COMPLIMENTARY VOLUME 12 / NUMBER 3 / SUMMER 2010

Historic Lakeland
Page 19

Polk Museum of Art

Page 18

Southeastern
University
Page 10
Loïs
Jones
Mailou
A Life in Vibrant Color
July 3 - September 26
Organized 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

Located on Lake Morton behind Lakeland Public Library. Summer Hours: Tue. - Sat. 10AM - 4PM. Closed Sun. & Mon.
Art • Education • Events • Store
 Contents Volume 12 Number 3
SUMMER 2010

Cultural Arts Council

Member 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
NEW!
Arts & Education.......................................... Page 3
Bok Tower Gardens..................................... Page 26
Inside...
Calendar of Events...................................Page 14-15
NEW!
Cultural Arts Council Directory & Map............... Page 13
Explorations V Children’s Museum.................... Page 24
Florida Dance Theatre................................... Page 7
Frostproof Art League.................................. Page 11
Haines City Community Theatre...................... Page 27
Harrison School for the Arts........................... Page 16
Historic Lakeland....................................... Page 19
Imperial Symphony Orchestra......................... Page 17
Lakeland Community Theatre......................... Page 23 Page 7
Lake Wales Arts Center.................................. Page 6
Lake Wales Little Theatre............................. Page 11
Platform Art............................................... Page 8
Polk Arts Alliance........................................ Page 12
Polk County Hall of Fame.............................. Page 27
Polk County Historical Museum....................... Page 22
Polk County Tax Collector - Kids Tag Art............. Page 25
Polk Museum of Art..................................... Page 18
Polk State College........................................ Page 9
Polk Theatre............................................. Page 21
Race For The Arts....................................... Page 28 Page 22
Ridge Art Association................................... Page 20
Southeastern University................................ Page 10
Theatre Winter Haven................................. Page 4-5
A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance

Polk Theatre
Ridge Art Association
Ridge Music Teachers Association
Page 25
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: Page 11
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 Museum
of Art July 3-September 26.
See Page 18 and Inside Front Cover. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of
Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, The Central Florida Visitors Bureau
and the National Endowment for the Arts
Back Cover:
(top left) Platform Art. Page 9
(bottom left) Explorations V
Children’s Museum.
(right) Florida Dance Theatre. Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance
1
 from the desk of the
President
Arts and Culture in Polk County is exploding with enticing opportunities!
Board of Directors Polk Arts Alliance (PAA) currently represents thirty-five plus member organizations in eight beautiful cities of our
booming Polk County. Our Director Meri Mass and board of directors are identifying potential new member organizations
to broaden our collaboration opportunities and increase exposure for each organization member. If you are a cultural
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE arts organization based in Polk County and we haven’t talked with you about membership, now is the best time to
Cindy Hartley Ross
jump in with both feet and eyes wide open! PAA promotes each organization in this engaging Artifacts Magazine,
CINDY HARTLEY ROSS including your calendar (p. 14), Cultural Arts directory and map (p. 13) and an opportunity to purchase additional ad space. Additionally
President 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
MANDY SANDERS 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
Treasurer be on THE MAP!
Polk County has no shortage of talent! Recently I attended the Polk State College
CYNTHIA HAFFEY Graduation and had the privilege of meeting PSC Distinguished Alum Mr. Marc Durso (p. 9).
Secretary 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
MIKE LaPAN started a scholarship at PSC. Marc taught a Theatre Workshop at PSC in December and
CAB President plans to offer another class in the Hagen Process to benefit the scholarship. His family
JANE PATTON lived in Lake Wales where his father was Executive Director of the Lake Wales Chamber
Member-at-Large & 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
Immediate Past-President
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
DIRECTORS 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
BONNIE ALLEN 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
MARTHA ROE BURKE community.
ROBERT CLANCEY 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
DAN CLARK cooperation with the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition. Internationally Acclaimed Violinist Lemay Olano-James (p.9) may be heard
LISA KAISER HICKEY performing in various venues such as in Lakeland overlooking lovely Lake Mirror at a VIP reception for the Alliance for Independence or at
NANCY HALE HOYT Polk State College on the Winter Haven campus where I had the opportunity to visit with him. Lake Wales Arts Center benefited and I
delighted in an evening at breath-taking Historic Bok Tower Gardens, Pinewood Estate, a 1930’s Mediterranean-style mansion built as a
LEN JORDAN winter home for C. Austin Buck an early 20th century industrialist and V.P. of Bethlehem Steel. Pinewood Estate is listed on the National
TRISH PFEIFFER Register of Historic Places (p.26).
CINDY RODRIGUEZ 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
SUZETTE WELLING Polk County, because they are so abundant. I hope that you will enjoy reading about the myriad of talents and opportunities and plan to
support the arts in your own special way.
Cindy Hartley Ross
EX OFFICIO
BOB ENGLISH
County Commissioner
DR. GAIL McKINZIE Judy Barger Memorial
Superintendent,
School Board of Polk County 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,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 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.
MERI MASS 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-
Judy Barger 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
Art Resource Council 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
SUE BENTLEY reports requested by the State.
Chair 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.
REBECCA BRANDON 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
ANDY HERNANDEZ 2008 and was warmly welcomed onto the Board. Her tireless efforts also saw through the completion of a museum history book,
DR. EILEEN HOLDEN PMoA@43, after years of work by a volunteer committee.
DR. ANNE KERR 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
BRIAN KIER 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
DOUG SMALL 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.
EDIE YATES Occasionally I visit her desk and give my thanks for having been privileged enough to know Judy, be inspired by her, and count her
NIV BEN YEHUDA amongst my friends.

