Island Gallery West, a co-op art gallery of about 25 artists, is moving to downtown Bradenton, after 32-years on Anna Maria Island. It was awarded the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce “2023 Business of the Year Award” based on its members’ contributions to the island community through participation in food drives, art walks, donations of art supplies, artists’ demonstrations, and many other services to the community.
Jody Goldman, the gallery president, announced the new location as 456 Old Main Street (12th St. W) in Downtown Bradenton. The new location is part of a recent renewal of the arts movement in the downtown Bradenton area. The gallery’s new name is “Island Gallery & Studio”.
They will miss their island home of over 32 years, but they look forward to welcoming the public to their new space, “where we’ll have room for more members and invited guest artists each month. Our new home will support expanded programs, classes, educational events, and community opportunities, serving a larger audience and with greater impact for our artists,” Goldman said. During this time, the gallery will be accepting applications from artists who wish to join the co-op through a juried process.
She said, “We want to engage the larger community with the possibilities of art of all types. We want to increase our neighbors’ access to art education so they can discover what wonderful things they are capable of accomplishing.”
“We will continue to be a primary source for fine art paintings, pottery, photography, and jewelry,” Goldman said.