artsHOP 2012

artsHOP, presented by Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island, celebrates the opening of the art and cultural season on the island November 9th, 10th and 11th.  The Painted Chairs, the 2012 public art display, will be at various businesses around the island. artsHOP begins with the Gallery Walk through Anna Maria and Holmes Beach on November 9th from 2-8pm with 17 participating galleries and business that display local artist's work, offering art demos, music and refreshments.  Following the Gallery Walk, the Island Players will present The Mousetrap at 8pm (tickets will be available at the theater and during the Gallery Walk)

Saturday, November 10th begins with Chairs and Games at the Relish Marketplace in Anna Maria.  The chairs will be gathered around tables on the deck with various games; Yahtzee, Parcheesi, monopoly, and playing cards available to those who want to enjoy the morning (10am-2pm).  Down in Holmes Beach the Butterfly Garden Arts and Crafts show will be at the City Hall Field (10am-5pm), while the Gulf Coast Writers will have a book signing at the Island Library.
All of the Painted Chairs will gather at the Studio at Gulf and Pine for the Painted Chair Auction from 5:30 - 7:30pm.  Bid on your favorite chair or just enjoy the fun of others winning their prized chair.  At 8pm the Island Players will have a repeat performance of The Mousetrap.

At 2pm on Sunday, November 11th, AMICCO (Anna Maria Island Chorus Concert and Orchestra) will present Popular Light Classics, a concert featuring 2012 AMICCO Young Artist Solo COMPETITION WINNER – Natasha Snyder, Violinist, Soloist plus the premiere performance of Harry Phillips’ Lament, composed in honor of his daughter.  Following the concert the festivities of artsHOP will come to an end at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe (Manatee County Beach) for a drum circle with Scott Blum at 7PM.

ArtsHOP specials will appear at various restaurants along the FREE TROLLEY route Friday and Saturday, for more information on these specials, a printable map of the Gallery Walk and a full schedule of artsHOP events see our web site at IslandartsHOP.com