Here's a look at how we’ve grown year over year:  

2013

• Established as a nonprofit organization 

• Produced our first community play, Red Rooster Tales, highlighting the rich history of the Parrish community

2014

• Hosted the first Music & Art Festival at the Florida Railroad Museum — the beginning of what later became the East2West Art Market
  Began exhibiting local artwork at the Friends of the Rocky Bluff Library

2015

• Participated in the inaugural Harrison Ranch Arts Guild Paint Off

2016

• Created a historic Parrish diorama and mural at the now-closed History of Parrish Experience Museum

• Taught an art workshop at Duette Elementary School

• Participated in the 30th Annual Parrish Heritage Day Parade

2017

• Launched our annual Paint Around collaborative art event

• Hosted our first Arts & Social, inviting the community to connect and create

2018

• Introduced Plein Air painting activities, including outings to Lemur Reserve and Blackbeard Ranch

• Expanded our exhibitions to the Manatee Performing Arts Center

• Moved the East2West Art Market indoors to Bradenton Area Convention Center

• Hosted our first Photography Competition

2019

• Partnered with Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum to host a Paint Around fundraiser benefiting all 3 organizations

2021

• Expanded our art exhibitions to include the ComCenters of Lakewood Ranch

• Launched the Artfully Angels program — creating and donating handmade cards for residents at a local nursing home.

2022

• Grew Artfully Angels into four dedicated creative card sessions throughout the year

2023

• Further expanded our exhibit locations to include Palma Sola. Received a grant to host our first Art in the Park outdoor exhibition

• Displayed member artwork at The River Wilderness Art Group's clubhouse

2024

• Began offering free monthly youth art classes at the Rocky Bluff Library

• Expanded Artfully Angels to include holiday cards for deployed military service members

• Increased Plein Air gatherings to twice a month

2025

• Partnered with the Herrig Center for the Arts on the Paint Around to support their youth art program for underprivileged children

• Held our first community “garage sale” fundraiser in support of future community activities

• Increased number of visits to nursing homes for Artfully Angels 

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