Daniel E. Stetson
Executive Director, Polk Museum of Art

Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010

2
 Arts In Education
Arts In Education

KIDS TAG ART

Polk 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 congressional
districts 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 of
U.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 Visual
and 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 Lakeland

2010 FAAE State Leadership Summit - Arts Achieve: 67 Pathways to Success - June 17-19, 2010. Join
the Florida Alliance for Arts Education, arts education leaders and advocates from 67 Florida Counties. Learn
about state and national issues and trends, research and opportunites. Network with educators, community
leaders, artists, school administrators and legislative leaders. Sessions include: Arts Achieve! Model School
Awards, 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, North
Carolina, and Maryland. His goals have remained constant: to increase academic achievement of all students and to reduce
disparity in achievement. DERRICK ASHONG (aka DNA) musician and activist, featured on Oprah Radio, he is committed to
building bridges between business, media, technology and youth culture; empowering youth; and to bring music and media
to a global market. Register at www.faae.org. Full schedule at www.PolkArtsAlliance.com

Kennedy Center Honored the

Polk 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 throughout
the 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 the
complete 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 of
a school board and superintendent that serve as advocates for arts education during the toughest of economic times. Our fine art teachers are to
be commended for a job well done!” - FRANK R. HOWES, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF FINE ARTS, DIVISION OF LEARNING/POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS.

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

3
 message from the
Executive Director
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
Meri Mass 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 our
passionate 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 Mass
Executive Director, Polk Arts Alliance
Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010
4
THEATRE WINTER HAVEN ACADEMY
presents
PAINTIN’ THE FENCE
The Musical
MAY 21- MAY 23
Come 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 HAVEN
Special Event
BLEND
One Performance Only
JUNE 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 HAVEN
presents
THE GREAT AMERICAN
TRAILER PARK MUSICAL
JUNE 26 at 7:30 PM & JUNE 27 at 2:30 PM
There’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
************************************************
RENT
Is Finally Coming! Theatre Winter Haven Summer Mummer’s Musical
JULY 23 - AUGUST 8
Inspired 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.
(Many)
Seasons of Love...
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 OPERA
CATS
LES MISERABLES
A CHORUS LINE
OH CALCUTTA
CHICAGO (still running)
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
LION KING (still running)
RENT
MISS SAIGON
MAMMA MIA (still running)
42ND STREET
GREASE
FIDDLER 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
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance
mugged, junkies, exotic dancers, riots, street protests, rent
protests...
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 33880
Administrative Offices: 299-2672 • Box Office: 294-SHOW • Fax: 291-3299
TWHtickets@aol.com • www.TheatreWinterHaven.com
5
 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 for
non-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/Citrus
The 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
6
massive glass structures produce a unique inter-
play of light, color, shape and texture that have
Do You Like to Sing?
Watch for announcements for the next meet-
intrigued and entranced adults and students
ings of the Lake Wales Chorale and the Lake
around the world.
Wales Youth Chorale. New members are always
welcome! The Lake Wales Chorale, under the
direction of Robert Wilson, is made up of adult
New Executive Director voices, singing several concerts a year. The
The Lake Wales Arts Lake Wales Youth Chorale, under the direction
Council has appointed of Cathy Montero, is a traditional children’s
Karl W Hesser as the choir with students from ages 7 to 18 from all
new Executive Direc- parts of Polk County. Call the Lake Wales Arts
tor. Most recently, Center for more information.
Mr. Hesser was the
Education Director
at Sarasota Opera for
The Lake Wales Arts Council is an organization
seven years. Prior to
dedicated to the Arts in our community.
that, he was Director
Our home is the Lake Wales Arts Center which
of Artistic Administra-
is listed on the National Registry of Historic
tion at Florida Grand
Buildings. The building is located at
Opera in Miami for
1099 State Road 60 East in Lake Wales.
twelve years. He also
has extensive professional experience as an
For additional information, call (863) 676-8426.
actor, director, writer, lecturer and teacher
both in California and with the US Army Music &
Our web site www.lakewalesartscenter.org
is currently under construction and
Theater Program in Europe.
may not have all the current information.
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.
Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010
 a n c
Florida
e T h e a t r e
D
863-802-0399 • carol@floridadancetheatre.org
www.floridadancetheatre.org
305 West Main • Lakeland, Florida 33815

