ORANGE PARK – The town’s goal has been seeking events for adults, and that’s where the town hopes the upcoming Italian arts and culture event, Bella Notte, comes in.

The Orange Park Art Guild began planning the Sept. 15 event in February. Guild President Phyllis Renninger said the group, known for its murals, is entering uncharted territory with event planning. It takes place at Azaleana Manor on the St. Johns riverfront.

“Our mission is to educate people and get arts and culture into the community. We did murals. That really kicked on our attention to having an annual event that celebrated art,” she said.

In branding and visioning meetings the past few months, town officials noted the success of children-focused festivals, but adult events could make the town a destination and enhance its standing.

Renninger said the town’s visioning process established that improving arts and culture is important. The town was a sponsor of Bella Notte, with town officials observing the need for adults to have fun post-COVID.

“The mayor wanted more adult-oriented events and challenged staff,” Renninger added. “All these different ventures were merging together toward a need, which is to have a night of art and culture in the town.”

Guild members have been busy painting props, vases and glasses. Guild members also painted local flora and fauna of the area, paintings which will be showcased at Orange Park Town Hall soon, Renninger said.

Bella Notte will have live music, Italian food, wine tasting and numerous works of art for sale. At the end of the evening, a painting that event-goers can edit, will be auctioned off. Renninger said the venue was a nice fit.

The art guild’s 50th anniversary is next year, she added, so the guild may ramp up its programming.

“A venture of this size was scary,” Renninger said. “We love art and to be able to celebrate it with the community is just what we wanted.”

One town event, called the Longest Table, was canceled this year due to inclement weather after a consistent run.

Mayor Randy Anderson said the art guild has collaborated with the town before and Bella Notte was continuing that partnership.

“This is perfect, right up the art guild’s alley,” Anderson said.

Anderson said he made a point to walk through different neighborhoods and meet residents. They asked for more events, he said, which meant it was up to the town to deliver. Not only with Bella Notte, but with future music events or the retro-themed 40th Fall Festival on Oct. 15-16.

“Everything is based around kids. We wanted ways to bring the community together,” Anderson said. “They’ve done murals, this is keeping the partnership going. (Bella Notte) is testing the waters.”