By ROBIN STANTON GERROW
BG Independent News
After years of damp weather, Art in the Park, hosted by the Bowling Green Arts Council (BGAC) and Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, returned to Simpson Garden Park under clear skies, giving artists, musicians and families a chance to enjoy an evening of creativity in one of Bowling Green’s most scenic spaces.
This was painter Brynn Busalacchi’s third year to participate, and she particularly enjoys the location.
“It’s always at its peak at this time of year,” Busalacchi said. “No matter where you go, you’re going to get something good to paint. And I do like interacting with people while I paint too. It’s a fun activity.”
Organizer Jacqui Nathan from the BGAC said even though some regular performers and artists were out of town, the event still featured some familiar faces and new participants, including a printmaker and two Iranian musicians performing on Persian classical instruments. Children’s crafts, a food truck and face painting also helped draw families through the park.
“I think attendance is steady,” she said. “It’s a lovely evening for a couple of hours in this gorgeous park. What more can you ask for, really?”
Liz Halleck and her family, including her daughter Addie, frequent the park regularly but hadn’t attended Art in the Park before.
“The kids are enjoying the music and having fun,” Halleck said. “It’s the perfect scenery.”
This was the first year fiber artist Jules Reith participated, and the event offered a relaxed way to make art in public while giving visitors a chance to connect directly with artists.
“I like it a lot, actually,” Reith said. “It’s very laid back. People can come to you. I can mostly just make my work, and if they have questions, I can answer them. It’s a nice way for the community to be able to have moments with artists that I don’t feel like they always get.”
It was also visitors Amanda and Dan Rzicznek’s first time at the event.
“We’re always looking for cool things to do in Bowling Green,” Amanda said. “I feel like lately there’s been a lot of really cool things happening, so we wanted to come and see what Art in the Park is all about.”
Dan added, “We definitely believe in the value of public-facing arts. And this seemed like something that fits.”