“Dance Dimensions” FDT’S 16th Season, Busier than ever !

Summer Camp & Program
Florida Dance Theatre is thrilled to announce their 10 annual th
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 16
Session II – July 19 –July 23
Session III – July 26 – July 30
Session 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  Youth Dance Camp, Publix Super Markets Charities Scholarships, and
(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.
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 continually
presenting diverse and stimulating dance programs to audiences
in the company’s hometown of Lakeland, Florida, as well as to
audiences 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 season
included 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
projects with Lakeland Housing Authority, Family Fundamentals, and
other children’s organizations.
We are looking forward to an even more exciting 17th season
as Polk County’s premiere professional dance company!

Need Service hours? Florida Dance Theatre needs you!

Florida Dance Theatre needs high school volunteers, ages 14 and up, for its 10 th annual Summer Youth Dance Camp
which runs July 12 th through August 6 th. 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 participating
in all the dance and arts classes with the children and help with lunch and other duties. You will also be a part of
the 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 call
Florida Dance Theatre at (863) 802-0399 or e mail us at info@floridadancetheatre.org.

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

7
 P.O. Box 1034 • Lakeland, Florida 33802

S AV E T H E D AT E F O R O U R N E X T E V E N T
Platform Art: Symbolism and Spirituality – October 2, 2010
Congratulations to ANN WILSON, founder of Platform Art
On 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 #15
Experience Art!!!
…ART…FILM…FASHION…SOUND…PERFORMANCE
…ART
Alana Trimmier enchanted us all with the magnificent
range of her voice performing an opera-techno opera
featuring music from Gaetano Donizetti’s “Il dolce
suono.” There was an added sci-fi twist inspired by
the movie “The 5th Element”. A delight for the
senses, she was dressed in an “out of this world”
creation by Joette Giardina of The Party People.
…PERFORMANCE
Freddie De Jesus
was in charge of
developing new
choreography for
Platform’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.

Carl Knickerbocker was one of our featured artists. He has turned

his talents to creating “movable art.” His art started out as a car! Graceful and engaging, our mystery trapeze
Namely a Honda Element! Several of his creations, including an art artist Shannon Waller was “Art in Motion” as
car, massive paintings and a short art film, A Dog Goes she surprised the audience with a trapeze per-
From Here To There, were on display at the event. formance from 10 feet above.

Tony Blair had the audience captivated as he used his

speed-painting technique to create works of art. Keep watching our website for more Platform Art
art-party events. For more information visit:
www.platformart.org
…FILM

Platform wishes to thank our sponsors:

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.

…FASHION
Fashion designer
Jennifer Melton was
showing off her fashion ADDITIONAL SPONSORS:
designs made with
organic 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.

