Central Library Honors Bradenton Artist with Display

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Central Library will host an 8-piece display of local artist Margaret Downs, including both oil studies and charcoal portraits. The library is a fitting location, as Margaret has had a lifelong passion for reading, while also dedicating a tremendous amount of her time as a library volunteer.

Volunteering at the library for over 14 years, Margaret has contributed over 3,263 hours shelving books, 156 hours painstakingly repairing books and 336 hours volunteering in the Friends of the Library Bookstore.

The store, located just steps from the entrance of the library, offers great deals on books by the bundle, collectables and coffee table-type books and just great reads.

As she approaches her 90th birthday in October, the artist has realized another passion – sketching. After moving to Florida in 1999, she began taking lessons from various art instructors at the ArtCenter Manatee, where she was introduced to Charles Miano of The Southern Atelier, and has continued to study under his guidance for the last nine years. 

After completing 50 Barque Plates to learn the human form, Downs embarked on the completion of many portraits of family members and live model studies drawn at weekly lessons at the Southern Atelier. On exhibit are portraits of her grandson, Justin Clegg; daughter, Sydney Shaurette; son-in-law, Rick Shaurette; and her late husband, Joe Downs.

To see Margaret’s exhibit at the Central Library, take the elevator to the second floor, exit right, and then turn right, continuing down the corridor to the administration offices. Pass through the double doors and the exhibit is on your left.