The Village of the Arts celebrates the opening of Bradenton's new Riverwalk (grand opening Oct. 18) and the inaugural Bradenton Blues Festival (Dec. 1) with "A River of Art in Blue" Artwalk.

The free event is 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The village's galleries and restaurants, including the fine-dining Sicilian dining spot Ortygia that was closed in September, will display an array of blue and blues themed art, music and food for the event.

Galleries have designed exhibits around the "blue" and "blues" theme including Dancing Crane Gallery presenting "The Crane Sings the Blues," Divine Excess Folk Arts where resident artists contribute to "Frida Kahlo Gets the Blues," Joan Peters Gallery displaying "Seascape Blues," Music Music with "Music Plays the Blues," Baobab Tree Gallery showing "Blue Fish Blitz" and Bits N' Pieces displaying "Quilted Blues."

Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Oct. 5 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 6, The Village of the Arts, located 4 blocks south of Manatee Ave. between 9th St. W. and 14th St. W. in downtown Bradenton. Information: 941-746-4556, or www.villageofthearts.com.

--Wade Tatangelo