Also enjoy bamboo, palms, plumeria and many other varieties of plants. Open Thur-Sat 11-4pm.

The Village Bookshop (941)750-9141
1006 11th Ave W
This shop contains new, used and collectible books. Book signings during the ArtWalks. Open Tues-Fri 10-7pm and Sat 10-5pm.
Click here to view a video of The Village Bookshop.

The Healing Cottage (941)720-2884
1006 11th Ave W
Valorie Knowlton, RN is a Healing Touch Practitioner who works with clients to reduce stress, decrease pain and calm anxiety. By appointment.

Left Of Center Gallery (941)518-3687
1013 11th Ave W
Artist Randy Blahna presents a powerful collection of contemporary paintings as well as the fine arts and crafts of visiting artists. Open Fri-Sat 11-4pm and ArtWalks.

Rawk Shop (941)518-7455
1103 12th St W
Vintage clothes, original punk fashions and accessories, hand-crafted paddles, new and used music equipment and Bradentucky Bombers roller derby merchandise. Open during ArtWalks.
Click here to view a video of Rawk Shop.

Starr Art Gallery (941)714-0428
1211 11th Ave W
Russell Starr paints mandalas to create a focal point for meditation. His acrylic paintings are both abstract and figurative. Open during ArtWalks and by appointment.

Urban Way (941)714-0428
1001 11th Ave W
Contemporary furnishings and accessories and art gallery. Hours Wed-Sat 11-4pm, Fridays often open later and during ArtWalks.
Click here to view a video of Urban Way.

Still Life In G Gallery (941)932-1336
1014 12th St W
Cornellian inspired boxes, award-winning photography, linoleum block prints, fish, frogs, snakes and birds fashioned from recycled metal and pottery. Open Sat 11-4pm, during ArtWalks and by appointment.

Bonni Bakes Edible Art (941)746-6647
930 12th St W
Unique hand-made think-crust pizza, stomboli, wraps, soups, salads, muffins, cookies and other yummy stuff. Open Wed-Sat 10-2pm and during ArtWalks. Closed for July & August.

Manatee Arts Council Gallery (941)746-2223
926 12th St W
The Council is an information source for all the Arts in Manatee County. Open Mon-Fri 11-4pm, during ArtWalks and special events.

The Salmagundi (941)745-5155
1003 12th St W
Enjoy an eclectic mix of artists for exhibitions, musical events and barbecues in this renovated, original 1920's Florida bungalow. Also, they have outdoor performances and poetry readings. Open during ArtWalks and special events. Call to book space.

Lee Shore Gallery (941)750-8203
1015 12th St W
Hand crafted jewelry designs in fused glass, lampwork beads with semi-precious stones and sterling silver. Handmade electric and acoustic guitars, electric bass guitars, ukuleles and boutique electronic effects devices. Open Fri-Sat 11-4pm, during ArtWalks and by appointment.
Click here to visit their website.

Fancy Free Gallery (941)747-6599
1102 12th St W
Acrylics, beautiful shell art, watercolors, collectibles & gifts, dressy hand made scarves and breathtaking butterfly art. Open during ArtWalks.

Fluffs By Lulu (941)474-0609
1114 12th St w
Whimsical, one-of-a kind art pillows and vibrant pastel drawings and paintings. Open during ArtWalks which include psychic readings by Bobbie Benz.

Kaos Gallery (941)474-0823
1122 12th St W
Featured on HGTV. Contemporary gallery filled with high color fine arts, whimsy and gifts both useful and eye-catching. Open during ArtWalks.
Click here to view a video of Kaos Gallery.

Cyndy Custis, Weaver (941)718-5720
1122 12th St W
Loom woven collection of jewelry, clothing and gifts. Open during ArtWalks.

Africa Now (941)749-1100
1130 12th St W
Contemporary art from Africa including paintings, sculpture and mixed media designs. Extraordinary collection of authentic masks and their role in the cultural life of Africa. Each mask comes with a written history. Open Fri-Sat 12-4pm, during ArtWalks and by appointment.
Click here to visit their website.

Baobab Tree Gallery (941)447-3795
1113 12th St W
Funky fish clocks, tulip the tulip trail and see Tilly the Tuna. Young artists works from Thailand that are bold, brightly colored and whimsy. Closed July and August. See you when we reopen for the October ArtWalk.
Click here to view a video of Baobab Tree Gallery.

Life Of Briley (941)713-5927
1125 12th St W
The most unique, fabulous fashions for your lovable pooch. Tasty gourmet dog treats. Enjoy the mosaic fireplace and other ceramic pieces. Summer hours: Wed-Sat 12-5pm and during ArtWalks.

Kim's Country Store (941)744-1098
1203 12th St W
Old fashioned candy store with delightfully scented candles and votives. Yankee candle products, Boyd's Bears, Forge Mountain homemade jams, Americana small country furnishings and other collectibles. Open during ArtWalks.

