The Cultural Arts Magazine for Polk County
COMPLIMENTARY VOLUME 14 / NUMBER 3 / SUMMER 2012
Summer Camps Public Art Arts Calendar Page 6 Page 8 Page 16 Polk Museum of Art presents
MayfairE by-the-Lake 2012 9am to 4pm may 12-13 Lake Morton, Lakeland
FREE Community Art Festival • Entertainment Stage on Library Lawn • Children’s Zone & Art Tent • FREE Admission to Museum
Mayfaire Saturday Night • FREE Street Party at Lake Mirror Promenade, 5-11pm • 5K Run at 7pm • Fireworks at 9pm 2012 Poster art by Laurie Coppedge, Jacksonville, fla. Sponsored by
800.828.7655 www.visitcentralflorida.org Glenn W. & Hazelle Paxson Morrison Foundation • Lakeland Runners Club • Party People Celebration Company • Texas Cattle Company • Polk County School Board • VSA of Florida • Wards Air Conditioning • Bartow Printing Company As of March 1, 2012 Contents Volume 14 Number 3 SUMMER 2012
Arts in Education...... Page 2 Cultural Arts Council Arts On The Park...... Page 27 Inside... Bartow Art Guild...... Page 13 Arts Ensemble Education Foundation Bok Tower Gardens...... Page 31 Arts on the Park The Bach Festival of Central Florida Calendar of Events...... Page 16 Bartow Art Guild Cultural Arts Directory & Map...... Page 31 Bok Tower Gardens Explorations V Children’s Museum...... Page 9 Citrus Lakes Chorus Florida Dance Theatre...... Page 29 Davenport School of the Arts Frostproof Art League & Gallery...... Page 22 Explorations V Children’s Museum Haines City Community Theatre...... Page 13 The Florida Air Museum at Sun ’n Fun Harrison School for the Arts...... Page 30 Florida Dance Arts Imperial Symphony Orchestra...... Page 10 Page 8 Florida Dance Theatre Lakeland Art Guild...... Page 31 Florida Southern College Lakeland Community Theatre...... Page 28 Frostproof Artist’s League & Gallery Lake Wales Arts Council...... Page 23 Haines City Community Theatre, Inc. Historic Lakeland Platform Art...... Page 25 Historical Lake Wales Society Polk Arts Alliance...... Page 2 Historical Society of Fort Meade Polk County Historical Museum...... Page 20 Imperial Symphony Orchestra Polk County Tax Collector - Kids Tag Art...... Page 21 Lakeland Art Guild Polk Museum of Art...... Page 11 Lakeland Choral Society Polk State College...... Page 14 Lakeland Community Theatre Public Art Takes Center Stage...... Page 8 Lake Wales Arts Council Lake Wales Historical Society Depot Museum...... Page 15 Page 11 Lake Wales Little Theatre Polk Theatre...... Page 23 Lois Cowles Harrison Center Race for the Arts...... Page 5 For The Visual & Performing Arts Ramon Theater...... Page 10 Platform Art Polk County Historical Museum Ridge Art Association...... Page 7 Polk County Kids Tag Art Summer Camps...... Page 6 Polk Museum of Art Tuesday Music Club of Lakeland...... Page 31 Polk State College Theatre Winter Haven...... Page 26 Polk Theatre Ramon Theater Ridge Art Association Ridge Music Teachers Association A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance Page 13 Ridge Woodcarvers Club Rochelle School of the Arts Publisher/ Meri Mass, Executive Director Southeastern University Editor: The Polk Arts Alliance Symphony Guild of Winter Haven 1350 E. Main Street, Suite A2 Post Office Box 727, Bartow, FL 33831-0727 Theatre Winter Haven (863) 804-0494 • www. polkarts.org The Lakeland Center Email: [email protected] The Ritz Theatre Editor: Bev Hendricks The Tuesday Music Club Printer/ Cromer International Press To learn more about the Cultural Arts Advertising: Bobbi Freeman Council visit www.polkarts.org or contact 740 E. Main Street, Suite 1, Haines City, FL 33844 Meri Mass at [email protected]. (863) 422-8651 • Email: [email protected] Page 20 Art•i•facts Magazine is published four times a year by the Polk Arts Alliance. Advertising and news may be submitted by calling the phone number or email. Letters to the editor are Front Cover: welcome on any subject relating to the content of the magazine. All opinions expressed in this Photo by Gregory Mills during the 2011 publication are those of the advertisers, writers or other news sources, and do not reflect the MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire-by-the-Lake of opinions of the magazine, the publisher or the editor. Art•i•facts Magazine is not responsible visitors admiring the colorful sculptures for any errors. Contents are copyrighted. Reproduction of any material in this publication by Clayton Swartz of St. Petersburg, without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. ©2012 Polk Arts Alliance.
Back Cover: Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department Top Left and Right: 2011 Explorations V of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Children’s Museum Summer Camp Photos. Arts Council and the Central Florida Visitors Bureau. Bottom Left: Butterfly Landings, Photo by Ray Lyn Dease, Frostproof. Bottom Right: Brian Sutherland & Patrick Fleitz, A Tribute to Johnny Cash, Cabaret at the Polk, Photo by James Kilby. Page 27
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 1 from the desk of the President
Friends, Board of Directors Observing the growth of creativity in our Arts and Cultural assets in Polk County is like watching the bud of a rose bloom. The fragrances... the colors... the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE symmetry ... of nature blooming draws both my attentiveness and gratitude. DAN CLARK Gratitude for the “little” things enhances my appreciation for those who make President the Arts happen here in Polk County. Dan Clark CINDY RODRIGUEZ Vice President In the journey we have undertaken this year at Polk Arts Alliance, we are discovering what enables our Arts community to continue it’s THOMAS BRYANT Treasurer growth. Seeing the “Arts” groups unite to share common concerns, and to formulate a united message has become constructive MARTHA ROE BURKE to promoting the influence of the Arts in Polk County, and the Secretary experiences we enjoy. We have much opportunity in front of us, and CYNTHIA HAFFEY joining our efforts enhances what any of us could accomplish alone. Cultural Arts Council Chair At PAA, advocating for Arts and Culture is an opportunity with much potential. And, it will be our MIKE LAPAN united voice that speaks the loudest. We are launching our “Stand Up for the Arts” campaign, Past President and ask each of you to join us. If you, too, are grateful for the culture of creativity that Arts brings to enhance our lives, then come, walk this journey with us. Join the Polk Arts Alliance! DIRECTORS ASHLEY BARNETT Dan Clark J. DAVIS CONNOR DARBY CRADDOCK ANDY CROSSFIELD ADAM JUSTICE ANDY LAURENT Arts in Education JOHN LOUTE SUSAN WADDELL JARED WEGGELAND Creative Youth: 12th Congressional District Competition Awards Tianna Harvey, a senior at Harrison Center for the Visual and EX OFFICIO Performing Arts, was awarded Best in Show for her mixed- BOB ENGLISH media art piece, titled “Poission”on February 12, 2012 as part County Commissioner of the annual Creative Youth: Twelfth Congressional District DR. SHERRIE NICKELL Competition at the Polk Museum of Art. Superintendent, More than 700 students from schools in Polk County and School Board of Polk County parts of Osceola and Hillsborough counties submitted art to EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR be judged. Judges recognized 100 students, and 14 students received awards at the awards reception. MERI MASS Harvey’s piece will be sent to Washington, D.C., to be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year with other Congressional District Art Resource Council winners from around the country. First place was awarded to Ali CINDY HARTLEY ROSS Blackledge, a senior at Ridge Community, for her “Self Portrait,” Chair made with graphic arts. Second place was awarded to Michaela SUE BENTLEY Vaughan, a freshman at Harrison School of the Arts, for her REBECCA BRANDON watercolor painting titled “Fall.” Third place was awarded to ANDY HERNANDEZ Kaitlyn Strange, a senior at George Jenkins, for her mixed DR. EILEEN HOLDEN media piece called “Reflection.” NANCY HALE HOYT Randy Lopez, a sophomore at Harrison School of the Arts, DR. ANNE KERR received the Polk Museum of Art Purchase Award and his mixed- BRIAN KIER media piece, titled “No Parts,” will be a permanent addition JANE PATTON to the museum’s collection. Gabriela Molleda, a senior at DOUG SMALL Harrison, won the Polk County School Board Purchase Award EDIE YATES with her mixed-media piece titled “Focus” that will hang in the Tianna Harvey, Poission, mixed media. NIV BEN YEHUDA school board office. Creative Youth: 12th Congressional District Competition Best of Show.
2 Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org • The Best Location in Town
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Visit Our Sales Center at 1301 Grasslands Blvd. • Ste.100 • 863-647-1100 Mon.-Fri. 9-5pm • Sat 10-5pm & Sun 12-5pm • Pat Jones 863/581-4699 • Debbie Haskell 863/602-8830 www.Oakbridge.com message from the Executive Director
As we all look forward to the dog days of summer it has been a very busy spring for the arts in Polk County. The Polk Arts Alliance’s 6th Annual Race for the Arts in March was a great success. The board of directors would like to thank our arts and race champion, Commissioner Bob English, who has chaired the event from the beginning, came up with the concept “Race for the Arts” and the reason it has grown to be the success that it is. Despite all the race events going on that same weekend, this year was our best yet!
I attended Arts Day in Tallahassee in March to meet our new Secretary of State who is continuing the Culture Builds Florida campaign. As a member Meri Mass of the Florida Cultural Alliance we are all working on this campaign in the state with a focus on the recognition and importance of jobs in the Cultural Arts Sector and its impact on the state economy and economic development. Also, having been elected as a new board member of Americans for the Arts in DC and NYC, Polk County arts and culture has an opportunity for a national media platform.
Polk Arts Alliance and the Cultural Arts Council are currently working with our county tourism office on collaborating to bookend this spring as “Heart of the Arts” for advertising our county as a destination for the arts. They are helping with ad placement and media to advertise our many diverse cultural events throughout the county. With a spring and fall “Heart of the Arts” focus we will have double exposure and branding of Polk County as the destination for the arts, (that we already know it is).
For all the cultural events, camps and activities in our county please visit our ongoing updates on our website at www.polkarts.org
Chloe Tomlinson sings “The National Meri Mass Anthem” before the Race.
The Drive Is On... TO SUPPORT THE ARTS IN FLORIDA
This year at renewal time, choose a Florida State of the Arts license plate and help fund important programs in Polk County including the visual arts, theatre, music and dance. Already renewed your tag? Simply visit your local tag office, turn in your current plate and receive your new one on the spot for a small handling fee. Patrons of the arts tag may claim a $20 tax deduction for the charitable donation. www.polkarts.org Invest in Polk County’s Cultural Arts! Race for the Arts runners at the finish.
4 Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to our sponsors and volunteers for making the Polk Arts Alliance 6th Annual Race for the Arts on March 3rd a success!