…SOUND
Our featured band was the Nancye Blair
Group with their special brand of smooth
soulful jazz and the party continued on…
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
Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010
8
 NEWS FROM

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

Talented Polk State College Internationally Acclaimed Violinist Lemay

Students 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.”
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.
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance
9
 SOUTHEASTERN
UNIVERSITY:
the best kept secret of Polk County
By La Nita Thomas

Nestled between the crystal waters of Lake Bonny and Lake Holloway and under a sea of palm trees
lies Southeastern University: the best kept secret of Polk County’s ever-growing cultural arts sector.
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:
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 Concerts
Whether 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 Productions
After 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.
10
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 Dance
In 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 TV
RAW 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.
Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010
Unpland Improv
Unpland 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 Performances
If 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 Festival
The 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, please
call Southeastern University’s Department of Communication
office at (863) 667-5119. For times, ticket prices, or to purchase
tickets, please visit http://www.seuniversity.edu/calendar/arts.php.
Tickets can also be purchased on-campus at Southeastern
University’s SEU Central Desk located in Pansler Alumni
Student Union. Southeastern University is located at
1000 Longfellow Blvd., Lakeland, Florida.
 Lake Wales Little Theatre
This boisterous farce delights with non-stop laughs. Bud, a Hollywood screenwriter noted for such low budget
classics as The Return of the Radioactive Rabbit, decides to give up life in the fast lane to buy the Ritz Apache
Lodge 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?

rices:
Ticket Pdult
$9 A en
June 18-19, 7:30 pm; June 20, 2:00 pm
r
$6 Chiludnder June 25-26, 7:30 pm; June 27, 2:00 pm
18 and
by Tim Kelly

All performances are presented in our wonderfully intimate theater located just three blocks north of the
Lake 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 at
Cliff’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.

Frostproof AR T LEAGUE
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.

Summertime is quiet and restful here in Frost-

Kids Art Camp will be July 27 - 29. Kay
proof. Our members are out relaxing, swimming
Hutzelman is in charge. The camp is free
and fishing in our beautiful lakes, vacationing and
for Frostproof area children or children/
looking for photo opps to use in next season’s
grandchildren of Frostproof Art League
classes.
members. All details should be avail-
able by June 10.
The Frostproof Photography Club will continue to
meet all summer. They meet the first Tuesday of
For more information, please come by
the month at the Art Gallery at 6:00 pm with
the Frostproof Art League at 12 East Wall
President Mike Thornton. They meet again on the
St or call us at 863 635 7271. During the
third Saturday following that meeting at 4:00 pm
summer we will be open Tuesday thru
for hands-on experiences. The club is in the pro-
Thursday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
cess of planning some special summer adventures.

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

11
 The Drive Is On...
TO SUPPORT THE
ARTS IN FLORIDA
This year at renewal time, choose a Florida State of the Arts license plate
and help fund important programs in Polk County including
the visual arts, theatre, music and dance.
Already renewed your tag? Simply visit your local tag office, turn in your
current plate and receive your new one on the spot for a small handling fee.
Patrons of the arts tag may claim a $20 tax deduction for the charitable donation.
www.polkartsalliance.org SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!
Invest in Polk County’s Cultural Arts!

Join your d
friends an in MEMBERSHIP FORM
r
neighbo s the
of
q Yes!
I would like to support
support the Polk Arts Alliance!
Name:_________________________________________________________________

Want to know more about Address:_______________________________________________________________

The Polk Arts Alliance?
Interested in becoming a member? City:_ _________________________________________________________________

The mission of the Polk Arts Alliance is to cultivate an State:_ ______________________ Zip:______________________________________
environment in which all the arts flourish. The PAA will
accomplish this through coordination, promotion, advocacy, Phone:_________________________________________________________________
education and economic development. If you enjoy arts and
cultural activities and believe that they are important to our Email:_________________________________________________________________
quality of life in Polk County, then consider joining us. The
Polk Arts Alliance not only accepts member organizations, To join, simply send this completed form indicating your membership level
(check box at left) along with a check made payable to:
but business and individual sponsorships.
Polk Arts Alliance, Inc.
Polk Arts Alliance Membership Investment Categories: P.O. Box 727
INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES AND NOT-FOR-PROFITS
Bartow, FL 33831-0727
PAA Membership Levels: Non-Profit PAA THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT IN THE ARTS!
q Diamond Sponsor $2,500 Membership Dues:
The Polk Arts Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. All memberships and
q Platinum Sponsor $1,000 (Based on Budget Size)
donations are tax deductible and enable the PAA to promote the cultural, historic
q Gold Sponsor $500 q Under $50,000 $35 and educational activities available in Polk County.
q Silver Sponsor $250
q $50,000-$99,999 $50
q Bronze Sponsor $125
q Family $60 q $100,000-$199,999 $100 INVEST IN POLK COUNTY CULTURE!
q Individual $35 q $200,000-$499,999 $150
q Senior/Educator $30
863-804-0494 • Email: Director@PolkArtsAlliance.org
q Over $500,000 $200
q Artist/Student $20 www.polkartsalliance.org

