Village of the Arts in Bradenton: A Colorful Walk Through Sarasota’s Neighboring Art Scene
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The Village of the Arts Bradenton is unlike any neighborhood I’ve ever experienced. These 1920s bungalows, transformed into whimsical studios and homes, don’t just display art—they are art. And if you’ve never visited during one of their monthly Art Walks, you’re missing one of the most magical evenings the Gulf Coast has to offer.
I’ll never forget March 4, 2022, when my wife and I finally experienced the Village of the Arts in full bloom. Hundreds of people strolled through normally dark streets (there are no streetlights here), but on this night, the artists illuminated their cottages in radiant color. Every corner revealed something new: murals on walls, paintings spilling onto sidewalks, and musicians filling the air with sound.
A Neighborhood Painted in Personality
As we wandered, I couldn’t help noticing the two faces of the Village. Some bungalows glowed, beautifully restored and alive with color. In one photo I snapped, a coral-pink house exploded with murals of tropical flowers and bold portraits, its charm undeniable.
But just down the street, another home told a different story. The house itself was tired, its upkeep falling behind, yet its wall still bore an expressive mural of stylized figures. The talent was there, even if the property wasn’t maintained.
That juxtaposition struck me. Every bungalow here is someone’s canvas, whether polished or weathered. Together, they reveal the raw, unfiltered character of the Village: art first, conformity last.
Did You Know?
Many of the Village’s 1920s bungalows were once modest worker homes — today they’re transformed into some of the most colorful galleries and studios on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Murals that Speak to You in Village of the Arts Bradenton
Some murals felt like they were painted just to grab your attention. The one I stopped to admire—a Day of the Dead–inspired skull—was playful and haunting all at once. A few steps away, I saw a serene musician sitting cross-legged atop a lotus flower. That contrast of bold and tranquil is the essence of VOTA: it’s a neighborhood that never speaks in one voice.
Did You Know?
The Village of the Arts is home to more than 200 murals, and many of them are repainted or refreshed every few years, so the neighborhood never looks the same twice.
Art Indoors, Outdoors, and Everywhere In-Between
On Art Walk nights, artists invite you into their studios—or bring the gallery outside. The following studio looked like a candy-colored gingerbread house, glowing with pinks and yellows. It felt like walking into an interesting fairytale complete with a skull boldly inviting or warning.
Others–like this property– transformed their gardens into immersive installations. Sculptures, string lights, and canvases spilled into the yard, blurring the line between private home and public gallery featuring dazzling jewelry.
That night, art wasn’t confined to walls. It lived in the air, on fences, in gardens, and under glowing porches.
Did You Know?
On Art Walk nights, front yards often double as pop-up galleries, with sculptures, canvases, and installations spilling beyond the walls of the homes.
Kaya Bar & the Sound of Music
One of the highlights of the evening was stumbling into the backyard Kaya Bar. Under string lights, surrounded by paintings and sculptures, we listened as Dovy Das, a talented musician from Lithuania (and a big YouTuber), performed live. His voice and guitar filled the night air, adding a rhythm to the Village’s color.
What a surprise to discover the Kaya Bar’s immersive backyard. We walked into an art gallery and bar-like setting, exploding with color, music, & good vibes. And then a few blocks away, the Birdrock Taco Shack buzzed with energy. Tables spilled onto the front yard as people enjoyed tacos, drinks, and conversation, mixing with the music and the art.
Did You Know?
Internationally known Lithuanian musician Dovy Das has performed at the Village’s Kaya Bar, turning a backyard stage into a YouTube-famous performance spot.
Whimsy in Every Corner
The Village is full of details you might miss if you’re not looking closely. A hand-painted sign points toward “Tattoo, Studio, Café” as if the Village needed to remind you—everything here is art.
At another art studio, a front yard becomes a sculpture garden, dotted with eclectic pieces that look part whimsical, part surreal. These aren’t just decorations—they are statements.