Heart's Desire (941)302-1069
1221 12th St W
Unique eclectic jewelry, affordable women's fashions, reversible tapestry jackets, contemporary styles and accessories. Ceramics, paintings, metal work and wall clocks from local and national artists. Open Thurs-Sat 11-4pm and during ArtWalks.
Click here to view a video of Heart's Desire.

William's Wood (941)746-0957
1127 12th St W
Hand made, Shaker inspired furniture, photographs capturing skies and landscapes and one-stoke paintings. Open during ArtWalks and by appointment.

Green Bull Gallery (941)748-7398
911 12th Ave W
B&W and color photographs of soulful landscapes, light-sculptured studio nudes and environmental figure studies. Open during ArtWalks and by appointment.

Clay In The Garden (941)747-6405
1011 12th Ave W
Whimsical clay characters. Open Tues-Sat 10-4pm, during ArtWalks and by appointment. Demonstrations are ongoing during ArtWalks.
Click here to view a video of Clay In The garden.

Artistic Eye Picture Framing And Gallery (941)745-2315
1209 12th Ave W
Professional framer whose works has been showcased in Home and Garden Magazine and on MTV's Real World. Open Thurs-Sat 10-5pm and during ArtWalks.

Folk Traditions East/West (941)745-2315
1216 12th Ave W
Quilts, sculptures and other traditional folk creations using common textiles. Open Sat 11-5pm, during ArtWalks and special events.

Liberal Artz (941)744-7484
1102 10th Ave W
Hand painted furniture, compelling wood & copper wall art, and unique three dimensional assemblages and mirrors. Also available are fine art, craft, and jewelry by other local and national artists. Open Thurs-Sat 11-4pm and during ArtWalks.
Click here to view a video of Liberal Artz.

Village Voice And Eclectic Art Emporium (941)748-6865
1010 10th Ave W
Woodwork by regional artists, garden gallery and book gallery with author signings. Open Wed-Sat 10-4pm and during ArtWalks.
Click here to view a video of Village Voice And Eclectiv Emporium.

Charisma Café & Art (941)748-8203
1004 10th Ave W
Fine coffees, teas, cappuccino, soups salads, sandwiches and delicate desserts. Also visit the shack in the back for stained glass. Open 8:30-4pm, Friday's 5-7pm and during ArtWalks.
Click here to view a video of Charisma Cafe & Art.

The Dancing Crane (941)744-1333
1019 10th Ave W
Fine art, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and photography. Unique home and gift ideas. Summer hours: Sat 11-4pm and during ArtWalks. Closed August.
Click here to visit their website.

Cade Gallery (941)708-0740
1009 13th Ave W
Brilliant acrylic colors featuring Florida fauna and flora paintings and prints. The gallery also features sculpture, antiques and collectibles. Open Fri-Sat 11-4pm, during ArtWalks and by appointment.
Click here to view a video of Cade Gallery.

Bits & Pieces (941)744-2487
1303 13th Ave W
Handmade quilts, original art and almost antiques. Owner Linda Bronkema translates her drawings and paintings into fabric wall art. Open Fri-Sat 11-4pm, during ArtWalks and by appointment.
Click here to view a video of Bits & Pieces.

Debbie's Art Garage (941)746-2602
1010 16th Ave W
An ever-changing selection of crafts and paintings, hand-selected gifts, jewelry and other little trinkets. Open Fri-Sat 11-4pm and during ArtWalks.
Click here to view a video of Debbie's Art Garage.

Church's Stained Glass (941)747-9293
1419 10th St W
Glass panels, collectable McCoy pottery and jewelry. Church's pieces are one of a kind, The artists destroy the patter after each piece is finished, excluding sun-catchers. Open most Saturdays 11-4pm, during ArtWalks and by appointment.

Rose-Giles Studios (941)746-4469
923 13th Street W
Herbie Rose, known for his vibrant and colorful watercolors and Graciela Giles, shows her powerful and evocative watercolors alongside her husband's. Open Thurs 9-12, during ArtWalks, and by appointment.

Mariana's Village Studio & Gallery (941)750-8852
925 12th Street W
Marina Adair's 1929 two-story gallery showcases local Artists in a diversified collection from the fine arts to whimsical boutique gifts. Open Thurs-Sat 11-4pm and during ArtWalks.

Garcia Galleries (941)746-8743
917 12th Ave W
Unique hand-forged aluminum sculptures, both modern and contemporary, and furnishings. Open Fri 10-2, Sat 10-4, evening ArtWalks and by appointment.

Valeri Rose Studios (941)748-8671
1119 12th Street W
The front showroom hosts rotating exhibitions of various Artists from the Edge coalition. Open for the Friday Art Walks and by appointment.

Somewhere In Time (941)302-1720
1114 12th St W
Judith Pittman's Painted Furniture and Antiquish things. Open during ArtWalks and by appointment.

The Village Pottier (941)747-0651
1015 12th Avenue W
Functional high-fire stoneware pottery. Some of the most unusual pottery offered anywhere in the United States.
Open Sat 10-4 during ArtWalks, and by appointment.

