Four art lovers dedicated to encouraging and promoting the creative arts locally.
The Hernando County Fine Arts Council is proud to introduce its newly elected officers for 2025-2026. Nominated in a December 2024 meeting, the new officers are Pedram Moghaddam as Chair, Diane Greenwell as Vice Chair, Cheryl Hill as Treasurer and Isaiah Haddon as Secretary.
“This is a truly dedicated group of arts lovers who are committed to the Arts Council’s mission to encourage, promote and support creative arts in Hernando County,” said Jessica Knutila, spokeswoman for the council.
The new officers, who possess an exciting mixture of views and expertise, join the council at a pivotal time to help further its work in support of the arts and culture sector and field.
Meet the Hernando County Fine Arts Council new officers:
Pedram Moghaddam
Pedram, a Brooksville resident, is passionate about art, plants, painting and permaculture. Gallery Curator at Gallery 201 in Brooksville for three years, Pedram helped grow artist participation and public interest in fine art locally and currently leads the council’s initiative to install public art throughout Hernando County.
He is also the coordinator for the Student Art Show as part of the upcoming 40th Art in the Park and is responsible for fostering the creative talent of young people locally. He coordinates a county-wide showcase of student talent with local art teachers and home-school groups.
“Most anyone in the Hernando County arts community knows and loves Pedram,” said Knutila. “From his past work as a gallery curator to his current roles as public art chair and student art show coordinator, Pedram is a reliable friend to all artists and a huge supporter of the arts,” she said.
Diane Greenwell
Diane is a resident of Hernando Beach and single-handedly founded the Hernando Beach Front Porch Art Walk in January 2023. Since then, she has grown the event from 20 to more than 50 artists each month. Front Porch Art Walk happens on the first Saturday of each month to promote local art as well as our coastal businesses and community.
Diane has many hobbies and passions—photography, event planning, websites and social media marketing. As the Community Advocacy and Outreach chair, Diane is responsible for planning outreach efforts and attending events in partnership with local community organizations.
“In my role as Vice Chair, it is my hope to find ways to work with various organizations in Hernando County to cross promote events and bring more art awareness to our local artists and communities,” said Diane Greenwell. “By coordinating event dates, opportunities and volunteers, we have an opportunity to make each organization stronger.”
Cheryl Hill
Cheryl is the Art in the Park Exhibitor Coordinator and manages all aspects of exhibitor and vendor participation for Art in the Park, including the application process, vendor communication and recruiting jurors.
As the community Arts Grant Program Chair, Cheryl coordinates one of our major grant programs, which provides local nonprofits with $1,000 grants. Under her leadership, the council sponsored nine community art projects in 2024, including four murals, two art classes, a student art exhibit and an art therapy program for children.
“Every organization needs someone like Cheryl,” said Knutila. “She keeps us budget-minded and well-positioned to move our mission forward.”
Isaiah Haddon
Isaiah joined the Hernando County Fine Arts Council in 2022 with a desire to bring his perspective as a musician to the team, hoping to expand performance art and live music in the county. A musician and artist, Isaiah performs around the county and surrounding areas with his band, He Kindly.
As Entertainment Coordinator, Isaiah coordinates artiste performances appearing at Art in the Park, including musical ensembles and live artist demonstrations.
One He Kindly band member said, “Isaiah is the lead singer in our band, making him perfectly suited for his role as entertainment coordinator with the council. He brings his love of music into everything he does, always ensuring that the Arts Council keeps focus on promoting not only the visual arts but local musicians too.”
“On behalf of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, we are excited that such a distinguished group of individuals have been elected to join our team and will strive to make Art in the Park a success,” said Knutila. “I’m delighted to offer them my sincerest congratulations.”
Sue Quigley writes regularly for the Hernando Sun. She can be reached at [email protected] or by telephone at 727.247.6308.
Mark Your Calendars for the 40th Anniversary Art In The Park
Hosted by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, the 40th anniversary of Hernando County’s premier art show, Art in the Park, will take place March 8 and 9, 2025, at Tom Varn Park, 301 Darby Lane, in Brooksville.
Art in the Park is an annual event dedicated to fine art, craftsmanship, and community and creates a unique opportunity and tradition for artists, collectors, and patrons of the arts. Artists and artisans will be able to showcase their work in a natural setting surrounded by beautiful oak trees in Brooksville, FloridaFestivities at the weekend-long event will include engaging musical performances, dancing, interactive performances, installations, and live art demonstrations from a large selection of musicians and artists.
Visit www.aitphernando.com for general show information.
