Artists of all varieties are called to exhibit their masterworks at the 38th Annual Art in the Park, an annual event hosted by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, set to take place March 11 and 12 at Tom Varn Park, 301 Darby Ln, Brooksville. The call for artists for Art in the Park is offered through Jan. 12.
“This is Hernando County’s largest art show, with over 100 exhibitors and an expected attendance of 6,000 people from all over Florida,” said Jessica Knutila, arts council spokesperson. “The event will feature more than 100 fine artists and crafters, and cash prizes for artists totaling $6,500.”
Art in the Park is set to feature a beautiful myriad of fine art media, from Painting to Ceramics, Crafts to Drawing & Graphics, Fibers to Sculpture, Jewelry to Photography, and Digital Art to Mixed Media.
“Art in the Park is an annual event dedicated to fine art, craftsmanship, and community that creates a unique opportunity and tradition for artists, collectors, and patrons of the arts. Artists and artisans showcase a wide variety of works and mediums inside of Tom Varn Park — a natural setting surrounded by beautiful oak trees in Brooksville, Florida,” read information released through the arts council website at https://www.hernandoarts.org/apply-aitp. “This will be our 38th annual show…bringing in a diverse crowd from Hernando County and our neighboring communities for a celebration of artistry in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.”
In addition, this year’s Art in the Park is set to feature many amazing event extras.
“We’ll have Free Visitor Admission, convenient on-site parking, food court and food trucks, live stage entertainment, a lakeside picnic area, art Installations & photo ops, and a ‘You Be The Judge’ feature that allows you to vote for your favorite artist or crafter,” said Knutila.
And the younger set, in particular, can participate in a Student Art Show and a Children’s Experience Area with free activities for kids.
Furthermore, participating artists will compete for some impressive cash prizes in this gala show, set to be assessed by two judges selected from prominent regional art professionals with extensive art backgrounds and past judging experience. Judging will be held Saturday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to completion. Awards will be presented at the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Night Artists’ Reception. Awards will include a Best in Show honor for $1,250, a Fine Art Award of Excellence for $1,000, a Fine Art Award of Distinction for $800, a Fine Art Award of Achievement for $600, a Fine Art Award of Recognition for $400, a Fine Art Award of Merit for $200, a Fine Art Honorable Mention for $150, a Fine Craft Award of Excellence for $675, a Fine Craft Award of Distinction for $475, a Fine Craft Award of Achievement for $350, a Fine Craft Award of Recognition for $275, a Fine Craft Award of Merit for $200, and a Fine Craft Honorable Mention for $150.
And, says Knutila, participating artists will also receive many extras and benefits. “We offer booth-sitting by our volunteers, complimentary coffee & doughnuts, and overnight security,” she said.
As artists share their artistic wares, they’ll also lend a creative helping hand to other artists. “Art in the Park benefits our art grant programs for nonprofits & students,” said Knutila.
For more information about Art in the Park, including the full list of exhibitors’ fees for 11 X 11 booth spaces and to apply, visit www.hernandoarts.org/apply-aitp. For more information, also visit the Facebook page at “Art in the Park Brooksville FL” and the Facebook event – “38th Annual Art in the Park.” Also, for more info about sponsorship and partnership opportunities, visit this link – www.hernandoarts.org/sponsorship-opportunities.
To volunteer at Art in the Park, please visit this link – www.hernandoarts.org/volunteer-aitp
