🌱 The Evolution Of Hammock Park + Open Studio + Meet the Artists

Hey, everybody! I hope you all managed to stay warm over the holiday weekend! It's Wednesday in Dunedin, and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town. Today's issue includes:

• Learn about Hammock Park's history dating back to 1846
• Open Studio for artists looking for a space to create
• New exhibit called Monsters, Myths, and Magic in the Sunshine State

Now, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 74 Low: 59.

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

Looking for original, unique artwork created by local Dunedin artists? Stirling Art Studios & Gallery is home to 12 professional artists honing their craft, while providing original artwork that appeals to collectors, interior designers, and homeowners alike. Located at 730 Broadway in the heart of Downtown Dunedin, their mission is to promote the arts to our community. Visit them here to learn more, or stop by Thursday-Sunday from 11-3 to view them at work and learn about the creative process.

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Here are the top 5 stories in Dunedin today:

1. The Dunedin Public Library is hosting a virtual conversation with author Randall Munroe on Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. Munroe is the New York Times Bestselling Author of "How To" and "What If?" He will be discussing his new book, " What If? 2: Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions," which includes "bonkers science, boundless curiosity, and Randall’s signature stick-figure comics." Register online now to make sure you catch this event! If you can't watch it live, don't worry! Those who register will also receive an email with a link to a recording of the video that you can watch at your convenience. (Dunedin Public Library)
2. The 13th annual HOB Brewing Music & Craft Beer Festival is scheduled for March 3 between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. and March 4 between noon and 10 p.m. in Edgewater Park. Enjoy live music performed by various local and regional bands, including Hot Rod Hornets, Cracker Billys, Hold A Grunge, Beauty School, Doyles Revenge, Decades, and She's That Dude. Guests will also enjoy local craft beers, plenty of food, and vendors selling unique crafts and other items. This is a free event, but drink tickets can be purchased in advance. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are still available. (PR)
3. Friends of the Hammock of Dunedin is hosting its annual meeting and presentation titled "The Evolution of Hammock Park" on Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hale Senior Activity Center. The presentation is open to the public and will take attendees on a journey through the history of the park dating back to 1846. All are invited to learn how Hammock Park became the gem it is today! Enjoy a look at our community's history and some refreshments. (Friends of the Hammock of Dunedin via Facebook)
4. Studio 1212 is hosting an Open Studio for artists on Jan. 19 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in Kirk Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Tables, chairs, and a water source will be provided, so artists only need to bring a table cover, floor covering, paper towels, and art supplies. Stay and create all day or drop in for a few hours! The cost is just a $10 cash donation. (Studio 1212 Art Gallery via Facebook)
5. The Hub is hosting a Meet the Artists event on Jan. 19 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Curated by Evelyn Dufner, the show includes work by local artists Debra Kagan, Tania Figueroa, Lana Noel, and Harriet Godbole. Stop by to meet the artists and learn about their processes and inspiration! Register online to participate in this free event. (Dunedin Chamber of Commerce)

Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

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Today in Dunedin:

• Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group at the Hale Senior Activity Center (10 a.m.)
• Surviving Suicide Loss Support Group at the Dunedin Community Center (6:30 p.m.)
• PACK-A-SNACK Packing Event at HOB Brewing (7 p.m.)
• Bonsai & Brews at Caledonia Brewing (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Dunedin History Museum is hosting a new event, Dunedin Mythcon, on March 11 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The event coincides with the opening of the museum's new exhibit, Monsters, Myths, and Magic in the Sunshine State. Visitors will enjoy stories, tales, myths, and legends with vendors, special guests, and a cosplay contest. Vendor exhibits are currently being accepted. (Dunedin History Museum)
• Big news for Stirling Art Studios! Trip Advisor's 2023 list of "The 15 Best Things to Do in Dunedin, Florida" has ranked Stirling Art Studios & Gallery at number four! Congrats! (Stirling Art Studios via Facebook)
• Congratulations to the members of the City of Dunedin Pipe Band who earned the title Central Florida Scottish Highland Games Grade 4 & Grade 3 Pipe Band Champions! Way to kick off the 2023 competition season with a win! (City of Dunedin Pipe Band via Facebook)
• Congratulations to Dunedin High School Scottish Highlander Band dancers Hailey and Smithi, who placed at the Central Florida Highland Games competition on Saturday! "We are very proud of your hard work and look forward to your performance at future competitions!" (Isle of Skye Highland Dancers via Facebook)
• If you missed the MLK Jr. Celebration over the weekend, check out the video shared on Facebook by the City of Dunedin! It offers a glimpse into what the day offered and is accompanied by this message: "Thank you to the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church choir, Keynote speaker Jordi Zapata, the students sharing their diversity essays, and everyone who participated in this Martin Luther King Jr. celebration." (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• In honor of Poverty Awareness Month, The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin is participating in a poverty awareness campaign. The Little Black Dress Initiative will draw attention to the ways in which poverty affects women in our community and raise money in support of their efforts to address this important issue. Starting Jan. 23, members of the Junior League will wear the same black dress or outfit for five consecutive days to illustrate the effects poverty can have on a woman’s access to resources, confidence, and opportunities. During these five days, members will share local statistics about poverty and food insecurity on social media and ask for donations towards their efforts to fight poverty in North Pinellas County. Learn more about their campaign here. (Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• DavisDNA & Family Research, Inc. — (Visit website)
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Events:

• 3 Day Modern and Eclectic Estate Sale (January 19)
• Gong Sound Immersion with GabrielNelson Sears (January 19)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Palm Harbor Library (January 24)
• Social Security Seminar at East Lake Community Library (January 25)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!