12

1 - BARTOW
Bartow Art Guild
P.O. Box 1644 • Bartow, FL 33831
863-534-1877 • www.bartowartguild.com
Joe Tedder Tax Collector’s
Office/KIDS Tag Art
Bartow, FL 33830 • 863-899-8200
Polk Arts Alliance
1350 E. Main St., Ste. A2
P.O. Box 727 • Bartow, FL 33831
863-804-0494 • 1-866-POLKART
Director@PolkArtsAlliance.org
Polk County Historical Museum
100 East Main Street • Bartow, FL 33830
863-534-4385 • www.polkcountymuseum.org
2 - DAVENPORT
Davenport School of the Arts
8 W. Palmetto St. • Davenport, FL 33837
863-421-3247 • www.davenportschoolofthearts.com
3 - FORT MEADE
Historical Society of Fort Meade
1 N. Tecumseh Ave. • P.O. Box 1021
Fort Meade, FL 33841
4 - FROSTPROOF
Cultural Arts Council Directory & Map
PAA Affiliate Arts & Cultural Organizations
5 - HAINES CITY
Haines City Community Theatre, Inc.
801 Ledwith Ave. • P.O. Box 1452
Haines City, FL 33845
863-421-1893 • www.hainescitytheatre.com
6 - LAKELAND
Arts On The Park
115 North Kentucky Ave. • Lakeland, FL 33801
863-680-2787 • www.artsontheparklakeland.org
Bach Festival of Central Florida
P.O. Box 2764 • Lakeland, FL 33806
863-299-2555 • 863-439-3055
www.bachfestivalofcentralflorida.org
Explorations V Children’s Museum
109 N. Kentucky Ave. • Lakeland, FL 33801
863-687-3869 • www.explorationsv.com
Florida Air Museum at Sun ’n Fun
4175 Medulla Road • Lakeland, FL 33807
863-644-2431 • www.flairmuseum.org
Florida Dance Theatre
305 W. Main • P.O. Box 831 • Lakeland, FL 33802
863-802-0399 • www.floridadancetheatre.org
Florida Southern College
111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. • Lakeland, FL 33801
863-680-4117 • www.flsouthern.edu
Imperial Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 2623 • Lakeland, FL 33806
863-688-3743 • www.imperialsymphony.org
Lakeland Art Guild
P.O. Box 353 • Lakeland, FL 33802
863-646-8264 • www.lakelandartguild.org
The Lakeland Center
700 W. Lemon St. • Lakeland, FL 33801
863-834-8111 • www.thelakelandcenter.com
Lakeland Choral Society, Inc.
P.O. Box 3157 • Lakeland, FL 33802
863-682-3305 • www.lakelandchoralsociety.org
Lakeland Community Theatre
Lake Mirror Theatre • 121 S. Lake Ave.
P.O. Box 2603 • Lakeland, FL 33806
863-603-7529
www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com
Lois Cowles Harrison Center
For The Visual & Performing Arts
750 Hollingsworth Rd. • Lakeland, FL 33801
863-499-2855
Melvin Gallery (FSC)
863-680-4743
Platform ART
863-838-2262 • www.platformart.org
Polk Museum Of Art
Rochelle School of the Arts
1501 N. Martin L. King Ave. • Lakeland, FL 33805
Southeastern University
1000 Longfellow Blvd. • Lakeland, FL 33801-6034
863-667-5000 • www.seuniversity.edu
The Tuesday Music Club
P.O. Box 2524 • Lakeland, FL 33803
7 - LAKE WALES
Historical Lake Wales Society
325 S. Scenic Hwy. • Lake Wales, FL 33853
863-678-4209 • www.cityoflakewales.com
Historic Bok Sanctuary
1151 Tower Blvd. • Lake Wales, FL 33853
863-676-1408 • www.boksanctuary.org
Lake Wales Art Center
1099 S.R. 60 E. • P.O. Box 608
Lake Wales, FL 33859
863-676-8426 • www.lakewalesartscenter.org
Lake Wales Little Theatre
411 N. Third St. • P.O. Box 3428
Lake Wales, FL 33859-3428
863-676-1266
Ridge Music Teachers Association
42 Hickory Hammock Rd. • Lake Wales, FL 33859
863-676-9791 • chrisnote2@aol.com

