By Kathy L. Collins
Twin Lakes’ Zenia Park is a beautiful community park in Valrico and a perfect spot for the 6th Annual Art in the Park. On Saturday, September 27, the festival will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Twin Lakes is located east of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. at the end of Bloomingdale Ave. The event is open and free to the community.
Vendors, which include artists, crafters and other exhibitors, are able to set up space anywhere within the 11 acre park. A fee of $10 is charged to offset the cost of hosting the annual event. Vendors must bring all of their supplies, including table, chairs and tent. Electricity is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.
Art in the Park organizer Lisa Harmon said, “Art in the Park evolved six years ago when I volunteered on the Homeowners Association Social Committee. I was asked to create an event to bring the community together. I am not a runner, so a marathon was out. I do have a love of art that I shared with my artistic mother. We frequently attended art festivals including our favorite, the Three Rivers Art Festival in Pittsburg. I thought it would be fun to bring an art festival into the community.”
There will be something for everyone at this year’s Art in the Park. There will be a few food vendors and tons of artists featuring a variety of artwork including photography, woodworking, watercolors, pastels and prints. There will be vendors featuring jewelry and handmade crafts. “It is great fun in a beautiful community in a wonderful setting,” said Harmon.
“Many of the same artists and crafters come back each year because they enjoy the park setting under the shade of 100 year old oak trees,”said Harmon. Organizers expect to have 65 vendors with over 500 attendees.
Harmon added, “Last year we were privileged to have the Brandon Ballet perform. They are coming back this year to perform two 45 minute shows. They are a great addition to the festival. We also have many artists from the Brandon League of Fine Arts that participate each year.” Harmon said, “It is like old friends getting back together.”
Anyone interested in participating can register via e-mail at lmharmon1 @juno.com by providing artists name, type of art or craft, and a cell phone number.
