art-i-facts summer 2010 issue

VOLUME 12 / NUMBER 3 / SUMMER 2010COMPLIMENTARY

Historic Lakeland9

Polk Museum of ArtPage 18

SoutheasternUniversityPage 10

July 3 - September 26Organized by the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC, in collaboration with the Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noël Trust, and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.

Sponsored by: ALPI and Tinsley Family Concessions, Inc.Additional Support by: Blackmon-Roberts Group

JonesA Life in Vibrant Color

LoïsMailou

Art • Education • Events • StoreLocated on Lake Morton behind Lakeland Public Library. Summer Hours: Tue. - Sat. 10AM - 4PM. Closed Sun. & Mon.

Cultural Arts CouncilMember Organizations:

Arts on the Park

The Bach Festival of Central Florida

Bartow Art Guild

Bok Tower Gardens

Davenport School of the Arts

Explorations V Children’s Museum

The Florida Air Museum at Sun ’n Fun

Florida Dance Theatre

Florida Southern College

Frostproof Artist’s League & Gallery

Haines City Community Theatre, Inc.

Historical Lake Wales Society

Historical Society of Fort Meade

Imperial Symphony Orchestra

Lakeland Art Guild

Lakeland Choral Society

Lakeland Community Theatre

Lake Wales Arts Council

Lake Wales Little Theatre

Lois Cowles Harrison Center For The Visual & Performing Arts

Platform ART

Polk County Historical Museum

Polk Museum of Art

Polk State College

Polk Theatre

Ridge Art Association

Ridge Music Teachers Association

Ridge Woodcarvers Club

Rochelle School of the Arts

Southeastern University

Symphony Guild of Winter Haven

Theatre Winter Haven

The Lakeland Center

The Tuesday Music Club

Warner Southern College

For information on the Cultural Arts Council call the *Council President:863-834-8111; #5.(*Mike LaPan - The Lakeland Center)

Front Cover: From the exhibition Loïs Mailou Jones - A Life In Vibrant Color on display at the Polk Museumof Art July 3-September 26.See Page 18 and Inside Front Cover.

Back Cover:(top left) Platform Art.

(bottom left) Explorations V Children’s Museum.

(right) Florida Dance Theatre.

Volume 12 Number 3

SUMMER 2010

Arts & Education ......................................... Bok Tower Gardens .................................... Page 26Calendar of Events ..................................Page 14-15Cultural Arts Council Directory & Map .............. Page 13Explorations V Children’s Museum ................... Page 24Florida Dance Theatre ..................................Page 7Frostproof Art League ................................. Page 11Haines City Community Theatre ..................... Page 27Harrison School for the Arts .......................... Page 16Historic Lakeland ...................................... Page 19Imperial Symphony Orchestra ........................ Page 17Lakeland Community Theatre ........................ Page 23Lake Wales Arts Center .................................Page 6Lake Wales Little Theatre ............................ Page 11Platform Art ..............................................Page 8Polk Arts Alliance ....................................... Page 12Polk County Hall of Fame ............................. Page 27Polk County Historical Museum ...................... Page 22Polk County Tax Collector - Kids Tag Art ............ Page 25 Polk Museum of Art .................................... Page 18Polk State College .......................................Page 9Polk Theatre ............................................ Page 21Race For The Arts ...................................... Page 28Ridge Art Association .................................. Page 20Southeastern University ............................... Page 10Theatre Winter Haven ................................ Page 4-5

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division ofCultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, The Central Florida Visitors Bureauand the National Endowment for the Arts

A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance

Inside...

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Contents

Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance

NEW!

NEW!

Judy Barger Memorial Judy Barger was a true gem and a leader of the arts in Polk County. Judy started her arts career in Janu-ary of 1987 when she was hired by the Polk Museum of Art as the Executive Assistant to the Director. She worked at the Museum for the next twenty years and progressed up the ladder to Director of Development, twice serving as Interim Director at the request of the Board (1994 and again in 1995). At the time of her retirement in January 2007, she was the Museum’s Deputy Director. Judy and I became fast friends and colleagues upon my arrival in 1996, and she became one of my best and most trusted friends. She supported the work of the Polk Museum of Art with all her actions, her in-credible work ethic, and values. She was a model to many and, even in her absence, inspires me to this day. I remember, in my early years here, driving to Tallahassee with Judy at the wheel on our way to attend the

Florida Arts Council meetings. She taught me how to drive in Florida, as we went through the Green Swamp on our way towards Web-ster and I-75, with little regard for the speed limits, but always safely. She was a wiz at grant writing and timely follow-up with the many reports requested by the State. Judy’s infectious laughter, and her window rattling sneezes, were well known to all who worked with her. She was a major force in the founding of the Cultural Arts Board, serving as its first and second president, and continuing as a Board member in later years. Judy facilitated the Museum’s successful American Association of Museums reaccreditation process in 1999 and after her retire-ment, she assisted with our 10-year subsequent accreditation application. Judy was elected to the Museum’s Board of Trustees in June 2008 and was warmly welcomed onto the Board. Her tireless efforts also saw through the completion of a museum history book, PMoA@43, after years of work by a volunteer committee. My last visit with Judy was in the hospital after she had experienced a bad fall. I was worried but found her alert. We had a great talk about the Museum and life, and we laughed together for the last time. She offered to resign from the Board of Trustees, worried about her duties and responsibilities, as always. I assured her that was not necessary and that I wouldn’t take it if offered. Judy passed away just a few days after that visit. She was and is a big part of the 44-year history of the Polk Museum of Art and the progress we have made in our growth and service. I still sometimes find myself talking to her through the wall dividing our offices, as we often did. Occasionally I visit her desk and give my thanks for having been privileged enough to know Judy, be inspired by her, and count her amongst my friends.

Daniel E. StetsonExecutive Director, Polk Museum of Art

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEECINDY HARTLEY ROSS

President

MANDY SANDERSTreasurer

CYNTHIA HAFFEYSecretary

MIKE LaPANCAB President

JANE PATTONMember-at-Large &

Immediate Past-President

DIRECTORSBONNIE ALLEN

MARTHA ROE BURKEROBERT CLANCEY

DAN CLARKLISA KAISER HICKEYNANCY HALE HOYT

LEN JORDANTRISH PFEIFFER

CINDY RODRIGUEZSUZETTE WELLING

EX OFFICIOBOB ENGLISH

County Commissioner

DR. GAIL McKINZIESuperintendent,

School Board of Polk County

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORMERI MASS

Art Resource CouncilSUE BENTLEY

Chair

REBECCA BRANDONANDY HERNANDEZ

DR. EILEEN HOLDENDR. ANNE KERR

BRIAN KIERDOUG SMALLEDIE YATES

NIV BEN YEHUDA

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Board of Directors

Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010

Arts and Culture in Polk County is exploding with enticing opportunities! Polk Arts Alliance (PAA) currently represents thirty-five plus member organizations in eight beautiful cities of ourbooming Polk County. Our Director Meri Mass and board of directors are identifying potential new member organizationsto broaden our collaboration opportunities and increase exposure for each organization member. If you are a culturalarts organization based in Polk County and we haven’t talked with you about membership, now is the best time tojump in with both feet and eyes wide open! PAA promotes each organization in this engaging Artifacts Magazine,including your calendar (p. 14), Cultural Arts directory and map (p. 13) and an opportunity to purchase additional ad space. Additionally featuring your organization on our web site (www.polk artsalliance.org), and with a link to your site. Also, PAA has its link on numerous other entertainment, tourism, and county web sites to promote arts and culture in Polk County. Our ambitious PAA Board of Directors and Cultural Arts Council exist to promote the Arts in Polk County. Please join us as a supporter of the arts or as an arts organization (p.12). YOU want to be on THE MAP!

Polk County has no shortage of talent! Recently I attended the Polk State College Graduation and had the privilege of meeting PSC Distinguished Alum Mr. Marc Durso (p. 9). Marc was introduced to Drama and Theatre by his former PSC professor Mr. George Randolph and he attributes his successful career to him. In honor of Professor Randolph, Marc has started a scholarship at PSC. Marc taught a Theatre Workshop at PSC in December and plans to offer another class in the Hagen Process to benefit the scholarship. His family lived in Lake Wales where his father was Executive Director of the Lake Wales Chamber and his mother still lives there today. Pictured are PSC President Dr. Eileen Holden, Marc Durso, myself, Cindy Ross (PSC Alumni President and Trustee) and Lakeland Mayor Gow Fields who was the commencement speaker and a PSC Distinguished Alum as well. Congratulations to Lake Wales Arts Center on the arrival of their new Executive Director Karl W. Hesser (p.6). At our recent PAA Board meeting, we enjoyed learning about Karl’s extensive experience in the arts as well as his understanding of marketing and collaborating

to gain more awareness of our broad array of arts offerings in Polk County and how important the cultural arts truly are economically to a community. The past couple of months I had opportunities to enjoy arts & culture in Polk County as I attended various events. I found that experiencing the arts in Winter Haven is as convenient as driving through the beautiful downtown and viewing the magnificent 10 outdoor sculptures in cooperation with the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition. Internationally Acclaimed Violinist Lemay Olano-James (p.9) may be heardperforming in various venues such as in Lakeland overlooking lovely Lake Mirror at a VIP reception for the Alliance for Independence or at Polk State College on the Winter Haven campus where I had the opportunity to visit with him. Lake Wales Arts Center benefited and Idelighted in an evening at breath-taking Historic Bok Tower Gardens, Pinewood Estate, a 1930’s Mediterranean-style mansion built as awinter home for C. Austin Buck an early 20th century industrialist and V.P. of Bethlehem Steel. Pinewood Estate is listed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places (p.26). As many of you know, I could go on and on sharing about my personal arts & culture experiences over the last couple of months here in Polk County, because they are so abundant. I hope that you will enjoy reading about the myriad of talents and opportunities and plan tosupport the arts in your own special way.

Cindy Hartley Ross

from the desk of thePresident

Cindy Hartley Ross

Judy Barger

3Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance

KIDS TAG ARTPolk County Tax Collector Joe Tedder presents the Polk County School Board a check for over $15,000 that was raised through his department’s Kids Tag Art for 5th grade art classes and generous sponsors. The idea was that of Polk County Tax Collector Joe Tedder in 2002 and the program has been adopted by at least 3 other counties in the state to help buy art supplies. Pictured from left to right are Martha Roe Burke, KTA Chairwoman, PCTCO; Suzann Copeland, Polk Education Foundation; Kevin Jones and step-daughter Anna, Mid Florida Credit Union; Kay Fields, Chairwoman, PCSB; Joe G. Tedder, Tax Collector; Cynthia Windham, PCTCO; Sherri Provan, Douglass Screen Printers; Meri Mass, Executive Director, Polk Arts Alliance; Cindy Ross, President, Polk Arts Alliance.

Harrison School Artist Work to Hang in Washington, D.C.Alexa Jo Udermann, a senior at Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in Lakeland, was given the Congressional Award in the Creative Youth 12th Congressional District Art Competition. She received $125 for her drawing, “Reflected Rumination,” and the satisfaction of seeing it sent off to Washington, where it will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol as part of a yearlong exhibition of works by students from across the country. The competition is sponsored by the Congressional Arts Caucus. Each of the country’s 454 congressionaldistricts organizes its own competition, and the winners in each district are sent on to Washington.In Polk County, the 12th Congressional District competition is a cooperative effort between the office ofU.S. Rep. Adam Putnam (R, Bartow), the Polk County School District and the Polk Museum of Art. Also from Harrison, sixteen-year-old Derik Thomas, a sophomore at the Harrison School for the Visualand Performing Arts, had the winning entry in Earth Day Network’s Song for the Earth contest, entitled“The Brightest Light,” by Earth Day Network, which organized international Earth Day.

2010 FAAE State Leadership Summit Comes to Lakeland2010 FAAE State Leadership Summit - Arts Achieve: 67 Pathways to Success - June 17-19, 2010. Jointhe Florida Alliance for Arts Education, arts education leaders and advocates from 67 Florida Counties. Learnabout state and national issues and trends, research and opportunites. Network with educators, communityleaders, artists, school administrators and legislative leaders. Sessions include: Arts Achieve! Model SchoolAwards, Leadership Awards, updates from the Florida Department of Education and Department of State,Division of Cultural Affairs. Featured Speakers: ERIC SMITH, Florida Commissioner of Education on Friday,June 18, at Harrison School for the Arts. He has held administration positions in Florida, Virginia, NorthCarolina, and Maryland. His goals have remained constant: to increase academic achievement of all students and to reducedisparity in achievement. DERRICK ASHONG (aka DNA) musician and activist, featured on Oprah Radio, he is committed tobuilding bridges between business, media, technology and youth culture; empowering youth; and to bring music and mediato a global market. Register at www.faae.org. Full schedule at www.PolkArtsAlliance.com

Kennedy Center Honored thePolk County Public Schools as “Excellence In The Arts”The Kennedy Center’s recipient of the 21st Annual Award Recognizing Outstanding School Board Support of the Arts was given to our very own POLK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS in 2009. “The Board’s commitment to the arts has truly made them a model for arts education in Florida and throughoutthe country.” - KENNEDY CENTER ALLIANCE FOR ARTS EDUCATION NETWORK.

