Anna Maria Island

Artists Support Local Arts Education Programs

The Artists' Guild Gallery
and Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island...

The Artists' Guild Gallery is a unique art gallery featuring the work of local artists who are members of the Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island, the gallery host.

These artists collectively show, sell and run the non-profit gallery, and there will always be one of these artists to welcome you and answer any questions about art work or the artists.

The Artists' Guild Gallery feature original paintings in a variety of media including watercolor, oils, pastels and acrylic. The gallery also features photography, mixed media, pottery, jewelry and wood carvings.

If you're looking for just that 'right piece of art, special gift or vacation souvenir', then the Artists Guild Gallery is the place. They have special cards, available only there, created by their own exclusive member artists, as well as prints of local landscapes and landmarks, and Florida's unique flora and fauna.

Discount Coupons for Boat, Kayak and Jetski Rentals

Save Money on Anna Maria Island Water Sport Rentals...

Planning a trip to Paradise?

Yes silly, of course we mean beautiful Anna Maria Island.

Well, if so you are going to need water sport rentals, and whether it be a boat, kayak or jet ski...

Florida Watersports will be your number one vacation destination for the ultimate enjoyment of our Gulf Coast Waters.

Conveniently located next to Anna Maria Island and the Bradenton area, at the Cortez Bridge on 4328 127th St., Cortez Florida, Florida Watersports has a full line of boston whalers, pontoon boats and deck boats for rent... and they have jet ski and kayak rentals as well.

Whatever your water sport needs while visiting the Anna Maria Island, Florida Watersports has your number!

A True Artist's Cooperative

Island Gallery West...

In 1989 the idea of an art center on Anna Maria Island was just a dream of one man, James Pay. That dream evolved to become Island Gallery West which opened in Holmes Beach the following year.

Today, a rich variety of art by talented local artists awaits the art lover at Island Gallery West.

The works of nearly 30 local artists, artisans and craftspeople are on display. Stop in and take home some local art as a souvenir of our lovely island.

The gallery is staffed six days a week by member artists who welcome the opportunity to discuss their art with you. Stop by for a pleasant, relaxing visit and enjoy the many fine works of art on display in two exhibit areas.

You’ll discover all the variety and visual stimulation of an art festival in a pleasant gallery setting.

Hours are Monday-Saturday 10-5.

Free Art Demonstrations on Saturdays.
Call 941-778-6648 to check schedule.

Everyone welcome.

Home of the Island Players

THE OLD COMMUNITY HOUSE...

For about 95 years the Anna Maria City Community House at the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue has served the residents of Anna Maria Island in one way or another.

The building was brought by barge by the developers of the Anna Maria Beach Subdivision around 1912.  It was used as a pavilion and gathering place for social functions of all kinds before the city took it over. 

When Anna Maria was incorporated in 1912, the community house was used by the city as its official meeting place for the next 45 years.

Wedding Festival Feb. 28th

Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival...

This previously published Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival post is being republished here as a (public service) and reminder that the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Wedding Merchants are pleased to invite you to attend their 3rd Annual Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival.

Planning Your
Dream Wedding in Paradise

Join us February 28th, 11am - 6pm...
For a fun and informative day on beautiful Anna Maria Island.

There will be more than 60 wedding vendors and wedding related services, positioned at 14 different locations around Anna Maria Island. Each will be on hand to share their expertise, demonstrate what they have to offer and help you plan all the aspects of your Florida dream wedding.

A Little Bit of Florida and a Whole Lot of Music

Anna Maria Island Community Chorus & Orchestra...

"A Little Bit of Florida and
a Whole Lot of Music"

Anna Maria Island is not just miles of sugar white sand and beach, it is also the home of a unique musical organization called Anna Maria Island Community Chorus & Orchestra or the AMICCO.

Known informally as "the gem of the Island"  the AMICCO is the centerpiece of the Bay Area's extraordinary cultural life. Against a background of laid back Old Florida, Anna Maria has produced an accomplished Chorus and Orchestra, which year after year thrills and amazes audiences.

Every concert performed by the Anna Maria Island Community Chorus & Orchestra reflects that energy!

Come to their concerts curious and you'll leave fulfilled!