And then there were the immaculate homes like the one with the mural painted on the side of the studio, a coral-colored studio whose yard and porch looked perfectly maintained, Throughout VOTA, the contrasts confirm a polished counterpoint to the raw, graffiti-style bungalows elsewhere. That’s the charm of VOTA: every home/studio tells its own story.
Did You Know?
Some of the Village’s most eye-catching decorations — from hand-painted signs to whimsical yard sculptures — are made entirely from repurposed or upcycled materials.
Resilience Through Storms
The storms of 2024, including Hurricane Milton, weren’t kind to the Village as you’d quickly guess. How could these artists remove all art from outside their studios (and/or homes)? Additionally, you’ve noticed massive trees nestled in among these charming cottages and bungalows.
At Halloween last year, we returned to VOTA. It was a different experience. Perhaps we arrived too late (8 PM). Trick-or-treaters scurried to and from the handful of houses with lights turned on. The absence of strong street lights cast an eerie darkness on Village of the Arts…on Halloween. Hurricane-force winds and VOTA surely don’t mix well. Some murals were washed out, some cottages damaged. VOTA lost Bird Rock Taco Shop that in March 2022 seemed to be the beating heart of the Village.
But that’s the thing about the Village: art here isn’t permanent, and that’s part of its beauty. Like Sarasota’s shoreline, it shifts and rebuilds, constantly evolving.
Did You Know?
Even after storms like Hurricane Milton in 2024, the Village bounced back quickly, with artists repainting and rebuilding — sometimes adding new layers of art where damage once was.
Why the Village of the Arts Matters
Walking through the Village that March night reminded me why places like this matter. It isn’t a polished theme park or a curated gallery — it’s a living community of artists who open their doors and invite you in.
At the bottom of the “Flora and Fauna” print by artist Tom Casmer (2018), he describes the Village of the Arts: “The Village of the Arts is a kaleidoscope of unique shapes, vibrant colors, and rich textures created by the tree canopy, beautiful backyard gardens, and brightly colored homes. Free roaming felines have made front porch swings and sunny spots their home for the day.”
The Village of the Arts in Bradenton is quirky, imperfect, and unforgettable. Art here isn’t just something to view — it’s something to walk through, to feel in your bones.
I look forward to returning. In hindsight, last Halloween wasn’t the best time to visit, but I’m grateful the Village endured the storms of 2024. While no buildings appeared destroyed, I’m sure the neighborhood looks different today — with new artists, new backyards, new restaurants, and fresh bursts of creativity filling front yards and porches once again.
Keep Exploring:
📅 Find the next Art Walk dates on the Bradenton Village of the Arts website.
🌴 Browse more local events on the Sarasota Lifestyle Events Calendar.
🎨 Love Sarasota’s art scene? Read our pillar post: Wall Art Murals in Sarasota.
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Hi, I’m Mike – real estate agent, photographer, and blogger. Come along as I dive into all things Sarasota, Florida, share insider tips and exciting stories that make this place special. For 20+ years, I’ve helped countless people buy and sell property. Before I transitioned to full-time real estate, I taught high school English & coached basketball.”
3 responses to “Village of the Arts in Bradenton: A Colorful Walk Through Sarasota’s Neighboring Art Scene”
Hi Mike.
Hubby Steve & I are visiting Sarasota October 3, 4 & 5. We want to see VOTA. Is this place active at this time? Didn’t know if there was a schedule 4 Happenings or it is a daily place to visit.
Lisa & Stephen
Fort Myers Beach, FL
Lisa, go to the official website of Village of the Arts for their calendar of events > https://villageofthearts.org/. -Mike Payne
Hi Lisa,
Yes! Friday, October 3rd begins our season of fun. ArtWalk begins at 6pm (til 9:30)
Plus Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen will be presenting musician Jason Ricci (must see 7pm)
Reservations a good idea on ArtWalk nights at the restaurants.
Saturday the ArtWalk continues at 11am (til 4pm.) hope to see you 🎨