“The Kennedy Center recognition serves as an affirmation of the importance of the arts in Polk County Schools. The arts must be a part of thecomplete education of all young people. The Kennedy Center and the national School Board Association recognized this in our school district.I am privileged to have had the opportunity to work for Polk County Schools for over 39 years and in recent years, to have enjoyed the support ofa school board and superintendent that serve as advocates for arts education during the toughest of economic times. Our fine art teachers are tobe commended for a job well done!” - FRANK R. HOWES, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF FINE ARTS, DIVISION OF LEARNING/POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS.

Arts In EducationArts In E

ducation


It’s been a very active spring for the cultural arts in Polk County and the Polk Arts Alliance. The 4th Annual Race for the Arts in collaboration with the Bartow Bloomin’ Arts Fest on March 6th was a success (despite the 38 degree weather) thanks to our race Chair, Commissioner Bob English, our board volunteers who braved the cold; Nancy Hoyt, Mike LePan, Jane Patton and PAA President Cindy Ross (they all made the race possible and thank you for hanging in with the

newbee, me!) and all our volunteers and sponsors (see page 28). PAA is now on to planning the 5th Annual Race for the Arts in 2011! I attended Arts Day in Tallahassee in March with ourpassionate Ambassador for the Arts, Dan Stetson, (Executive Director of the PMoA) visiting our state representatives and advocating the need to support funding the arts. It’s a daunting task but fulfilling to be there and speak on behalf of all the arts in Polk County. State funding for the arts has dropped 92% over 5 years. Florida has gone from ranking #2 in per capita state appropriations funding to ranking 49th! What is going on? Please visit our website for more information. On a brighter note, during this week, it was endearing to attend the state’s acknowledgement and award to Sarah D. McKay with the Great Floridian Award for her philanthropy, leadership in education, involvement in civic organizations, generosity, and support of the arts in Polk County. I was proud to be from Polk County at this event and was impressed with the respect and acknowledgement by both Governor Crist and Secretary of State Kurt Browning as they presented the awards that evening to all the recipients. It was clear that it was im-portant to THEM. I was most impressed with the representation in support of Mrs. McKay from Polk County, including Dr. Ann Kerr, Dr. Rob Tate, our state Representative Seth McKeel, Com-missioner Randy Wilkinson, many Polk County citizens (and of course Dan Stetson who is everywhere supporting the arts!). It was both exhilarating and exhausting. And now, going forward, PAA has a lot of work to do. I’m in the process of creating a Cultural Arts Interactive Map of all the arts in Polk County that will be on the web, our member web sites and DVD for Chambers and TDC to utilize; inducting a Corporate Partners section for our “Arts Mean Business” part-ners who understand the importance of supporting the arts for economic development; expanding Art-i-facts to showcasing the incredible talent Polk County has in its Artists, Arts Educators, Performing Arts Schools and everything unique to the arts in Polk County. The coastal communities have the beaches, we (Polk Coun-ty) have a deep historic and cultural arts foundation that’s the best kept secret in Florida. I keep hearing that and I’m working to change it!

Meri MassExecutive Director, Polk Arts Alliance

message from theExecutive Director

Meri Mass

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THEATRE WINTER HAVEN ACADEMYpresents

PAINTIN’ THE FENCEThe Musical

MAY 21- MAY 23Come see some of Twain’s most endearing characters come to life on our main stage. Life was simpler in those days ... but the situations and lessons learned are timeless. Great fun for the entire family.

Co-Produced by The Rolf Jaehnigen Family. Tickets $7 Adults and $5 Students (17 & under).

Call 294-7469 (SHOW) or go online to www.theatrewinterhaven.com.************************************************

A THEATRE WINTER HAVENSpecial EventBLEND

One Performance OnlyJUNE 20 at 2:30 PM

BLEND is an a cappella group bringing back those fun-loving memories with music from the 50’s & 60’s all with a twist of fun! You’ll be amazed as these four young men take the stage to present non-stop family entertain-ment from the start of their show till the end. They will perform hits such as “Blue Moon,” “My Girl,” and “I Wonder Why,” finishing the show with good ole’ Southern Gospel.

Tickets $18 for Subscribers and $20 for General Public.Check out a YouTube clip of the group

on our website - www.theatrewinterhaven.com.Call 294-7469 (SHOW) for tickets or go to our website.

************************************************

THEATRE WINTER HAVENpresents

THE GREAT AMERICANTRAILER PARK MUSICAL

JUNE 26 at 7:30 PM & JUNE 27 at 2:30 PMThere’s a new tenant at Armadillo Acres - and she’s wreaking havoc all over Florida’s most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, “the stripper on the run,” comes between the Dr. Phil lovin’, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband - the storms begin to brew.

Tickets - $20 Subscribers & $22 General Public.Call 294-7469 or go online to www.theatrewinterhaven.com

“The joint is jammed and jumping. Lots of raucous laughter is shaking the walls. This deliciously dirty new musical is delighting audiences. The show is a little like “The Honeymooners” meet “The Best Little Whorehouse!”

....... Liz Smith, The New York Post************************************************

RENTIs Finally Coming! Theatre Winter Haven Summer Mummer’s Musical

JULY 23 - AUGUST 8Inspired by Puccini’s opera La Boheme, RENT is a rock musical that tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of AIDS. Auditions are May 30 at 2 PM & May 31 at 7 PM. Co-Produced by Dr. & Mrs. Robert Cassell and Marilyn Riggs.

Tickets $20 Adults & $15 Special Student Rate.Call 294-7469 (SHOW) or go online to www.theatrewinterhaven.com.

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So, we read that PHANTOM OF THE OPERA just passed the 9,000 Broadway performance mark. The musical has per-formed professionally in over 149 cities, run 24 years in New York, 16 years in Japan, and the city of Las Vegas even built a theatre to house the show. Overall, it’s made a ga-billion dollars for its composer, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

It’s a musical. Every one of the top dozen plus Broadway hits of history have all been musicals. The list in order:

PHANTOM OF THE OPERACATS

LES MISERABLESA CHORUS LINEOH CALCUTTA

CHICAGO (still running)BEAUTY AND THE BEASTLION KING (still running)

RENTMISS SAIGON

MAMMA MIA (still running)42ND STREET

GREASEFIDDLER ON THE ROOF

It isn’t until you get to show number 15, LIFE WITH FA-THER (that closed in 1947!), that you get to play without a song. Theatre Winter Haven has produced every one of the above musicals that have been allowed by the publishers (we antici-pate global warming to kill off our species before the rights to PHANTOM are granted to community theatres…). In July and August of 2010 we will have produced winning musical number 9--RENT, with its 5,124 Broadway performances. We wondered just what it was that gave this funky musical its appeal, one that not only generated 12 years Broadway run-ning but captured both the Tony award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer prize for drama – an occurrence known only four other times (even FIDDLER ON THE ROOF wasn’t able to do that). The show’s got homosexuals, bisexuals, drag queens, people dying of aids, characters who can’t get enough food, characters who can’t get enough love, characters who have been

mugged, junkies, exotic dancers, riots, street protests, rentprotests...

And that’s in the first Act … A list of reasons the incredible success of RENT has been offered by the many. Here they go:

• it’s a rock musical• it’s based on a popular Puccini opera, La Boheme• the composer died the night before it opened on Broadway• its composer “wanted to bring a musical to the MTV generation.”• it created an amazing interest in theatre among young people• its basic theme is “anti-establishment• the subject matter is about suffering• the music is just plain cool• the show was the first to add day-of-performance $20 tickets for students• the run created a gaggle of fans who call themselves “Rent-heads”• it was called the “HAIR” for the 90’s, a counter-culture mortar round for both• the movie version brought it to millions more• The show’s director went on to direct the next Pulitzer prize-winning musical - NEXT TO NORMAL.• or, as one young teen said: “I don’t know why, I just like it”

Overall, none of this really matters. What does matter is that any good theatre is worth doing good theatre. Hope you saw it. Hope you liked it. Theatre Winter Haven’s production runs July 23-Aug 8. A special 15 for 15 ticket price will be implemented. No one below the age of 15 will be admitted without an adult, however, any student 15 or above will be admitted for the special reduced price of $15. Adult tickets are $20. Box office is 294 SHOW (7469) or www.theatrewinterhaven.com. THE PRODUCTION HAS LANGUAGE AND THEMES THAT SOME MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. Others may just find it necessary. As one of the characters says: “ I’m more man than you’ll ever be ... and more woman than you’ll ever get!”,

Norman Small

Chain O’Lakes Complex • 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. • Winter Haven, FL 33880Administrative Offices: 299-2672 • Box Office: 294-SHOW • Fax: 291-3299

[email protected] • www.TheatreWinterHaven.com


(Many) Seasons of Love...


ArtsCamp!at the Lake Wales Arts Center

ArtsCamp! for ages 6-15 returns to the Lake Wales Arts Center for four weeks this summer, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The popular program will offer a variety of arts classes covering visual arts, music, theatre and dance. Students will be able to participate in up to four classes per day. Some classes will be available in a one-week period; some require students to commit to the full two weeks. The first session of classes will be from June 19 through July 2. The second session will be July 12 through July 23. Cost for each class will be $30 per student per week for members of the Lake Wales Arts Council and $35 per student per week fornon-members. Scholarship applications are available at the Arts Center. For more information on the schedule of classes and qualified instructors, please contact the Arts Center (853) 676-8426.

Plantando Arboles/CitrusThe work of internationally acclaimed Ameri-can glass artist Therman Statom is on exhibit at the Lake Wales Art Center Michael Crews gallery through mid-summer. Mr. Statom was born in Winter Haven and his family has long roots in the community. This installation, titled Plantando Arboles/Citrus, pays tribute to the traditions of this region of Florida. Mr. Statom will be providing outreach educational instruc-tion to youth as well as providing site specific interactive children’s program workshops. The

massive glass structures produce a unique inter-play of light, color, shape and texture that have intrigued and entranced adults and students around the world.

New Executive DirectorThe Lake Wales Arts Council has appointed Karl W Hesser as the new Executive Direc-tor. Most recently, Mr. Hesser was the Education Director at Sarasota Opera for seven years. Prior to that, he was Director of Artistic Administra-tion at Florida Grand Opera in Miami for twelve years. He also has extensive professional experience as an actor, director, writer, lecturer and teacher both in California and with the US Army Music & Theater Program in Europe.

Planning a Special Event?Lake Wales Arts Center’s beautiful Updike Hall is available to rent for all events – weddings, business luncheons, formal dinners – all in a picturesque historic building. For rental infor-mation, please call the Lake Wales Arts Center (863) 676-8426.

Do You Like to Sing?Watch for announcements for the next meet-ings of the Lake Wales Chorale and the Lake Wales Youth Chorale. New members are always welcome! The Lake Wales Chorale, under the direction of Robert Wilson, is made up of adult voices, singing several concerts a year. The Lake Wales Youth Chorale, under the direction of Cathy Montero, is a traditional children’s choir with students from ages 7 to 18 from all parts of Polk County. Call the Lake Wales Arts Center for more information.

The Lake Wales Arts Council is an organization dedicated to the Arts in our community.

Our home is the Lake Wales Arts Center whichis listed on the National Registry of Historic

Buildings. The building is located at1099 State Road 60 East in Lake Wales.

For additional information, call (863) 676-8426.Our web site www.lakewalesartscenter.org

is currently under construction andmay not have all the current information.


“Dance Dimensions”Summer Camp & Program Florida Dance Theatre is thrilled to announce their 10th annual Summer Youth Dance Camp which is part of our new “DANCE DI-MENSIONS “ program funded by The George W. Jenkins Fund from within The Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland. Through this program, the camp is FREE to students who qualify for the Free School Lunch Program. During the camp, 30 students on the free school lunch program will be chosen to receive a scholarship for the 2010-2011 season of classes at the Academy of Florida Dance Theatre. Florida Dance Theatre, Polk County’s only professional dance company and training academy, is inviting boys and girls ages 6-10 to an exciting, educational, and fun summer program. Students will par-ticipate in classes including … Ballet, Musical Theatre Jazz, HipHop, Acting, Ethnic Dances, and Art.

