BRADENTON, Fla. — Downtown Bradenton’s Old Main Street will be transformed into an interactive art zone during Realize Bradenton’s 9th annual ArtSlam, March 3, 2018, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The free event features live performances, site-specific installations, and engaging art exhibits by Manatee County students and professional artists.

“We have 28 teams of student and professional artists participating in ArtSlam this year, more than ever. Every team project, installation, and presentation is unique,” said Holly Eisemann, Events and Creative Services Manager for Realize Bradenton. “Of the 28 teams, 12 teams are student artists from schools in Manatee County, making ArtSlam the perfect stage for them to share their knowledge, expertise, and passion with the community,” explained Eisemann.

In addition to students, professional artists are also participating throughout the day. Patrons can watch the transformation of a Nissan Sentra, provided by Firkins Nissan, as it is spray painted by aerosol artist, Matt McAllister; experience engaging singing, dancing, and partner acrobatics by Tank and Tilly; create their own flying origami airplanes with Origami Air Art Studio; and more.

“ArtSlam is an innovative platform that provides enhanced educational opportunities for teachers and students,” explained Mary Glass, President of the Manatee Education Foundation. “It allows the classroom to extend into a public setting, giving students the unique opportunity for public engagement and feedback.”

The weekly Bradenton Farmers’ Market is taking place during ArtSlam on Old Main Street. The market features more than 30 vendors offering locally grown fruits, vegetables, organic products, prepared foods, and the work of local artists and craftspeople. Market vendors, local restaurants, and food trucks will have food and drinks available for purchase.

“This is a family friendly, free event where we encourage engagement in the creative process by all ages. From live theater to creating comic books, there will be something for everyone,” explains Eisemann.

Produced by Realize Bradenton, ArtSlam is supported by the City of Bradenton, the Manatee Education Foundation, Firkins Nissan, and the Bradenton Herald.

ARTSLAM TEAMS

• StiltFun (begins at 10 a.m.) — Featuring balloon twisting and stilt walking.
• Feel the Beat with Scott Blum Music (begins at 10 a.m.) — Explore sounds, learn drumming techniques, and experience the joy of creating music together.
• “Sense”ible Artistry with Haile Middle School — Haile’s jazz band, dance department, and art department team up to create magic and awaken your senses integrating three types of fine art: art, music, dance into one fine arts experience. Audience participation encouraged!
• The Dallas and Nick Show — A high-energy, comedy, dare-devil juggling and escape show for all ages.
• “Little Artist” by Cory Wright — Award winning artist Cory Wright will create an original piece inspired by a photo she took of her niece during an art lesson.
• Chalk Art for Kids with Realize Bradenton Volunteers — Kids are invited to create their own chalk masterpieces.
• Wall of Happiness with Realize Bradenton Volunteers — A collaborative post-it note mural bursting with positivity.
• IA Rocks with Inspiration Academy — A collaborative Britto-inspired mural that will “rock” our community, along with a creative make and take rock project.
• The Art of Theater with Manatee High School — Experience live theater as Manatee High’s acting class performs an act of Romeo and Juliet on a set built by students. Performances will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
• Flowery Selfie with Medallion Flowers — This lush floral frame, hand-crafted by florists at Medallion Flowers, is the perfect photo opportunity.
• Be Green with Lakewood Ranch High School — Create your own environmentally-friendly masterpiece and support LRHS by purchasing student artwork.
• Recycled Art Collaborative Canvas with Manatee County Public Library Youth Services — A series of large canvases created by the public using recycled materials that will be displayed at Manatee County Libraries. Take home your own mini-creation.
• Gyotaku with You! with R.H. Prine Elementary — Create your own gyotaku prints and learn more about the traditional Japanese art of making fish prints on rice paper.
• Springtime Butterflies with Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School — Make and take home your own springtime butterfly creation using colorful paper and a simple folding technique.
• Abstract ArtMazes with TheArtistMSG — A nine-foot long solvable art ArtMaze to stimulate the eye & mind. Plus a custom ArtSlam ArtMaze.
• Pieces of Me with Wakeland Elementary — A largescale movable exhibit made up of the many faces of students at Wakeland. Participants can lift and stack the pieces to create a united artwork.
• SaraBay Kidzone with SaraBay Real Estate — Kids of all ages can enjoy crafts from a simpler time.
• The Tank & Tilly Kids’ Show with Nicole Hays and AJ Vahn — The eclectic and fun-loving duo will entertain audiences with singing, dancing, & partner acrobatics.
• Aerosol Art (Painted Nissan) with Matt McAllister and Firkins Nissan — Watch local artist Matt McAllister transform a Nissan with live aerosol painting.
• Community Mural with Bayshore High School — Large, outlined canvases ready to be filled by the public with images of Endangered Florida Wildlife.
• Create Your Own Comic with Tytan Comics — Learn the ins and outs of making a comic book.
• The Origami World of Bradenton with Origami Air Art Studio — Create your own Bradenton inspired origami creations and airplanes, that actually fly!
• Wearable Sand Dollar Art with Manatee Art Education Association — Express yourself creatively using a sand dollar as your canvas.
• Cookie Art with University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership — Build your own sweet and tasty work of art with culinary students and instructors.
• Living in Layers with Manatee School for the Arts — An interactive landscape where artists, dancers, performers, and community members are invited to step into the painted layers. Performances inspired by the project will be held throughout the day.
• Spaghetti The Clown — This one man circus will delight all ages!
• Printing with World Piece — Hands on printing for kids and adults on canvas and t-shirts.
• Elements of Life: Live Body and Face Painting with Southeast High School VPA Academy — Full body master paintings will be created onsite while children and their families are invited to have their face or arm painted with the design of their choice.

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About Realize Bradenton
Realize Bradenton is a nonprofit organization that transforms public places and engages people using arts, culture, heritage, and food to build a vibrant, healthy Bradenton. Bringing people together, our work results in social, physical, and economic revitalization and shapes a community where people want to contribute, live, work, and visit. For more information visit: RealizeBradenton.com.

About the Bradenton Farmers’ Market
The Bradenton Farmers’ Market, a production of Realize Bradenton, features more than 30 vendors who offer locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods, and the work of local artists and craftspeople. Live music, demonstrations by local chefs, and free family activities are also part of the fun. The market, located on Old Main Street, between Manatee Avenue West and Third Avenue West in downtown Bradenton, is open every Saturday through the end of May, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Parking is free and dogs on leashes are welcome. For more information, visit: BradentonFarmersMarket.com.