justin alstedek art in the park 2023

39th Annual Art in the Park Festival promises to be the Best Ever

By Diane Bedard Posted on February 29, 2024

The Hernando County Fine Arts Council is excited to announce the 39th Annual Art in the Park. This year’s festival promises to be the best ever, taking place on March 9 from 10 am to 5 pm and March 10 from 10 am to 4 pm at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville, Florida.

Art in the Park is a cherished annual celebration of fine art, craftsmanship, and community, offering a unique gathering for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

This event showcases a broad spectrum of artistic works and mediums in the serene and natural beauty of Tom Varn Park, 301 Darby Lane in Brooksville, Florida, surrounded by majestic oak trees.

Entry is complimentary, with a suggested $5 parking donation to directly benefit the Hernando County arts community.

Explore Fine Arts and Crafts from 20 States at Art in the Park

“We’re thrilled to announce our most diverse lineup yet, featuring fine artists and artisans hailing from an impressive 20 states. Alongside new entertainment, the beloved Children’s Experience Area, interactive art installations & live demonstrations, food trucks, and much more, Art in the Park promises a weekend-long celebration of creativity.

Hernando County’s flourishing art scene is a testament to the vibrant community we serve, and we are proud to highlight this unprecedented growth,” says Allisa Babor, Chair of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council.

Now in its 39th year, Art in the Park continues to attract a wide audience, drawing over 6,000 attendees from Hernando County and beyond, fostering a spirit of community and artistic appreciation in a welcoming environment.

You can meet artists from across the U.S. at Art in the Park March 9-10 in Brooksville.

Meet Artists from across the U.S. at the 39th Annual Art in the Park March 9-10

Fine arts exhibitors travel from all over the United States to exhibit their works of art with our community. You will find jaw-dropping paintings, ceramics, fiber art, sculptures, jewelry, photography, and more. Meet these fine artisans at their booths. Some are working while the show is going on and others are happy to discuss their creations, techniques, and your needs when you stop by.

This is an event to help you enjoy the arts of Hernando County and beyond! It has a relaxed, open vibe that encourages communication and interaction.

There will also be two days of stage entertainment, several interactive art installations, and live art demonstrations – including chalk art with Hilary Frambes, a community art mural with Nancy Barry, and live flameworking demonstrations by senOiH Glass.

Entertainment featuring Performing Arts is Part of the Fun

Art in the Park creates a unique opportunity for artists, collectors, and art lovers alike by bringing together many art forms to entertain all ages all weekend long.

Weekend-long festivities include engaging musical performances, dancing, interactive performances, art installations, participatory art, and live art demonstrations from a diverse selection of musicians and artists.

Art in the Park 2024
The entire park is transported into an art encampment, with live music, stage performances, 100+ fine arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, art installations, live art demonstrations, and more.

2024 Main Stage Entertainment Schedule

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Main Stage Entertainment

10 AM – 12 PM: Davy Daniels
12 PM – 1:30 PM: Serious JuJu Show
3:30 PM – 4 PM: Keemba on the Drums

Live Art Demonstrations

All day: Chalk art mural by Hilary Frambes
1:30 – 2 pm: Live flameworking & wine glass demo by senOiH Glass

senioh glass demonstration
SenOiH live glass working demonstrations will be held on March 9 and 10.

Sunday, March 10, 2024
Main Stage Entertainment

10 – 11:30 am: Chris Korbus
12 – 1:30 pm: Dino Danger
2 – 3:30 pm: Joseph Hudoklin

drums in the park
Live music is held throughout the park, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Sunday Live Art Demonstrations

12:30 – 2 pm: Interactive puzzle mural with Wall Yak Puzzle
1:30 – 2 pm: Community painting activity with Nancy Barry
1:30 – 2 pm: Live flameworking & wine glass demo by senOiH Glass

– Live Art Demonstrations and Art Installations will be marked with a gold star on the vendor map!

Children’s Experience Area 2024 Schedule of Events

The Children’s Experience offers a child-sized Art in the Park art festival for children. Located adjacent to the main portion of Art in the Park, the goal of The Children’s Experience is to encourage children’s creativity through hands-on art activities beyond coloring sheets. In addition to free, interactive art activities, the Children’s Experience Area also provides two days of family-friendly stage entertainment!

Saturday, March 9, 2024

10:30 – 11 am: Suzuki Strings
11 am – 12 pm: Above Reproach
12 – 12:30 pm: Stephanie Barnett Sager
1 – 1:30 pm: Funtastic Gymnastics
1:30 – 2:30 pm: Stir Up The Gift
2:30 – 3 pm: Stage West
3:30 – 4:30 pm: Rhythm And Sole Tap Ensemble

There is an entire kid-sized Art in the Park within the Festival!

Sunday, March 10, 2024

12 – 1 pm: Stir Up The Gift
1:30 – 2 pm: Tony the Balloonguy
2 – 3 pm: Profound Revelations Studio
3 – 3:30 pm: Rhythm And Movement
3:30 – 4 pm: **Finale** Keemba Da Percussionist

The Student Art Show

Each year, a large tent is infused with youthful creations from local students. The Student Art Show at Art in the Park always gives me hope for the future.

This exhibit features the works of Hernando County students from public, private, and home schools, including Elementary, Middle, High School, and AP/College.

student art award
Hernando County students enter their best art in the Student Art Show. Awards are given in each age category.

Prizes are awarded for the best works in each age category, as well as for Sculpture media. The young artists of Hernando County are sure to surprise you!

Volunteers Make Art in the Park Happen!

Art in the Park is a major fundraiser to support the arts in Hernando County, and volunteers make that possible. Whether you have a couple of hours you can spare or feel like devoting the whole weekend to making things run smoothly, Art in the Park volunteers are needed. Volunteers to help us with Hospitality, Parking, Entertainment, Art Installations, Event Set Up / Clean Up, and more.

With 38 years of experience putting on this event, the volunteer duties are well organized, which makes it easier to fulfill your commitment.

Click here to review the available volunteer slots and sign up to get involved with Hernando County’s largest arts event! The Volunteer Coordinator will follow up with you.

art in the park volunteers
Some of 2023’s Art in the Park volunteers. It’s a good gig.

To learn more about Art in the Park or to volunteer with us, please visit www.AITPhernando.com or email artinthepark@hernandoarts.org.

All images courtesy of Art in the Park and the Hernando County Fine Arts Council.

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