Commissioner Bob English, Race Chair Lakeland Runners Club, Race Manager
Race Sponsors REISS Engineering Bowyer–Singleton & Associates, Inc. Spath Jewelers, Inc. Central Concrete Products, Inc Valenti Campbell Trohn Chastain Skillman Tamayo Aranda, P.A. Drummond Company Flowers Bakery Race Volunteers Geosyntec Consultants Lauren Taylor, Leonard Mass, Hazen & Sawyer Marc Zimmerman, Cindy Ross, Hauger-Bunch Realtor, PC Sharon Ahearn, Richard Abbott and Hubbard Construction Company Commissioner Melony Bell Hydro Solutions Consulting, LLC PAA board members:
SAUNDERS RALSTON DANTZLER Infrastructure Engineers, Inc. Martha Roe Burke, Dan Clark, Jr. Davis Construction Darby Craddock, Andy Crossfield, Madrid Engineering Group Andy Laurent, Cindy Rodriquez and Commissioner Bob English. McGee Auto Service & Tires Ovations Publix Register Construction & Engineering
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 5 Summer Theatre Winter Haven Summer Theatre Camp Theatre Winter Haven Academy is offering two musical theatre summer camps for students ages 7 - 16 from June 11 - 29, 2012. The camps run weekdays from 9am-4pm. Tuition: $399.00. NOTE: Get a 10% tuition discount if pay- Camps ment is made by the pre-registration deadline of May 18 or for multiple siblings. Theatre Winter Haven is also offering a free of charge Technical Theatre Workshop for serious-minded teens Polk Museum of Art ages 14 & up who are interested in backstage theatre Summer Art Camp production. Polk Museum of Art once again will offer Summer Art Camp for children ages 5-13. Summer Art Camp runs For more information call Molly at 863.299.2672 or learn in two-week sessions from June 11-August 3. This year’s more by visiting www.theatrewinterhaven.com. theme will be “Exploring the 1940s-1970s.” Classes will draw inspiration from American art, culture, fads, decor, fashion and architecture from those eras. Classes include drawing, ceramics, stage craft/performance and more. Lakeland Community Theatre Schedule: Summer Mini Camps Session 1 (1940s): June 11-22 Lakeland Community Theatre’s Mini Camps were so Session 2 (1950s): June 25-July 6 (No class July 4) popular last summer that they are bringing them back! Session 3 (1960s): July 9-20 Each mini camp is 3 days 9am-4pm. Cost: $150 Session 4 (1970s): July 23-August 3 Camp Broadway June 27-29. Basic song and dance to For more information or to register, call 863.688.5423 or help you as an overall performer. Ages 6 and up. visit PolkMuseumofArt.org/education/camps. Camp Combat July 11-13, Learn to fight, fall and punch without a scratch! Ages 8 and up. Camp Improv July 18-20. Explore your comedic side and learn to think on your feet and make the audience laugh. Explorations V Children’s Museum till it hurts! Ages 10 and up. Summer Camp and Story Book Camp 2012 Summer Camp - A Show in Two Weeks! Explorations V Children’s Museum offers summer camps The Ever After - A Musical: July 30-August 11, 9 - 4pm. $350 from June 11 through August 10. Weekly themed sessions Always wanted to be cast in a Broadway Show? offer hands-on adventures in science, art, woodworking, From set design to curtain call, you’ll be involved food, museum exploration and more! Sign up for all nine in a production on our stage. Everyone is guaranteed a weeks or pick specific weeks. Museum member price per role. Ages 8 and up. 10% Discount for Season Members or week is $135 per child. Visiit www.explorationsv.com to for enrolling more than one child in the same event. learn more. For more information or to register, please Visit www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com, inquire by call 863.687.3869 or email [email protected]. email to [email protected] or call 863.603.7529 for more information.
Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org 6 www.RidgeArt.org
TD Bank Central Park Art Festival Award Winners
Best of Show Award of Merit Carol Napoli Lois and Tebe Horne Scott Anderson Judges Choice Awards Jeff Eckert Laurie Coppedge Carol Bright Rolly Rae Reel Robert Frankenfield
Award of Excellence Honorable Mention John Thursby Jinsong and Carol Kim Jensheng Song Lisa Parker Greg Jones Ilene Phelan Glenn Woods Carol Frye Michael H. Myers Randy Pardue Florida Dance Theatre Summer Intensive Programs A variety of intensive programs are offered this summer Events & Exhibitions for ages 7 and up along with some open classes. For more information visit www.floridadancetheatre.org, Art From Found Objects: email [email protected] or call 863.802.0399. Assemblages, Collages and Montages Summer 2012 Intro-Intensive April 12 – May 2. Reception on April 14. A two week dance training experience for dancers ages A unique juried competition where artists present 7-10. Prerequisite: FDT Elementary Ballet II, III, or IV. work they have created from materials not always Date: June 25 - July 6, 2012 (closed July 4th). thought of as art. What could be more fun! Times: Monday - Friday, 2 - 6pm Approx, $1,800 in awards will be offered. Summer Dance Intensive - Junior Division June 18—30, Monday through Saturday 9am - 2pm. Splash! Intermediate Dancers ages 10 and up April 21 Summer Dance Intensive - Senior Division A Golf tournament on our amazing Chain of Lakes! June 11—30, Monday through Saturday 10am - 8pm. Think Boats instead of golf carts traveling to floating Advanced & Pre-professional Dancers by audition, please “holes” located in various lakes where every hole is call 863.802.0399 or email [email protected] a party in and of itself vying to be the “Best Hole” to schedule an audition. Performance on June 30. Other fun prizes too! This program is designed for students of ages 10-25 who are committed to enhancing their dance training and exploring a variety of dance techniques with Ballet as a core component. ABOUT RIDGE ART ASSOCIATION The Mission of the Ridge Art Association is to educate and promote understanding of the visual arts and Lake Wales Arts Council to sponsor cultural events within the community. Art Camps Office and gallery hours are 12:30 to 4pm, Monday Lake Wales Arts Council will hold Art Camps at various through Friday during show weeks and one hour prior locations in Lake Wales during renovations at the Arts to Theatre Winter Haven performances. The office Center. Dates and locations are not confirmed as of date and gallery are currently located inside the Chain of publication. Visit www.lakewalesartscouncil.org, call O’Lakes Complex, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. SW. For (863) 676-8426 or e-mail [email protected] to learn more. more information about Ridge Art programs, please call the office at 863-291-5661 or visit Ridge Art on the web at www.ridgeart.org.
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 7 Public Art Takes Center Stage
By Sandra Dimsdale Horan Art is in bloom in communities around Polk County this spring. Several local arts organizations are partnering with government agencies and downtown businesses to transform their communities through public art and pedestrian walkways. Public art is taking center stage at several big events, including Platform Art Party #19 in Lakeland and the annual Central Park Stroll in Winter Haven. Platform Art Party #19: Art in AgriCulture Platform Art is working with the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency to establish a pedestrian-friendly walkway between The Lakeland Center and downtown. Platform has commissioned a ceramic, two-dimensional, 160-foot-long tile sculpture to be installed April 27 and 28 on the top rail of the Orange Street Bridge. Ceramicist Charlie Parker of St. Pete is designing and fabricating the tiles. The project culminates with Art Party #19: Art in AgriCulture, from 7 to 11 p.m. April 28 at St. Joseph Catholic Church Basketball Pavilion downtown. At the party, the tile will be dedicated, University of Florida Extension Services will show off Florida-friendly gardens, and visual artists, film, fashion, live music and other performances will be featured. The project will be the first of a series of planned streetscape improvements and cultural art events to encourage pedestrian and bicycle traffic into downtown Lakeland. “Platform Art will contribute to the cultural landscape of Lakeland and Polk County with a permanent public art installation and community park and garden on the Orange Street Bridge and New York Avenue,” says Cynthia Haffey, executive director of Platform Art. “The event-driven activity leaves an art installation and an Doug Makemson sculpture on the Lemon Street Promenade in Lakeland. improved landscape behind as the first piece to an ongoing Photo by Gregory Mills. physical improvement connecting the west side to the core of downtown. The resulting public-private partnership involves Lemon Street Promenade plantings, bike racks, benches and public art along the pedestrian The FLOSC actually started on the Lemon Street Promenade in route and proposed bike path.” downtown Lakeland, but in recent years, public art has been Central Park Stroll largely absent from that busy street. However, downtown was abuzz one February morning as the city began installing new On May 3, Polk Museum of Art and the City of Winter Haven are sculptures along the Promenade. Working with Polk Museum of joining together at the Central Park Stroll to celebrate the winning Art, the city contracted with Georgia artist Doug Makemson to artwork in the 12th Annual Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition. display 12 of his metal sculptures along Lemon Street. Ten new sculptures have been installed in downtown Winter Haven “Public art definitely adds to the flavor of our downtown,” says parks and will remain on exhibition for a year. Kevin Cook, director of communications for the City of Lakeland. The city of Winter Haven has embraced using the cultural arts “We really like the fact that Makemson’s work is something to strengthen downtown, recognizing that public art can be a everyone can identify with; he does lots of wildlife. And, the powerful draw for business people who want to stay downtown way they are constructed includes lots of motion. They have real during their lunch hour or after work as well as for art-loving personality.” tourists seeking to explore towns off the beaten path. Winter Visitors to Lakeland interested in viewing outdoor sculpture can Haven has been host to the FLOSC for the past eight years. find a map of public art on LakelandGov.net. “Public art not only enhances the natural environment, it makes art accessible to people who may never step foot into a Sketches & Steel gallery,” says Adam Justice, curator of art at Polk Museum of Art. Speaking of downtown sculptures, Albert Paley’s Tribute to “Public sculptures soon become a part of the natural landscape, Volunteerism on Lake Mirror has been a hot topic for several years. emphasizing the idea that people and art can share a living space This spring, Polk Museum of Art is showing an exhibition of the and thrive. A reciprocal relationship gradually evolves between internationally renowned sculptor’s work Sketches & Steel. The citizens and public art because, whether conscious of it or not, exhibition includes sketches and small scale models of Tribute as these citizens in some way develop a sense of ownership for these well as some of Paley’s well-known sculptures from around the sculptures. And, art needs people, just as people need art.” nation and world. The exhibition will be on view through June 23.
8 Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org Hands-on, Fun-Filled Summer Action at
www.explorationsv.com Magical Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Thrilling Thursday and Fun Friday offer engaging arts and science sessions throughout the summer. These daily programs, which are included with admission or museum membership, Summer Camp and Story Book Camp 2012 run from June begin at 10:30am. A Tuesday afternoon Open Art Session is also 11 through August 10. Weekly themed sessions offer hands- held each week at 1pm. on adventures in science, art, woodworking, food, museum exploration and more! Sign up for all nine weeks or pick specific The 2012 Children’s Festival & Picnic in the Park, held weeks. Museum member price per week is $135 per child. 10am-3pm on April 21, will feature the debut of a new exhibit, Raceways!, which focuses on energy, motion and gravity To receive museum member pricing on events, programs and through a “Ski Jump,” Loop the Loop and the “Big U!” All day camps, purchase an annual Family Membership for $70. Non- entertainment will begin with Reactory Factory at 11am. Pack member rates are also available. a picnic and join Explorations V Children’s Museum for a park full of art, science, math and music fun plus a new high-action exhibit! Activities included with the $7 entry fee. Museum Explorations V Children’s Museum is located at 109 North members are $5 each. Family-friendly food items can also be purchased. Event sponsors include Bank of America and Kentucky Avenue in the historic Kress Building in downtown Lakeland Electric. Lakeland. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9am-5:30pm. Admission is $7 per person. Senior citizens, 65 and older, Mommy & Me Tea Time will be held on Friday May 11 at 1pm are $3.50. Teachers and military with ID are $3.50. Children and on Saturday, May 12 at 1pm, 2:30pm and 4pm. Make under two and museum members are free. There is no fee plans to be a part of this special event celebrating Mother’s to shop in the Museum Store. Annual Family Memberships Day and enjoy tea, finger sandwiches and cookies and create begin at $70. To learn more about memberships, exhibits, hand-made jewelry. The price is $10/museum member for programs and birthday parties call 863-687-3869, visit “Mom & Me” and $5 each for any additional person. www.explorationsv.com or email [email protected].
