AITP 2020 Winners
PO Box 1265
Brooksville, FL 34605
352-587-8062
NEWS RELEASE
March 24, 2020
Subject: 36th Annual Art in the Park Announces Winners
The Hernando County Fine Arts Council, along with premier sponsor Florida’s Adventure Coast, wishes to congratulate the judges’ winners from the 36th Annual Art in the Park held March 14 & 15, 2020, at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville, FL.
Best in Show
Best in Show ($1000): Danny O'Driscoll — acrylic paintings, airbrushed, sketch and paint, creating a 3D look.
Fine Arts Division
1st place ($850): Terry Smith — watercolor, oil and acrylic of nature and landscape
2nd place ($650): Tony Moore — pencil/graphite drawings
3rd place ($350): Deborah Elaine — original watercolors and fine art prints; Gary Duquette — wine painting and original watercolors
Honorable Mention ($100): Justin Alsedek — oils using vibrant palette, peaceful nature; Juan Carlos Cahue — unique silver, mixed metal and natural stone jewelry
Fine Crafts Division
1st place ($550): Harold Littlebird — stoneware pottery, US/claystamp
2nd place ($350): Sal Gullo — one-of-a-kind recycled metal scrap to sculpture
3rd place ($200): Diane Buz — organic Native American hand-made body lotions; Patricia Lynne Hutchins — semi-precious stone and copper jewelry
Honorable mention ($100): Lois Bendheim — textiles and organic up-cycled figures; Elizabeth Torrence — folk/visionary art using recycled materials in mix-media creations
One highlight of the annual event is the People's Choice award. Attendees filled out "YOU BE THE JUDGE" cards to cast their ballots for their favorite artists. The 2020 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD FOR MOST POPULAR EXHIBITOR is Danny O' Driscoll, who received a $50 cash prize. Diane Stover came in second and Tony Moore third. The $100 cash drawing for attendees went to Debra Balcolm, local resident.
The juried student art show was open to Hernando County public, private school, and homeschool students. Winners:
Best of Show
Best of Show: Bryce Mohammed (Nature Coast Technical High School)
Sculpture
1st place: Braeden Newman (Hernando High School)
2nd place: Samara Rodier (Hernando High School)
3rd place: Carla Garcia (Central High School)
Honorable Mention: Brooke Sanders (Hernando High School) and Gianna Forrester (Brooksville Elementary)
Advanced Placement/College Division
1st place: Jillian Calloway (Springstead High School)
2nd place: Daniel Drake (Hernando High School)
3rd place: Caleb Schmutz (Springstead High School)
Honorable Mention: Leanna Smith (Hernando High School), Jennifer Velasco (Hernando High School)
High School Division
1st place: Aleisha Santana (Springstead High School)
2nd place: Sara Isaacson (Weeki Wachee High School)
3rd place: Hailey Harris (Springstead High School)
Honorable Mention: Tyler Harris (Weeki Wachee High School), Sara Hall (Central High School)
Middle School Division
1st place: Jaida Wright (Winding Waters K-8)
2nd place: Gabby Pando (Challenger K-8)
3rd place: Reese Lawshot (Winding Waters K-8)
Honorable Mention: Neilson Nicolosi (Home Circle), Bonita Lunt (Hernando e-School)
Elementary Division
1st place: Katie Laird (Chocachatti Elementary)
2nd place: Liam Martin (Chocachatti Elementary)
3rd place: Chloe Williams (Chocachatti Elementary)
Honorable Mention: Landon Melleker (Spring Hill Elementary), Aiden Carnicom (Spring Hill Elementary)
Save the date for the 37th Annual Art in the Park, March 13 & 14, 2021, Tom Varn Park, Brooksville, Florida.
For more information, call Jan Knowles at 352.279.5182.
The Hernando County Fine Arts Council's mission is to encourage, promote, and support all the creative arts in Hernando County and provide a means to showcase the arts. To learn more about how you can support the arts in Hernando County, visit hernandoarts.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Beth Putnam, Hernando County Fine Arts Council, bethputnam61@gmail.com, 352-573-8208
Fine Arts Winners (L-R): Tony Moore, Justin Alsedek, Danny O’ Driscoll, Juan Carlos Cahue, Deborah Elaine, Gary Duquette, Terry Smith.
Fine Crafts Winners (L-R): Harold Littlebird, Lois Bendheim, Patricia Lynne Hutchins, Elizabeth Torrence, Diane Buz, Sal Gullo.
