Art in the Park 2027

About This Call

Art in the Park is an annual juried fine art and craft show in its 42nd year, held at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville, Florida. The event runs Saturday, March 13, 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. and Sunday, March 14, 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M., and is expected to attract 6,000 attendees from Hernando County and surrounding communities. The show hosts 120+ fine artists and artisans displaying a wide variety of works and mediums in a natural setting surrounded by oak trees.

Artists may apply in ten categories: Fine Arts Painting, Fine Arts Ceramics, Fine Arts Drawing & Graphics, Fine Arts Fibers, Fine Arts Sculpture, Fine Arts Jewelry, Fine Arts Photography, Fine Arts Digital Art, Fine Arts Mixed Media, and Fine Crafts. Each category has specific guidelines regarding reproductions, commercial work, and materials. Booth spaces are 11' x 11' and may not be shared. All work must be original and created since 2023. Artists must submit three digital images of artwork and one image of their booth setup for blind jurying. Entry fees are $35 jury fee (non-refundable), $250 for Fine Arts categories, and $200 for Fine Crafts. Artists must be present both days of the show; no stand-ins or agents are permitted.

Total awards of $6,500 will be presented, including Best in Show ($1,500), Fine Art Awards ranging from $250 to $1,000, and Fine Craft Awards ranging from $100 to $500. Awards will be presented at the Saturday Night Artists' Reception at 5:30 P.M. Artist benefits include security Friday and Saturday 7:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M., complimentary water, free parking (including RV/trailer parking), volunteer booth-sitting assistance, complimentary coffee and pastries both mornings, and featured recognition of award winners on the Hernando County Fine Arts Council website and social media. Artists must furnish their own tents (not exceeding 10' x 10'), tent weights, tables, and display materials. Water and electricity are not available; generators are not allowed. All exhibitors must abide by City of Brooksville rules and collect Florida and Hernando County sales tax.

Summary

Art in the Park is an annual event dedicated to fine art, craftsmanship, and community that creates a unique opportunity and tradition for artists, collectors, and patrons of the arts. Artists and artisans showcase a wide variety of works and mediums inside of Tom Varn Park – a natural setting surrounded by beautiful oak trees in Brooksville, Florida. This will be the 42nd annual show, bringing in a diverse crowd of 6,000 attendees for a celebration of artistry in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Judging

Two judges will be selected from prominent regional art professionals with extensive backgrounds in the arts and past judging experience. Judging will be held Saturday, March 13, 2027, from 10 A.M. to completion. Screening, or jurying, for applications is conducted by a separate panel of experienced art professionals based solely on the quality of the work submitted, with no personal identification allowed on booth images (blind jurying).

Rules and Regulations

• This is a juried fine art and craft show; all work displayed must be original and solely attributable to the single displaying exhibitor, who must be present during the entire show.
• No kits, ceramic cast from molds, machine-made, commercial reproductions, or mass-produced work is allowed.
• No political candidates or political parties.
• Photo ID required at check-in; booth spaces are pre-assigned and final.
• No exterior displays, flags, etc. outside of the tent.
• Booth spaces are 11' x 11' each and may not be shared; tents may not exceed 10' x 10'; tents and tent weights are required.
• By City Ordinance, animals and pets are not allowed in the park (service animals only).
• Exhibitors are responsible for collection of Florida and Hernando County sales tax.
• Exhibitor fees are non-refundable.
• Uncivil behavior or breach of professional decorum will be cause for immediate expulsion from festival grounds.

Artist Benefits

• Security provided Friday and Saturday from 7:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.
• Complimentary water both days.
• Friday check-in & set-up (8:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M.); Saturday check-in & set-up (7:30 A.M. until 9:30 A.M.).
• Free parking, disabled parking, and RV/trailer parking provided.
• Booth-sitting staffed by volunteers.
• Complimentary coffee and pastries Saturday 7:30–9:30 A.M. and Sunday 8:00–9:30 A.M. for artists and one assistant.
• Artists' reception and award ceremony Saturday at 5:30 P.M.
• Award winners featured on Hernando County Fine Arts Council website & social media platforms.

Screening (jurying) is conducted by a separate panel of experienced art professionals, based solely on the quality of the work submitted via blind jurying (no personal identification on booth images). Two jurors score applications using a Yes/No/Maybe and 1-5 scale.