Picnic in the Park & Children’s Festival Raceways Exhibit Debut April 21 • 10am-3pm $5 members • $7 non-members Mommy & Me Tea Time May 11 - 1pm • May 12 - 1pm, 2:30pm & 4pm $10 Mom+1 (members) • $15 (non-members) X5 Adventures Summer Camp & Story Book Camp June 11-August 10 • 9am-5pm • Pricing Varies Annual Family Memberships ONLY $70! Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs & the Florida Council on Arts & Culture.
109 North Kentucky Avenue • Lakeland, FL 33801-5044 Chase LeBron paints (863) 687-3869 • http://www.explorationsv.com at Explorations V
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 9 Magic at the Symphony Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 7:30pm Youkey Theatre, The Lakeland Center
To anyone who has ever experienced the magic of symphonic music, putting Master Illusionist Lyn Dillies together with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra makes perfect sense.
Dillies has reached the highest level of her profession, earning the prestigious Merlin Award for Female Illusionist Of The Year from the International Magicians’ Society. The Merlin Award is the equivalent of an Oscar in the magic industry. Former recipients include Doug Henning, David Copperfield and Siegfried and Roy.
In one of her most famous illusions, two live elephants appeared in front of a live audience. She has performed often on television and in front of audiences throughout the United States and Canada. However, some of her favorite magic involves teaming her wizardry with symphonic classics. “I want audiences, especially children to discover the magic of classical music as well as my illusions,” she says.
Lyn Dillies will be performing with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra in Masterworks 5: “Magic at the Symphony.” Musical selections include “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Suite,” “Highlights from ‘Wicked’,” and the “Overture from ‘The Magic Flute’.” The performance takes place Tuesday, May 1st, at 7:30 pm at the Lakeland Center’s Youkey Theater.
MARK THIELEN, Music Director and Conductor For tickets or more information call 863-688-3743 or visit ImperialSymphony.org.
Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org 10 Invisible Elephant An ancient parable tells of six blind men who encounter a large elephant. Each man feels a MUSEUM HOURS Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 1-5pm. different part of the elephant and defines what they are encountering based on their particular The Museum is closed to the public on perspective: One man feels the elephant’s trunk and concludes it is bamboo; another touches Mondays & major holidays. the elephant’s ear and believes it to be a fan; a third feels the elephant’s leg and decides it is a SUMMER HOURS pillar; and so on. The moral: Interpretation depends largely on your perspective and experience. Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm. closed sundays, mondays & major holidays. A new exhibition at Polk Museum of Art, Invisible Elephant, explores the parable through new artwork by Florida artists Theo Wujcik and Kirk Ke Wang. The exhibition will be on view from MUSEUM ADMISSION June 30 through October 13. $5 General, $4 Seniors, Students Admitted FREE. Wujcik, a master printer, was born in Detroit and is professor emeritus at the University of Members and Children age 5 and Younger Admitted FREE. South Florida. Ke Wang, a painter, sculptor, photographer and mixed media artist, was born in Shanghai, China, and serves as professor of visual arts at Eckerd College. *Special exhibitions or events may have different admission fees or hours. Wujcik and Ke Wang first worked together last year in Visual Unity 2, an exhibition at Polk Museum of Art that paired artists to co-produce new works for exhibition. While collaborating on that project, they became deeply interested in each other’s national identity. Their two collaborative paintings and their individual pieces were woven into their cross-cultural grounding. For Invisible Elephant, Wujcik and Ke Wang are working individually to produce new works based on their unique perspectives in relation to the other’s cultural background. The exhibition will be celebrated at a reception August 24. The artists will discuss their work beginning at 6 p.m., and a reception featuring light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar 800 East Palmetto St. • Lakeland, FL 33801 begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to Museum members and $10 for guests. 863.688.7743 • Fax 863.688.2611 www.PolkMuseumofArt.org Invisible Elephant, Kirk Ke Wang, 2011
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 11 The RAMON THEATER Pianos
here is quite a history in the pianos that make their home in the Ramon Theater. One is the original The Whitney Baby Grand Tupright piano that was purchased for the Ramon Theater when it was built in 1925. The newest addition The newest addition to the Ramon Theater is a Whitney is a baby-grand piano that was in the family of Paul David Baby Grand made by Kimbell, built in 1925. It was Hutzelman, for many years. Paul happens to be the husband purchased from a dance hall in 1926 at Mansfield, Ohio, by of Kay Hutzelman, President of the Ramon Theater Board of Margaret E. Hutzelman, Paul David Hutzelman’s mother. All Directors and one of the original members of the group that three Hutzelman children, a sister and two brothers, took initiated the restoration of the theater. lessons on the piano from another teacher, although their mother was an accomplished pianist in her own right.
At Mrs. Hutzelman’s death the Whitney Baby Grand went to Paul’s sister and another Spinnet piano that was in the family home went to Paul. Just last year Paul’s sister decided she would like to have the Spinnet piano so the Whitney Baby Grand was donated to the Ramon Theater by Paul and Kay Hutzelman who had it beautifully restored, refinished and tuned by Piano Restorations by Don MacDonald. The original upright Ramon piano can’t be tuned to stringed instruments so it was imperative that the Ramon have a piano that would enhance our musical programs. Knabe Baltimore Series Piano The Ramon Theater is once again a vibrant cultural center The original piano, which is a Knabe Baltimore series for entertainment, corporate and civic events, business manufactured by William Knabe & Co., was used during the seminars, musical productions, banquets, reunions, weddings, silent movie era. It still sits in the same place it occupied receptions and other uses. For information on renting the so many years ago, above the orchestra pit that was covered Ramon Theater for your event please call 863-635-7222. as part of the restoration process, but which can still be accessed if ever needed. Nora June Mullin Truitt played the piano for silent movies. The unique thing is that Mrs. Truitt never knew in advance what movie would be showing so she watched the movie as she was playing and adjusted the Upcoming Event: tempo of the music to the action that was taking place on April 21, 2012 at 7pm the screen at the time. Lotela Gold 50’s & 60’s Show Band Her daughter June Truitt Felt, who is one of our own Hear favorites such as Earth Angel, Hang on Sloopy, Frostproof Treasures, began sitting on the bench at her Midnight Hour and more. mother’s side, at four years old, and learned to play Tickets - $20 floor seating or $15 balcony seating. beautifully without ever having a lesson, learning to play by A portion of the proceeds benefits Frostproof High ear. June still graces the Ramon Theater on special occasions School Project Graduation. Purchase tickets online and plays those old tunes on that same piano as people @ www.jgbigstarproductions.com, at the Ramon assemble for meetings, luncheons and banquets. Theater office, call 863-494-0577 or 863-635-7222.
The Ramon Theatre · 15 E. Wall Street · Frostproof, FL 33843 863-635-7222 · [email protected] · www.ramontheater.com
12 Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org 1099 S.R. 60 E. • PO Box 608 • Lake Wales, FL 33859-0608 • www.lakewalesartscouncil.org Michael Crews Gallery Email: [email protected] • Phone: 863-676-8426 • Fax: 863-676-1117 The Michael Crews Gallery is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; for special Saturday and holiday hours, please check the website or call in advance: 863-676-8426. Live Performance Series
March 23 through April 22, 43rd Annual Student Art Show April 20, 7:30pm: Jazz Victoria Ensemble. Victoria is well- Reception and Awards Ceremony April 22, 3:00-6:00 p.m. known to local audiences and will assemble a few of her talented Each year, in conjunction with the lakeside art show, students friends for an evening of jazz. Victoria has had a major career as from area schools display more than 600 pieces of art work in a a jazz pianist and vocalist, variety of styles and media including watercolor, clay, oil, pastels having performed at and mask making. Students in K-12 compete for ribbons and Birdland, Lincoln Center cash prizes. The art work is incredible! and the Ritz-Carlton New York. Tickets: $20 Arts April 13-May 31 2012: New Vision – A Fine Art Show Council members; $25 (formerly Municipal Art Show at City of Lake Wales Municipal non-members; $5 students Building) will be held at the Lake Wales Arts Center. Opening and can be purchased by reception and award ceremony April 13 from 5:30-7:00pm Free. calling 863-676-8426. April 26 through May 31, 2012: Driven to Abstraction featuring Tony Eitharong and Carol Frye. Join us for the opening reception on April 26, 5-7:00pm. Free!
Tony Eitharong was born 10th Annual Marilyn Newell in Bangkok, Thailand, Youth Music Festival immigrated to the U.S. in 1972, and settled in The Lake Wales Arts Council is proud Orlando. His early mastery to host the 10th Annual Youth Music of technique resulted in Festival named in honor of Marilyn detailed graphite drawings Newell, founder and chairman for of great realism. His more eight years. On Saturday, April 28, recent work has found its great expression in a bold use of color students from Polk County compete and multi-media assemblies contrasting dramatic images of in piano, voice and orchestral childhood innocence and peace with the realities of war and instrument categories to be recognized destruction. Eitharong has won many major awards nationwide and rewarded for their musical talents. with his unique style of painting and his wonderful creations The competition concludes with a from found objects. Eitharong is affiliated with several galleries, wonderful Awards Ceremony and has had numerous one-person exhibitions across the country, Winners Concert at 3:00pm, Sunday, judged at art shows in Florida, and his art work is part of many April 29. Please join us for this truly permanent collections. inspiring event. Call 863-676-8426 for more information. Carol Frye’s work has moved from realism and landscapes to abstraction in a variety of forms. Originally from The Lake Wales Arts Council Pennsylvania, Carol and her family moved to Florida in The Lake Wales Arts Council is dedicated to the Arts in our 1994. Her vibrant strokes community. The Council’s home, in the Lake Wales Arts Center, of color, bold calligraphy is listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. The and brilliant foils have made building is located at 1099 State Road 60 East in Lake Wales. her passionate expressions Our website (www.lakewalesartscouncil.org) has new and accessible to viewers. Her current works are both experimental updated information posted frequently. If you do not find the and intuitive. She believes painting is really a spiritual process information you seek, please call the Lake Wales Arts Council at and each painting seems to flow and grow, layer upon layer quit (863) 676-8426 or email [email protected]. naturally. A consistent award winner, her paintings have been included in major local, national and international competitions.
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 13 “This is a very exciting agreement for Polk State and for the Lake Wales community. It’s a classic win-win situation. The Council has transferred stewardship of a precious, historic resource to the College, in order to maintain the viability of the facility and preserve community access to a beautiful structure and an array of important culture and arts events,” said Polk State President Dr. Eileen Holden. Renovations will begin this summer and will be minimal, ensuring that the structure complies with city codes and college standards, all while preserving the character of the building. The Polk State College Lake Wales Arts Center is now owned and operated by the Polk State College District Board of Trustees. An advisory board will be created, consisting of six members to be appointed by the Polk State Trustees and five members appointed by Arts Programming to Thrive at Polk State the LWAC. Sustainability funding for the Polk State College Lake Wales College Lake Wales Arts Center Arts Center has been provided by the State of Florida, which added operating funds to the College budget in the 2011 legislative session. he residents of Lake Wales will be the beneficiaries of an The LWAC will maintain an office at the building, and the group innovative partnership between Polk State College and the Lake T will continue to organize the Lake Wales Arts Show, the Student Art Wales Arts Council. Show, the Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival, Chorale, and other Late last year, the LWAC’s board of directors voted unanimously performances, exhibits and events. to transfer title of the Lake Wales Arts Center building to Polk In addition to continuing to host arts programming the State; the Polk State College District Board of Trustees in November community expects and appreciates, the building will allow Polk officially accepted the title. State to expand its educational offerings. Polk State’s existing JD In exchange for the title, Polk State has assured the LWAC that Alexander Center is operating at or near capacity, said Winter Haven the building – now known as the Polk State College Lake Wales Provost Dr. Sharon Miller. Arts Center – will be renovated and maintained by the College and “The building will certainly expand access to opportunity – a that arts and cultural programming at the facility will continue. The value Polk State holds dear,” she said. building is located at 1099 State Road 60 East.
