Heart of Brevard hosted a meeting for local artists and businesses representing the visual arts last Wednesday at Canto 34 Coffee Lounge downtown Brevard.
One of nonprofit organization’s four committees, called Hub of the Arts Committee, works to establish downtown Brevard as a vibrant hub for the local art community.
Executive Director Nicole Bentley extended her thanks to the many volunteers who put in untold hours of work each year towards making downtown Brevard an exciting destination during her organization’s special events.
Bentley and HOB Community Engagement Manager Julie Guy greeted attendees at the door and committee and board members engaged together in stimulating conversation, brainstorming future events and local networking.
Committee members work to increase visibility for downtown artists and retail businesses to showcase local artists through a unique marketing plan, promotions and signature events.
Bentley also presented and discussed the Public Art Policy and application process adopted by Brevard City Council.
This policy puts in place a clear and unified path for approval of public art projects. It can be accessed via the city’s website through the City Services/Permit Applications tab.
UPCOMING ART EVENTS
The Brevard Plein Air Festival was discussed. It will be held this year Sept. 9-14 and is one of the main events on the organization’s art calendar.
“En plein air” is French for “outdoors” or “on the open air” and is a style of painting outdoors instead of inside a studio.
This will be the fourth year for the festival which originally began as a way to encourage engagement with the arts during COVID, when being outdoors and in open spaces carried less of a risk of spreading sickness.
The festival is an open enrollment event and will feature a wet paint show and sale as well as a maker’s market and street festival on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Another signature event held by Heart of Brevard is the annual White Squirrel Weekend. This year it will be held May 24-26.
In addition to the live music and activities available to the public, the White Squirrel Weekend kicks off the monthly Fourth Friday Art Walks with the first Art Walk falling on May 25 and continuing through December.