Founded in 1992, the Anna Maria Island Community Chorus & Orchestra (AMICCO) recently celebrated its 16th anniversary year. The AMICCO is unique in its organizational structure, combining both a chorus and orchestra under one umbrella. Something not commonly found among performing groups.

Both orchestral and choral works are offered at every performance.

Maestro Alfred Gershfeld has been Artistic Director and principal conductor since 1993. Because of this continuity of leadership, and the Maestro's outstanding talent and reputation in the field of conducting, more and more professional artists have been drawn to the AMICCO. This has continued to enhance the high quality of performances... as well as the size of audiences.

Equally significant, retired musicians residing in the community provide a valuable, additional source of continuity and excellence.

Concerts are given four times a year, November through March, and take place at the CrossPointe Fellowship Church, 8605 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

Hear more at www.amicco.org. 

Santa, Scrooge and the Abominable Snowmonster

More Christmas Delights in the Sands of Anna Maria Island...

One more reason We Love Anna Maria Island.

Yesterday we posted a photo of 'Hermes' the elf, and 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer'... and a link to Ernie's blog where you could view images of these most impressive Christmas themed sand sculptures on Anna Maria Island.

The Christmas sand sculptures included 'Snoopy' atop his dog house, complete with 'Charlie Brown Christmas Tree', 'Frosty the Snowman' and 'Yukon Cornelius'.

Well, Ernie was back at it again. He's obligingly posted more images of this Anna Maria Island treasure stumbled upon this past Sunday.

His latest Christmas in the Sand Sculptures include the 'Snow Miser and Heat Miser' battling it out in 80 degree heat... Mr. Magoo as 'Scrooge' (pictured here to the right)... a rather weather beaten 'Santa'... and Ernie's favorite the 'Abominable Snowmonster', towering over the whole pile of sand!

All these Christmas Sand Sculptures are impressive indeed. If you would like to view Ernie's latest photos of this rather seasonal Anna Maria Island display... simply visit the Ernie (Not Bert) blog at http://ernienotbert.blogspot.com/2009/12/more-castles-in-sand.html.

Christmas Sand Sculptures

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Snoopy and Other Christmas Delights in the Sands of Anna Maria Island...

Here at Anna Maria Island Life, we are always looking for new and interesting Anna Maria Island related blog posts, photos and anything else of interest that reflects life on, and around, this Gulf coast Florida Island Paradise in the Sun.

Today, with the Holiday Season upon us, we think we've found something kind of special...  check this out.

The image to the right that is.

It's a sand sculpture of 'Hermes', the elf who wanted to be a dentist, and his best buddy Rudolph.

There were other sculptures as well, all Christmas cartoon themes. Snoopy with a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, Frosty the Snowman, Yukon Cornelius and more. Not sure who sculpted them, but they were captured here by Ernie (Not Bert), of Florida.

He was just checking out Anna Maria Island this past Sunday looking for things to take pictures of, and stumbled upon these gems.

Thanks for sharing Ernie.

If you would like to view more of Ernie's Christmas Sand Sculpture photos, you can. Simply visit his blog at http://ernienotbert.blogspot.com/2009/12/castles-made-of-sand.html.

Florida's Best Kept Secret

Honeymooners to Film Crews,
Anna Maria Island is Your Piece of Paradise in the Sun...

Anna Maria Island, once one of Florida's best-kept secrets, has always been known for its sugar-white coastline, emerald green waters and quaint business districts. 

Today, Anna Maria Island is known as a favorite Florida vacation destination among national and international travelers from around the Globe.

Honeymooners have a special place in their hearts for Anna Maria Island, with fond memories of their Anna Maria Island wedding experience.

Read Why Anna Maria Island is a Favorite among Florida Wedding Locations.

Wedding Festival 2010

The 3rd Annual Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival...

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Wedding Merchants are pleased to present the 3rd Annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Wedding Festival.

Plan Your Wedding in Paradise

Join us February 28th, 11am - 6pm for a fun and informative day on beautiful Anna Maria
Island, were more than 60 wedding related vendors, positioned at 14 different locations, will be on hand to share their expertise, demonstrate what they have to offer and help you plan all the aspects of your dream beach wedding.

Day of the Wedding Festival

Check-in and registration is at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, located at 5313 Gulf Drive, in Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

For more information call 941-778-1541.