14 Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org The Lake Wales Depot Museum at 325 S. Scenic Highway was originally built as a passenger station by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1928. Passenger service to Lake Wales ceased in 1954, but freight service remained until 1974 when it was shifted to the West Lake Wales station. The Spanish style building with the red tile roof remained as a landmark of the post boom era in Lake Wales. Efforts began in 1974 by the Bicentennial Commission to convert the empty building into a museum and cultural arts center for the citizens of Lake Wales.
Since opening in 1976, the Depot Museum has evolved into a resource center for the collection, conservation, exhibition, and the study of materials pertaining to the history of Lake Wales. It is the goal of the Historic Lake Wales Society to serve as the means by which the historical record of Lake Wales, both past and present, may be preserved and shared with the citizens of the community. Several different exhibits will be presented throughout the year and we invite you to come explore the history of the Native Americans. Our Native American exhibit will be on display from April 1st until the end of June. Following the Native American exhibit just in time for Independence Day will be our Patriotic exhibit. We look forward to seeing you soon and hope you will join us as we preserve the past for the benefit of our future.
The Lake Wales Depot Museum is open 9:00am-5:00pm, Calendar of Events Monday-Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturday. Admission is $2 Native American Exhibit--April 1st until end of June for adults and $1 for children under 12. Learn more by phone Patriotic Exhibit--June 1st until end of August. 863-676-5160 or email [email protected].
MEMBERSHIP FORM Join I would like to support q Yes! TheThe Arts the Polk Arts Alliance! Name:______
The designated Local Arts Agency Address:______for Polk County City:______The mission of the Polk Arts Alliance is to cultivate an environment in which all the arts flourish through Advocacy, Collaboration, Education, Economic State:______Zip:______Development and Marketing. If you enjoy the Cultural Arts and believe the arts are important to our quality of life, please consider becoming an Phone:______individual member or corporate partner. Polk Arts Alliance and our cultural arts community need your support. Email:______To join, simply send this completed form indicating your Polk Arts Alliance Membership Investment Categories membership level along with a check made payable to: Polk Arts Alliance, Inc. PAA Membership Levels: Non-Profit PAA q Title Patron $10,000 P.O. Box 727 q Diamond Patron $5,000 Membership Dues: Bartow, FL 33831-0727 q (Based on Budget Size) Platinum Patron $2,500 Polk Arts Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Memberships q Gold Patron $1,000 q Under $50,000 $50 and donations are tax deductible and enable the PAA to promote the q Silver Patron $500 cultural, historic and educational activities available in Polk County. q Bronze Patron $250 q $50,000-$99,999 $75 q Friends of Polk Arts $100 q $100,000-$199,999 $100 INVEST IN THE CULTURAL ARTS! q Family $75 q q Individual $55 $200,000-$499,999 $150 863-804-0494 • [email protected] q Artist/Educator $35 q Over $500,000 $200 q Senior/Student $35 www.polkarts.org
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 15 Cultural Arts Calendar
Through May 31: New Vision - A Fine Art Show. Lake Wales Arts Center. www.lakewalesartscouncil.org or 863-676-8426. Through June 23: Sketches & Steel, the sculpture of Albert Paley. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. Through June: Native American Exhibit. M-F, 9am-5pm. Sat, 10am-4pm. Historic Lake Wales Society Depot Museum. 863-676-5160. APRIL 15 - 30 April 12-29: Neil Simon’s “Rumors.” Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm with Sunday (4/22) at 7:30 pm and Saturday (4/28) at 2:30 pm. Theatre Winter Haven. Call 863-294-7469 or visit www.theatrewinterhaven.com. April 13-22: “The Hallelujah Girls.” Friday-Saturday 8pm; Sunday 2:30pm. Haines City Community Theatre. 863-421-1893 or www.hainescitytheatre.com. April 15: FREE Cookie Concert “Phurry Philharmonic.” 3pm. Imperial Symphony Orchestra. Sikes Hall, The Lakeland Center. 863-688-3743, www.imperialsymphony.org. Gabriela Molleda, Polk County School Board Purchase Award for her mixed-media piece titled Focus that will hang in the school board office. April 17: Lunch and Learn - “Florida at the Movies.” Noon. Polk County Historical Museum, Bartow. Free. Bring your lunch. 863-534-4386. or www.polkcountymuseum.org. CURRENTLY ON EXHIBIT April 18: Spring Fashion Show 2012. 6:30pm. Features fashions Through April 20: Fine Arts Show. Arts on the Park, Lakeland. by Neiman Marcus, Tampa Bay. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. Learn Call 863-680-2787 or visit www.artsonthepark.org. more at PolkMuseumofArt.org or phone 863-688-7743. Through April 22: Annual Student Art Show. Lake Wales Arts Center. www.lakewalesartscouncil.org or 863-676-8426. Through April 27: Dimensions V - Florida’s Abundance. Bartow Art Guild Exhibit at the Polk County Historical Museum. www.bartowartguild.com. Through April 29: Polk County 5th Grade Kids Tag Art Exhibit. Frostproof Art League & Gallery, Frostproof. Visit www.polktaxes.com. Through April 29: Exhibit: Student Art Competition. M-F, 10am-2pm. Winter Haven Fine Arts Gallery. Polk State College. Free. 863-297-1050. Through April 29: Exhibit: Faculty Art Show. M-F, 10am- 2pm. LTB 1108, Lakeland. Polk State College. Free. 863-297-1050. Through April 30: Aviation Exhibition: A Juried Competition at Winter Haven Airport. Ridge Art Association. 863-291-5661. Through April 30: Student Art Show. Frostproof Art League & Gallery, Frostproof. 863-635-7271. Through May 2: Art From Found Objects: Assemblages, Collages & Montages. Free. Ridge Art Assoc. & Gallery, Winter Haven. www.ridgeart.org or 863-291-5661. Through May 26: “Polk in the War Between the States.” Polk County Historical Museum, Bartow. Free. 863-534-4386. or www.polkcountymuseum.org. Through May 26: From the Flat Files, a look at the previously unframed pieces of the Permanent Collection. Polk Museum of Randy Lopez, Polk Museum of Art Purchase Award for his mixed-media piece, Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. titled No Parts, will be a permanent addition to the museum’s collection.
16 Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org April 28-29: 10th Annual Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival. Winners Concert/Awards, Sun, 3pm. Updike Hall. Lake Wales Arts Center. www.lakewalesartscouncil.org or 863-676-8426. April 28-29: Over 55 Show Band Performance. 2-4pm. Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre. Polk State College. 863-297-1050. April 28-Aug. 18: 3-D exhibition. Focuses on sculpture in the Permanent Collection. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland, 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. April 28: Platform Art Party #19: Art in AgriCulture. 7-11pm. St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lakeland. Visit www.PlatformArt.org. MAY May 1: “Magic at the Symphony” featuring Master Illusionist Lyn Dillies 7:30pm. Imperial Symphony Orchestra. The Lakeland Center. 863-688-3743, www.imperialsymphony.org. May 3: Central Park Stroll. Celebrating the 12th Annual Florida Pink Peonies by Brenda Roe, The Frostproof Art League & Gallery’s 2012 Fine Art Show, People’s Choice award winner. Outdoor Sculpture Competition. Event sponsored by Polk Museum of Art and the City of Winter Haven. Central Park area, downtown April 20: Jazz Victoria Ensemble. 7:30pm. Updike Hall, Lake Winter Haven. 863-688-7743. Wales Arts Center. www.lakewalesartscouncil.org or 863-676-8426. May 4-31: 20-Something Show. People’s Choice, May 4, 6pm. April 20-29: “The Odd Couple.” Friday-Saturday 7:30pm, Arts on the Park, Lakeland. 863-680-2787, www.artsonthepark.org. Sunday 2pm. Lakeland Community Theatre. 863-603-7529 or visit May 4-29: 41st Annual Juried Art Show. Lakeland Art Guild. www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com. Open M-F and during Mayfaire from 10am-4pm. Melvin Gallery, April 21: Student Art Receptions. Free to Be Me: 3rd to Florida Southern College, Lakeland.863-644-7117 or 863-646-8264. 5th Grade Exhibition. 10:30am & 1pm. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. Free. 863-688-5423 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. April 21: 2012 Children’s Festival & Picnic in the Park. 10am- 3pm. Explorations V Children’s Museum, Lakeland. 863-687-3869 or www.explorationsv.com. April 21: Family Fun Workshop - Sculpture. 10:30am-Noon at Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City. Presented by Polk Museum of Art. Free. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. April 21: A Gathering of Angels. Theatre Winter Haven event at The Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven. Box Office 863-294-7469 or www.theatrewinterhaven.com. April 21: Creative Studies: “Friends, Soul Mates: The Role They Play in Our Lives.” 5-7:30pm. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. April 21: Splash! Golf fundraiser on the Chain O’ Lakes for Ridge Art Association, Winter Haven. www.ridgeart.org or call 863-291-5661. April 26: String Orchestra Concert. 7:30pm. Harrison School for the Arts, Lakeland. Call 863-499-2855 or www.harrisonarts.com. April 26-May 31: Driven to Abstraction. Features the works of Tony Eitharong and Carol Frye. Opening reception: April 26, 5-7pm. Free. Lake Wales Arts Center. www.lakewalesartscouncil.org or 863-676-8426. April 26-27: Receiving for the 20-Something Show. Arts on the Park, Lakeland. 863-680-2787, www.artsonthepark.org. April 27: Curator Tour of Sketches & Steel. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. April 27: Reflections, Visual Arts Exhibit and Reception. 6pm. Harrison School for the Arts, Lakeland. Call 863-499-2855 or visit www.harrisonarts.com. April 27-28: Motion Picture Arts Film Festival. 7:30pm. Harrison Ana Lazovsky of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Israel, Copacabana Wave, 2010, School for the Arts, Lakeland. 863-499-2855 or www.harrisonarts.com. fiberglass, cast, aluminum, paint and steel, 4’9”H x 7’3”W x 5’D
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 17 May 12-13: 41st MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake. 9am- 4pm. Food, music, fun and beautiful, award-winning art around Lake Morton, Lakeland. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. May 12: MAYFAIRE Saturday Night. 5-11 pm. Free street party at the Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland. Live music and fireworks over the lake at 9 p.m. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. May 12: Innovations Dance: “Firebird.” 7:30pm. Florida Dance Theatre at The Polk Theatre, Lakeland. Call 863-802-0399 or visit www.floridadancetheatre.org. May 15: Lunch and Learn - “Losing it all to Sprawl.” Noon. Polk County Historical Museum, Bartow. Free. Bring your lunch. 863-534-4386. or www.polkcountymuseum.org. May 15-September 1: WWI at 98 Years” Exhibit. Polk County Historical Museum, Bartow. Free. 863-534-4386 or visit www.polkcountymuseum.org. May 18: “A Tribute to Johnny Cash by Cabaret at the Polk.” 8pm. The Polk Theatre. Visit www.polktheatre.org or call 863-682-7553. May 19-June 16: Learning to Be Me exhibition opens. KGrades K-2. Receptions at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. May 19. Polk Mu- seum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. May 19: Family Fun Workshop: Collage. 10:30am-Noon at Haines City Public Library. Presented by Polk Museum of Art. Free. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. May 19: Creative Studies: “Six Spiritual Sojourners.” An evening of intellectual stimulation with wine and light hors d’oeuvres. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org.
