A Guide to Public Art in the Bradenton Area

With a thriving artisan community like the Village of the Arts at its center, it’s clear that creativity is at the passionate core of the Bradenton area. The love for all forms of artistic expression isn’t confined to VOTA; it flows throughout the community. Here are some of the best public pieces proudly on display in the Bradenton Area.

“The Architecture of the Community”

220 12th St W., Bradenton

Visit Old Main Street to see a vibrant piece by local artist Mary Fragapane that captures Bradenton’s essence with silhouettes of people heading to the Bradenton market, sailboats on the Manatee River, and a stunning Florida sunset, complete with a “green flash”—don’t miss the incorporation date of Bradenton (5/9/1903) on one of the sails!

“Embracing the Future”

615 12th St. W., Bradenton

One of the more impressive aspects of public art in the Bradenton Area is how the creators seamlessly weave their vision into existing edifices. Eduardo Mendieta’s “Enjoy the Present, Embrace the Future” mural is a testament to Bradenton’s bright outlook. The three-story piece is crafted into the side wall of a parking garage. It depicts a child holding a freshly sprouted plant in its hands as its vines foretell the optimism for the future.

“Tender Touch“

Bradenton Riverwalk
12 12th Street W., Bradenton

A popular spot for selfies and pictures, “Tender Touch” is a 7-foot, 1,400-pound sculpture of an adult female manatee gently touching and leading her offspring as they swim together on the Riverwalk.

“Drum Yard”

100 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton

This interactive installation celebrates the drum traditions of Africa. Get hands-on and start your own jam band by playing this sculpture as its one of 45 pieces of individual art on the Riverwalk.

Open Hearts Sculpture

Bradenton Riverwalk
101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton

Donated to the people of Manatee County, this work of art is a labor of love from Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress Jane Seymour. The two partially open, interlocking hearts is a physical testament to Seymour’s abstract philosophy of “if your heart is open, love will always find its way in.” The sculpture is on permanent display on the Bradenton Riverwalk.

“Postcards from the Friendly City”

Bradenton Riverwalk (various locations)

The Postcards from the Friendly City is a series of nine large art panels throughout downtown and VOTA. It’s a history lesson of the Bradenton area, without the lecture. The images vary from “One Million Sunsets Ago,” a piece that depicts the Tocobaga, indigenous people on the Manatee River from over 2000 years ago to “An Homage to the Creative Spirit,” a piece honoring Herbie Rose, the unofficial mayor of the Village of the Arts.

“The Magic River”

251 12th St. W., Bradenton

For the community, by the community is what makes “The Magic River” such a memorable piece. Created in 2019 by James Simon, this 120-foot-long mosaic is fashioned by ceramic tile and colorful art glass. As one walks alongside the piece, you’ll notice a new theme every 8-10 feet. The fish in the river were created by members of the Bradenton community.

Sea Turtle Mural

9908 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria

It’s always sea turtle season at Anna Maria Rocks, a souvenir shop specializing in rocks and fossils. A seascape-themed mural there portrays a sea turtle following the sun over the horizon. Commissioned by the Chiles Group and created by Gillian Fazio, the mural is 10 feet tall and 63 feet long. “It’s inspired by healthy waters, the surroundings here and the Chiles’ Group’s marine reclamation projects,” Fazio told the AMI Sun.

The Palmetto Seahorse

Corner of Riverside Drive and U.S. 41, Palmetto

Back in the 1940s to 1960s, an iconic seahorse welcomed visitors at a souvenir shop near the old Green Bridge. Artist Ron Berman and the City of Palmetto revived that nostalgia with a 22-foot bronze Seahorse statue, now proudly standing at the corner of Riverside Drive, near the Green Bridge in Regatta Pointe Marina. “We didn’t want to bring back just memories. We wanted to bring back celebration,” Berman says of his work.

“Under the Rainbow”

1802 8th Ave W., Palmetto

This mural at the Palmetto Bus station will have the wheels in your head turning as you’re transported to witness the wonders in the sea. Local artist Ron Berman (who also created the Palmetto Seahorse) focused on local marine life for his seascape – dolphins, sea turtles, oysters and yes manatee all adorn the bus transfer station wall.

Where to Buy Local Art

Whether you’re a collector seeking the perfect addition to your home or simply browsing for a unique gift, we’ve highlighted some of the best spots to find local art and crafts that make for perfect souvenirs.

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