Now accepting applications for 4 one-week sessions.Session I – July 12 – July 16Session II – July 19 –July 23

Session III – July 26 – July 30Session IV – August 2 – August 6

• Classes will be held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • Participants will need to provide their own bag lunches. • FDT will provide a morning and an afternoon snack.• Each Friday a short performance is held for student’s family and friends to show off all that they have learned. • SIGN UP NOW! Only 50 slots available per week. • Slots are available each week for paying students• Regular Tuition/ $150 per week• Students that qualify for the reduced lunch program will receive a reduced rate.

For an application and more information call (863) 802-0399 (Please be prepared to provide parents’ or guardians’ name, address, phone number, first name and age of the child or children applying for the workshop, desired week of participation and financial information including school lunch certificate.) Florida Dance Theatre is located at 305 W. Main Street, in down-town Lakeland on the corner of New York and West Main Street. Mailing Ad-dress: P.O. Box 831, Lakeland, FL 33802.

FDT’S 16th Season, Busier than ever ! The professional company of Florida Dance Theatre has had a very exciting season celebrating 16 years of dance innovation, education and inspiration in the heart of Polk County. FDT is continuallypresenting diverse and stimulating dance programs to audiencesin the company’s hometown of Lakeland, Florida, as well as toaudiences throughout the county, state and beyond. The season opened at the Polk Theatre, with a special showing of the movie, Grease, accompanied by the talented dancers. This fun event is already planned for the fall of 2010. In October “Noche de Lelolai” included Puerto Rican dances past and present. This program is planned for early October and will be even more exciting with the addition of guest artist Iris Chacon. The annual production of “The Nutcracker” was once again a great success and included the Sugar Plum Tea. During the holidays they were once again featured in the Bartow Chamber’s “Spirit of the Season.” The rest of the seasonincluded the partnership with All Saints Academy and the season closer, Innovations Dance V.

In January, for the first time, the company presented a pro-gram in New York City at the APAP convention for arts presenters. The exposure to a brand new audience will allow for the company to add more touring around the country and have people take notice of what’s going on in Lakeland. Through the year FDT donated their time and talents to the Ameri-can Cancer Society, Basic Needs for Life, Florida Southern College, Platform Art, and many other Polk County organizations. FDT also provided arts education programs to area public elementary schools. These programs included youth related dance concerts, cultural arts festivals, and “special” student performances held at the Polk Theatre. Thanks to its many sponsors, FDT continues to provide many other opportunities to Polk County youth including the annual Summer Youth Dance Camp, Publix Super Markets Charities Scholarships, and projects with Lakeland Housing Authority, Family Fundamentals, and other children’s organizations.

We are looking forward to an even more exciting 17th seasonas Polk County’s premiere professional dance company!

863-802-0399 • [email protected]

305 West Main • Lakeland, Florida 33815

FloridaDance Theatre

Need Service hours? Florida Dance Theatre needs you!Florida Dance Theatre needs high school volunteers, ages 14 and up, for its 10th annual Summer Youth Dance Camp

which runs July 12th through August 6th. The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can have a morning shift from 8:30-1:00 or the afternoon shift from 12:30-5:30. Have a fun time participatingin all the dance and arts classes with the children and help with lunch and other duties. You will also be a part ofthe Friday performances for families and friends. All volunteers must be able to sign up for a full week program.

Sign up for one or all 4 weeks. For more information and volunteer application forms callFlorida Dance Theatre at (863) 802-0399 or e mail us at [email protected].

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Congratulations to ANN WILSON, founder of Platform ArtOn April 9, 2010, Ann Wilson, a founder of Platform Art, was select-ed to receive the Women of Distinction Award for her contribution to the ARTS, from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) at their annual dinner. Selected as woman of distinction she is one who “is outstanding in her profession, is a contributing member of her business or organization and is an active participant in her community,” according to the association. Ann is truly a beautiful work of art.

Here are some highlights from Platform Art: Art in Motion #15Experience Art!!!

…ART…FILM…FASHION…SOUND…PERFORMANCE…ART

Carl Knickerbocker was one of our featured artists. He has turned his talents to creating “movable art.” His art started out as a car! Namely a Honda Element! Several of his creations, including an art car, massive paintings and a short art film, A Dog GoesFrom Here To There, were on display at the event.

Tony Blair had the audience captivated as he used hisspeed-painting technique to create works of art.

…FILM

Curated by Rik Swartzwelder, California film maker, Platform; Art in Motion featured thought-provoking and entertaining films that in-cluded Bicycle/Jitensha by Dean Yamada, Ctrl Z by Robert Kibeyson, Marbles with Thoreau by Melody George and Slow by Kurt Juenne to name a few. Also interspersed were short animated films by senior students of The Ringling School of Art & Design, Sarasota, Florida.

…FASHIONFashion designerJennifer Melton wasshowing off her fashiondesigns made withorganic fabrics. Urban/Hip Hop, modern clothing with original paintings and poetry created on fabric, then altered and embellished by hand. Beauty, movement and creativity on the runway like you had never seen before.

…SOUNDOur featured band was the Nancye Blair Group with their special brand of smooth soulful jazz and the party continued on…

P.O. Box 1034 • Lakeland, Florida 33802

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR NEXT EVENTPlatform Art: Symbolism and Spirituality – October 2, 2010

Alana Trimmier enchanted us all with the magnificentrange of her voice performing an opera-techno operafeaturing music from Gaetano Donizetti’s “Il dolcesuono.” There was an added sci-fi twist inspired bythe movie “The 5th Element”. A delight for thesenses, she was dressed in an “out of this world”creation by Joette Giardina of The Party People.

…PERFORMANCEFreddie De Jesuswas in charge ofdeveloping newchoreography forPlatform’s Art in Motion, alongside company dancers Steven Jeudy, Elijah Labay, and Artistic Director Carol Erkes. This new work, SHINKANSEN in-corporated the use of a parachute prop that reflects the innovative use of air and space as a demostration of the change of climate in Lakeland’s current developing transportation systems.

Graceful and engaging, our mystery trapeze artist Shannon Waller was “Art in Motion” as she surprised the audience with a trapeze per-formance from 10 feet above.

Keep watching our website for more Platform Artart-party events. For more information visit:

www.platformart.org

Platform wishes to thank our sponsors:

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS:

Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro, Gray Robinson Law, Keystone Challenge Fund,The Lakeland Center, LEDC, Lilly O’Toole & Brown LLP, Party People Celebration Company,

Sanoba Law Firm, SCMH Architects, Swan Development Advisors, T & D Electric,The Hilda Sutton & William D. Blanton Foundation, Lea Wheeler, D.M.D.

Special Thanks To: Boring Business Systems, Coastal Wine & Spirits, Garden Bistro,Hall Communications, Newman, Pale Horse Skate Shop, Rainbow Coach, WUSF


Talented Polk State CollegeStudents Are Art Show Winners

The talents of Polk State College’s art students were recently recognized during the 2010 Student Art Show and Competition. A variety of high quality artwork was displayed and ribbons were awarded on April 23 in various categories. Jack King, Professor of Art at the University of Tampa, judged the show.

H Best of Show went to Molly Sutton of Lakeland for an untitled drawing.H The Visual Arts Society of PSC’s Best of Show was presented to Chelsea Sargent of Winter Haven for her

drawing entitled “Pictures.”H Best of Basketry was won by Jason Heller of Lake Alfred for “Potato Basket.”H Best of Ceramics was presented to Jonel Filsaime of Winter Haven for a piece entitled “Hidden Passage.”H Best of Design was presented to Jessica Forbes of Winter Haven for her piece entitled “If I was a Giant.”H Best of Drawing was won by Nathan Seay of Winter Haven for his work called “Two Heads are Better Than

One.” Seay also won Best of Painting for “Beanie.”H Best of Photography was presented to Christopher Miller for a piece entitled “Where the Last Ones Go.”H Best of Sculpture was won by Joe T. McCay for his work called “Black I/White Lie.”

Awards of Merit: (one for each category)• Basketry was won by Millie Ray of Lakeland for her “Parlor Basket.”• Ceramics went to Hannah Jordon of Lakeland for “Golden Gecko.”• Design was presented to Kali Peterson for “Lotus Fire.”• Drawing was awarded to Sara John of Lakeland for “Still Life.”• Painting was won by Syrena Olivo of Davenport for “Pausa.”• Photography was presented to Nicholas Coffman of Winter Haven for “Destiny.”• Sculpture was awarded to Sergio Ayala of Auburndale for “Socrates.”

Internationally Acclaimed Violinist Lemay Olano-James Performs for PSC DBOT

Internationally acclaimed violinist Lemay Olano-James, who now lives in Central Florida, recently performed for the Polk State College District Board of Trustees. Everyone was very impressed with his mastery of the electronic violin. The Cuban native started studying the violin at the age of seven inspired by his mother Nerisa James Reid. At a very young age he became part of the Juvenile Cuban National Symphony Orchestra and was under the direction of musi-cal maestros such as Frank Morales, Iresi Garcia and Allan Taran and the illustrious professor Evelio Tieles at the Amadeo Roldan Musical Conservatory in Havana. Lemay was honored with several national awards. In 1998, he joined the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra playing first violin. He performed nationally and internationally with renowned artists such as Compay Segundo, Omara Portuhondo, Ibrain Ferrer and many other well known musicians. The Cuban National Symphony Orchestra gave Lemay the opportunity to perform around the world under the direction of internationally recognized maestros such as Claudio Abado, Daniel Barenboy, Francesco Bailey, Leo Broward, among others. Now in Central Florida, Lemay Olano-James directs the popular group “Pure Strings” performing classical, jazz, and popular music as an individual performer or with his group. He is part of the Music Department of Polk State College and holds a seat with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra.

Polk State College Honors Marc Durso, Actor and Acting Teacher Marc Durso, an actor and owner of ActTrue, an acting school in south Florida, graduated from Polk State College in 1980. He received the college’s Distinguished Alumnus Award during its May 7 graduation. He received his bachelor’s degree in art from the University of South Florida in 1983. Currently, Durso teaches the Hagen Process of acting to clients all over the world. He conducted an acting workshop in January at Polk State College. He has instructed students who have starred on Broadway and in prime time TV and in teen sitcoms, American and Latin soap operas, independent films and national commercials. He has taught acting classes across the country and in Belgium, Germany and Italy for the United States Armed Forces European Command. Durso is an associate of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. He has assisted Broadway directors Alan Arkin, Tony Stevens and Tony Award winners Ann Reinking and Charles Nelson Reilly. Durso is also a graduate of the Burt Reynolds Institute, where he studied with Broadway stars Julie Harris, Leonard Frye, Tom Troupe and Jerry Herman.

999 Avenue H, NE • Winter Haven, FL 33881 • 863-297-1000 • www.polk.edu

NEWS FROM


SOUTHEASTERNUNIVERSITY: By La Nita Thomas the best kept secret of Polk County

Mark Lowry Benefit Concert Mark Lowry, a Christian comedian, singer, and songwriter, will perform a benefit concert for Southeastern University on Janu-ary 19, 2011 at the Historic Polk Theatre in Lakeland, Florida. Lowry, most commonly known for his work with the southern gospel group The Gather Vocal Band and for his comedic parodies of famous Christian songs, will perform many of his songs and stand-up comedy routines for the concert. Mark Lowry became involved with Southeastern University by shooting his webcast Saturdays with Mark and Tony in the Bolin Studio.

Instrumental and Choir ConcertsWhether you enjoy listening to the sweet hum of wind instru-ments, the excitement of jazz music, or the harmonies of the chamber choir, the Department of Music produces over fifteen concerts each year for you to enjoy. Each concert features a differ-ent group, from the conservatory-trained faculty to the fresh talent of the classical orchestra. Join them for the annual Christmas concert or a beautiful string concert each semester in addition to the many other opportunities offered by the music department.

Theatrical ProductionsAfter the success of the 2009-2010 season that featured the popu-lar Jane Eyre: The Musical, The Imaginary Invalid, and An Enemy of the People, Southeastern University is proud to present four classic theatre productions for the 2010-2011 school year. The season will begin with the world’s longest running musical The Fantasticks on October 29-31 followed by The Man Who Came to Dinner at the Polk Theatre in Lakeland, Florida on November 12-14. The school year will move to a close with a performance of the Shakespearean classic Othello also at the Polk Theatre, April 1-3. The final performance of the year will be a combined effort of Lakeland Community Theatre and Southeastern with a joint pro-duction of Sander’s Family Homecoming in Southeastern’s Bush Chapel on April 15-17. The production will feature the combined talent of community members as well as Southeastern students.

