15th Annual ArtCenter Manatee “Art at the Ranch” a Big Success

  8,000 fans of fine crafts, jewelry, painting, photography and sculpture came to Lakewood Ranch Main Street last weekend for the 15th annual “Art At The Ranch” festival to view, and some to buy, the creations of 61 craft artists. The wide variety of pieces on display ranged from glass teapots and pottery to and photographs on canvas. The festival was sponsored by ArtCenter Manatee and LWR Communities, Inc..

  Artists participating in the festival submitted pieces for prizes in the several categories including painting and drawing, sculpture, fine crafts, photography, jewelry and pottery. The 2015 “Art at the Ranch” Best of Show ribbon went to sculpture artist Brian Weissinger, who works in wood, stone and metal. His prize-winning work at this show, Category 5, used mahogany and metals in an impressive display of sculpting artistry.

  Tampa artist Tony Moore, whose medium is pencil illustrations, also created great buzz at the show. His booth at the festival was filled with pencil portraits of jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong and John Coltrane along with portraits of bluesman B.B. King's hands playing Lucille, his guitar. He also offered pencil sketches of Jimi Hendrix and baseball giant Jackie Robinson.

  Some artists, including Joe Kanoza, well-known for his vibrant portraits and golf landscapes, also hosted painting demonstrations for onlookers.

  If you might be interested in exploring your inner artist, offers day, evening and weekend art classes in painting, drawing, painting, drawing, pastels, pottery, jewelry design, photography and other disciplines for both adults and children at its location at 209 Ninth Street. ArtCenter Manatee also displays art on a continuous basis in 3 galleries at its location along with five classrooms, a gift shop and an extensive art library. Call the ArtCenter at 941-746-2862 for more information.

  This festival, along with so many others, including WinterFest and the family-friendly music festival, Ranch Jam 2015, keep residents of Lakewood Ranch entertained and busy throughout the year.

  If a home or condo in Lakewood Ranch here on the Florida Sun Coast just a hop, skip and a jump from the finest beaches in America including world-famous Siesta Key Beach sounds appealing to you, give me a call at 941-228-2321. Or, you may want to visit my Sarasota Florida real estate website. I’d be delighted to hear from you and answer your questions about why investing in a home or condo here would be such a great investment.

Lakewood Ranch Tour of Homes Event Schedule - Much More Than a "Tour of Homes"

  Lakewood Ranch is once again presenting its “Annual Tour of Homes” with this years events being held from October 3rd through November 23rd. Yes, model homes will be open daily, including the private showcase homes at the exclusive Lake Club village and the private, gated Country Club East village but during the “Tour of Homes, there are many extra events held to showcase the wide range of Lakewood Ranch lifestyles. The Tour is a great way to experience the Ranch if you're new to the area or an established resident. Make this year your first to truly experience the Ranch.

  A few of the highlights of the upcoming events this year include:

• 10/21   BEHIND THE SCENES RANCH TOUR. Take a bus tour leaving the Lakewood Ranch Information Center, 6220 University Parkway, and explore what happens behind the gates of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch's agricultural and aggregates businesses. Four tours are available; Thursday, October 9, Tuesday, October 21, Tuesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 20 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m mon each date. Open to the public but reservations are required due to limited seating.
  
  
• 10/24   BOO FEST from 6 to 9 pm on Main Street being held for the 8th year. Volunteers will transform Lakewood Ranch Main Street into an unforgettable sight of scarecrows, haunted houses, graveyards and lots of shady and unusual looking characters. All are encouraged to dress in costume and safely trick or treat among the merchants and sponsors. Children’s groups can register and join the community parade down Main Street at 6:30 pm.
  
  
• 11/08   UNCORKED AT LAKEWOOD RANCH. Under the tent at the Sarasota Polo Club, a charity fundraising event will be presented by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch. Black tie optional, valet parking, a special wine and food pairing event followed by desert and dancing under the stars. Michael's on East will serve a 4-course gourmet dinner preceded by a champagne cocktail reception with music in the Pavilion at the Polo Club. $250 per person, $,2500 for a reserved table of 8.
  
  
• 11/15   FEST ITIALIANA from 11AM to 4PM at Greenbrook Adventure Park will offer a full line up of entertainment, children's activities, craft vendors, traditional food and a dog costume contest to benefit the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch. A full day of acts will be presented including Jimmy Mazz withan hour-long music tribute to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra,Joe Spinella, tenor, Devin Bradbury, a local country pop artist, and Julia Lima, a soprano and a performance by the Tarantella Dancers. Children can enjoy the park, pony rides and a make-and-take craft of noodle necklaces.
  
