About Us

Beverly Kershaw ~ Owner / Curator / Gallery Manager

Beverly's interest in The Village of the Arts began after attending the initial ceremony and the Grand Opening in 1999. She continued to enjoy Village events over the years, never thinking that she would one day be a gallery owner. On a visit to the Village in the spring of 2006, Beverly saw a “For Sale” sign on a gallery. Her thoughts quickly went from that of a visitor enjoying gallery hopping to her vision of creating an art gallery.

The Dancing Crane was born!

Beverly came to the art gallery business as a result of art courses in college, studying oil painting in Ogunquit, Maine, and numerous classes in multi-media at The Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, her former home. With a keen interest in the diversity and beauty of many art forms, sketch pads were constant companions on her travels. Fashion and design were also a part of her experience and interests.
After college, she spent a year in Japan where she worked with the Ministry of Education to develop educational films for the purpose of educating those in other countries, including the United States, about the Japanese culture and people. She had an English Speaking Language Course on Japanese television, taught English at a Tokyo university and Hongo High School . Mitsubishi and Fuji Film executives were also her students. She studied Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging.

A wonderful aspect of The Dancing Crane Gallery is the diversity of art and the creativity of the many fine artists who exhibit there. The gallery provides a place where artists and guests mingle during Art Walks and other events in an atmosphere that is relaxed and friendly as they enjoy the gallery rooms and the lovely gardens.

Beverly and her husband George reside in Bradenton, Florida.

The Back Studio is available FOR RENT for a working artist who wants an inspiring place to work and have their own gallery space as well. It's also an ideal space for teaching a small art class. Come to see the space during gallery hours.
Call 744.1333 for rental price or email ArtGallery@dancing-crane.com
RENTED

The Garden Gallery will be available for rent during the Season. This is an opportunity to have your own exhibition space at an affordable cost from October through April. It is a perfect area for a craftsperson who wishes to create and display their work and open their doors on First Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, they could choose to be open any other time that the main Gallery is open. Showcase your work as people come into the gardens from the main Gallery front door as well as the rear garden gate from other galleries and shops.
Call 941.744.1333 for rental price or email ArtGallery@dancing-crane.com

Our Beautiful Gardens are available to rent for receptions, parties, business functions, all kinds of celebrations, theater groups, women’s groups, men’s groups, showers, bachelor parties, tea with your friends, family reunions, etc.
From October through May the weather is usually perfect for any event. Private gardens cannot be seen from the street. Lights line the walkways, the pond and waterfall, and dazzle on the gazebo, making it an enchanting garden paradise.
Catering may be arranged through The Village restaurants or the restaurant of your choice.

Music is always festive on First Fridays and First Saturdays. Musicians on the front porch and in The Gardens delight visitors! If you or someone you know would like this opportunity, please call 941.744.1333. Any musician can use this volunteer opportunity for exposure to their music and to sell CD’s of their work.