A Short History of the Village of the Arts

Established in 1999 as an agreement between the City and a handful of Artists working as the non-profit Artist Guild, the area known as the Village of the Arts slowly changed the neighborhood from downtrodden to a bohemian artsy vibe. Annie Russini was our Director, Herbie Rose, our Honorary Mayor.

Businesses have boomed and busted, bad economies play havoc with disposable income, and sadly most people don’t realize how necessary Art is in our daily lives. Art, however, cannot be held back and for every gallery or studio that closes another one opens. And then another and another.

Today there are about 50 galleries and studios scattered among the 220 homes. That is where the Village of the Arts Community lives—in these 220 homes and apartments. Many have moved here to be a part of our amazing endeavor. A celebration of Art in all its forms, a vibe that embraces all races, all sexes, all spiritual beliefs, and the opportunity to be a true Village Community with a heart for creativity.

Some of the galleries and studios have joined the Artist Guild of Manatee and work with the Guild to bring art to the community. The Artist Guild has a web page: villageofthearts.com and promotes Gallery events. It includes a day planner showing open Guild Member galleries which can provide information on some of the local galleries.

Twenty years later, the people living in the Village of the Arts have the opportunity to fulfill the original vision of this being a Live, Create, Celebrate Life, and Freedom community Changes are coming. We hope they help us grow stronger, providing us with more opportunities to celebrate the soul of humanity—ARTS.

In future editions we will continue the evolving history of the Village, giving you glimpses of who we were juxtaposed over who we are now and looking forward to where our younger members of the community want to steer us. Have a memory to share? Submit it to DGould497@gmail.com.