By ROBIN STANTON GERROW
BG Independent News
Uncooperative weather didn’t slow down performers and painters from filling Simpson Garden Park with music and artwork Friday evening.
In its 11th year, the Art in the Park event presented by the Bowling Green Arts Council (BGAC) and BG Parks and Recreation, once again brought together musicians, visual artists and children’s projects for an evening to celebrate the arts in Bowling Green.
For a few years the event was still recovering from COVID-19 but according to BGAC coordinator Jacqui Nathan, it is back in full form.
“We are back up to previous years on the number of artists and musicians we have,” she said. “It’s really exciting with a combined 20 artists. We have a wonderful range of repeat performers and visual artists from the area, but also a few new ones.”
With an unpredictable rainstorm, Connie Dipuccio chose a spot inside with a strategic view of the Children’s Discovery Garden for her painting .
“I’ve always wanted to participate,” Dipuccio said. “I decided ‘what the heck.’ I’m very busy but really wanted to do it anyway.”
Kala Nardecchia, a stained-glass artist also making her inaugural appearance at Art in the Park this year, was enthusiastic about sharing her work and process.
“I’ve just gotten involved with the Arts Council this year, so it’s my first time at Art in the Park,” she said. “I just love the relaxing vibes and the chance to show my artwork to people is fun—it’s more of a unique art form so not a lot of people are exposed to how it’s done. To show people a little bit of my world is kind of cool.”
While most of the musicians and a few of the visual artists opted for an indoor spot, others, like Greg Justus were relishing the outdoor location in spite of the drizzle.
“It’s fun to get out,” he said. “I’m in my office all day. It’s a beautiful park, it’s a peaceful summer Friday night, who wouldn’t want to be outside painting?”
A few of the musical groups like the Grand Royale Ukulelists of the Black Swamp (G.R.U.B.S.) and the Root Cellar String Band took the risk of performing outdoors, while others made the move indoors.
“If it really starts coming down, we would have a good five-minute walk from our set up location at the Healing Garden, back to the Simpson Building,” said Bob Midden of Toraigh, a traditional Irish band. “Better to be safe than sorry.”