  
• 11/15   PUTTS FOR MUTTS, a golf tournament at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club to benefit the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. 4-person scramble, ladies' teams, men's teams and mixed teams. Registration includes golf, dinner, entertainment, prizes and a live auction for $175 per player. Registration deadline is October 15th.
  
  
• 11/15   HORSEPOWER FOR HOPE - The 2nd Annual "Horsepower for Hope" automotive festival will be presented by Walgreens and hosted by the Center for Building Hope in Florida. Lamborghini, Bugatti, Porsche and Aston Martin are a few of the 150+ cars that will line Lakewood Ranch Main Street for a charitable car show. The 2014 Horsepower for Hope will showcase an array of distinctive and unforgettable cars from around the world, with proceeds to benefit the Center for Building Hope in Sarasota, Florida.
  
  
• 11/23   PONIES UNDER THE PALMS - the 23rd annual car show presented by the Mustang Club of West Central Florida al Florida to benefit Tidewell Hospice and Southeastern Guide Dogs. The public is invited free of charge to see outstanding examples of older and newer Mustangs and other special interest and antique Ford cars and trucks. Owners may enter their cars for judging and award from 7 to 10AM with the awards ceremony at 3PM

  Other events planned this year include:

• 10/09 - 10/12   Ancient Oak Gun Club Harvest Moon Classic Shooting Tournament
• 10/11   Bike Ride
• 10/18   Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
• 10/18   Nature Walk
• 10/25   Boo Run
• 10/25   Dragon Boat Festival Parade
• 11/02   CycleFest
• 11/06   Empty Bowls
• 11/07   Music on Main
• 11/08   Bike Ride
• 11/15   Nature Walk

  Stop by one of the Lakewood Ranch information centers to pick up a tour guide map.

  I invite you to learn more aboutLakewood Ranch homes for sale. I'd be pleased to give you a Free MLS Access Account giving you 24/7 access to all Sarasota MLS data on Lakewood Ranch homes and condos in all price ranges just as though you were a Realtor. If you prefer, you may Contact Me on my website or, for an immediate response, call me at 941-228-2321. I'd be happy to answer your questions.

Don't Miss Moonlight Movie Night at Greenbrook Adenture Park

Moonlight Movie Night at Greenbrook Adventure Park is set for Saturday, April 26th at sundown.

Adventure Park is the focal point of Greenbrook. It's the hub of all community activity, a place for children to play in the well-equipped playground, an inline skating hockey rink, ballparks, walking trails. And, for your four-legged friends, there's Paw Park to walk the family dog. In addition to Moonlight Movie Nights, the park is a favorite location for other community events including the annual Lakewood Ranch EGGstravaganza which was held on April 12th and other events. The feature movie being presented on the inflatable screen on April 26th will be "Frozen," the action animation adventure. It's rated PG so bring the kids along. Come early and bring your own picnic food or buy food and drinks at the park

Bring your own chairs and blankets and claim your spot early in front of the huge inflatable screen to watch as fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Its a fun and enjoyable flick.

To get to Adventure Park, take State Road 70 east and turn right onto Greenbrook Blvd. You'll pass Greenbrook Park but keep going.After a half mile, turn right again onto Adventure Place which takes you into the park. If it rains, the event will be cancelled and rescheduled. Call 941-757-1530 or check the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Calendar website for up-to-the- minute updates on the day of the event.

Music on Main - Another Fun Feature of Lakewood Ranch

Are you new to Lakewood Ranch or just visiting and wondering about moving here? Here's a chance to get a sense of the friendly flavor of our town. If you'll still be here the first week in May, stop by on Friday, May 2nd for the monthly "Music on Main" concert that occurs the first Friday of each month.

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, our version of "Downtown," is located across the street from the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Get here early and take a stroll around this enticing outdoor area that includes boutique shops, famous-name stores, restaurants, the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas and even a miniature golf course. Restaurants on Main Street include about everything you could want. There's Ed's Tavern, MacAllisters Grill & Tavern, Paris Bistro, Polo Grill, HANA Sushi Lounge, Station 400, El Lago Ranchero, The Main Street Trattoria and Pincher's Crab Shack. .

The concert on May 2nd will run from 6PM to 9PM and feature "Shotgun Justice," a group that plays classic rock, southern rock and country music. Attendees are welcome to bring comfortable chairs and their dogs, but dogs must be leashed. Overflow parking will be available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Food Bank of Manatee, a local non-profit organization.

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.