Downtown Bradenton seeks to grow its arts scene

For 33 years, Jody Goldman ran a co-op art gallery on Anna Maria Island. But as rent escalated and foot traffic ceased as a result of nearby construction, it didn’t make sense to stay. So Goldman, along with the 28 other artists operating out of the studio, picked up and moved to downtown Bradenton. 

“Bradenton is growing, growing, growing,” she says, adding that there were already four other art-centered entities there: ArtCenter Manatee, a three gallery center that provides classes; the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature; The Manatee Performing Arts Center; and, notably, the Village of the Arts, which is a colorful live-work community featuring studios, healing arts, bakeries, art galleries and specialty shops in the form of brightly painted cottages.