Weekly Planet extends this award to the Dunedin Fine Art Center for its family friendly, family centered community facility. Located in city-owned Highlander Park, the center mounts 18 art exhibitions per year (three at a time), along with related adult education programs. The David L. Mason Children's Museum occupies a corner of the 18,000-square-foot facility. Gallery visitors here number 50,000 per year with approximately 120,000 people partaking in exhibitions, educational and outreach programs, and social events. Seven full-time and five part-time employees are assisted by 400 volunteers. Membership numbers 3,000 individuals and families with similar numbers attending classes taught by 45 instructors. Guests outside Dunedin include arty types from Clearwater and Palm Harbor plus lucky snowbirds. Curator David Shankweiler stages thoughtful art shows, most recently ones including Miami-based artists John Bailly and Luisa Basnuevo, and local artist/teacher Muriel Green.
Children are really valued here, with a delightful small space devoted to youngsters ages 5-12. It's a place to build lasting memories in a hands-on comfortable environment. A kiddy-size theater and stop-motion camera (based on claymation) are two favorites.
Outside the building, a curved welcoming wall of colorful hand-painted ceramic tiles represents a public outreach project and highly successful three-year fundraiser. Other events speak to the small-town atmosphere that remains one of Dunedin's treasures. The annual Garden Party, the center's biggest fundraiser, is held in local homes and includes a silent auction and a watch-the-sunset finale. Adding to the overall family ambiance is the huge park, a pond with swans and a nearby band shell.
Any community would be proud to boast of such an art-centered, family oriented facility.
Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin, 727-298-3322.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.