On Nov. 20, the streets of Brooksville will become a veritable art gallery; a walking tour of artistic delights in all their various forms. Oil paintings. Photography. Books. Murals. Pastels. Native American art. Glass and metal sculptures. Jewelry. Recycled art. Pottery. Watercolors. All of this and more will be on display and up for offer at The Downtown Brooksville Art Stroll. “The Brooksville Main Street Program welcomes you to come walk along the beautiful streets of Historic Downtown Brooksville and enjoy an evening of art appreciation,” reads an event invitation. The Art Stroll will lead guests through the doors of a number of downtown businesses, where they can meet and speak with Hernando County artists, see art demonstrations, and purchase art in a controlled environment where social distancing and sanitization supply a safer environment.
All event proceeds will go to benefit the Brooksville Main Street Program and its mission to revitalize Historic Downtown Brooksville. “Brooksville Main Street hosted one several years ago that was very popular and people have been asking for another,” said Natalie Kahler, Brooksville Main Street Executive Director. “We thought now was a good time because it allows for social distancing and an opportunity to do something fun with friends.” Kahler credits Jan Knowles, Historian and Projects Coordinator at Hernando County Arts Council, with organizing the Art Stroll. “Jan did most of the organizing to make it actually happen,” she said. “Jan is on the Arts Council and chose local artists from their database that would give attendees access to a broad variety of art types.” And it’s all for a good cause. “Proceeds will go into our Design Committee project budgets that are currently commissioning interactive mini-murals in the Main Street District,” said Kahler. Knowles feels that The Art Stroll is both a multimedia and multipurpose event. “This is aimed to help the city and Main Street Brooksville,” said Knowles. “And to bring people together downtown to see a great program.” And, of course, Art Stroll stands to benefit participating artists. “We selected accomplished artists of all types,” she said. “The Stroll will be wonderful.”
Locations and Featured Artists:
Mcgee & Mason P.A.
101 S Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
Featuring Diane Stover, Palette knife oil Painter
Law Offices of William B. Eppley P.A.
123 N Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
Featuring Sonny Vergara, Photographer and Nancy Bodine, Author
Teal Plank Workshop
5 N Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
Featuring Gary Duguette, Muralist
Lowman Law Firm
31 S Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
Featuring Harold Littlebird, Artist
Treasures from the Heart & Congressman Webster’s Office
15 N Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
Featuring Lynne Simone, Fine Artist
Panbanged Knits & Fiber Shoppe
100 S Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
Featuring Liz Torrence, Artist
Mulligan & Associates
140 S Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
Featuring Sal Gullo, Metal Sculptor and Senoih, Blown Glass Artist
Diane Stover, according to a related bio, is a Palette Knife Painter, a style she developed over the years. She works Alla Prima (a painting completed in a single session) wet on wet. Her art features recurring themes of land, sea, cityscapes, etc. A local artist that has won many awards for her Fine Art Division paintings, including 2018 Art in the Park, The People’s Choice Award for best artist, and first place at Chinsegut Hill Art Festival. Her work is on display at Brooksville’s City Hall Uptown Gallery. “I’m presenting textured oils,” she said. “While it was depressing that they canceled the fall art shows, I look forward to interacting with other artists and the public.”
Gary Duguette’s medium is Fine Art in the form of original watercolors and fine art prints. A local artist that paints with wine and teaches at a winery locally, he has also just completed a mural on the walls of the new downtown shop called Teal Plank Workshop, which is also a teaching art venue. He is an award-winning artist at the Arts Council local Art in the Park and many other shows.
Nancy Bodine is an author of a series of 7 books called “Stormy Hill”, horse stories for young adults. A dog breeder and animal show judge, this Brooksville resident presented her books at Art in the Park last year and will also participate in the March 2021 show. “I’ll have a book discussion and display at Art Stroll,” said Bodine. “With no book fairs or festivals this year, the Stroll gives me a chance to meet readers.”
Liz Torrence is a Folk Art Jewelry “Visionary Artist” who has been creating her art for the past 4 years from recycled items: paper, fabrics, discarded metals, T-shirt strips, etc. She won an award at last year’s Art in the Park competition for her work. “I make earring, bracelet and bangle sets from materials like magazines,” she said. “Each is one of a kind.” “It’s nice to be appreciated for your art,” said Torrence. “Especially in a safe environment.”
Sonny Vergara is a photographer and author, a local artist, and past Chairman of the Hernando County Fine Art Council. He has won many awards and has authored books filled with his art. Many of his photographs are on display throughout the area in many locations and galleries.
Sal Gullo is a Fine Art Sculptor who has been an award winner since 2018 at Art in the Park, as well as many art shows in Florida. A local artist who draws inspiration from the natural environment, plants, and creatures as well as his imagination to create unusual pieces for indoor and outdoor sculptures–all culled from recycled metal, wood, etc. Some of the artworks boast moving parts activated by water or wind. Every sculpture is personally signed and dated by the artist. “I create scrap to sculpture art,” said Gullo. “I recycle and upcycle metal and glass, as well as wind spinners, for both garden and interior art.” “I haven’t been able to present my art in public since March,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting out there.”
Lynne Simone is a visual artist whose background is diverse, having studied with local artists, remaining very active in all of the art organizations throughout the county, and displaying her art at the Uptown Art Gallery in Brooksville as well as the Stirling Art Gallery in Dunedin. She works in a variety of media but specializes in one of a kind pet portraits. She also teaches art for Hernando County Adult Education. and recently completed several large projects for local businesses, including murals and the creation of a beer can label for Marker 48 Brewing. “I’m going to be demonstrating my art of pastels and acrylics, and will take orders,” she said. “I’m excited to be involved in Art Stroll. It’s wonderful that they’re trying to bring the community together, for the good of businesses and local artists.” Knowles agrees. “There’s not much out there in terms of shows for artists, and we’re all excited about Art Stroll. It will be an escape for everyone,” said Stover. “It’s going to be beautiful.”
The Downtown Brooksville Art Stroll will take place 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Tickets are $25.00 per person and include wine and appetizers at each location. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/downtown-brooksville-art-stroll-tickets-125991934267.
