39th Annual Art in the Park: A Legacy of Family and Arts Awareness

For nearly four decades, the celebrated Art in the Park (AITP) event has brought a divine aura of beauty, creativity and festivity to the Hernando County arts scene, providing a showcase and spotlight for artists of all media who can offer their masterworks to art enthusiasts in a lovely, open-air atmosphere. Now in its 39th year, Art in the Park continues to attract a broad audience, drawing more than 6,000 attendees from Hernando County and beyond, fostering a spirit of community and artistic appreciation in a welcoming environment. And this year’s AITP promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The Hernando County Fine Arts Council will host the 39th Annual Art in the Park at Tom Varn Park, 301 Darby Ln., Brooksville, on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on March 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is complimentary, with a suggested $5 parking donation to benefit the Hernando County arts community directly.

For more information, please visit the website at www.aitphernando.com or the Facebook event page at https://fb.me/e/1awxxygbD.

“We’re thrilled to announce our most diverse lineup yet, featuring fine artists and artisans hailing from an impressive 20 states. Alongside new entertainment, the beloved Children’s Experience Area, interactive art installations & live demonstrations, food trucks, and much more, Art in the Park promises a weekend-long celebration of creativity. Hernando County’s flourishing art scene is a testament to the vibrant community we serve, and we are proud to highlight this unprecedented growth,” says Allisa Babor, Chair of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council.

At the heart of Art in the Park is a juried art show of more than 100 artists and a huge student art show set to include work from kids across the county. Prizes for $6,500 will be awarded as a part of the juried art show, including a $1,250 Best of Show honor, a Fine Art Award of Excellence valued at $1,000, and a Fine Craft Award of Excellence valued at $675.

“This is the Hernando County Fine Arts Council’s largest event all year. Expect more fine art than ever before, with over 100 of the area’s best artists coming from all over to exhibit their work,” said Jessica Knutila, administrative assistant for HCFAC.

Art in the Park supplies a diverse forum for arts of all kinds. Featured media include fine arts painting, fine arts ceramics, fine crafts, fine arts drawing & graphics, fine arts fibers, fine arts sculpture, fine arts jewelry, fine arts photography, fine arts digital art, and fine arts mixed media.

“Here’s what to expect,” said Knutila. “Interactive art installations throughout the park. Two days of live music and performances. Live painting, chalk art, glassblowing and community murals! Lakeside picnic area and lots of food vendors.”

Like last year, chalk artist Hilary Meyers Frambes will be a featured demo artist at Art in the Park, creating a chalk art mural during the event. “Chalk art is a dynamic and ephemeral performance art that evolves right before your eyes,” she said. “I really create large-scale art while chatting with passers-by.”

Linda Reitz King, an acrylic paint and acrylic fluid artist who offers her resin art at Lreitzart.com, is proud and excited to be a first-time Art in the Park participant.

“I was drawn to how AITP brings the community together in a beautiful and relaxing setting,” she said. “I love how the sponsors and community come together to support and encourage the creativity of an array of artists as well as evolve and influence the younger generation.”

“I believe art can actually bring great meaning into the lives of our younger generation, and AITP is striving to accomplish this. I am very excited to be included in this event this year!!” she continued.

Live entertainment acts featured this year will include Davy Daniels, Serious JuJu Show, Keemba on the Drums, live flameworking & wine glass demos by SenOiH Glass, Chris Korbus, Dino Danger, Joseph Hudoklin, an interactive puzzle mural with Wall Yak Puzzle, and a community painting activity with Nancy Barry.

Student art, along with the fostering of creative talent in young people, also plays a vital role in the proceedings at Art in the Park. “This event is family-friendly,’ said Knutila, “with a full Children’s Experience Area with free art activities for kids.”

The presentation of live, kid-friendly entertainment acts by Stir Up The Gift, Tony the Balloon Guy, Profound Revelations Studio, Rhythm and Movement, Keemba Da Percussionist, Suzuki Strings, Above Reproach, Stephanie Barnett Sager, Funtastic Gymnastics, Stir Up The Gift, Stage West, and Rhythm and Sole Tap Ensemble will liven up the Children’s Experience Area.

Cheryl Hill, exhibitor coordinator and treasurer of the HCFAC, says that Art in the Park is truly an all-inclusive event. “Artists from all over the country will be at Art in the Park,” she said.

And in homage to the history and tradition of Art in the Park, a special tribute is planned to Pasco- and Hernando-based artist and sculptor Larry Whidden, credited among the founders and organizers of this event. “We are deeply grateful for Larry Whidden’s visionary contributions to the arts in Hernando County and his family’s generous donation of his sculptures. Larry was a pioneering force in shaping our vibrant arts scene, from the inception of the Masaryktown Art Festival to his role in the establishment of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council. His legacy is not just in the art he created but also in the community he helped build. Through his work and the continued presence of his sculptures, Larry’s spirit and passion for the arts will inspire and enrich our community for generations to come,” said Allisa Babor, Hernando County Fine Arts Council Chair.

Whidden’s daughter, Heather Whidden, has donated a number of her father’s sculptures to the Hernando County Fine Arts Council–pulling from his curated collection of tropical bird and animal sculptures known as the Bronze Zoo.

“My father had a strong work ethic and always made his dreams a reality. In his younger years, he did much for the community and arts awareness,” she said. “He started and was the original founder of the Masaryktown Arts Festival, which became what is known today as Art in the Park. Which brings thousands of people together to enjoy a collaboration of art and that magic of hard work and of those that keep his dream alive.”

For the occasion of Art in the Park and as an HCFAC fund-raiser, the Art in the Park Sculpture Raffle will make it possible for one lucky winner to possess their own Larry Whidden sculpture! Chance raffle tickets for the Larry Whidden sculpture will be available for purchase starting March 9, 2024, at Art in the Park and will continue until the upcoming Arts Council Have a Heart for the Arts Gala event on April 27, 2024, or until the minimum fundraising goal is met, whichever is later. Tickets are available: 1 for $5, 6 for $25, or 12 for $50. The raffle drawing will only be conducted after a minimum of $2,000 has been raised from ticket sales. This amount is set to honor the sculpture’s valuation of $3,000 and to ensure significant support for the Hernando HCFAC. The winner of the Larry Whidden sculpture will be selected through a random drawing. This raffle is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Knutila invites all to this signature, time-honored event on the Hernando County arts scene. “Come show support for the Arts Council as we present our 39th annual art show!’ she said. ‘We can’t do it without the support of our amazing arts community. Special thanks to our sponsors, the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, Florida’s Adventure Coast, Adams Family Plumbing, Suncoast Credit Union, and Mrs. Grout and all of our community partners and donors who have made Art in the Park possible!”

In the eyes of Heather Whidden, Art in the Park represents a true legacy of art, community, family and tradition. “Art in the Park continues my father’s legacy of arts awareness,” she said, “along with the Hernando Arts Council.”