The Hernando County Fine Arts Council, along with this year’s presenting sponsor, Raymond James Financial Inc., invites you to the 35th Annual Art in the Park event on Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10 from 10 am to 5 pm at Tom Varn Park, 306 Darby Lane, in downtown Brooksville.

This celebration of fine arts and crafts features original artwork by over 130 fine art and craft exhibitors in a lovely park setting. There is also a festival food court and free children’s art tent.

There will be two full days of live entertainment throughout the celebration with a special appearance by the Hernando Symphony Orchestra performing Pops in the Park. Please bring your chair and enjoy the music under the beautiful oaks.

It is relaxing and admission is free. There is a suggested donation of $5 for parking.

Art in the Park was nominated for the second year in a row as one of the Top 20 events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

This year’s attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award, and each voter has a chance to win $100 in a cash drawing. The winning artist gets a $50 cash prize.

The History of Art in the Park

The Art in the Park event was first held in Masaryktown in 1984 to celebrate the arts in Hernando County. Larry Whidden was the first chairman and was assisted by a small group of local artists.

It grew so much that the ‘fine arts show’ had to move to Tom Varn Park nearly 20 years ago. This wonderful venue features artist and crafter diplays set along a paved, winding path under magnificent oak trees.

Supporting Arts in the Community

The profits from Art in the Park fund a community grant program supporting the arts in the local community, including school art programs, art leagues, youth orchestras and the Hernando Symphony Orchestra, dance and music concerts and recitals that are open to the public.

Juried Show offers $4,000 in Prize Money

Art in the Park features a juried art show that attracts over 115 local, state, and national fine art and craft exhibitors competing for $4,000 in prize money.

There will also be a juried student art show featuring works of art from children ranging in age from elementary school through college level.

Families are encouraged to visit the free children’s art activity tent where young people can experiment with different mediums to create their own take-away masterpiece.

Art in the Park is a relaxing, family-friendly event that includes a festival food court to whet patrons’ appetites.

The 35th Annual Art in the Park is presented by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, PO Box 1265, Brooksville, Florida 34605. Call 352-279-5182 for more information.

For more information visit www.HernandoArts.org or call 352-279-5182.

Enjoy Brooksville’s Fine Murals too

The Brooksville Mural Society, Inc. was formed in 2001 to “Enhance the cultural and educational development of the residents of the city of Brooksville and Hernando County through the creation, development, and promotion of murals and other public artworks of regional and historical significance.”

As of 2019, there are six murals #1 -The Stroll 200I – #2 – Fire and Police 2002 #3 – Physicians 2003 #4 – Fifties Drug Store 2004 #6 – Livery Stable 2008. The Hernando County Arts Council would be glad to assist in anyone interested in future murals.

The Fire and Police mural was done by artist Keith Goodson who explains, “The town wanted to depict the 1920’s Lafrance fire engine that used to be in service for the city. The mural was painted over the original bay doors that were sealed up with stucco. This mural comes complete with its own painted fire dog.”

Plan to visit Art in the Park March 9 and 10 to get your art on in the fresh air of beautiful Brooksville.

To learn more about Art in the Park or how you can help support the creative arts in Hernando County, visit hernandoarts.org.