For months, Alicia Quinn has had March 13, 14, and 15 circled on her calendar with the words “Under the Oaks, 75th anniversary,” written in red. For those three days, Riverside Park will turn into an outdoor art gallery where 210 artists from around the United States and beyond exhibit paintings; wood, glass, and metal sculptures; handcrafted jewelry; and more that will be seen by 60,000-plus people, many of whom delight in purchasing original works of art for their homes or as gifts.
Recognized as one of the top 200 art shows in the country, Under the Oaks has a reputation that is heightened by the quality of exhibitors, all carefully selected by a panel of three jurors—professional artists, educators, and art show veterans who live in other parts of the country, assuring impartiality and a fresh perspective.
Behind the scenes, a committee of 15 dedicated Vero Beach Art Club members work year-round to bring the event to life, making sure all the t’s are crossed and i’s dotted.
As Quinn, who has chaired Under the Oaks for the past 18 years, points out, “Everyone plays a key role, managing everything from artist relations to logistics. We also have hundreds of volunteers who work the show and do all kinds of things, like students from the Charter High School who spend the day picking up trash and cleaning tables in the food court.”
“Basically, we’re running a small business,” she explains. “Other than the Blue Angels, Under the Oaks is the biggest draw in town, and it has to be done right; it has to reflect the quality of the artists.”…