Pentimento Photgraphy (941)807-1915
1215 12th Street W
A dramatic collection of Florida landscapes, seascapes and wildlife. Cyd also specializes in photo-touchup and restoration. Damaged, faded photos are given an "extreme makeover" through the magic of digital technology. Open Wed-Sat 10-4 and during ArtWalks.

Ortygia Restaurant (941)228-1742
1418 13th St W
Ortygia provides a variety of expertly prepared fresh foods. Enjoy the atmosphere, art, music and flavors of Sicily. Great place to eat and rest your feet on art walks. Open Mon-Fri 11-7pm (extended hours for Village of the Arts events).

Vi Oaks Gallery (941)747-0093
1110 15TH Ave W
In 2003, Klosky's works were voted "best Censored Art" by the Weekly Planet after having had nine works censored. Open Art Walk Saturdays.

Find Village of the Arts in Bradenton homes for sale by going to this site:  http://bradentonrealestatenews.com

Waterlefe in Bradenton

Waterlefe has to be one of the most beautiful gated communities in Bradenton Florida.  Located on the east side of Bradenton, east of I 75, this breath taking community  has everything anyone would want.  Golfing, fitness center, country club, and much more.

Waterlefe consists of a combination of single family homes, condos and town homes.  No matter which style of home you decide to purchase, they are all top of the line.  Waterlefe is for the successful executive as it is rather pricey to live there, but if you can afford it, it is worth every penny.

As I was driving through the neighborhood after leaving one of our listings I was showing, I was stopped by one of the neighbors who was riding his bike.  We chatted for a while and I realized this is a friendly neighborhood where the neighbors stop and  talk to one another.  I remembered this in my childhood neighborhood and realized I miss that and what a joy to see it is still around in Waterlefe.

Waterlefe is gated so I have attached a video of the neighborhood so you can get a feel of what it is like.  Also, if you are interested in what is available for sale, just click on the button below and it will take you to all Waterlefe homes for sale in Bradenton Florida.

To see Waterlefe homes for sale, visit http://bradentonrealestatenews.com

Braden Castle in Bradenton

While out for a drive yesterday, I came across a tiny neat little neighborhood tucked away in North East Bradenton. It's just off of Manatee Ave and 27th St E. I just happened to glance up and saw a sign that said Historic Neighborhood with an arrow, so I quickly turned down the street and ended up in this neat little community.

It's a 55 and over community that sits where the Braden River meets the Manatee River. The first thing I noticed were that the streets are only wide enough for one car to pass and these homes are pretty close to each other, so there isn't much yard to worry about for maintenance. As I drove through the winding streets and up and down a few hills, I knew I was in a historic community. You could tell just from looking at the homes. They were all old homes that were built back in the 1920's and 1930's. Each one different from the next. Unique in it's own way.

As I continued to drive through the community, every person that I saw walking, driving a golf cart, riding a bike or just sitting outside of their home waved at me. All of them. This is small community full of friendly people. It was so nice to drive through someplace unknown to me and have people smile and wave as I passed them.

Making my way around this unique community, I came across the ruins of the Braden Plantation House, that was long known as Braden Castle. The Braden Plantation house was built in 1850 by Dr. Joseph Braden, whom Bradenton was named after. The Castle had 20 inch thick walls, was two stories high and measured about 100 ft on each side. There were 4 rooms on each floor that were all the same size measuring 20 sq ft each. The Castle also had 8 fireplaces and 4 chimneys.

In March of 1856, Indians attacked Braden Castle.

Dr. Braden fell onto some financial hardships in 1857. The home was foreclosed on by Daniel Ladd, but Ladd did not evict him. Braden later left Manatee for Texas around 1864.

The Braden Plantation was then purchased by Mary El Pelot and J. Crews Pelot after the civil war for $2,000. She then gave 320 acres to her father. For the next 10 years, Braden Castle was center of social life on the Manatee. When Mary's father died, the Plantation House and land was then deeded back to J. Crews Pelot. He later sold 34.75 acres that is now known as Braden Castle Park to Schmidlapp and McPherson.

Sometime around 1903 a fire that was reportedly started by vandals destroyed most of the home leaving only the concrete walls standing. A short time later, the walls collapsed into the ruins that still remain today. A fence has been placed around the ruins, but they still remain. It truly is a historic site to see.

In 1924 the Tin Can Tourists (Camping Tourists of America) purchased the 34.74 acres.

By 1930, most of the 197 bungalows had been built. Many of them have undergone several renovations yet still remain as they were, when they were built.

Originally there was a barbershop, post office, western union office, general store, a filing station, fire station, men's club house, women's club house, pavillion and 13 rental tourists cabins.

Today, this small 55 and over community has boat ramps, shuffleboard courts, a pier, a lagoon with a gazebo in the middle of it and beautiful views of the Manatee River. Sorry, but they don't allow pets here!

If you're looking to live in a historic community, this may be the place for you. The bungalows range in size from about 450 sq ft to 1700 sq ft. Most are on the smaller side though. They make perfect winter residences or year round living if you don't mind a small home to take care of.

To see homes for sale in Braden Castle visit http://bradentonrealestatenews.com