The summer season, with its full schedule of patriotic holidays (Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and of course the Fourth of July), seems the perfect time for artistic expressions of American pride.
Michele DiLuzio, conductor of the Hernando Symphony Orchestra, celebrated Memorial Day by participating in Taps Across America, a national music project spearheaded by CBS News “On the Road” correspondent Steve Hartman and Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva, that called upon veterans, musicians, teachers, and students of all abilities and ages to sound Taps on their front lawns, porches, and driveways at 3 p.m. May 25.
DiLuzio played Taps, the bugle call played at American military funerals and ceremonies, from the stage of her own driveway; posting the results on the Symphony Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/hernandosymphony.
“Remembering those and their sacrifice,” the post read. “Our Conductor, Michele.”
Elsewhere in the Hernando arts community, artist Terry Smith has been honored for his artistic representations of the American landscape. He won a 1st place ($850) honor in the 36th Annual Art in the Park art competition. The Hernando County Fine Arts Council, along with premier sponsor Florida’s Adventure Coast, is honoring the judges’ winners from the 36th Annual Art in the Park, which took place March 14 and 15, at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville.
Smith was honored for his excellent exhibit of watercolor, oil and acrylic representations of nature and landscape subjects.
This multi-award-winning artist has provided commissioned paintings for corporations, banks, and conservation groups; and has seen work featured in state and local magazines, including “Southern Living” and “Tampa Bay Life.” And aside from being a profession, Clark considers the visual arts to be a true lifelong passion.
“I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and, as a young boy, spent many hours roaming the woods along the rivers and creeks in the north and central parts of the state,” he said. “From these experiences I developed a desire to translate onto canvas what I had seen and experienced outdoors. After moving to Florida in 1979, I was able to explore the beautiful swamps and wetlands, and observe the indigenous birds and animals that are unique to the area.”
After putting his artistic pursuits on hold to focus on career and family, Clark resumed his artistic pursuits in the late 1970s.
“I began painting at a very early age, but like many artists, put aside my desire to paint while I focused on developing a career to support my family. I started painting in earnest in 1977 when my wife signed me up for an art class,” he said. “My passion increased as I became a working artist (if you call doing what you love work) in 1999. I paint what I know best….outdoors and wildlife. I love to observe the light as it picks its way through the foliage; such sights and scenes inspire me when painting on location.”
Learn more about the work of Terry Clark at http://terrysmithstudio.com/?fbclid=IwAR02KdvxMuCaMJrIul2YBruszhIMfDPjfbJlLz6C0rF32tdabo4gAmEnMyI.
“I paint in watercolor, acrylic, and oil,” he said. “When I’m asked which medium I prefer, my answer is always “I love them all”.”
Send your own art, awards notices, and good news to Hernando Sun community reporter Megan Hussey at [email protected].