Summer Art Camp 2011 at Polk Museum of Art. Photography by Gregory Mills. May 19: Classic Games Night. 6-9pm. Polk County Historical Museum, Bartow. Free. 863-534-4386 or www.polkcountymuseum.org. May 4-5: Spring Dance Concert. 7:30pm. Harrison School for the Arts, May 20: Over 55 Show Band Performance. 2-4pm. Winter Haven Fine Lakeland. Call 863-499-2855 or www.harrisonarts.com. Arts Theatre. Polk State College. 863-297-1050. May 5: Family Fun Workshop- Collage. 10:30am-Noon. Polk May 24: Jazz Band Concert. 7:30pm. Harrison School for the Arts, Museum of Art, Lakeland. Free. PolkMuseumofArt.org. Lakeland. Call 863-499-2855 or www.harrisonarts.com. May 5: Concert Under the Stars. Frank Vignola & his Quintet with the American Irish band Solas. 6pm. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. 863-734-1222; www.boktowergardens.org. May 6: Harrison Orchestra Concert. 3pm. Symphony Guild of Winter Haven Young Peoples Concert.. Free. Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre. Polk State College. 863-297-1050. May 8: Annual Scholarship Winners Concert. 10:30am. Tuesday Music Club, Lakeland. Free. www.musicclublakeland.org. May 10: Symphony Orchestra Concert. 7:30pm. Harrison School for the Arts, Lakeland. Call 863-499-2855 or www.harrisonarts.com. May 11-12: Mommy & Me Tea Time. Friday at 1pm, Saturday at 1pm, 2:30pm and 4pm. Explorations V Children’s Museum, Lakeland. 863-687-3869 or www.explorationsv.com. May 11-12: “The Real Thing.” The Edge Alternative Stage Read Series. Mature audiences. 7:30pm. Lakeland Community Theatre. 863-603-7529 or www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com. May 11: Awards Reception - 20-Something Show. 6pm. Arts on the Park, Lakeland. 863-680-2787, www.artsonthepark.org. May 11: National Music Week Celebration - All That Jazz. 7-9pm at Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College. Tuesday May 12-13, 2012 is MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire-by-the-Lake. Visitors admire artworks by Music Club, Lakeland. Free. www.musicclublakeland.org. Scott Causey of Sarasota during Mayfaire 2011. Photograph by Gregory Mills.
Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org 18 June 15-17: “How I Became A Pirate.” Friday-Saturday 7:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 2pm. Youth Theatre. Lakeland Community Theatre. www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com or call 863-603-7529. June 15-24: “A Pirates Life For Me.” Friday-Saturday 8pm; Sunday 2:30pm. Haines City Community Theatre. 863-421-1893 or www.hainescitytheatre.com. June 16: Family Fun Workshop: Book Making. 10:30am- Noon at Lake Alfred Public Library. Presented by Polk Museum of Art. Free. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. June 19: Lunch and Learn - “Florida’s Highwaymen.” Noon. Polk County Historical Museum, Bartow. Free. Bring your lunch. 863-534-4386. or www.polkcountymuseum.org. June 27-29: Summer Mini-Camp - Camp Broadway. 9 - 4pm. Ages 6 and up. Lakeland Community Theatre. Call 863-603-7529 or visit www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com. June 30-Oct. 13: Invisible Elephant exhibition opens. Focuses on new work by Florida artists Theo Wujcik and Kirk Ke Wang. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland, 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. (Note: Reception 6-8:30 p.m. Aug. 24.) June 30-July 28: VSA exhibition opens. Showcases work from VSA Arts program for gifted and emotionally, physically and mentally challenged students enrolled in Polk County Schools. Exhibition reception at 11 a.m. June 30. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. JULY July 11-13: Summer Mini-Camp - Camp Combat. 9 - 4pm. Ages 8 and up. Lakeland Community Theatre. Call 863-603-7529 or visit www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com. July 18-20: Summer Mini-Camp - Camp Improv. 9 - 4pm. Ray Lynn Dease, Welcome To Sloss (Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham, Alabama), Best Ages 10 and up. Lakeland Community Theatre. Call 863-603-7529 Of Show from the annual photography exhibit at Frostproof Art Gallery. or visit www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com. JUNE July 20-August 5: “Hairspray.” Fri-Sat at 7:30pm, Sun at 2:30pm and Thur (8/2) at 7:30pm. Theatre Winter Haven. Call 863-294-7469 or June 1 - August: Pattriotic Exhibit. M-F, 9am-5pm. Sat, 10am-4pm. visit www.theatrewinterhaven.com. Historic Lake Wales Society Depot Museum. 863-676-5160. July 20-29: “Chicago.” Friday-Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm. June 2: Family Fun Workshop: Book Making. 10:30am- Lakeland Community Theatre. www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com Noon. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. Free. 863-688-7743 or or call 863-603-7529. PolkMuseumofArt.org. July 30-August 11: Summer Camp - A Show in Two Weeks! June 3-6: Receiving for “Members Show.” Reception June 22, The Ever After - A Musical. 9 - 4pm. Ages 8 and up. Lakeland 6pm. Arts on the Park, Lakeland. 863-680-2787, www.artsonthepark.org. Community Theatre. Visit www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com or June 9: “Behind the Art” of Albert Paley, 1 p.m., free with call 863-603-7529. Museum admission. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland, 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. UPCOMING June 11-August 3: Summer Art Camps.” Ages 5-13. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. Two-week sessions. Call 863-688-5423 August 4: Family Fun Workshop: Watercolor. 10:30 am-Noon. Polk or visit PolkMuseumofArt.org/education/camps. Museum of Art, Lakeland. Free. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. June 11-29: Summer Theatre Camp. Two camps, Ages 7-16, August 18: Family Fun Workshop: Watercolor. 10:30 am-Noon at and a technical theatre workshop for teens. 9am-4pm. Theatre Win- Auburndale Public Library. Presented by Polk Museum of Art. Free. 863- ter Haven. 863.299.2672 or visit www.theatrewinterhaven.com. 688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org. June 11-August 10: Explorations V Summer Camp & Summer August 18: Art at the Ball Park. 4-9pm. Polk Arts Alliance Book Camp 2012. Weekly themed sessions. Explorations V Children’s and Lakeland Flying Tigers partnership event at Joker Marchant Museum, Lakeland. 863-687-3869 or www.explorationsv.com. Stadium. Game time: 6:05pm, Lakeland. www.polkarts.org. June 12-September 8: Good Roads in Polk” Exhibit. Polk August 24: Exhibition Reception - Invisible Elephant. 6-8:30 p.m. County Historical Museum, Bartow. Free. 863-534-4386 or visit A lecture by the artists begins at 6 p.m. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. www.polkcountymuseum.org. 863-688-7743 or PolkMuseumofArt.org.
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 19 Summer 2012 Exhibits “WWI at 98 Years” and “Good Roads in Polk.” Lunch and Learn Series Both displays highlight events surrounding the year Bring your brown bag lunch for the new 1914. With a good economy at home, Polk County museum Lunch and Learn Series this summer. residents prepared to build new highways to The free lectures begin at noon on the third connect all our cities together. At the same time, Tuesday of each month. in a display of our local patriotism, young men prepared to go to war in Europe. Classic Games Night On Saturday May 19, 2012 the museum will Polk County host its fourth annual “Classic Games Night” 6pm to 9pm. Here is a good opportunity to reminisce over a few of the great classic Historical Museum games like Sorry, Uno, Yahtzee, and more. Admission to the museum is free. The museum is open 9am to 5pm. Tuesday through Friday and 9am to 3pm. on Saturday. The museum is located at 100 East Main Street in Bartow. For more information call Myrtice Young at (863) 534-4386 or Photo: Courtesy: Polk County Historical Association visit the Polk County Historical Museum on the web at Polk Roadway ca. 1916. James Van Fleet in WWI Uniform ca. 1914 www.polkcountymuseum.org
Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org 20 Bok Tower Gardens Jazzes Up 22nd Annual Concert Under the Stars Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 6:00pm
Guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola and his Quintet performs Tickets may be purchased at the Gardens and at Chambers of along with the American Irish band Solas (pictured above) Commerce in Bartow, Haines City, Lake Wales, Lakeland and during Bok Tower Gardens’ 22nd annual Concert Under the Winter Haven. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Stars on May 5 at 6:00pm. 863-734-1222 or online at www.boktowergardens.org.
A favorite Central Florida outdoor gathering, the concert draws thousands of visitors who enjoy a picnic with family and friends as the sun sets over Iron Mountain. Concert tickets include general Gardens’ admission so guests may enter anytime during the day.
Tickets are $25 for the general public $10 for children. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Day of concert ticket prices are $30 for the general public and $12 for children. Children under 5 admitted free. Group discounts are available.
Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, insect repellent and flashlights. Handicapped parking and shuttle service will be available.
