The Hernando County Fine Arts Council invites you to the 38^th Annual Art In The Park from 10 am to 5 pm on March 11 and 12, 2023. Stroll beneath the grandfather oaks surrounding a small lake, stopping to meet creative artists selling their fine arts and craft items. Everything from sculptures to jewelry is on display. Food vendors and tables for taking a break add to this relaxed event.

When you are looking for things to do in Brooksville, FL, Art in the Park should be on your list!

Art In The Park is a fun annual event dedicated to fine art, craftsmanship, and community that creates a unique opportunity and tradition for artists, collectors, and patrons. Artists and artisans showcase a wide variety of works and mediums inside of Tom Varn Park – a natural setting surrounded by beautiful oak trees located at 306 Darby Lane in Brooksville, Florida.

Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 for parking. All donations directly support the arts community of Hernando County. I recommend you bring plenty of funds, however, because the quality and variety of offerings are so tempting.

Highlights of Art In The Park include:

• Interactive art installations and live art demos
• Live music and performances
• Children’s Experience Area with free art activities
• Lakeside picnic area and food vendors
• Juried Art Show and Student Art Show
• “You be the Judge” – vote for your favorite artist!

Over 100 Fine Artists from 15 States are at Art In The Park

“We are back with fine artists and artisans from 15 states, new entertainment, our vibrant Children’s Experience Area, interactive art installations, live demos, food trucks, and so much more — for a full weekend celebrating artistry!

The growing art scene here in Hernando County is truly one to be celebrated and we are thrilled to be a part of it all,” states Allisa Babor, Chair of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council.

Art In The Park is a major fundraiser for the Council’s activities throughout the year. These include the mobile murals adorning downtown Brooksville’s historic buildings, a monthly art walk in Hernando Beach, painted fire hydrant program, children’s art camps, and grants to arts organizations, and grants to local schools.

This will be the 38^th annual show bringing in a diverse crowd of 6,000 attendees from Hernando County and our neighboring communities for a celebration of artistry in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Don’t Miss the Hernando County Student Art Show

With all of the fine artists and craftspeople displaying their talents, you want to make sure to take time to view the student art. The talents of local students never cease to amaze and inspire me. The kids look like ordinary teenagers, elementary and middle schoolers, but their passion and drive come through in their creations.

The Student Art Show has been a huge part of Art In The Park for years. This juried show is open to students of public, private, and homeschools in Hernando County, from elementary to AP/College! Prizes are awarded for the best works in each age category.

Children’s Experience Area offers Sensory-Friendly Art Activities

This event is quite family-friendly with a full Children’s Experience Area featuring free art activities for kids! In fact, POSABILITY will be joining the 38th Annual Art In The Park for their second year providing free, sensory-friendly art activities in the Children’s Experience Area! Last year, the kids loved creating a collaborative tree mural and making clay with custom scents. What could they have planned for this year?

POSABILITY is a local nonprofit that is dedicated to helping families impacted by disability and building awareness of inclusion and accessibility. They are a wonderful advocate and resource for the Hernando County community and the little artists here.

There are several organizations who are bringing free art activities for children throughout the festival. Come out to Art In The Park to learn more!

Live Entertainment will be Held throughout the Festival

There will be live musical performances by Davy Daniels, the Serious JuJu Show, The Gray Suns, Dan Chapman, and Dino Danger.

There will also be live demonstrations, including glass blowing demo by SENOiH, a chalk art demo by Hilary Frambes, and live painting by Nancy Barry, Clay Lint, and Lenny DiSalvo.

Performances by local groups include Stir Up the Gift, Suzuki Strings, Above Reproach, the Live Oak Theatre, Funtastic Gymnastics, the Debbie Cole School of Dance, Rhythm and Sole Tape Ensemble, Tony the Balloon Guy, Nick France, Profound Revelations Studio, and the Percussion Petting Zoo.

In 2022, the Council wanted to do a “yarn bomb” at Art In The Park, so they asked the community for donations of crocheted art. So many amazing artists contributed to this public art installation, including members of the Sew Faithful and Weeki Wachee Senior Clubs, providing everything from butterflies and roosters to classic granny squares. This fun installation is coming back for this year’s event!

Volunteers Have a Blast at Art In The Park

Want to get involved with the local arts community? One way to help is by volunteering at the event! Each of our volunteers contributes something unique, making each year more special. Help us by installing our stages and art installations, assisting artists with check-in, or setting up our student show! Hernando County’s biggest art show is not possible without our amazing team of volunteers…you are needed!

Sign up to volunteer here – www.hernandoarts.org/volunteer-aitp

To learn more about Art In The Park or to volunteer, please visit www.hernandoarts.org or email artinthepark@hernandoarts.org.

All images are courtesy of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council and Art In The Park.

38th Annual Art In The Park “Things to Know”

• This Juried Art Show is March 11-12 from 10am to 5pm in Tom Varn Park, 306 Darby Lane, Brooksville.
• Admission is free.
• Parking is a $5 donation which helps fund the arts in Hernando County.
• Children are welcome. There are free children’s art activities.
• Over 100 fine artists and craftspeople from 15 states are exhibiting, with over $6,000 of awards.
• There are live art demonstrations and interactive art exhibits.
• Vote for your Favorite Art In The Park Artist.
• There are food vendors and a lakeside picnic area.