30th Annual Art in the Park showcases local talent
BROOKSVILLE – On Saturday morning in Tom Varn Park, mixed media artist Gina Fote puts finishing touches on her booth.
Local artist and tatoo artist Gina Fote stands by her paintings at Art in the Park in Brooksville Saturday morning. WENDY JOAN BIDDLECOMBE/STAFF
The 27-year-old stands out from the rest of the crowd, to say the least. There are her large, vibrant paintings of an African tribesman and a blue lady, as well as her purple hair and tattooed arms.
The St. Petersburg native says she has been asked more than once why she chooses to paint, tattoo, craft and create in Brooksville rather than in her hometown or another large Tampa Bay area city.
“Everyone tells me, ‘Why Brooksville?'” Fote said. “But we need it here.”
Fote, who tattoos at Timequake Tattoo and Gallery, said she always has been artistic, and the self-taught artist this weekend is making her second appearance at the art festival.
This year marks 30 years of Art in the Park, which is sponsored by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council.
Tents line the park’s walkways, with more than 115 artists, crafters and vendors participating in the juried art show event.
A student art pavilion showcases student artists from area elementary, middle and high schools, as well as private and home-schooled students, said Sandy Hadsock, who coordinates the show and is an art teacher at Explorer K-8.
Hadsock said students have participated in Arts in the Park every year since its inception.
“We’re getting such a great turnout,” Hadsock said of Saturday’s show. “It’s really been wonderful.”
Art in the Park continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today in Tom Varn Park, 306 Darby Lane in Brooksville. Parking is $3. More information is available by calling (352) 279-5182 or visiting www.hernandoarts.org.
(352) 544-5283