Heart Smart Kids Tag Art Kids Tag Art and the Florida Heart Research Institute, presented Heart Smart Art Awards to young local artists on Friday, January 27, 2012. Renowned local artist, Kids Tag Art Traveling Exhibit Stephen Koury, was the special guest of Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder at this event. Apr 4-29 Frostproof Art League & Gallery * Presentations were made by the Florida Heart Research Institute to four fifth May 4, June 1, July 6 First Friday in Munn Park ** graders whose artwork was selected for best representing heart health as part of this year’s Kids Tag Art school art program. May 12-13 Mayfaire-by-the-Lake, Lakeland * Mar 14-31 Lakeland Linder Regional Airport * Students receiving this award are Clara Bryne of St. Joseph’s Catholic School May 31-Jun 30 PCTCO, Lakeland Branch Office * in Winter Haven, Madelyn Long of July 1-31 PCTCO, Haines City Branch Office * McKeel Academy, Andrea Moreno of Sleepy Hill Elementary, and Marquis * Denotes Main Display ** Denotes Tabletop Display Wise of Laurel Oaks Elementary. This is the first year for the Heart Tag by Andrea Moreno, Sleepy Hill Elementary Smart Art Awards and the first year that the Florida Heart Research Institute has been a sponsor of Kids Tag Art. The Heart Smart Art Award was designed to encourage youth to be mindful of being heart smart by inviting fifth graders to design a creative kids tag with that theme. “The Florida Major Sponsor Heart Research Institute is thrilled to participate as a sponsor to Kids Tag Art and stimulate children about healthy lifestyles”, states Sallie Byrd, VP of Development, FHRI. www.PolkTaxes.com
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 21 News from FROSTPROOF ART LEAGUE & GALLERY
various mediums, and even sculpt. This program, as all other services, is provided by volunteers. The children love coming to art class and are excited to have some of their work on display in the Gallery. We also have a two-day art camp for area kids in the summer. We have 6 to 10 year olds in the rostproof Art League and Gallery is located in lovely morning and 11 to 14 year olds in the afternoon. This camp Fdowntown Frostproof, a small town built around the citrus requires a lot of volunteer help because of the number of industry, known as the “Friendly City.” Lovely little groves children and the number of projects we cram into those two and several parks with mature southern live oaks dripping days. We choose a theme and then use as many types of art with Spanish moss are all around town. The city is the middle as we can to illustrate the theme, such as painting, drawing, of an hourglass shape formed by Lake Clinch to the west and fabric art and sculpting. The two-day art camps are popular Lake Reedy to the east. The main street through town, Wall and well-attended. Street, runs from lake to lake. If you like to paint or draw We have a full schedule of shows during the winter out of doors, we have an abundance of vistas to choose from. season starting in January with the Fine Arts Show, followed Sand Hill Cranes can be seen walking around town. Ospreys by the Photography Show in February. March is our busiest and Eagles nest in town and around the countryside. If you month with the 3-D Art Show, the Quilt Show. And, our major want to see the real Florida, this is the place to visit. We annual fundraiser is the Wearable Art Show on the second don’t have gated communities but we do have ranches and Tuesday in March. April is the Student Art Show. All of these cattle. There is a wonderful herd of longhorns along Highway shows are a lot of fun and are very important to us. 27 just before the turnoff to Frostproof. Like all 501(c)(3) organizations, we need to raise money The Art League and local artists opened the Gallery 15 to operate. Our other great need is for volunteers. The time years ago. The Art League has a local membership who can and talents that our volunteers give to us is invaluable. We display their work at the Gallery at no charge. The Gallery have an anonymous quote on our bulletin board that says, has a work area available to members as long as the building “Volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless but is open and there are no classes in session. The Art League because they are priceless.” We find that to be very true. is a solely volunteer operated, non-profit organization. We All in all we try to make the Frostproof Art League and have instructors for oils, acrylics and drawing. We are always Gallery a positive force for the continuation of art in the trying to keep up with what our members want and to attract community. All programs for our young people are free of new members. If you have any interest in creating art, please charge. Art is vital for the welfare of society and our young come see us. If you would just like to look at art, please people need to experience art in all its forms regardless of come see us. You will be amazed at the many talented artists their economic means. Given exposure and instruction, our in the local communities. Some of our people are only here next great Artist may develop from any level of the economic during the winter, but we also have a core group of artists scale. Not all of our children will continue in the art field, who live here year around. but they will have learned a different way of looking at the We also have a very active Photography Club that meets world around them. If we have a positive influence on just at the Art Gallery the first Tuesday of every month to share one child, our efforts will have been well worth it. Judging by their knowledge and to grow as photographers. Frostproof the children in our weekly classes, we are influencing many has many photo opportunities and is located near Bok Tower, children in a positive way. Circle B Bar Ranch preserve, Legoland, and other parks and The work we do with children requires a lot of time, preserves that provide many vistas and ideas for the creative effort and materials. We are always looking for volunteer photographer. If you want a picture of a gator or a bird, we help as well as monetary donations. There are no paid have lots of both in the area. If you want trees and lakes, positions at the Art League. Volunteers do everything. All we can provide that too. We also have historical buildings, monetary donations are used for materials for the children’s warehouses, citrus equipment, domestic animals and programs. Whether or not you can contribute in any way, interesting people to photograph. please come in and see us. We have great things going on in The mission of the Art League is to promote art in the the Gallery and the people are very friendly. Please put us on Frostproof area. We do that through the various classes, your list of things to check out in Frostproof. availability of facilities, shows and other services we offer. However, the best way to promote art is to get young people Visit the Frostproof Art League & Gallery at 12 E. Wall St. interested. We do that by providing a free art class, for the The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am children of Frostproof, every Thursday afternoon during the to 3:00pm. Find Frostproof Art League & Gallery page on school year. We touch on all areas of art to give the children facebook or call (863)-635-7271 for more information. as wide an experience as possible. The children draw, paint in
22 Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org ‘Where historic meets cutting edge!’
Friday, May 18, 2012 @ 8:00pm A Tribute to Johnny Cash, by Cabaret at the Polk
The Polk Theatre presents, the music of Johnny Cash, like you’ve never heard it before, Friday, May 18 at 8 PM! This original Polk Theatre production stars some incredibly talented local musicians. This show was part of the new Cabaret at the Polk series, where patrons sit on stage at tables and are very up close and personal with the performers. For this one and only show, it will be restaged to play to the full house in order for it to be video taped. This show played 10 times as the cabaret show to sold out or nearly sold out audiences. The comments at the end of the show included, “I’ve never heard 139 South Florida Avenue • Lakeland, FL 33801 anything like it!” and “You only see that caliber of a show on Broadway!” (863) 682-8227 • www.polktheatre.org
The show stars Patrick Fleitz, music director, Brian Sutherland, Kimberly Milton, Craig Morby, Sara Machinia and Sharon Clark and was directed by Paul Hughes. Some of the stars play multiple musical instruments, but all have voices that will have you humming the music for many days after you witness the cast singing Cash songs in styles never presented anywhere before. You have to see it to believe it. No impersonation band here, just performers stepping our of their comfort zone to create a sound that will leave you speechless! $15 gets you in! All black attire welcome!
For information or tickets please call (863) 682-7553 or visit www.polktheatre.org.
The cast from left-to-right: Patrick Fleitz, musical director, piano, harmonica, vocals; Brian Sutherland, cello, piano, guitar, mandolin, vocals, percussion; Craig Morby, guitar, percussion, vocals; Sara Machinia, guitar, vocals; Kimberly Milton, vocals; Sharon Clark, vocals, percussion.
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 23 April 13-22: “The Hallelujah Girls” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. Hilarity abounds in this comedy written by the authors of “The Dixie Swim Club” when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to open up a day spa in an abandoned church. Led by the high-spirited Sugar Lee, the women must rally together to overcome all their obstacles and launch their new and improved lives. The result is a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout “Hallelujah!”
In the Clay Cut Center at 801 Ledwith Ave. in Haines City Phone: (863) 421-1893 · www.hainescitytheatre.com
June 15-24: “A Pirate’s Life for Me” by Craig Sodaro, music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur. In their annual HCCT KIDS! production, the younger talents of Haines City Community Theatre will once again entertain audiences of all ages with this musical centering around Aristocrat Roger Goodman and his true love Sarah Huffington. While Roger has his heart set on a conventional life married to the wealthy Sarah, he soon finds out she thinks he’s boring and would rather marry a brave and adventurous pirate! Determined to prove himself to his beloved, Roger hires Long John Sliver to tutor him and his newly recruited motley crew in the field of piracy. What ensues is nothing short of a comedy of errors, enlivened with an eclectic musical score of rollicking sea shanties and contemporary styles. This swashbuckling comedy is sure to be the most comical Evelyn Avazier and David Smith in this year’s production of “Goodbye Charlie” musical pirate adventure yet! at Haines City Community Theatre
FOR INFORMATION ON
Dimensions V Art Exhibit: “Florida’s Abundance” Feb 27 - April 27, Polk County Historical Museum The theme for this year is“Florida’s Abundance” and the selected artworks are Advertising exhibited around this idea. Chairperson for the exhibit, Kati D’Amore, has invited a mixed variety of artists. The exhibitors and their mediums are: Jerry Fuller of Winter Haven-oils and charcoal Lynn Hughes of Lakeland-watercolor Lee Clark of Lakeland-acrylic and oils PLEASE CALL Martha Post of Bartow-watercolor Glenda Losh of Bartow-oils 863.422.8651 Audrey Lussier of Lakeland-photography Rise St. Arno of Bartow-jewelry O R E M A I L The Historical Polk County Courthouse has housed the exhibit from its [email protected] inception. The original concept for the Dimensions exhibit was conceived by Bartow artist Rosemary Carter and had the first exhibit in February-April 2000. She says “When I started the Dimensions exhibit, I wanted to follow through with the mentoring idea of the guild. I decided to make the Dimensions exhibit by invitation only. That way I could encourage our budding artists who might think they were not advanced enough to participate alongside members of long standing. The exhibit room in the Historical Museum makes for a unique setting to showcase the diverse talent of the Bartow Art Guild’s membership.” The special room in the east side of the building will be open from 9 am to 5 740 E. Main St., Suite 1 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Find Bartow Art Guild on Facebook and more information on the Art Guild’s programs at— Haines City www.bartowartguild.com
24 Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org Summer Mummers Musical: Hairspray Main Stage Production Act 1—the movies—1988 Neil Simon’s: Rumors A cult film appears with a drag queen in a lead part and April 12 - 29, 2012 an overweight girl looking for Join Theatre Winter Haven Thursdays-Saturdays at acceptance. The title of the 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm with Sunday (4/22) at film was quite peculiar but 7:30 pm and Saturday (4/28) at 2:30 pm the response joyous. It was called HAIRSPRAY. Synopsis: Neil Simon, America's best known multi-award winning Act 2—Broadway—2002 playwright, excels in presenting the frustrations of life The show, now a musical, with twelve million in advance with delicious humor. His comic concoction, RUMORS, sales, gets twelve Tony nominations, winning eight, is based on a dinner party where four snazzily-dressed including Best Musical. The new Tracy--Marissa Winokur, couples gather at the home of Charlie and Myra Brock is diagnosed with cervical cancer during rehearsals, to celebrate the tenth wedding anniversary of their undergoes a hysterectomy but tells no one. She goes on hosts. But, Charlie is lying upstairs with a bullet hole to star in the show. She has spent two years on voice and in his ear lobe, and Myra is nowhere to be seen. We dance lessons. Ain’t giving this up… are pitched headlong into high-voltage hilarity as the friends try frantically to protect their host (who is — — Act 3 the movie musical 2007 deputy mayor of New York), and themselves, by hiding 1100 girls audition for the part of chunky Tracy and the evening's events from the outside world. unknown Nikki Blonsky gets the part. She had absolutely no professional experience (see, dreams can come true). "BROADWAY HAS SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT - The movie is shot in Toronto (cheaper, better weather, great egg rolls), cost 75 million and grosses 202 million worldwide LIGHT, FROTHY AND FUN." ---New York Post to become the fourth highest grossing musical of all time (ok, I’ll tell you: GREASE, CHICAGO and MAMA MIA).
July 20 - August 5, 2012 Join Theatre Winter Haven for the musical version of HAIRSPRAY. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays 2:30pm and Thursday (8/2) at 7:30pm. Call 294-SHOW.
Theatre Winter Haven • Chain O’Lakes Complex Summer Theatre Camp 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880 Administrative Offices: 299-2672 • Box Office: 294-SHOW Theatre Winter Haven Academy is offering two [email protected] • www.TheatreWinterHaven.com musical theatre summer camps for students age 7-16 from June 11-29, 2012. The camps run weekdays from 9am-4pm. Tuition: $399.00. NOTE: Get a 10% tuition discount if payment is made by the pre-registration deadline of May 18 Florida Fiduciary or for multiple siblings. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Theatre Winter Haven is also offering a free of Dan Clark charge Technical Theatre Workshop for serious- Investment Advisor minded teens ages 14 & up who are interested in backstage theatre production. 1014 S. Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 www.floridafiduciary.com 863.688.0900 For more information call Molly at 863.299.2672 or 888.483.9641 visit www.theatrewinterhaven.com 863.688.0373 Fax
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 25 Thank you to the many sponsors who make Platform Art possible.