To accommodate Southeastern’s growing audience, a Saturday matinee performance has been added to every show within the 2010-2011 season. A Sunday night performance has also been added to The Fantasticks, Othello, and Sander’s Family Home-coming. Traditionally, Southeastern has only offered two evening performances on Friday and Saturday and a Sunday matinee. Though not on the main stage, the theatre department also oversees smaller theatre troupes. Soul Food, a Biblically based production of student-written sketches, songs, and videos, will perform their annual show on March 25 and 26, 2011. fX, another troupe that spends most of its time performing in underprivileged communities, performs stomp and music routines using items that would normally be considered trash. Their annual show will be held February 3-5, 2011.

Theatrical DanceIn 2009, Southeastern performed its first theatrical dance show-case surprising the audience with the vibrant performance that was not only technically and visually stunning, but beautifully choreographed. There will be two shows during the 2010-2011 school year, December 9 and April 29, and both will continue to surprise the audience with their visual appeal and exhilarating performances.

RAW TVRAW TV, or Real and Willing Television, is a nationally televised and student-produced talk show at Southeastern University. The show focuses on relevant topics and features popular musical guests. RAW TV films bi-weekly in Southeastern’s Bolin Studio to complete four episodes each month equaling two seasons within each school year. RAW TV airs regularly on the National Religious Broadcasting Network, Total Christian Television, and Sky Angel. Tapings for the eighth season will begin on September 8 and will take place on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Admission is free. Seat reserva-tions can be made at http://rawtv.eventbrite.com.

Unpland ImprovUnpland Improv performs twice a semester in Mi Casa Café at South-eastern University and on the Unpland Improv TV show for South-eastern’s Fire Network. Café shows do not require a reservation and occur at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Unpland Improv TV films in South-eastern’s Bolin Studio at 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Reservations for the tv show can be made at http://unplandimprov.eventbrite.com.

Vocal PerformancesIf you enjoy the sounds of Broadway or powerful, classical op-eras, you will enjoy two annual performances by the Department of Music. In the fall, the department features a performance com-piling some of the most famous scenes from classical operas. In 2010, the performance will be held at the Polk Museum of Art on October 16. For those who enjoy Broadway, Southeastern’s Night on Broadway will be held in the Bush Chapel on April 7. Night on Broadway highlights a selection of famous Broadway songs all put together under a new theme each year. In 2010, Night on Broadway featured various Broadway hits from famous musicals based on high school such as Hairspray, Grease, and the new hit High School Musical.

180 Film FestivalThe fifth annual 180 Film Festival will feature student films in the categories of three-minute and ten-minute films. Over eighteen entries were submitted in 2010, almost double from the year before. The festival is expected to continue to grow offering new categories and new awards in 2011. The festival will be held in Bush Chapel on March 19.

For more information on any of these productions, pleasecall Southeastern University’s Department of Communication

office at (863) 667-5119. For times, ticket prices, or to purchasetickets, please visit http://www.seuniversity.edu/calendar/arts.php.

Tickets can also be purchased on-campus at SoutheasternUniversity’s SEU Central Desk located in Pansler Alumni

Student Union. Southeastern University is located at1000 Longfellow Blvd., Lakeland, Florida.

Southeastern University is a growing liberal arts university in Lakeland, Florida whose performing arts program is a cultural achievement on its own. Opera, improvisational theatre, a nationally broadcast television show, and theatrical dance are just a few of the many artistic opportunities offered by the university. Many of the performances are produced on the university’s resort-like campus in the beautiful Bush Chapel or in the state-of-the-art television studio located in Bolin Hall, but the program strives to reach the community of Lakeland and the surrounding suburbs by partnering with local venues such as First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, Florida for many of the melodic choral concerts or the Polk Theatre for many theatrical productions and concerts. “We desire to be a part of the community. There is already a good foundation of cultural arts. We want to help that flourish,” said Associate Professor John Pierce, chair of the Department of Communication at Southeastern. To build upon Polk County’s foundation of cultural arts, the performing arts program at Southeastern strives to provide not only wholesome family entertainment but also quality, professional-grade produc-tions that the community can be proud to sponsor. This is accomplished by serving as the home to many award-winning faculty and adjuncts within the communication and music departments including Lake-land natives Brian Macke, former teacher of the year from Harrison School of the Arts in Lakeland, and Alan Reynolds, President of the Lakeland Community Theatre. Southeastern also encourages their students to go beyond the walls of the campus to perform in community productions, such as seniors Sarah Alessi and Tiffany Cornwell who were both recently seen in Lakeland Community Theatre’s productions of Annie and Biloxi Blues. Many students continue to serve within the Lakeland community after graduating from Southeastern. Biloxi Blues was directed by Southeastern alumnus, Joseph Strickland. Alumna Amanda Gross serves as the video director and editor of Victory Church in Lakeland and Danyale Taylor, a 2009 grad, now works on the technical crew at The Lakeland Center, a performing arts complex in Lakeland. Many of the performance groups also reach out to the community including the Southeastern Jazz Band who performs free concerts for the students at McKeel Elementary in Lakeland. Unpland Improv, an improvisational theatre troupe, performed a charity benefit show for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in November 2009. “They’re coming here for training, but going back to the community and sharing their gifts,” said Pierce. “That’s what art is all about—connecting with people.” The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college within the university with over 200 students just in performing arts majors such as broadcasting, film, theatre, and music performance in voice, instru-mental, and piano. Though many of these majors highly differ, students work together to create distinct Southeastern productions such as the student-produced Unpland Improv TV where the Unpland Improv team performs improvisational games based on audience suggestions with the Jazz Band Combo providing live music while being filmed by broadcasting students. The broadcasting students then edit the foot-age and produce a 30-minute television show similar to the syndicated Whose Line is it Anyway? to broadcast on Southeastern’s Fire Network. Each year, students combine their talents and ingenuity to create more activities and productions for the performing arts program. In the 2009-2010 school year alone, Southeastern students created Unpland Improv TV, a theatrical dance review, and brought back the former group Soul Food: a theatre group that produces a sketch-comedy show written by students. Plans have already begun for the 2010-2011 school year including benefit concerts featuring nationally known celebrities, more performances of classic theatre productions, and more concerts featuring the talent of students and the conservatory-trained faculty. All of this only to bring professional and enjoyable performing arts to the communities of Polk County. “Having a good healthy school system, outside activities, sports, but above all cultural arts is pivotal to a well-rounded community,” said Pierce.

What to look forward to for the 2010-2011 school year:

Nestled between the crystal waters of Lake Bonny and Lake Holloway and under a sea of palm treeslies Southeastern University: the best kept secret of Polk County’s ever-growing cultural arts sector.

FrostproofART LEAGUE

Summertime is quiet and restful here in Frost-proof. Our members are out relaxing, swimming and fishing in our beautiful lakes, vacationing and looking for photo opps to use in next season’s classes. The Frostproof Photography Club will continue to meet all summer. They meet the first Tuesday of the month at the Art Gallery at 6:00 pm withPresident Mike Thornton. They meet again on the third Saturday following that meeting at 4:00 pm for hands-on experiences. The club is in the pro-cess of planning some special summer adventures.

Pat Bowen will continue to teach oil and acrylics on Mondays. She will have two classes. One at 9:00 am to noon and the other from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Kids Art Camp will be July 27 - 29. Kay Hutzelman is in charge. The camp is free for Frostproof area children or children/grandchildren of Frostproof Art League members. All details should be avail-able by June 10. For more information, please come by the Frostproof Art League at 12 East Wall St or call us at 863 635 7271. During the summer we will be open Tuesday thru Thursday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.


Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 11

This boisterous farce delights with non-stop laughs. Bud, a Hollywood screenwriter noted for such low budgetclassics as The Return of the Radioactive Rabbit, decides to give up life in the fast lane to buy the Ritz ApacheLodge in Arizona, a termite pile close to the fabled lost Dutchman Mine. Bud is convinced that a phony map and some digging will soon make him a millionaire. He doesn’t figure on the inhabitants of the lodge: a little old lady from Pasadena who communicates with space people, outraged tourists who thought the Ritz Apache would be like the Ritz in Paris, an emotional mobster who won’t stay dead and aspiring starlet Chi Chi Vazoom who finds lizards cute. When Bud’s zany mother arrives straight from a flop television series, the madcap escapade goes into high gear and the jokes come fast and furious! Did we mention the FBI, the state lottery, the mysterious flight bag,alligator wrestling, brussels sprouts on a stick, the corpse on roller skates?

June 18-19, 7:30 pm; June 20, 2:00 pmJune 25-26, 7:30 pm; June 27, 2:00 pm

by Tim Kelly

All performances are presented in our wonderfully intimate theater located just three blocks north of theLake Wales Library at 411 N. 3rd Street. For further information about the Lake Wales Little Theatre, including the

information on our upcoming 2010/2011 season, visit our web site at LWLT.org. Ticket prices are $9.00 for adults and$6.00 for children 18 and under. We offer reserved seating and tickets may be ordered by calling our Ticket Hotline

at 863-679-TKTS (8587). Tickets may also be purchased Monday through Friday starting June 14 atCliff’s True Value Hardware on the northeast corner of E. Park Ave. and N. 1st St., directly across the street

from the U.S. Post Office. For general information, call our Information Hotline at 863-676-1266.


Ticket Prices:

$9 Adult

$6 Children18 and under

The Drive Is On...TO SUPPORT THEARTS IN FLORIDA

This year at renewal time, choose a Florida State of the Arts license plateand 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 yourcurrent 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.polkartsalliance.org SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

Invest in Polk County’s Cultural Arts!

Want to know more aboutThe Polk Arts Alliance?

Interested in becoming a member?

12

The mission of the Polk Arts Alliance is to cultivate anenvironment in which all the arts flourish. The PAA willaccomplish this through coordination, promotion, advocacy, education and economic development. If you enjoy arts and cultural activities and believe that they are important to our quality of life in Polk County, then consider joining us. The Polk Arts Alliance not only accepts member organizations, but business and individual sponsorships.

Polk Arts Alliance Membership Investment Categories:INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES AND NOT-FOR-PROFITS

PAA Membership Levels:q Diamond Sponsor $2,500q Platinum Sponsor $1,000q Gold Sponsor $500q Silver Sponsor $250q Bronze Sponsor $125q Family $60q Individual $35q Senior/Educator $30q Artist/Student $20

Non-Profit PAAMembership Dues:

(Based on Budget Size)

q Under $50,000 $35

q $50,000-$99,999 $50

q $100,000-$199,999 $100

q $200,000-$499,999 $150

q Over $500,000 $200

MEMBERSHIP FORM

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________________________________

State: ______________________ Zip: _____________________________________

Phone: ________________________________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________________

To join, simply send this completed form indicating your membership level(check box at left) along with a check made payable to:

Polk Arts Alliance, Inc.P.O. Box 727

Bartow, FL 33831-0727THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT IN THE ARTS!

The Polk Arts Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. All memberships and donations are tax deductible and enable the PAA to promote the cultural, historic and educational activities available in Polk County.

q Yes!

INVEST IN POLK COUNTY CULTURE!863-804-0494 • Email: [email protected]

www.polkartsalliance.org

Join your

friends and

neighbors in

support of the

Join your

friends and

neighbors in

support of the I would like to supportthe Polk Arts Alliance!

Are You Missing?

