art beat

Recently I had the privilege of sitting down and talking with Christy Chesnut, owner, and director of Dance First, a dance studio of which she has been owner and director for five years.  She, as well divides her time between her work as a dance instructor extraordinaire, and that of an HCCA Community Facilitator, and Children’s Week Local Coordinator.  “I am also a part of Hernando Fit Kids, a new health initiative featuring virtual activities and nutrition tips to teach and encourage healthy habits when school is not in session,” the soft-spoken, energe

Through the ages, the art of storytelling has evolved from cave drawings to spoken word to published tomes. And more and more these days, the timeless tradition of open air storytelling sessions is enjoying a resurgence.

Christmas is truly a holiday for children and in a time that can be frightening for younger folks, in particular, a number of local organizations are brightening the Christmas season with a refreshing presentation of family-friendly entertainment.

Once again next year, The Hernando County Fine Arts Council and Roots Creative Co. will host the second annual art competition for the 37th Annual Art in the Park on March 13-14th, 2021, at Tom Varn Park, 306 Darby Lane, Brooksville. Hernando County artists of all ages are invited to compete in the Second Annual Art in the Park Poster Contest. No entry fees are charged in this competition, open to artists of all experience levels.

A lush, decorative art exhibit always serves as a pleasure and benefit to those who behold it as well as the artists themselves.

When Tidal Brewing Company and Roots Creative Co. present the 3rd Annual Christkindlmarket December 13 from 11 AM to 4 PM, they will be providing a celebratory forum for local makers and artists at the brewery, celebrating the holiday season with the presentation and sale of art and handmade items, treats, raffles, and Tidal's signature craft beer. They also will be upholding a Yuletide tradition that spans through the centuries.

Imagine a scene from a nostalgic Christmas card, one that depicts an idyllic small town adorned and appointed for a festive holiday celebration. A colorful marketplace forms the centerpiece of this Yuletide portrait, one that offers a spectrum of artworks in every imaginable media--from paintings and drawings to handmade jewelry, sculptures, and florals to soaps, scents, and wearable art.

The popular Brooksville Main Street event ‘Small Business Saturday’ returns 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 28, when the business of beauty and artistic inspiration will be celebrated in grand fashion at the Hernando County Courthouse.

With this holiday season comes a new tradition in Hernando, as Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory debuts its First Annual Christmas Festival, to be celebrated from 1 p.m. until dusk December 12, following the Brooksville Downtown Parade. This colorful outdoor festival of the arts, set to take place on Live Oak grounds at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville.

by SARAH NACHIN