Art in the Park Seeks Sponsors & Volunteers

Art in the Park has served as the signature arts event in Hernando County for nearly four decades. Here, artists and artisans showcase a full spectrum of masterworks in virtually every medium in the beautiful natural setting beneath the oaks of Tom Varn Park—for a diverse crowd of 6,000 attendees from Hernando County and neighboring communities who gather for a grand celebration of artistry, each spring on the second weekend in March.

The 39th Annual Art in the Park will take place March 9 and 10 at Tom Varn Park, 306 Darby Lane, Brooksville, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Hernando County Fine Arts Council and a group of committed community volunteers are organizing this event. Organizers hope that this year’s Art in the Park, the largest art show in Hernando County, will be the best and most widescale yet. It is the mission of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council “to encourage, promote, and support all the creative arts in Hernando County and provide a means to showcase them. We work to fulfill this mission through advocacy, engagement, education, and art-inspired programs and events. We are dedicated to providing accessible opportunities that invite art into the lives of Hernando County residents and visitors.”

“We are committed to enhancing the experience for every artist, collector, and patron of the arts that attends our show,” read a related event notice.

In order to accomplish this goal, Art in the Park organizers are putting out a public, communitywide call, seeking the aid of sponsors and volunteers for the event.

“With the help of our gracious volunteers and sponsors, we can pour more arts opportunities back into Hernando County and continue to bring Art in the Park to our community!” said Jessica Knutilla, Administrative Assistant for HCFAC. “This year, we have worked hard to develop a marketing plan to bring more people into Art in the Park than ever before.”

A sponsorship at Art in the Park, says Knutilla, entitles the bearer to a great deal of positive exposure for their brand and message.

“This is a great opportunity to get your message in front of 6,000+ local art lovers and community members!” she said.

The arts council particularly needs sponsors for the exciting special features set to be presented at Art in the Park.

“We would love to partner with an entertainment sponsor! This is a great opportunity to support our local artists and provide paid opportunities for local performers, live painters, and other art demonstrations,” said Knutilla. “We are also looking for Artist Prize Sponsors and a Student Art Show Sponsor to help us provide prize money and other awards for our artists.”

Art in the Park sponsorships also include the $5,000 Presenting Sponsor, the Children’s Area Sponsor, $2500, the Food Court Sponsor, $1500, the Parking Lot Sponsor, $1500, the Artist Prize Sponsor, $500, the Show Sponsor, $250, and the Arts Sponsor, $100.

“Sponsorship benefits include multimedia integration to guarantee your brand reaches our vast number of viewers across social media, print, and web platforms; exposure to thousands of individuals in Hernando County and the Greater Tampa Bay Area,” read an Art in the Park sponsorship summary. “A philanthropic way to create awareness for your business or nonprofit; brand recognition exposed to a diverse crowd of 6,000 attendees from Hernando County and our neighboring communities for a celebration of artistry in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.”

To find out more about Art in the Park sponsorship opportunities, visit www.aitphernando.com/sponsor-aitp

Allisa Babor, 2024 Hernando County Fine Arts Council Chair, emphasizes the value of the Art in the Park event to the Hernando arts scene–and, for that matter, the community as a whole.

“The Hernando County Arts Council needs your support! Art In The Park not only gives artists and vendors much-needed income, but it also supports Arts Council grant programs for teachers and nonprofits, which have involved more than 20,000 people in the arts in recent years,” said Babor. “Our show offers some exciting changes sure to draw more visitors than ever. We are very excited about continuing to bring diverse, engaging, and talented artists from around the country to Brooksville and to continue expanding the Children’s Experience Area and our selection of live entertainment and demonstrations!”

Babor invites all to be a part of Hernando’s premiere art event. “Whether you are a new supporter or a returning sponsor, thank you!” she said. “Your support makes the festival possible.”

At this point, Art in the Park also seeks volunteers willing to lend their service at the 39th Annual Art in the Park. Specifically, volunteer assistance is needed in the areas of hospitality, parking, entertainment, art installations, event set-up/clean-up, and more.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Art in the Park, visit www.aitphernando.com/volunteer.