April 28, 2012 (7-11pm) St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 210 W. Lemon St., Lakeland
latform Art, Inc. presents Platform Art Party #19- Art in AgriCulture- April 28 in Pdowntown Lakeland from 7 to 11 p.m. During the event Platform Art will unveil a ceramic-tile public-art installation on the Orange St. Bridge in celebration of Polk County’s rich agricultural heritage. Mayor Gow Fields will dedicate the bridge at 7p.m. following a reception at the newly landscaped community garden designed by UF Extension Services and Master Gardeners of Lakeland. St. Petersburg artist Charlie Parker has been commissioned to design and produce a large ceramic tile mural to be installed on the Orange Street Bridge to create a gateway from the Lakeland Center into the downtown area. The Platform Art Community Garden and the decorative ceramic art installation will help usher pedestrians seamlessly from the Lakeland Center into downtown for dining, shopping and cultural experiences. Popular belief is agriculture cannot exist in hot concrete jungles, but Art in AgriCulture will, in conjunction with the City of Lakeland, UF Extension Services and other major sponsors, highlight “urban agriculture” by making improvements Trinity Presbyterian to the city’s environmental landscape. At Art in AgriCulture, Platform Art will present visual art, short films, fashion, music and performance pieces. Florida artists W. R. Nager and Cindy Skop, among others, will be exhibiting Art Party #19, the ceramic tile mural on the art depicting agricultural and cowboy themes. An agriculture-themed fashion Orange Street Bridge, Platform Art Park and show choreographed by Linda Jezzard and What’s New Consignment will also take Community Garden have been made possible place, ensuring that all forms of art represent Polk County’s agricultural heritage. through the support of generous sponsors, For tickets to Art In Agriculture, order online at www.platformart.org. Tickets donors and volunteers. See how they have are $15 in advance, and $20 the day of the event, $10 with valid student ID. made our community a better place to live www.platformart.org by joining us on April 28th. P.O. Box 1034 • Lakeland, Florida 33802
Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org 26 Arts on the Park Fine Arts Show Continues through April 20, 2012 Fine Arts Show Award Winners: Best in Show: Terry Mann Santa Window, Top Right Second Place: Matthew Lukens New Heights, Middle Right Third Place: Marilyn Rackelman She’s Complicated, Top Left Merit Award: Alexandria Trsek Aphrodite, Middle Left People’s Choice: Afton Dufoe Keeper of the Stars, Bottom Left See the complete artworks of the award winners and the entire Fine Arts Show through April 20.
20-Something Show Receiving April 26-27. Show opens May 4. Awards reception on May 11. Show runs through May.
Members Show Receiving June 3-6. Awards reception on June 22. Show runs through June.
115 N. Kentucky Ave. Lakeland FL 33801 Arts on the Park will be closed July 7 through 863.680.2787 · www.artsonthepark.org August 10 for a short summer break.
Also offering In-Demand u Information Technology u Information Technology Management* Skills u Management Information Systems* With a degree in Call for a complete list of programs • *Online only Design & Multimedia
1.888.762.2293 www.KULakeland.com
231-1283-AIF-demand-DMM-8x5.indd 1 Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 8/19/11 2:32 PM 27
Insertion Date: 9/1 Client: Keiser-Lakeland Job Number: 231-1283-demand-DMM-8x5 Product/Pub: Art-I-Facts Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3 Revision 4 Size: 7.5 x 4.875 Production: Creative Proofer 1: AS Proofer 1: JM Work Date: 8/18 Creative Proofer 2: AS Proofer 2: This Summer Lakeland Community Theatre presnts his summer here at Lakeland Community Theatre, CHICAGO: July 20-29 T“Sin is In”. The smash hit musical CHICAGO hits the stage July 20th thru 29th. Chicago is based on a play of the same name by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins, who was assigned to cover the 1924 trials of murderesses Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner for the Chicago Tribune. Annan, the model for the character of Roxie Hart, was 23 when she was accused of the April 3, 1924, murder of Harry Kalstedt. The Tribune reported that Annan played Neil Simon’s classic comedy about the the foxtrot record “Hula Lou” over and over for two hours before calling her husband world’s most mismatched couple to say she killed a man who “tried to make love to her”. She was found “not guilty” April 20-29 on May 25, 1924. Velma is based on Gaertner, who was a cabaret singer. The body of Walter Law was discovered slumped over the steering wheel of Gaertner’s abandoned THE REAL THING car on March 12, 1924. Two police officers testified that they had seen a woman Tom Stoppard’s Tony Award Winning Play About Love getting into the car and shortly thereafter heard gunshots. A bottle of gin and an The Edge Alternative Stage Read Series automatic pistol were found on the floor of the car. Gaertner was acquitted on June 6, The Edge is intended for mature audiences only. 1924. Lawyers William Scott Stewart and W. W. O’Brien were models for a composite May 11 &12 character of “Billy Flynn.” Watkins’ sensational columns documenting these trials proved so popular that she ALWAYS PATSY CLINE decided to write a play based on them. The show received both popular and critical A Celebration of one of the most popular acclaim and even made it to Broadway in 1926, running for 172 performances. In Country Singers Ever Starring Holly Parrish and the 1960s, Gwen Verdon read the play and asked her husband, Bob Fosse, about the Kristi-Robinson Greene as Patsy possibility of creating a musical adaptation. Fosse approached Watkins numerous May 18, 19, 20 times to buy the rights, but she repeatedly declined. In her later years, Watkins had become a born-again Christian and believed her play glamorized a scandalous way of living. However, upon her death in 1969, her estate sold the rights to producer Richard Fryer, Verdon, and Fosse. John Kander and Fred Ebb began work on the musical score, modeling each number on a traditional vaudeville. The Musical Adventure Based on the Popular The original Broadway production opened June 3, 1975, at the 46th Street Theatre and Children’s Book by Melinda Long ran for 936 performances. Bob Fosse choreographed the original production, and his Eunice Fuller Theatre for Youth style is strongly identified with the show. Its 1996 Broadway revival holds the record for June 15, 16, 17 the longest-running musical revival on Broadway and is its fourth longest-running show. As of April 2012, it has played for more than 6,300 performances. The Academy Award -winning film version (2002) of the musical starred Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger ...and the rest is history!
Information or tickets call 863-603-PLAY (7529)
Performances are held at Lake Mirror Center www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com Theatre 121 S. Lake Ave, Lakeland FL 33801 Please like our fan page on Facebook
Lakeland Art Guild The 41st Annual Juried Art Show P.O. Box 353, Lakeland, FL 33802 The Lakeland Art Guild’s 41st Annual Juried Art Show takes place at the Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College on Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland. The show opens on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 6:30 pm. The competition is open to all visual artists. Entry fee is $30 for guild members; $40 from non-members. Each artist may enter three original artworks created within the past three years. “The contiuing relationship between the LAG and FSC by having this annual exhibition in its lovely gallery confirms the value and quality of the work by area artists” says LAG President Linda McAllister. “We are grateful to the college, the artists and the support of the community.” The exhibition extends between May 4 and May 29. Viewing hours are Monday-Friday, 10am to 4pm. Extended hours are planned during MayFaire, May 12 and 13, from 10am to 4pm. For more information call 863-644-7117 or 863-646-8264. Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org 28 Innovations Dance: “Firebird” Saturday May 12, 7:30pm at The Polk Theatre You don’t want to miss an exciting evening of dance as Florida Dance Theatre celebrates their “Innovations Dance” Series at the Polk Theatre. Ms. Erkes was impressed by the talent This innovative performance brings a new and inventive choreography to the available in the Polk County region. Polk Theatre stage featuring the premiere of “Firebird” by Artistic & Founding Incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit Director, Carol Erkes, and Associate Director/Resident Choreographer organization, FDT was created to make Ferdinand De Jesus. Additional new works by De Jesus and emerging presentations of the art of dance, choreographer and company member Stefan Dolbashian showcase FDT’s produced under professional standards dynamic dancers’ technical brilliance and passion for movement. available to the community at large and to stimulate local interest and Tickets: Limited Reserved $20, General Seating $15 Adults, $10 Students awareness of the beautiful art form of Call Florida Dance Theatre at 863.802.0399 for tickets. dance. Through the additional artistry of guest choreographers, the company has built a reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming. Florida “ ” artists along with professional dancers Quiet Now from around the United States, Russia, by Julie O. Townsend for LakelandLocal.com Puerto Rico, and Mexico have made FDT on’t let the name fool you. No one is racing cars at the Youth America a thriving, powerful, and positive arts DGrand Prix (YAGP). They’re dancing. organization dedicated to the highest The world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition awards over quality in performance, instruction, and $250,000 annually in scholarships to leading dance schools and students 9 to 19 community education. years old. YAGP competitions are held worldwide. The auxiliary training academy offers Lakeland’s own Florida Dance Theatre (FDT) trained five of its Academy a curriculum of instruction in classical students for several months to compete in the ensemble division of YAGP in ballet, jazz, modern, and more. The Tampa earlier this year. Lyla Saxena, age 12, Eve Royal, age 12, Emily Rozen, faculty of the Academy of Florida Dance age 12, Anna Henricks, age 13, and Ali Simmons, age 13, take four to six hours Theatre is drawn from the ranks of the of classical ballet weekly under the direction of Carol Erkes, founder and professional company and other area Artistic Director of Florida Dance Theatre. professionals ensuring the students a “I am so proud of my students. They put in so much extra time to train credible source of insight and experience. for this competition. Their hard work and dedication to the art of dance was Several Academy students have gone recognized by other professionals in the dance community,” said Erkes. on to pursue their professional careers These students, who had never competed before, challenged dancers of all with other companies including the ages from all over Florida including the Orlando Ballet School and the Academy Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Met, Memphis of Ballet Arts in St. Petersburg. They placed in the top 12. Ballet, Ballet Magnificat, the Smuin Their piece, “Quiet Now,” was choreographed by Stefan Dolbashian, a Company, and Hartford Ballet. Many professional company member of FDT. Stefan rehearsed the girls along with Mai students have also received scholarships Okubo, also a professional company member of FDT. to college dance programs including Florida Dance Theatre is Polk County’s only professional dance company Florida State, Southern Methodist and training academy. It was originally intended only as a training school, but University and Goucher College.
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 29 ABT’s National Training Curriculum can be used to enhance The Lois Cowles an existing syllabus and to assist teachers in working appropriately with young dances. Attendees of the ABT Teacher Training Intensive program have the opportunity to become certified in the National Training Curriculum by forHarrison the Visual & Performing Center Arts successfully passing comprehensive examinations.
