The Hernando County Fine Arts Council’s mission is to encourage, promote, and support all the creative arts in Hernando County and provide a means to showcase the arts.  ​

In 1982, a number of artists in Hernando and surrounding counties formed the Tri-County Professional Art League. In 1984, they decided they needed a way to display their work and established the very first Art in the Park Festival.

On April 21, 1987, the Hernando County Fine Arts Council was created by the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners as authorized by Section 265.32, Florida Statutes, giving it a 30-year presence in the county.

Art in the Park

This juried art show awards $4,000 in prize money, as well as a $500 scholarship for student art. The two day event is held in beautiful Tom Varn Park, and includes a Kids Zone, local entertainers, food vendors, and lots of wonderful art and crafts for sale.

The Hernando County Fine Arts Council, sponsor of the event, wishes to thank the more than 6,000 visitors, 160 exhibitors, entertainers including the Hernando Symphony Orchestra, and food vendors for a very successful 2018 show. Save the date: March 9 and 10 for the 2019 show.

Community Arts Grants

The Arts Council’s Community Arts Grant program offers up to $500 each to groups who promote art and art appreciation in Hernando County.

Recent grant projects included an elementary school musical production, an after-school art program, the Hernando Youth Orchestra, local art shows, and the creation of a new mural.

Murals

​One of the newest stops on Florida’s Mural Trail, Brooksville’s six murals on downtown buildings feature highlights of a hundred years of the area’s history.

Originally created by the Brooksville Mural Society, the murals are now promoted by the Arts Council. The council offers historical walking tours that include the murals.

We do what we do only with the help of our friends and supporters who understand the importance of all the Arts in our community.  We like to think they’re our partners in this fundamental concept which is central to any community’s identity. Because they have stood with us as we seek to achieve our Mission, we offer our sincere appreciation.  They include:

• Walmart Foundation
• Hernando County Board of County Commissioners
• Hernando County Tourist Development Council
• Capital City Bank
• SunTrust Bank
• Florida Blueberry Festival
• Florida Humanities Council
• Florida Division of Cultural Affairs
• The Florida Legislature and the Florida Department of Highway, Safety and Motor Vehicles (through funds generated by sales of “Florida – State of the Arts” license plates)