13 Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance

1 - BARTOWBartow Art GuildP.O. Box 1644 • Bartow, FL 33831863-534-1877 • www.bartowartguild.com

Joe Tedder Tax Collector’sOffice/KIDS Tag ArtBartow, FL 33830 • 863-899-8200

Polk Arts Alliance1350 E. Main St., Ste. A2 P.O. Box 727 • Bartow, FL 33831863-804-0494 • [email protected]

Polk County Historical Museum100 East Main Street • Bartow, FL 33830863-534-4385 • www.polkcountymuseum.org

2 - DAVENPORTDavenport School of the Arts8 W. Palmetto St. • Davenport, FL 33837863-421-3247 • www.davenportschoolofthearts.com

3 - FORT MEADEHistorical Society of Fort Meade1 N. Tecumseh Ave. • P.O. Box 1021Fort Meade, FL 33841

4 - FROSTPROOFFrostproof Art League & GalleryP.O. Box 654 • 12 E. Wall St. • Frostproof, FL 33843863-635-7271

5 - HAINES CITYHaines City Community Theatre, Inc.801 Ledwith Ave. • P.O. Box 1452Haines City, FL 33845863-421-1893 • www.hainescitytheatre.com

6 - LAKELANDArts On The Park115 North Kentucky Ave. • Lakeland, FL 33801863-680-2787 • www.artsontheparklakeland.org

Bach Festival of Central FloridaP.O. Box 2764 • Lakeland, FL 33806863-299-2555 • 863-439-3055www.bachfestivalofcentralflorida.org

Explorations V Children’s Museum109 N. Kentucky Ave. • Lakeland, FL 33801863-687-3869 • www.explorationsv.com

Florida Air Museum at Sun ’n Fun4175 Medulla Road • Lakeland, FL 33807863-644-2431 • www.flairmuseum.org

Florida Dance Theatre305 W. Main • P.O. Box 831 • Lakeland, FL 33802863-802-0399 • www.floridadancetheatre.org

Florida Southern College111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. • Lakeland, FL 33801863-680-4117 • www.flsouthern.edu

Imperial Symphony OrchestraP.O. Box 2623 • Lakeland, FL 33806863-688-3743 • www.imperialsymphony.org

Lakeland Art GuildP.O. Box 353 • Lakeland, FL 33802863-646-8264 • www.lakelandartguild.org

The Lakeland Center700 W. Lemon St. • Lakeland, FL 33801863-834-8111 • www.thelakelandcenter.com

Lakeland Choral Society, Inc.P.O. Box 3157 • Lakeland, FL 33802863-682-3305 • www.lakelandchoralsociety.org

Lakeland Community TheatreLake Mirror Theatre • 121 S. Lake Ave.P.O. Box 2603 • Lakeland, FL 33806863-603-7529www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

Lois Cowles Harrison CenterFor The Visual & Performing Arts750 Hollingsworth Rd. • Lakeland, FL 33801863-499-2855

Melvin Gallery (FSC)863-680-4743

Platform ART863-838-2262 • www.platformart.org

Polk Museum Of Art800 East Palmetto Street • Lakeland, FL 33801863-688-7743 •www.PolkMuseumofArt.org

Polk Theatre139 S. Florida Avenue • Lakeland, FL 33801863-682-7553 •www.polktheatre.org

Ridge Woodcarvers Clubwww.ridgewoodcarversclub.org

Rochelle School of the Arts1501 N. Martin L. King Ave. • Lakeland, FL 33805

Southeastern University1000 Longfellow Blvd. • Lakeland, FL 33801-6034863-667-5000 • www.seuniversity.edu

The Tuesday Music ClubP.O. Box 2524 • Lakeland, FL 33803

7 - LAKE WALESHistorical Lake Wales Society325 S. Scenic Hwy. • Lake Wales, FL 33853863-678-4209 • www.cityoflakewales.com

Historic Bok Sanctuary1151 Tower Blvd. • Lake Wales, FL 33853863-676-1408 • www.boksanctuary.org

Lake Wales Art Center1099 S.R. 60 E. • P.O. Box 608Lake Wales, FL 33859863-676-8426 • www.lakewalesartscenter.org

Lake Wales Little Theatre411 N. Third St. • P.O. Box 3428Lake Wales, FL 33859-3428863-676-1266

Ridge Music Teachers Association42 Hickory Hammock Rd. • Lake Wales, FL 33859863-676-9791 • [email protected]

Warner Southern College13895 Hwy. 27 • Lake Wales, FL 33859863-638-7225 • www.warner.edu

8 - WINTER HAVENPolk State CollegeCultural Events: 863-297-1050www.polk.edu

Ridge Art Association210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. • Winter Haven, FL 33880863-291-5661 • www.ridgeart.org

Symphony Guild of Winter Haven56 Fourth Street, NW • Winter Haven, FL 33881863-293-5214

Theatre Winter Haven210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. • Winter Haven, FL 33880863-294-7469 • www.theatrewinterhaven.com

Cultural Arts Council Directory & MapPAA Affiliate Arts & Cultural Organizations

We are creating a new Arts Map andwelcome your input. If you are not

“on the map” or information is incorrect, please contact Polk Arts Alliance

[email protected]

Fort Meade Frostproof

CrookedLake Park

BabsonPark Indian Lake

Estates

NalcrestFedhaven

Lake Wales

Waverly

Dundee

Wahneta

MulberryMulberry

Medulla

Winston

HighlandCity

Kathleen

Inwood

Lake Alfred Haines City

PoincianaDavenport

ProvidencePolk City

EagleLake

Bowling Green

Lakeland Winter Haven

Bartow

Gibsonia

WillowOak

60

60

98

92

17

98

2717

27

27Alt.

570

Auburndale

6

1

8

5

2

7

43 NEW

Summer CalendarNOW SHOWINGThrough June 20: Florida Landscapes.Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743.

Through June 27: Japanese Textiles& Prints and Functional Ceramics. PolkMuseum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743.

Through June 27: Student Exhibition: Learning to Be Me: Kindergarten-2nd Grade Elementary Students Exhibition.Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743.

Through Aug. 8: Art and Design:Movement. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743.

Through Feb. 2011: The Tenth Annual Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition. Central Park, Downtown Winter Haven. Info: Polk Museum of Art, 863-688-7743.

MAY 1-31: Kids Tag Art Exhibit. On display atLakeland Branch Office, Polk County TaxCollector’s Office.

7-Jun. 2: Lakeland Art Guild SpringExhibition. Opening reception: 7pm onMay 7 in the Melvin Gallery. Florida Southern College. 863-680-4743.

May 20, 2010-May3, 2011: AviationExhibition. A Juried Competition at Winter Haven Airport. Ridge Art Association, Winter Haven. 863-291-5661.

25: Jazz Band Concert. 7:30pm. Tickets: $5 Student/Senior, $7 Adult. Harrison School for the Arts, Lakeland. 863-499-2939.

25-June 27: Student Exhibition:Learning to Be Me: Kindergarten-2nd Grade Elementary Students Exhibition. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743.

28-29: Mamie’s School of Dance. 6:30pm. Youkey Theatre, The Lakeland Center.863-834-8111.

28-30: Florida State Square & Round Dance Convention. Fri. 7:30pm, Sat. 9am, Sun. 2pm. Exhibit Hall/Sikes Hall, TheLakeland Center. 863-834-8111.

30-31: Auditions For RENT. 2pm on Sunday and 7pm on Monday. Large cast of singers and dancers needed. Theatre Winter Haven.863-299-2672.

JUNE 1-30: Kids Tag Art Exhibit. On display at Lake Wales Branch Office, Polk County Tax Collector’s Office.

Jun. & Jul.: Children’s Arts Camp. LakeWales Arts Center. Call for dates and times.Lake Wales Arts Council. 863-676-8426.

1-20: Exhibit “Woodcrafters of WinterHaven Members Show.” Polk County His-torical Museum, Bartow. FREE. 863-534-4386.

1-Jul. 2: Exhibit “Inventions of the Early 20th Century.” Polk County HistoricalMuseum, Bartow. FREE. 863-534-4386.

1-Jul. 31: Summer Camp. Explorations VChildren’s Museum, Lakeland. 863-687-3669.

4-23: Walking In My Mind (Juried).Reception: Friday, June 4, 6-9pm. Arts OnThe Park, Lakeland. 863-680-2787.

5: Student Exhibition Reception:Learning to Be Me: Kindergarten-2nd Grade Elementary Students Exhibition. 10:30am & 1pm. Polk Museum of Art,Lakeland. 863-688-5423. FREE.

5: Family Fun Workshop: Japanese Ink Painting. 10:30am-noon. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423. FREE.

11-12: The Edge -Lakeland CommunityTheatre’s Alternative Stage Read Seriespresents Betrayed by George Packer. 7:30pm. $10 Adults, $8 Students with I.D. The Polk Museum of Art, Kent Harrison Auditorium. 863-603-7529.

13: Broadway Dance Theatre, Inc. 6pm. Youkey Theatre, The Lakeland Center.863-834-8111.

14-17: Black Box Theatre Productions -Beyond Therapy by Christopher Durang.Mon.-Wed. 7-8:45pm, Thurs. 9-10:45pm.Tickets: $7.00. Polk State College, WinterHaven Fine Arts Theatre. 863-297-1050.

14-Aug. 13: Summer Camp 2010. Story Book Camp: 4 & 5 year-olds. X5 Adventure Camp: ages 6-12. Fees vary. Explorations V Children’s Museum, Lakeland. 863-687-3869.

14-25: SummerArt Camp Session 1 - 1900s-1910s. Fee per class, per session. Registration required. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423.

17-18: Buckler’s Arts & Craft Show. Thurs. 10am-5pm, Fri. 10am-4pm. Tickets: $5. Free Parking. Exhibit Hall, The LakelandCenter. 863-834-8111.

17-19: 2010 Leadership Summit -Arts Achieve: 67 Pathways to Success.Lakeland. Register at www.faae.org

18-19: Judy’s Dance Academy. YoukeyTheatre, The Lakeland Center. 863-834-8111.

18-20: My Son Is Crazy...But Promising. Lake Wales Little Theatre, Lake Wales.Fri.-Sat. 7:30 pm, Sun. 2:00 pm. $9 Adults,$6 Children 18 & under. 863-676-1266.

19-Jul. 2: ArtsCamp! First Session.Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm. Lake Wales Arts Center. 863-676-8426.

19: Family Fun Workshop: Japanese Ink Painting with Museum of Art. 10:30am-noon. Polk County Historical Museum, Bartow.863-688-5423. FREE

20: National Touring Acapella Group - Blend. Special Event. One Performance Only 2:30pm. Theatre Winter Haven. 863-294-7469 (SHOW).

25-27: My Son Is Crazy...But Promising. Lake Wales Little Theatre, Lake Wales.Fri.-Sat. 7:30 pm, Sun. 2:00 pm. $9 Adults,$6 Children 18 & under. 863-676-1266.

25-27: Disney’s Mulan, Jr. Theatre for Youth Production. Fri.-Sat. 7:30pm, Sat.-Sun. 2pm. $9 Adults, $7 Children. LakelandCommunity Theatre, Lake Mirror Theatre.863-603-7529.

26-27: The Great American Trailer Park Musical. June 26 - 7:30pm & June 27 - 2:30pm. Theatre Winter Haven. 863-294-7469 (SHOW).

26-Oct. 3: Modern Masters. Polk Museumof Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423.

26: Workshop: Functional StonewarePottery with Lo Alexander. 10am-4pm.$50 Members, $65 Non-Members. Registration required. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland.863-688-5423.

28-July 9: SummerArt Camp Session 2 - 1920s. Fee per class. Registration required.Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423.

JULY

1-31: Kids Tag Art Exhibit. On display at Bartow Branch Office, Polk County TaxCollector’s Office.

1-Sept. 30: Exhibit “Collecting Vintage Sheet Music.” Polk County HistoricalMuseum, Bartow. FREE. 863-534-4386.

3: Family Fun Workshop: GeometricPainting. 10:30am-Noon. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423. FREE.

3-Sept. 26: Loïs Mailou Jones: A Lifein Vibrant Color. Polk Museum of Art,Lakeland. 863-688-5423.


6-Sept. 5: Student Exhibition: VSA:Art for All. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743.

8-Aug. 7: Trent Manning: MixedMessages. A One Man Show. Ridge ArtAssociation, Winter Haven. 863-291-5661.

9: Curator Tour of the exhibition Loïs Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color.12:15-1pm. Free with Museum admission.Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423.

12-23: SummerArt Camp Session 3 - 1950s. Fee per class. Registration required. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423.

11-Aug. 6: 10th Annual Summer Youth Dance Camp. Four one-week camps. 9am-5pm. Ages 6-10 enjoy dance, art and acting. Tuition: $150 per week. Free to students that qualify for the Free School Lunch Program. Call Florida Dance Theatre for applicationinformation. 863-802-0399.

11-Aug. 6: Open Summer Dance Classes. All ages. Ballet, jazz, modern and hip-hop.Call Florida Dance Theatre for applicationinformation. 863-802-0399.

12-23: ArtsCamp! Second Session.Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm. Lake Wales Arts Center. 863-676-8426.

15-25: Into The Woods. Main StageProduction. Thurs.-Sat. 7:30pm, Sun. 2pm.$20 Adults, $15 Students with I.D., $10Children. Lakeland Community Theatre,Lake Mirror Theatre. 863-603-7529.

19-23: Summer Camp. One week. Ages 6-15. Cost: $199 ($175 if paid in full by June 1). Lakeland Community Theatre, Lake MirrorTheatre. 863-603-7529.

19-30: Summer Camp. Two weeks. Ages 6-15. Cost: $385 ($350 if paid in full by June 1). Lakeland Community Theatre, Lake MirrorTheatre. 863-603-7529.

23-Aug. 8: RENT. Theatre Winter Haven.863-294-7469 (SHOW).