Harrison’s principal, Dr. Craig Collins, said “the ABT Affiliation is a landmark occasion for Harrison. It is the seal that validates the rigor of our instruction and the caliber of our dancers.” According to Jenna Bitterman, Harrison Teacher Recognized as ABT’s National Training Curriculum Manager, Collins said ABT® has 622 Certified Teachers in 47 states and 18 American Ballet Theatre Affiliate countries. From the Certified Teachers, ABT® has 36 ABT Affiliate Teachers, including Susan Olson. Susi is the first The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and teacher to successfully present students from a public Performing Arts presented students for Affiliate performing arts school. Twenty-six Harrison dancers were Examinations at their school on January 26, 2012. The adjudicated by ABT®. ABT® Affiliate Teacher is a level of distinction for ABT® Certified Teachers who successfully present their students Susan Olson, ABT Affiliate Teacher, said “This is the for examinations. culmination of a three-year process in which I received a great deal of empirical and technical information. The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Throughout the process, it was an opportunity to grow Performing Arts incorporates the American Ballet as a teacher, one who is always seeking a better way to Theatre® National Training Curriculum in their teaching, a reach the potential of my students. I now have a network breakthrough 8 level program that combines high quality of teachers throughout the world with which to confer artistic training with the basics of dance health and child on best practices, as well as Mr. Lukens, Mr. Da Vita, and development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum other instructors associated with the training program. consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality Mr. Raymond Lukens co author of the ABT National ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels. Training Curriculum adjudicated our students and gave Primary through Level Seven is taught by ABT® Certified Master Classes to our entire department. He lit them on Teacher, Susan Olson, who has successfully completed the fire with a desire to experience dance at a national and ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 7 international level. It also gave them an opportunity to of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. raise the barre in their expectations and the assurance that their training here is of a very high caliber! American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum is a program for the development and training of young The experience instilled a sense of pride, accomplishment, students that embraces sound ballet principles and and awe in the students themselves!” incorporates elements of the French, Italian, and Russian schools of training. Under the direction of ABT Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie, ABT’s National Training Curriculum was designed and written by Franco De Vita and Raymond Upcoming Events Lukens in collaboration with ABT’s Artistic Advisors and the APRIL Medical Advisory Board. 10 Guitar Concert, 7:30 pm 26 String Orchestra Concert, 7:30 pm “As a national ballet company, ABT understands that it has 27 Reflections, Visual Arts Exhibit and Reception, 6 pm a responsibility to take a leadership role in dance training Motion Picture Arts Film Festival, 7:30 pm** and dance education in the United States,” said ABT 28 Motion Picture Arts Film Festival, 7:30 pm** Executive Director, Rachel Moore. “To this end, we have developed a new ballet curriculum and a teacher training MAY program that is both artistically sound and medically 4-5 Spring Dance Concert, 7:30 pm appropriate. Our goal is to provide teachers with the tools 6 Harrison Symphony Orchestra performs for Winter and information they need to provide the highest quality Haven Symphony Guild Young Peoples Concert, 3 pm training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.” 10 Symphony Orchestra Concert, 7:30 pm 24 Jazz Band Concert, 7:30 pm The National Training Curriculum fulfills ABT’s mission as America’s National Ballet Company in bringing dance to the widest possible audience. While several training 750 Hollingsworth Rd ~ Lakeland, FL 33801 methods are soundly in place within the United States, (863) 499-2855 ~ www.HarrisonArts.com
30 Art-i-facts • Summer 2012 • www.polkarts.org Tuesday Music Club of Lakeland
A Closer Look at a Scholarship Winner ince Tuesday Music Club’s May program is centered Son our scholarship winners we want to share a closer look at one of our previous winners, Christopher Kline. When he attended his first opera, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra’s production of Carmen he was so impressed he made up his mind that he wanted to be an opera singer! A graduate of Harrison School of the Arts, Chris won a scholarship from TMC in 2009. He chose to attend Florida Southern College because he wanted to study under Dr. John Thomasson. In 2010, Chris was chosen to represent the Tuesday Music Club at the annual Jeanie/Stephen Foster Auditions in White Springs, sponsored by the Florida Federation of Music Clubs. He won the title of Stephen. Citrus Lakes Barber Shop Chorus In 2011, the FFMC sponsored Chris in the National History and Invitation Federation of Music Clubs’ Biennial Student Collegiate ome say it was an accident, some say it was fate. Either Competition, where he won first place as the best way (or perhaps both) the movement we now enjoy collegiate male vocalist in the nation. This year he is a S as the Barbershop Harmony Society (aka. Society for The semi-finalist in another NFMC competition, the Orpheus Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Competition and is awaiting word on a scholarship for a Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) can be credited to a meeting summer opera program entitled Opera in the Ozarks. in Tulsa organized by Owen Clifton Cash on April 11, 1938. He has received numerous awards and has been able to perform in several operas over the past few years. Cash was really only interested in getting a few guys These experiences are drawing him closer to realizing together to sing. There was no grand plan, no grand his dream of becoming an international opera singer. scheme. He and acquaintance Rupert Hall had a chance meeting in Kansas City several weeks before and discussed Lakeland audiences recently had opportunities to forming a Song Fest. On his return to Tulsa, Cash drafted hear him as Fiorello in The Barber of Seville and as a an invitation and mailed it to the 14 singers he knew young artist winner featured in the Imperial Symphony might show up and encouraged them to bring guests. Orchestra’s February concert. The Tuesday Music Club is proud to be a part of helping this outstanding young The invitation read: “Gentlemen, In this age of dictators and man be the best that he can be! Congratulations! government control of everything, about the only privilege guaranteed by the Bill of Rights not in some way supervised Club Calendar and directed, is the art of Barber Shop Quartet singing.” All general meetings are held at the Tuesday Music Club There is much more to this story and I will hope for the Building at 421 E. Park Street at 10:30am followed by a chance to share it with you in future articles but right now catered luncheon at $10/person. RSVP for lunch to 853- there is another objective. One hopes that this story has 3598. All events are free unless otherwise noted. peaked your interest because we, as always, are seeking male singers who would like to share in this wonderful May 8: Annual Scholarship Winners Concert hobby. Therefore I will repeat the invitation from above: The winners of the Tuesday Music Club Scholarship Auditions will present a concert. Installation of officers. “Gentlemen, In this age of dictators and government Tuesday Music Club Building at 421 E. Park Street at control of everything, about the only privilege guaranteed 10:30am followed by a catered luncheon at $10/person. by the Bill of Rights not in some way supervised and RSVP for lunch to 853-3598. All events are free unless directed, is the art of Barber Shop Quartet singing.” otherwise noted. We meet every Monday evening (except holidays) from May 11: National Music Week Celebration - All That Jazz 7 to 9:15PM in the Adult Choir Room at the First United To celebrate National Federation of Music Club’s Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland 33801. National Music Week, a free All That Jazz concert will Parking can be found on the south side of the church off be presented at Branscomb Auditorium from 7:00 to of Vistabula Street. If you have questions you can call 9:00pm. Donations accepted. Morgan Smith at 863-868-7268. www.musicclublakeland.org www.citruslakeschorus.com
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 317 Cultural Arts Member Directory & Map
5 - HAINES CITY Garden District Artists Rochelle School of the Arts 1 - BARTOW 818 E. Lemon St. • Lakeland, FL 33801 1501 N. Martin L. King Ave. • Lakeland, FL 33805 Haines City Community Theatre, Inc. 863-604-8550 • [email protected] http://schools.polk-fl.net/rochellearts/ Bartow Art Guild 801 Ledwith Ave. • P.O. Box 1452 P.O. Box 1644 • Bartow, FL 33831 Haines City, FL 33845 • 863-421-1893 Historic Lakeland Southeastern University 863-534-1877 • www.bartowartguild.com www.hainescitytheatre.com P.O. Box 3347 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3347 1000 Longfellow Blvd. • Lakeland, FL 33801-6034 863-682-6149 • www.historiclakeland.org 863-667-5000 • www.seuniversity.edu Polk County Kids Tag Art www.PolkTaxes.com 6 - LAKELAND Imperial Symphony Orchestra The Tuesday Music Club P.O. Box 2623 • Lakeland, FL 33806 P.O. Box 2524 • Lakeland, FL 33803 Polk Arts Alliance Arts On The Park 863-688-3743 • www.imperialsymphony.org www.musicclublakeland.org P.O. Box 727 • Bartow, FL 33831 115 North Kentucky Ave. • Lakeland, FL 33801 863-804-0494 • www.polkarts.org 863-680-2787 • www.artsonthepark.org Lakeland Art Guild [email protected] P.O. Box 353 • Lakeland, FL 33802 7 - LAKE WALES Bach Festival of Central Florida 863-646-8264 • www.lakelandartguild.org P.O. Box 2764 • Lakeland, FL 33806 Historical Lake Wales Society Polk County Historical Museum 325 S. Scenic Hwy. • Lake Wales, FL 33853 100 East Main Street • Bartow, FL 33830 863-299-2555 • 863-439-3055 The Lakeland Center 863-678-4209 • www.cityoflakewales.com 863-534-4385 • www.polkcountymuseum.org www.bachfestivalofcentralflorida.org 701 W. Lime Street • Lakeland, FL 33815 Citrus Lakes Chorus 863-834-8111 • www.thelakelandcenter.com Bok Tower Gardens 2 - DAVENPORT 1413 Hammock Shade Dr. • Lakeland, FL 33809 Lakeland Choral Society 1151 Tower Blvd. • Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-815-9783 • www.citruslakeschorus.com P.O. Box 3157 • Lakeland, FL 33802 863-676-1408 • www.boktowergardens.org Davenport School of the Arts [email protected] Lake Wales Arts Council/Center 4751 Hwy 547 N • Davenport, FL 33837 Explorations V Children’s Museum www.lakelandchoralsociety.org 863-421-3247 • www.davenportschoolofthearts.com 109 N. Kentucky Ave. • Lakeland, FL 33801 1099 S.R. 60 E. • P.O. Box 608 • Lake Wales, FL 33859 863-687-3869 • www.explorationsv.com Lakeland Community Theatre 863-676-8426 • www.lakewalesartscouncil.org Lake Mirror Theatre • 121 S. Lake Ave. Lake Wales Little Theatre 3 - FORT MEADE Florida Air Museum at Sun ’n Fun P.O. Box 2603 • Lakeland, FL 33806 4175 Medulla Road • Lakeland, FL 33807 411 N. Third St. • P.O. Box 3428 863-603-7529 • www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com Historical Society of Fort Meade 863-644-2431 • www.sun-n-fun.org Lake Wales, FL 33859-3428 1 N. Tecumseh Ave. • P.O. Box 1021 Lois Cowles Harrison Center 863-676-1266 • lwlt.org Fort Meade, FL 33841 Florida Dance Arts For The Visual & Performing Arts 6929 Old State Rd 37 • Lakeland, FL 33811 Ridge Music Teachers Association 750 Hollingsworth Rd. • Lakeland, FL 33801 863-221-8181 • www.floridadancearts.com 42 Hickory Hammock Rd. • Lake Wales, FL 33859 4 - FROSTPROOF 863-499-2855 • www.harrisonarts.com 863-676-9791 • [email protected] Frostproof Art League & Gallery Florida Dance Theatre Platform ART 305 W. Main St. • P.O. Box 831 • Lakeland, FL 33802 P.O. Box 654 • 12 E. Wall St. • Frostproof, FL 33843 863-838-2262 • www.platformart.org 8 - WINTER HAVEN 863-635-7271 863-802-0399 • www.floridadancetheatre.org Florida Southern College Polk Museum Of Art Arts Ensemble Education Ramon Theater 800 East Palmetto Street • Lakeland, FL 33801 Foundation & Healing Arts Center 15 E. Wall St. • Frostproof, FL 33843 Melvin Gallery 863-688-7743 •www.PolkMuseumofArt.org 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. • Lakeland, FL 33801 1000 American Superior Blvd 863-635-7222 • www.ramontheater.com Winter Haven, FL 33880 • 863-293-2700 [email protected] 863-680-4743 • www.flsouthern.edu Polk Theatre 139 S. Florida Avenue • Lakeland, FL 33801 www.artsensemblehealingarts.com 863-682-7553 •www.polktheatre.org [email protected] Ridge Woodcarvers Club Drops of Jupiter 821 Lakeside Drive, MacArthur Center 253 Avenue A, SW • Winter Haven, FL 33880 Lakeland, FL 33803 863-287-2656 • www.dropsofjupiterart.com www.ridgewoodcarversclub.org [email protected] Lakeside Music Room 863-293-1510 • [email protected] 27 Providence Polk State College Polk City 17 999 Avenue H, NE • Winter Haven, FL 33881 98 Davenport Cultural Events: 863-297-1050 • www.polk.edu 2 Poinciana Ridge Art Association Kathleen 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., SW • Winter Haven, FL 33880 Gibsonia 5 863-291-5661 • www.ridgeart.org Lake Alfred Haines City The Ritz Theatre - Ritz on Central Auburndale 92 263 W. Central Ave. • Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-295-9900 • www.ritzoncentral.com Inwood 6 Lakeland Winter Haven 8 Symphony Guild of Winter Haven Winston 570 Dundee P.O. Box 7721 • Winter Haven, FL 33883 863-293-5214 • Fax: 863-293-4962 Medulla Highland Eagle Waverly City Theatre Winter Haven Lake Alt. 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., SW • Winter Haven, FL 33880 27 Willow Wahneta 863-294-7469 • www.theatrewinterhaven.com Oak MulberryMulberry Lake Wales 60 7 1Bartow Fedhaven Crooked Nalcrest Lake Park Babson Park Indian Lake 60 17 27 Estates
Fort Meade Frostproof 3 4 98
Bowling Green
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