PUBLISHED SEPT. 1, 2016
Co-operative Anna Maria Art Gallery
offers something for everyone
By ANDREA SHAY
Mainlanders who don’t venture out past Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island are surely missing out on one of the island’s best-kept secrets — Island Gallery West. The co-operatively owned gallery offers hundreds of one-of-a kind pieces by nearly 30 artists working in different mediums.
Marlane Wurzbach, the gallery’s public relations director and secretary, said that the gallery strives to offer a diverse selection so that they have something for everyone and avoid staleness or too much repetitition. In addition to paintings in acrylics and oils, the gallery also displays and sells photography, digital art, pottery, glasswork and wearable art like jewelry and scarves. Near the front wall, they’ve even got a selection of cigar box guitars, created by local artist and builder Jerry Patridge.
Unlike private galleries where owners or managers can sometimes charge exorbitant fees for wall space, Island Gallery West is cooperatively owned and managed by all the artists whose work shows in the gallery. While artists must apply to become members of the gallery and be approved by the membership committee, they then pay only a modest monthly fee for wall space and must donate their time to assist in running the gallery and holding events.
Island Gallery West also helps to promote its artists, highlighting a different member each month, when the featured artist gets special mention on the gallery’s website as well as a prominent display in the gallery’s front window.
This month’s featured artist is Marie Rice, whose paintings the gallery will showcase through the end of September under the title Glass Impressions.
Member artists at Island Gallery West take pride not only in their work but also in hosting the gallery’s monthly events. The gallery has earned a reputation for excellent food at their featured artist receptions, which are typically held the 2nd Friday of each month during season. In addition, the gallery also holds art demonstrations on Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. until noon. These events are usually well attended, said Wurzbach, so she advises potential visitors to be prepared for a standing-room-only demonstration.
Island Gallery West’s next big event will be during Anna Maria Island’s ArtsHOP Festival, which takes place from Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13, and again the following weekend from Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 20.
Holmes Beach will hold its own Art Walk on Friday, Nov. 11, and Island Gallery West will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. during the walk. The gallery’s artist members consider this event to be their kickoff for the season, and there will always be live music right in front of the gallery during this event.
The gallery is currently looking for new artists. Anyone interested should apply in person or via the Island Gallery West website at islandgallerywest.com/about.html#join.