24: Family Fun Workshop: GeometricPainting with Polk Museum of Art.10:30-noon. Auburndale Public Library.863-688-5423. FREE.

26-Aug. 6: SummerArt Camp Session 4 - 1960s-present. Fee per class. Registrationrequired. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland.863-688-5423.

AUGUST 2-6: Summer Camp Plus. One week.Ages 11-15. Cost: $199 ($175 if paid in full by June 1). For 11-15 year-olds signing up for all three weeks. Cost: $499 ($450 if paid in full by June 1). Lakeland Community Theatre, Lake Mirror Theatre. 863-603-7529.

7: Family Fun Workshop: Pattern and Prints. 10:30-noon. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423.

21: Family Fun Workshop: Pattern and Prints with Museum of Art. 10:30-noon. Lake Wales Public Library. 863-688-5423. FREE.

21: Creative Studies Series: AnAdventure with Carl Jung. 5-7:30pm.$12 Membrs, $15 Non-Members. PolkMuseum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423.

23: Florida Dance Theatre 2010-2011Season Classes Begin. For registration and class schedule information call Florida Dance Theatre at 863-802-0399.

27: Exhibition Reception: Loïs Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color. 6-8:30pm. Free for Museum Members, $10 Non-Mem-bers. Cash Bar. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423.

28: Student Reception: VSA: Art for All. 11am. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland.863-688-7743. FREE.

28: 19th Birthday X-travaganza. 10am-3pm. $5 per person includes activities. Mem-bers are FREE. Explorations V Children’s Museum, Lakeland. 863-687-3869.

UPCOMING EVENTS Sept. 8: RAW TV. Bolin Studio, 7pm and 9pm. Southeastern University, Lakeland.863-667-5119.

Sept. 17: Unpland Improv. Mi Casa Café,7pm and 9pm. Southeastern University,Lakeland. 863-667-5119.

Sept. 18: Family Day. 11am-3pm. PolkMuseum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423. FREE ADMISSION.

Sept. 22: RAW TV. Bolin Studio, 7pm and 9pm. Southeastern University, Lakeland.863-667-5119.

October: Vilas Tonape Exhibition.Vilas is Professor of Art at Polk State College.One-person Exhibition at Florida Southern College, Melvin Art Gallery, Lakeland.

Oct. 2: Platform Art - Symbolism and Spirituality.


P L E A S E C A L L

863.422.8651O R E M A I L

[email protected]

AdvertisingIN

FOR INFORMATION ON

7 4 0 E . M a i n S t .S u i t e 1

H a i n e s C i t y

Experience a hands-on, fun-filled adventurein learning on three floors of

kid-powered exhibits and programs!

Jun. 14-Aug. 13, 2010 summer Camp 2010 Weekdays Story Book Camp 4 & 5 year-olds X5 Adventure Camp ages 6-12

August 28, 2010 19th Birthday X-travaganza

109 North Kentucky Avenue • Lakeland, FL 33801-5044(863) 687-3869 • http://www.explorationsv.com

IMAGINE!EXPLORE!CREATE!

DISCOVER!

The Harrison Symphony Orchestra (HSO), under the direction of Harrison Facul-ty Conductors Rob Lambert and Matthew Davis, has received a prestigious invitation to Festival des Anches (Festival of Reeds) in La Croix Valmer, France. The Harrison Symphony Orchestra will present a Preview Concert on Friday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m., on the Harrison Main Stage. The HSO will perform the closing concert of the Festival des Anches (Festival of Reeds) in La Croix Valmer, France, on Sunday, June 27, at 9:00 p.m. at the Gardens of the Villa Turquoise. Other ensembles performing during the 2010 Festival include the “Swedish Wind Ensemble” of Sweden, the “Large Street Band” of Italy and the “Symphony Orchestra of High Mayene” of France. The HSO was invited to France following their trip to Chicago at the Midwest Clinic in 2007. The HSO is one of the few orchestras invited to the Festival of Reeds, traditionally know as a gathering of bands. Other American organizations who previ-ously traveled to the Festival of Reeds include: 2009 - John Hersey High School Band, IL; 2008 – The Allentown Band, PA; 2007 – Calgary Concert Band, Canada; 2006 – Brampton Concert Band, Canada; 2004 – LA Pierce Symphonic Winds, CA; 2003 – Ridgewood Band, NJ; 2001 – Northshore Concert Band, IL. Come enjoy the Preview Concert program with such composers as Howard Hanson, Antonin Dvorak, Georges Bizet, and Aaron Copland, with a “Suite from Star Wars.” The Festival is not a competition, but as the advertisement states, “just the pleasure to perform before a wonderful audience.” The performing organizations are made up of amateur and professional musicians. Since 1994 the festival has featured bands from many countries including France, Austria, Norway, Switzerland, Austra-lia, the U.S., and Canada. Jean Luc Wastable, music teacher and director of the Croix Valmer Music School, is the Artistic Director and co-organizer of the festival. A sneak preview of the France program will be presented on Friday, June 18, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., at the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Road, Lakeland, FL. The concert is FREE and the public is cordially invited to attend.

HARRISON SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS CONCERT IN FRANCE PREVIEW JUNE 18

The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts is a public school of choice offering excellencein the instruction of music, theater arts, dance, and visual arts for students in the ninth through twelfth grades.

Harrison School for the Arts provides opportunities for talented students to develop their abilities to the fullest extent, instilling self-discipline, self-esteem, and a working knowledge of and greater appreciation for the arts. Educational majors include dance,

orchestra, piano performance, vocal music, theater performance, technical theater, musical theater, and visual arts.

The Harrison Symphony Orchestra appears in the “Festival des Anches” in La Croix Valmer, France, in June.(Photo provided by Harrison School for the Arts.)

Come to Harrison School for the Arts(750 Hollingsworth Road, Lakeland, FL) and enjoy the Symphony Orchestra in a FREE Preview Concert of their Francetrip, on Friday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m.(Photo by Mary Grace Gordon.)



August 31, 2010 Music and Martinis

October 5, 2010 Masterworks #1 - Taking the 5th on the 5th, Youkey Theatre Hungarian Dance #5 Brahms Brandenburg Concerto #5 Bach Linda Charlton, keyboard Athur Pranno, violin Marsha Whitney, flute Symphony #5 Mvt. I Beethoven Symphony #5 Mvt. II Tchaikowsky Symphony #5 Mvt. II Schubert Sympony #5 Mvt. IV Schostakovich

October 22, 2010 Winter Haven Pops, Lake Silver Amphitheatre

November 5, 2010 Lakeland Pops, Lake Mirror Amphitheatre

November 9, 2010 Masterworks #2 - Back for Seconds, Youkey Theatre Overture to Egmont Beethoven Concerto #1 for Piano Tchaikowsky Young-Ah Tak, piano soloist Pines of Rome Resphigi

December 7, 2010 School Day Concerts 9:45/11:15am, Youkey Theatre

December 7, 2010 Masterworks #3 - Christmas Concert, Youkey Theatre Featuring Florida Dance Theatre, local artists and the ISO performing seasonal favorites.

January 22, 2011 10th Anniversary Opera Celebration, Branscomb Auditorium Famous scenes from each of the operas performed by the ISO

February 6, 2011 Cookie Concert - 3:00 pm, Youkey Theatre All in the Family Program

February 14, 2011 School Day Concert - 3:00 pm, Youkey Theatre All in the Family Program

February 15, 2011 Masterworks #4 - All in the Family, Youkey Theatre St. Paul’s Suite Mvts. I & IV (strings) Holst Young Artist Winners TBD Young People’s Guide to the Orchestra Britten

March 14-15, 2011 Sacred Spaces Concert - The King of Instruments at FUMC (included with subscription) Adagio Albinoni Concerto in g for organ Poulenc Matthew Corl, organ Symphony #3 (Organ) Saint-Saens

April 12, 2011 Masterworks #5 - An Evening of Broadway, Youkey Theatre A partnership with Lakeland Community Theatre

April 26, 2011 Plant City Pops, Trinkle Center at HCC

April 30, 2011 Concert Under The Stars, Bok Tower Gardens

I M P E R I A L S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A2

01

0-2

01

1OUR 45TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

SummerArt Camp for Children

Works of Harlem RenaissancePainter to be Exhibited at PMoA

18 Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010

The themes explored by Loïs Mailou Jones (1905-1998) over the length of her 75-year career make for a dynamic exhibition of more than 70 works, including paintings, drawings and textile designs. Jones is considered one of the original Harlem Renais-sance artists, which at the time was called the “New Negro Movement.” This period was one of increased artistic and intellectual expression among African-Americans, and centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. One of the primary character-istics of the Harlem Renaissance was overt racial pride, and artwork created to “uplift” African-Americans. Jones graduated from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, at a time when racial and gender prejudices pervaded society. She began her career as a textile designer, but after a discouraging and racist interaction with an interior designer, she shifted her focus to the fine arts so that her name would be associated with the work she produced. In addition to being an active studio artist, she was also a professor of art at Howard University from 1930 through her retirement in 1977. Early in her career, Jones produced lush oil paintings of the French countryside and her traditional still-lifes highlight her skillful observation of nature. Her marriage in 1952 to noted Haitian graphic artist Louis Vergniaud Pierre-Noël instigated a change in the subject matter and palette of her paintings. Much of her work is heavily influenced by her African-American heritage, as well as her travels to Africa and the Caribbean. Her frequent trips to Haiti re-energized her strong design sense and inspired vivid acrylic and watercolor paintings that displayed a marked fascination with Caribbean culture. After additional travels that included African countries, her work became char-acterized by brilliant color and rich patterns. Loïs Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color will be on display at Polk Muse-um of Art July 3 through September 26, and is organized by the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC, in collaboration with the Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noel Trust, and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. The exhibition is sponsored by ALPI and Tinsley Family Concessions, Inc., with additional support by Blackmon Roberts Group, Inc. A reception for the exhibition will be held on Friday, August 27,at 6:00pm. Admission to the reception is free for Museum members and $10 fornon-members.

During the summer, the Museum offers its annual SummerArt Camp for children ages 5 - 13. From June 14 - August 6, the Museum will offer four sessions of SummerArt Camp. Each session is two weeks long, and students can take up to three classes per day. This year, the theme is Modern Art: Up, Up, and Away!, and we’re kickin’ it old school by focusing each session on a dif-ferent modern art period. Here are a just a few of the movements we will draw inspiration from:

Session 1: 1900s-1910s: Explore the swirls, twirls, and cartoon-like style of Art Nouveau, and the broken forms of Cubism.

Session 2: 1920s: Let imaginations run wild with Surrealism, and feel the clean lines and geometry of Art Deco.

Session 3: 1950s: Go mad for popular culture with Pop Art, and get funky with Neo-Dada constructions.

Session 4: 1960s–present: Fool your eyes with Op Art, and break it down to the basics with Minimalism.

SummerArt Camp is sponsored by the Glenn W. and Hazelle Paxson Morrison Foundationand an Anonymous Donor. To register for SummerArt Camp, call 863-688-5423 orvisit www.PolkMuseumofArt.org/classes.mofArt.org.

Polk Museum of Art is locatedin Lakeland and is the only

museum serving Polk County that is nationally accredited by

the American Association of Museums. Museum Summer

Hours are 10am - 4pm, Tuesday through Saturday. The Museum

is closed on Sunday, Monday and major holidays. Admission is

$5 for adults, $4 for Seniors age 62 & older, and FREE for

Members, Students (K-College), and Children. The Museumis wheelchair accessible.For more information call

863-688-7743 or visitwww.PolkMuseumofArt.org.

800 East Palmetto St. • Lakeland, FL 33801863.688.7743 • Fax 863.688.2611 • www.PolkMuseumofArt.org

On May 10, Historic Lakeland, Inc. and the City of Lakeland’s Historic Preservation Board hosted their annual Awards Ceremony at 417 East McDonald Street, historically known as the Deen House. Historic Lakeland’s second president (1981), Bonnie Deen Burhans, shared with the group some background about the award-winning house and her connection to it. Its current owner, Lon Stanley, related its re-cent history of their long, extensive, tedious restoration which spanned several years. Attendees were treated to a tour of the house after socializing on its spacious front porch.

Other residences honored by Historic Lakeland included the homes of Jeff Brooks at 322 West Park Street; Jay and Debbie Hannifan at 848 Orange Park Avenue; Rick Lilyquist at 420 East Palm Drive; Marc Salyer at 514 Finney Street; and LaBron Taylor at 921 Osceola Street. This year each winner was invited to speak for a few minutes to tell the story of their house, what inspired them to restore it and tell of some experiences relative to their project. Hope Kirkendall received Honorable Mention for her replacing an inappropriate front door sur-rounded by glass-block on her 1924 airplane bungalow at 815 Success Avenue, as did Mike Lawhon at 705 Jefferson Avenue for his use of windows in keeping with the style of his house.

