WHO WE ARE

ArtCenter Manatee is the premier visual arts center in Manatee County. Founded in 1937, we are located in downtown Bradenton at the intersection of arts and culture on the newly designated Avenue of the Arts. The Center features three galleries with exhibits that change monthly, five classrooms that hold over 3,000 students every year, a LiveArtFully gift shop featuring unique handmade gifts, and an art library featuring over 3,000 art volumes.

Over 300 day, evening and weekend art classes and workshops for adults of all levels are offered year round in painting, drawing, pastels, pottery, jewelry design, photography and more. Our KidsArt Programs give students 4-15 the opportunity to express their creativity while they learn valuable skills, have fun and make new friends in over 35 classes designed just for them. We partner with the School District of Manatee County for an annual exhibit, Just for Girls, Pace Center for Girls, Lighthouse of Manasota and the Boy Scouts to teach art classes to their students at our facility.

The LiveArtFully Market and online shop feature unique, affordable gifts by local and regional artists. Purchases in the market help to support the artists, subsidize the cost of our classes, and support the local economy.

Exhibitions in the three galleries change monthly and showcase the work of over 2,000 local, regional and national artists. Monthly opening receptions are always free and open to the public.

Events at ArtCenter Manatee are designed to bring art to the community. Planned events are the Holiday Extravaganza in November featuring ornaments and holiday-themed gifts by local artists; our annual holiday pottery sale benefiting the pottery group and the ArtCenter in November 2021; The Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County on the beautiful Bradenton Riverwalk in February 2022; Snatch It, art and more for grabs in February 2022.

We are active members of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and Bradenton Kiwanis. Our Executive Director serves on the Public Art Board of Bradenton and is a member of Service Club of Manatee County. Our Cultural partners include Bishop Museum, Realize Bradenton, and Manatee Performing Arts Center.

When you join ArtCenter Manatee you save on classes and workshops, can use our open studio time for painting, pottery, jewelry and figure drawing (a nominal fee applies) and support the visual arts in our community.

INFORMATION

ArtCenter Manatee Website