The Hernando County Fine Arts Council is pleased to announce Raymond James Financial as the presenting sponsor of the 35th annual Art in the Park festival to be held March 9–10, 2019, 10 am-5pm.
Arts Council Chair William “Bill” Yerrick said, “It means a great deal to Hernando County and the Arts Council to receive this sponsorship. We also wish to thank Raymond James Financial Chairman Emeritus, Thomas A. James for his personal support.” Mr. James is both a long-time supporter of the arts and a well-known collector. He and his wife Mary have collected more than 2,500 pieces of art. Earlier this year, they opened the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, Florida.Last month, the Southeast Tourism Society named Art in the Park to its top 20 Festival and Events for the month of March 2019 for the second year in a row. Yerrick noted that this accolade, plus the sponsorship from Raymond James highlights the quality of Art in the Park and its value to the County. “Not only does Art in the Park bring artists and art lovers together in a beautiful setting, but proceeds also help support all the arts in Hernando County.” The juried festival is expected to draw 5,000 people to enjoy more than 130 fine art and craft exhibitors, a food court, a student art show and a children’s art activity tent. There will be live stage entertainment both days with a special “Pops in the Park” concert performed by the Hernando Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, March 9 at 1 pm. The 35th annual Art in the Park is sponsored by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council. Admission is FREE. The $5 suggested parking donation helps support all the arts in Hernando County. The Hernando County Fine Arts Council was created in 1987 by Hernando County to encourage, promote, and support all the creative arts in Hernando County and provide a means to showcase the arts. Learn more at HernandoArts.org or call Jan Knowles at (352) 279-5182 for more information.