The Preservation Board selected the following non-residential projects from among those that came before the Design Review Committee: the neon sign at Linkster’s Tap Room on Main Street; the unique design of 360 Unlimited at 911 South Florida Avenue; the sensitive addition to Heath Funeral Home at the corner of Lime Street and Ingraham Avenue; the City of Lakeland’s updating of Henley Field, us-ing materials, fixtures and designs appropriate for this vintage ball park; and the new construction at Florida Southern College of the Sarah D. and L. Kirk McKay, Jr. Archive Center, providing a seamless addition to the Roux Library to the east of the building. Owners and architects involved in these proj-ects were recognized.

A champion of historic preservation, William S. Hatten, Ph.D., was honored posthumously as Preserva-tionist of the Year. Dr. Hatten had served for several years as Historic Lakeland’s treasurer, and, as As-sociate Vice President for Development at Florida Southern College, he was instrumental in securing millions of dollars in grant monies for the world-famous Frank Lloyd Wright campus. Active in his ca-reer and volunteer work until the last few weeks of his life, Dr. Hatten was a valued friend who is sorely missed.

HISTORIC LAKELAND, INC.


H I S T O R I C L A K E L A N D , I N C .P.O. Box 3347 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3347 • 863-682-6149 • www.historiclakeland.orgHistoric Lakeland, Inc. is a not-for-profit, nonaffiliated organization dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of

Lakeland, Florida’s unique history and character, and using the heritage to shape the community’s growth and development.

T h e D e e n H o u s e

idge Art Association is proud to present the artwork of one of its most consis-tent award winners. Trent Manning, who grew up loving and experimenting in art, has exhibited at RAA since he was in high school. The exhibition will include past award winners, pieces borrowed from Private Collections and new pieces created just for this show, many available for sale.

Executive Director Christy Hemenway says “I have watched Trent evolve and grow as an artist over the past decade. While I have always loved his work, it has become more streamlined and while still from found objects, it is more sleek and refined than when he started. The greatest thing about Trent is that he is still hum-ble each time his name is called as a winner.” Manning was selected to create the poster for the 2010 Central Park Art Festival this past March, where he also was an award winner. From Trent’s artist’s statement:

“This series of work is a product of my love for many different mediums,techniques and materials. My goal is to create a distinct style that will letme experiment with all of these in a cohesive body of work. By assemblingdiscarded pieces of metal, screws, wooden handles, old tools, wire andother recycled objects and combining them with painting, sculpting and woodworking, I create sculptures and dioramas which consist of figuresthat often take on a skeletal or robotic appearance.”

The search for new material is a major step in the creative process; since I never know what I might find next, I never know what my next piece will be. Constantly changing materials provide a natural evolution in my work, letting me explore new techniques and grow as an artist with every piece I create.”

Trent Manning: Mixed Messageswill be on display from July 8 through August 7, 2010.

The opening reception will be held on Saturday July 10 from 6:30-8:30p.m. The public is invited to attend and celebrate with the artist.


TRENTMANNING:MIXED MESSAGES

R

ABOUT RIDGE ART ASSOCIATION:Office and gallery hours are 12:30 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and one hour prior

to Theatre Winter Haven performances. For more information, call the office at 863-291-5661or visit their website at www.ridgeart.org.

www.ridgeart.org

A One Man Show

July 8-Aug. 7, 2010Reception:July 10, 20106:30-8:30pm


POLK THEATRE The fabulous Polk Theatre has been bringing quality entertainment to our community for over 80 years. One of only three atmospheric theatres in the state of Florida, it is a beautiful example of the Mediterranean style ar-chitecture popular in the 1920’s when many of these movie palaces were built. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Theatre is one of the true historic gems left in Central Florida. Each year the Polk Theatre has a Performing Arts Series that includes traveling professional Broadway pro-ductions, concerts, comedians, children’s shows, and of course, first run independent films. We would like to ask you to consider becoming a member of the Polk Theatre, so that we can continue our tradition of bringing you the highest quality of entertainment available and to preserve this amazing facility for future generations. Depending on the level of membership you choose you may receive some of the following benefits:

• Discount off Performing Arts Series subscription • Popcorn coupons• Discount off the base rental of the Theatre • Complementary Beverages• Helping to preserve the Theatre’s historic legacy • Meet and greet the actors• Gift memberships for friends • And much more

Polk Theatre, Inc.139 South Florida Avenue

Lakeland, FL 33801

(863) 682-8227www.polktheatre.org

Please see our membership brochure onour website, www.polktheatre.org or call863.682.7553 to find out which level maybe right for you and your family. You willfind that the true benefit of a Polk Theatremembership is priceless!

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENTOF OUR EXCITING 2010/11 SEASON!

s

22

Celebrating the Old Polk County Courthouse100th Anniversary Year at the

Polk County Historical Museum SUMMER 2010

June 1 - June 20:Exhibit “Woodcrafters of

Winter Haven Members Show”

June 1 - July 2:Exhibit “Inventions of the

Early 20th Century”

July 1 - Sept. 30:Exhibit

“Collecting VintageSheet Music”

The summer calendar at the Polk County Historical Museum includes several changing ex-hibits. In June members of the Woodcrafters of Winter Haven will once again share their work with museum visitors. Also continuing in June the exhibit “Inventions of the early-20th Century” offers a fun look at science and technology through a variety of objects in the museum collection.

Special to the Museum for July and August will be the exhibit “Collecting Vintage Sheet Music.” Many of us remember the stacks of colorful sheet music stashed in the piano bench and tucked away in boxes at home. In 1910, the familiar tunes Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Down By the Old Mill Stream each sold five to six million copies.Here is a good opportunity to reminisce over a few of the classic tunes from 100 years ago.

The Polk County Historical Museum is located at 100 East Main Street in Bartow. The hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday, 9am to 5pm; and Saturdays from 9am – 3pm. Admission to theMuseum is free. For moreinformation call863-534-4386 or visitpolkcountymuseum.org.

sSummer Calendar 2010

Polk County

Historical Museum


s s


Tel.: 863-603-7529 121 S. Lake Ave • Lakeland, FL 33801

www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

Call 863 603 -7529 to order tickets or enroll or online @ www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

The final Main Stage Production this season will be Into the Woods. A fractured fairy tale full of familiar char-acters such as Jack and his Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood,

this Tony award-winning show tells of a baker and his wife trying to break the curse of the Wicked Witch.

July 15-25 2010$20 Adults, $15 Students w/id, $10 Children 18 & under

T H E E D G ELakeland Community Theatre’s Alternative Stage Read Series

Presented in the intimate environment of The Polk Museum of Art

Betrayed By George PackerThis timely play portrays the real life struggles of the thousandsof Iraqi citizens who welcomed the U.S. and offered their support, only to be denied even the most basic protection by the American Government whom they served.

7:30pm June 11 & 12 $10 Adults $8 College Students w/id

Cutting edge, relevant, award-winning dramatic literary works.Only 150 seats available each night. For Mature Audiences only.

Celebrate our 25th Anniversary Season ... Lakeland Community Theatre has big plans for the upcoming 2010-2011 Season; starting off with Tony Award Winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, September 9-19, 2010 with music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin. The show centers around a fictional spelling bee set in Putnam Val-ley Middle School. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally-quirky grown-ups. The Theatre for Youth will be presenting the much loved story of James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl October 15-17, 2010. The story of a young orphan boy who enters a gigantic, magical peach, and has a wild and surreal cross-world adventure with a group of anthropomorphic insects he meets within the giant peach. The Producers, December 2-19, 2010 a musical by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan follows next. A record 12-time Tony Award winner about two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by oversell-ing interests in a Broadway flop. Complications arise when the show unexpectedly turns out to be successful. The humor of the show is accessible to a wide range of audiences, and draws on ridiculous ac-cents, caricatures and many show business in-jokes. Swing! March 3-6, 2010 is the next production, a musical conceived by Paul Kelly with music by various artists. It celebrates the music of the Swing era of jazz (1930s-1946), including many well-known tunes by artists like Duke Ellington, William “Count” Basie, Benny Goodman and others. The story is told entirely through music and dance. The final part of the Sanders Family Story will be the Smoke on the Mountain Home-coming April 14-17, 2011. So many people enjoyed the first two installments with the hilarious “signing” by June, the singing, playing and story telling of the rest of the family and the Bluegrass perform-ers playing up a storm that Lakeland Community Theatre will be wrapping up the story. The second Theatre for Youth Production will be the much loved story of The Jungle Book. All your favorite songs and antics from the jungle come to life on stage. Finally join us for an amazing journey as we present the Wizard of Oz July 21-31, 2011. Bound to be a smash hit, everyone loves the tale of Dorothy and Toto, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man as they journey through Oz.

... and A Theatre on the Road! The Lake Mirror Theatre has been home to Lakeland Community Theatre since 1985 when it began as a children’s theatre – The Pied Piper Players. The City of Lakeland, after 50+ years, has plans to reno-vate the theatre’s interior by replacing the ceiling and the seats which will be fantastic. However, this will require the closure of the theatre from January to July 2011. So what does your Community Theatre without a home do? Look out into its Community! Artistic Managing Director Alan Reynolds reached out to other arts organizations in Lakeland and planning began to collaborate on the three productions that will be affected. Southeastern University will be the venue for Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. The final segment in the trio of Bluegrass musical comedies will be held in the Bush Chapel April 14-17, 2011. The Polk Theatre will host Swing! and the Theatre for Youth production of The Jungle Book. What a great opportunity to partner with other arts organizations. It is heartening to know that our arts community is so receptive and willing to step up and help when a need is apparent. It will be chal-lenging, no doubt to be away from our stage for a time but come July 2011 there will truly be NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

Theatre for Youth SUMMER CAMP

Join us for one of our favorite events of the year ... school’s out andsummer camp is in! Three glorious weeks of singing, dancing, acting andjust having fun on stage – then put on a show written especially for you!

SUMMER CAMP Ages 6-15 July 19th-30th (2 weeks) $385 ($350 if paid in full by June 1)

July 19th-23rd (1 week) $199 ($175 if paid in full by June 1)

SUMMER CAMP PLUS Ages 11–15 August 2nd-6th (1 week) $199 ($175 if paid in full by June 1)For 11-15 year olds signing up for all three weeks $499 ($450 if paid in full by June 1)

Our final Theatre for Youth Produc-tion is Disney’s Mulan Jr. With a cast of over 60 ages 6-60, this show will be a fun filled musical for all the

family. Following the adventures of Mulan and her dragon friend Mushu as she joins the Chinese army disguised as a man in order to save the Emperor from the Hun invaders.

June 25-27 2010$9 adults, $7 Children 18 & under


As the calendar pages turn from spring to summer, Explora-tions V will be heating up with hands-on adventures in learning. Weekly programming, Storybook and X5 Adventures Camp dur-ing Summer Camp 2010 and Explorations V’s 19th Birthday X-travaganza are on tap to guarantee a summer full of mega-fun!

Explorations V Children’s Museum hosts weekly programming Monday through Friday. Magical Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Thrilling Thursday and Fun Friday of-fer imaginative educational sessions that engage children in reading, school readiness, culinary and creative arts as well as science and math. Each day’s session begins at 10:30am and is included with museum admission.

Summer Camp 2010 will be held for nine weeks, June 14 through August 13. New this summer will be camps for children 4 & 5 years of age (Story Book Camp) as well as camps for 6-12 year olds (X5 Adventure Camp). Each camp includes weekly themed hands-on activities, museum exploration, outdoor play and snack creation. Story Book Camp will feature Beach Babies!, Movers & Shakers!, Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!, Mini-Cooks and more. X5 Adventure Camp includes sessions such as Get Fit!, Hollywood Producer!, Masters of Art and CSI X5: Crime Science.

Children can be registered for full day (9am-5pm) orhalf day (9am-1pm/1-5pm) camps. Full day pricingfor museum members is $125 per child per week. The full day fee for non-members is $150 per childper week. Half day sessions are $65 per child per week

for museum members and $80 per child per week for non-mem-bers. Sibling discounts are available. Early drop-off and late pick up can be arranged for an additional fee. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required to hold a place in camp.

On Saturday, August 28th, Explorations V will host the biggest birthday party in town! The 19th Birthday X-travaganza will include entertainment, party hat creation and a museum full of hands-on birthday party fun. The event will run from 10am to 3pm with the museum scheduled to close at 4pm. All X-trava-ganza activities will be included with regular admission.

www.explorationsv.com

Summer Adventuresin Learning

Heat Up Explorations VChildren’s Museum

Explorations V Children’s Museum is located at109 North Kentucky Avenue in downtown Lakeland.

Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9am.-5:30pm. Admission prices are $5 per person. Senior citizens,

65 and older, are $2.50. General admission(excluding some special events) for children under two

and museum members is free. Details regarding exhibits,camps, programs, parties or field trips can be obtained bycalling 863 687 3869 or emailing [email protected].


Kids TAG ARTAWARDS OF DISTINCTION DRAW CROWDS

Fifth Graders’ Art Now on Display through July

Kids Tag Art, a fundraising project that inspires fifth grade art students to design their own specialty plate art, recently hosted its 4th annual Kids Tag Art Awards of Distinction, held at the Polk Museum of Art. Fifth grade students with award-winning designs and their family and teachers were invited to attend the reception which coincided with the opening of this year’s exhibit showcasing their work. Approximately 100 kids, with parents, siblings, grandparents and teachers showed up to a standing-room only ceremony, which had to be split into 2 events to adhere to fire code. Students re-ceived a certificate of distinction from Tax Collector Joe Tedder. On hand for the recognition event were the Honorable Joe G. Tedder, Polk County Tax Collector, Hazel Sellers, Polk County School Board, Dr. Gail F. McKenzie, Superintendent of Polk Coun-ty Schools, Daniel Stetson, Polk Museum of Art Executive Direc-tor, Patricia Lamb, Senior Fine Arts Coordinator with Polk County Schools, Leticia Miller, Curator of Education for PMA. Sponsors present included Mr. Kevin Jones with Mid Florida Credit Union. Other sponsors for this years’ event include Douglass Screen Printers, (Major Sponsor), along with MOSAIC, AlphaGraphics, and Polk Education Foundation. Board members and partners include Marti Blackwell, vice-chairwoman, Junior Women’s Club of Lakeland, Cindy Ross, Polk Arts Alliance, Ellen Chastain, Polk Museum of Art, Stacy Mallard, Polk County School Board, Cynthia Windham, Polk County Tax Collector’s Office, and Martha Roe Burke, chairwoman, Polk County Tax Collector. Kids Tag Art designs may still be viewed and purchased by going online to the Tax Collector’s website, www.polktaxes.com. The price of the tag is $15 and the proceeds from the sale oftags remain with that student’s school to be used exclusively forteacher art supplies. The 2010 Kids Tag Art Exhibition will betraveling around the county for the remainder of the school year. An exhibition calendar is also available online. For moreinformation, please call (863) 899-8200. Kids Tag Art inspires young artists to create their own uniquedesign, learning the practical application of license plate art tosupport worthy causes, fashioned after Florida’s 100+ specialtylicense plates. However, these tags are strictly art and not foruse as legal identification on the rear bumper of cars. This year, the major sponsor for this project is DouglassScreen Printers. Lisa Kaiser Hickey is the owner and presidentof Douglass Screen Printers who produces the tags and hasbeen integrally involved from the inception of the project.“Douglass Screen Printers has built its 70-year legacy oncreativity. We wholeheartedly support not only the arts ingeneral but the Kids Tag Art program in particular because itencourages creativity and independent thought in our leadersof tomorrow,” comments Hickey. The price of a tag is $15 and all proceeds go to classroom artsupplies. Parents and friends can order from the winning designsfor holiday gift-giving. Orders must be postmarked by December4 in order to be delivered by the 25th. Tag art will be on thewebsite and available for sale through the 2009 school year.

The History of Kids Tag Art… Back in 2006, the Polk County Tax Collector’s Office, with help from local businesses and community groups, put together a fundraising project with the Polk County School Board that would teach children art design while raising much-needed monies for classroom art supplies. During the month of September, teachers guide students in classroom design creation. Teachers may set whatever guidelines for their students they believe will generate creative, award-win-ning artwork. Parents can purchase their child’s design through school sales conducted in October of each year. Their child’s de-sign is individually scanned and made into a unique polycarbonate tag which can be purchased as a keepsake or given as gifts. In late October, thousands of designs are submitted from all across the county for judging which is conducted at Polk Museum of Art. Selections of the top two entries from each school are made. Those top entries become available to the public for sale on the Polk County Tax Collector’s website: www.polktaxes.com. According to Tedder, the project originated at the Tax Collec-tor’s office, whose employees have over the years, volunteered in one or two elementary schools during business ‘teach-in’ days. The kids eagerly grasped the art project and staff worked to build a tag art program around this fun learning concept. This year, tax collector employees volunteered in the schools and at open hous-es to raise awareness and to help stimulate student creativity.

Where to View Tag Art…This year’s tag art is available for viewing online where the individual children’s designs are availablefor purchase by going to www.PolkTaxes.com and clicking on Polk County Kids Tag Art. The public can scroll through all the win-ning tags and order a tag, using the order form found on that link. Previous years’ tagsmay also be viewed online. In addition, The Tag Art Exhibit will begin traveling around the county beginning later this year. A calendar of exhibit dates and locations is online as well. Anyone who wishes to host the exhibit is invited to inquire. Tags will be offered for sale with the exhibit and throughout the school year. For more information, contact the Polk County Tax Collector’s office at (863) 534-4722.

For more information on our events visit boktowergardens.org/calendarOpen 365 Days a Year! • 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853 • 863.676.1408

Voted Florida’s Best Garden!

JUNE 26 PorchdogsLouisiana Cajun and Zydeco

JULY 24 TammerlinFolk music

AUGUST 21-22 The Repeatles50s and 60s music

SEPTEMBER 18 Broadway & JazzBroadway tunes and American jazz

LIVE AT THEGARDENSa Summer Music Series!Bok Tower Gardens Visitor Center

$20 General PublicMembers receive 10% discount

Concert at 7:30 p.m. Limited seating.

Pre-paid dinner at 6 p.m. $16.50 Members $18 Non-Members

Nature QuestSummer CampJuly 19 – 23 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Discover animals at Window by the Pond, make a pinhole camera and develop handmade photos, tie dye t-shirts, do nature art, climb a tree and take home a book of art from the week. Limited to children who have completed K - 5th grade.

$250 Members. $295 Non-Members. Extended care: $50/week (8 - 9 a.m. & 5 - 6 p.m.)


Polk CountyHall of Fame


Haines City Community Theatre is located in the Clay Cut Center at 801 Ledwith Avenue in Haines City.For further information call the theatre at (863) 421-1893 or visit the website at www.hainescitytheatre.com

PERFORMANCES WILL BE

July 30 - August 7On Friday & Saturday Evenings at 7:30 p.m.

HCCT KIDS!, a division of Haines City Community Theatre announces their upcoming performance of

“The Musical Adventures of a Girl Named Alice”, by James DeVita with music by Bill Francoeur.

“Wonderland!” is an unabashedly silly adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking Glass.” With hip-hopping music, it is an upbeat, coming-of-age story that audiences of all ages will adore! You’ll recognize some of your favorite fa-miliar characters of Alice’s Wonderland along with meeting dozens of new ones: a baseball team, a gospel group called The Responsibilities, a train conductor, star-struck tourists, plastic light-saber wielding knights and much more. “Wonderland!” features an eclectic mix of music ranging from gypsy swing to doo-wop to bluegrass, and features toe-tapping musical rendi-tions of “Jabberwocky” and “The Walrus and the Carpenter” as well as other great numbers such as “Anything’s Possible,” “Step by Step” and the hysterical “I was a Good Egg But Then I Done Went Bad,” sung by Humpty Dumpty and the Dixie Chickens! Auditions for “Wonderland!” will be held May 16th at 3 pm andMay 17th at 7 pm and are open to students up to the age of 18.

“Wonderland!”

Speaking of Local Polk County Talent ...Karen OlivoAlways involved in theatre and the arts, attending Explorations V with her family for years and the Lois CowlesHarrison School of the Arts, Karen Olivo received her first Tony Award for her performance as Anita in the Broadway revivalof West Side Story in 2009, guest-starred on NBC’s Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and now has been cast in the recurring roleof Giada Cabrini in the critically-acclaimed CBS television series The Good Wife. Karen has won the Fred Astair Best Female Dancer on Broadway Award, Directors Desk Award (Broadway) and was nominated for the Inner Critics Award in New York.

When Karen’s dad asked her, at twelve years old, what she would like to become, Karen said, “I want to be a rich actress.”Dad prompted ... “what else would you like to be, are there other options?” Karen replied...“then I want to be a poor actress.” Karen Olivo has been influenced by the Arts her whole life as her father Rick Olivo is the Founding Director of Pied Pipers Players (1988, now Lakeland Community Theatre). He taught Art at Rochelle School of the Arts, and currently teaches Theatre ArtsWorkshops at Harrison, and Performing Arts Classes at Polk Museum of Art. Karen’s mother, Mercedes Brown, expresses hercreativity as a Chef at The Dolphin, Walt Disney World.

WAY TO GO, KAREN OLIVO!

And of course...

Lindsey Alley has been performing in theatre, television and film since the age of six and her career began in Lakeland. In 1989, Lindsey was cast as a Mousketeer in the Disney Channel’s All New Mickey Mouse Club. She spent six years and seven seasons on the show. After graduating from Lakeland Senior High School in 1996, Lindsey attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre in 2000 and is also a graduate of the William Esper Studio in New York City. With many Broadway Theatre credits, Lindsey splits her time between New York and Los Angeles and also tours the world, doing her cabaret act with Atlantis Events. www.lindseyalley.com

BRAVO!

FLORIDA REFUSE Aqui Chiropractic Folsom Construction, Inc. Lunz Prebor Fowler Architects Beef ‘O’ Brady’s GEOSyntec Consultants Reiss Engineering, Inc. Chastain-Skillman, Inc. Hazen & Sawyer Southern Homes Clemons, Rutherford & Assoc. Kamminga & Roodvoets, Inc. Straughn Trout Architects Comanco Environmental Corporation Killebrew, Inc. T. Mims Corp. Enviroquip Kimley-Horn and Associates URS Corporation Flowers Bakery The Lakeland Center WillsonMiller, Inc.

Thank you for Grants fromFlorida Arts & Culture Division of Cultural Affairs

Polk County Board of County Commissioners Polk County Sports & Tourism

A special THANK YOU to Polk State College Artists and Art Professor Vilas Tonape;PSC Choral Group and Director John Anderson.

We are thankful for our Cultural Art Member Polk State College’s involvementas they displayed beautiful talent in visual art and vocal talent.

Runners Choice Artist Awards: 1st Place Chelsea Sargent - 2nd Place Syrena Marina Olivo – 3rd Place Matthew Davis & Nathan Seay

Thank you to our race chair and MC for the 4th year in a row!County Commissioner Bob English

and the Lakeland Runners Club(who make all the runner details work and make us look good!)

To our race volunteers who worked so hard (in the freezing cold!) Michael Alexander Mike LaPan Teresa Olinger Nat West Nancy Hoyt Leonard Mass Kyle Ross Kori Willoughby

And Thank You to our Race Committee who put this all together:Cindy Ross ~ Jane Patton ~ Dan Clark ~ Trish Pfeiffer

And the food ... Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Coupons (Joe Ballara); Flower’s Bakery (Doug Wimberly) for the Bagels (carbs!);Havana Delights (Christine) the best chicken and yellow rice!; Haines City Citrus Growers Association for the essential Oranges;

Perkins Restaurant (Lorraine and Richard) for their very special delicious cinnamon rolls; Southern Homes for ALL the water,... and to all our Runners (canines, too)!

IT WAS A GREAT EVENT AND A BLOOMIN’ GREAT DAY!

Race for the ArtsRace for the Arts

A GREAT BIG THANK YOUto our sponsors and volunteers for making the Polk Arts Alliance

4th Annual 5K Bloomin’ Race for the Arts & Wellness Expo a success!The Race was held March 6th in conjunction with Bartow’s Bloomin’ Art’s Festival.

C e n t r a l f l o r i d a ’ s P o l k C o u n t yHeartof the Arts!The

Birdies, Bogies & Balls, Oh My! (Golf)

Rekindle the Flame (Romance)

Adventures – With or Without the Kids (Family/Nature)

Let Us Entertain You(Entertainment)

High-Flying Adventures(High Energy)

Girlfriend Getaways

AFFORdABLE vAcAtiON GEtAWAYs are just a click (or a phone call) away.

For details, log on to

www.VisitCentralflorida.org/art or call

1-800-828-7655, code art.

NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLAKELAND, FL

PERMIT #208

PlatformArt

Explorations VChildren’s Museum



Enjoy the Arts!

art-i-facts summer 2010 issue

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