Bradenton Is Getting Slammed This Weekend

Todays News

Downtown Bradenton is bursting with life and color. In one area, kids of Sarasota-Manatee make their own gyotaku prints and learn about traditional Japanese art. At another booth, festivalgoers are creating chalk masterpieces and, just a stone’s throw away, can have their faces and arms painted with beautiful designs. Nearby, folks make both their own comic books and cookie art. A bit farther on, kids and adults gain hands-on experience with printing on canvas and t-shirts while costumed stilt walkers roam the streets of downtown. Realize Bradenton’s ArtSlam returns on March 3 for another day of interactive fun and art in the streets.

The first ArtSlam debuted in 2010 to facilitate interaction between local arts and businesses. The hosting organization, Realize Bradenton formed in 2009 to promote economic growth and to develop downtown Bradenton into a cultural hub. According to Holly Lundgren, Realize Bradenton’s events and creative services manager, ArtSlam brings 12,000-15,000 people to downtown Bradenton and the combined impact of Realize Bradenton’s 75 events throughout the year is $4.4 million dollars. Although a mission of the organization itself involves generating revenue, ArtSlam is free to attend.

This year, ArtSlam 2018 has more art teams and performances than ever before, with 28 teams, 13 live performances and plenty of farmers market vendors participating to guarantee a day that families will not soon forget. The festival will feature interactive activities such as The Origami World of Bradenton, a Wall of Happiness full of positive messages and the daredevil juggling of the Dallas and Nick Show. Also, be sure not to miss local artist Matt McAllister transforming an entire car, donated by Firkins Nissan, into an aerosol work of art. Visitors can also enjoy family-friendly music, including performances by The Tank and Tilly Kids’ Show, and then “Feel the Beat” while drumming along with Scott Blum Music. As people work up an appetite with the activities, there will tons of local eating options on site, including Greeks Bearing Gifts, Lou’s Diner, Elena’s Italian Cuisine and Split-Fire Grill.

“Attendees are not just observing the arts,” Lundgren says. “They are getting their hands dirty and engaging in the process. They are discovering their own creativity.”

ArtSlam 2018 will take place at the Bradenton Farmer’s Market on Saturday, March 3 from 9am to 4pm and is free to attend.

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