Celebrate 75 Years of Under the Oaks

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.”

Nationally and internationally known Connecticut artist Bill McCarthy, who specializes in painting what he calls “atmospheric landscapes,” has been a crowd favorite for the past 11 years. “I hit the jackpot the first year when I won Best in Show,” McCarthy chuckles. “I do about 10 shows a year and they’re all indoors, so Under the Oaks is a real treat.”

Other artists would agree. So here we are, 75 years after a handful of Vero Beach Art Club members decided to have a small art show in Riverside Park in January, when Northerners, anxious to escape the snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures, were in town. They called it the Winter Art Show and proceeded to set up makeshift booths and spread the word.

Despite an overcast sky and a shower or two, their first attempt was deemed a huge success and members immediately started planning for the next year, then the next, and the next. Committees were formed, and what had been a one-day show in January stretched into three, moved to March, and was renamed Under the Oaks.

One of the items on show organizers’ checklist then and now is praying for good weather, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the 70s. It seems to have worked, as only one Friday has been fully canceled due to weather. Even during the pandemic in 2020, the show was scaled down to a single day and returning artists were offered half-price entry the following year. It’s special touches like this that artists appreciate and remember.

With all things considered, it’s no surprise that Under the Oaks grew into one
of the most prestigious and highly competitive juried art shows in the country. Art Club member and exhibitor Rita Ziegler oversees applications, which can number in the thousands. With only a limited number of spaces available, acceptance into the show is a highly coveted honor.

“The artists love to come here. It’s a happy place,” Ziegler enthuses. “Early every morning, they’re treated to a catered buffet breakfast, and the menu changes from day to day. It’s a perk few other shows offer and the artists really appreciate it.

“Another perk is that the artists can park their trailers behind the show, and at night everything is locked down and secured so their things can stay there. We pay for off-duty police officers, and we have them on-site in the park during the day; having the police presence is important to the artists.”

As Quinn notes, “One of the neat things about Under the Oaks is that it’s preserved its community flavor. Artists know we care about them. I can’t say enough about how wonderful and dedicated they are to truck in all their work, spend time on the road—some come from as far away as California and Oregon—and to live out of their camper, trailer, or a hotel room. Yes, they want to sell, but they also delight in the interacting with others, getting feedback about their work.”

Quinn announced last year that she was passing the show’s leadership baton to vice chair Paulette Visceglia, who says, “Alicia created a well-oiled show, with everyone doing their job. We all come to the table to discuss what needs to be done, and representatives from the City of Vero Beach are there. The city does so much for us—they put banners in the trees, all kinds of things down to the smallest of details. When we open the gate on Friday morning, people look around and say, ‘Wow, what a show—this is the best one yet!’”

So, if you haven’t already marked your calendar for this, the 75th Under the Oaks, make sure you do, and as you stroll along the shaded paths and chat with the artists, think about all the people who made everything come together—people like Alicia Quinn, whom the Vero Beach Art Club and Cultural Council of Indian River County honored by creating an award in her name. It was presented to her last spring, and she still gets goosebumps just thinking about it.

“I get to choose the artist and will present the award, a ribbon, on Saturday. I was moved. They couldn’t have given me anything more meaningful,” says Quinn, who reflects on what makes the show so special: “It’s the quality and variety of the art. Under the Oaks truly offers one of the best cultural arts experiences available to both visitors and locals—free of charge.”

It doesn’t get any better than that.