Arts Festivals at Lakewood Ranch

Arts and culture play a major role in fulfilling the experience we like to call the Lakewood Ranch lifestyle. Many arts and cultural events and festivals are held in Lakewood Ranch and among them the 14th Annual "Fine Arts Festival" held this past weekend was one of the most enjoyable. Open and free to the public from 10AM to 5PM Saturday, March 14th and 10AM to 4PM Sunday, March 15th, the event

Celebrated artists from all over the United States took part in the event held on Lakewood Ranch's "Main Street." For those not familiar with Lakewood Ranch, Main Street is an outdoor venue of both stylish boutique and famous-brand stores, restaurants, theater and even a miniature golf course; a comfortable place to spend an afternoon or evening. The Main Street pavilion hosts special events, farmers markets, concerts and festivals throughout the year making this the focal point of the community and Lakewood Ranch's version of "downtown."

Many of the artists displaying their art this weekend came from as far away as Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey to take part in the Lakewood Ranch fine art experience. From illustrations, paintings and mixed media to photography, glass art, pottery and jewelry, there was something t please everyone's artistic taste and style and pocketbook. The event, in addition to providing a way to observe and buy some originals works, also gave those who came a chance to converse one-on-one with the artists themselves.

As in past years, ArtCenter Manatee, a Bradenton artist retreat with galleries, an art library, gift shop, classes, and a children's summer art camp, serves as the host for this well-visited event.

f you missed the Fine Arts Festival, Main Street will the site of the 12th annual juried "Art at the Ranch" art show and sale on Mach 19th and 20th. This two-day show will present over 65 talented artists from around the country displaying a variety of media including sculpture, glass, tile, woodworking, photography, mixed media, pottery, jewelry, pastel, oil and watercolor painting. Parking and admission, as is the case for most Main Street events and festivals, will be free.