Frostproof Art League & Gallery 800 East Palmetto Street • Lakeland, FL 33801 Warner Southern College
P.O. Box 654 • 12 E. Wall St. • Frostproof, FL 33843 863-688-7743 •www.PolkMuseumofArt.org 13895 Hwy. 27 • Lake Wales, FL 33859
863-635-7271 863-638-7225 • www.warner.edu
Polk Theatre
139 S. Florida Avenue • Lakeland, FL 33801 8 - WINTER HAVEN
863-682-7553 •www.polktheatre.org
Polk State College
Ridge Woodcarvers Club Cultural Events: 863-297-1050
www.ridgewoodcarversclub.org www.polk.edu
Ridge Art Association
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. • Winter Haven, FL 33880
863-291-5661 • www.ridgeart.org

27 Symphony Guild of Winter Haven

Polk City 17 Providence 56 Fourth Street, NW • Winter Haven, FL 33881
863-293-5214
98
Davenport Theatre Winter Haven
2 Poinciana 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. • Winter Haven, FL 33880
Kathleen 863-294-7469 • www.theatrewinterhaven.com
Gibsonia 5 Haines City
Lake Alfred

6 Lakeland
Auburndale
Inwood
92
Winter Haven
Are You Missing?
Winston 570 8
Dundee
We are creating a new Arts Map and
Medulla Highland Eagle Waverly welcome your input. If you are not
City Lake Alt. “on the map” or information is incorrect,
27 please contact Polk Arts Alliance
Willow Wahneta
Oak director@polkartsalliance.org
Mulberry 7 Lake Wales
60 1 Bartow
Fedhaven
Crooked Nalcrest
Lake Park
Babson
Park

NEW
Indian Lake 60
17 27 Estates
Fort Meade
3 4 Frostproof
98

Bowling Green

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

13
 Summer Calendar
NOW SHOWING
Through June 20: Florida Landscapes.
Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-7743.
Through June 27: Japanese Textiles
& Prints and Functional Ceramics. Polk
Museum 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 at
Lakeland Branch Office, Polk County Tax
Collector’s Office.
7-Jun. 2: Lakeland Art Guild Spring
Exhibition. Opening reception: 7pm on
May 7 in the Melvin Gallery. Florida Southern
College. 863-680-4743.
May 20, 2010-May3, 2011: Aviation
Exhibition. 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, The
Lakeland 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.
14
Jun. & Jul.: Children’s Arts Camp. Lake
Wales Arts Center. Call for dates and times.
Lake Wales Arts Council. 863-676-8426.
1-20: Exhibit “Woodcrafters of Winter
Haven Members Show.” Polk County His-
torical Museum, Bartow. FREE. 863-534-4386.
1-Jul. 2: Exhibit “Inventions of the Early
20th Century.” Polk County Historical
Museum, Bartow. FREE. 863-534-4386.
1-Jul. 31: Summer Camp. Explorations V
Children’s Museum, Lakeland. 863-687-3669.
4-23: Walking In My Mind (Juried).
Reception: Friday, June 4, 6-9pm. Arts On
The 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 Community
Theatre’s Alternative Stage Read Series
presents 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, Winter
Haven 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 Lakeland
Center. 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. Youkey
Theatre, The Lakeland Center. 863-834-8111.
Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010
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. Lakeland
Community 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 Museum
of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423.
26: Workshop: Functional Stoneware
Pottery 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 Tax
Collector’s Office.
1-Sept. 30: Exhibit “Collecting Vintage
Sheet Music.” Polk County Historical
Museum, Bartow. FREE. 863-534-4386.
3: Family Fun Workshop: Geometric
Painting. 10:30am-Noon. Polk Museum of
Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423. FREE.
3-Sept. 26: Loïs Mailou Jones: A Life
in 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: Mixed
Messages. A One Man Show. Ridge Art
Association, 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 application
information. 863-802-0399.
11-Aug. 6: Open Summer Dance Classes.
All ages. Ballet, jazz, modern and hip-hop.
Call Florida Dance Theatre for application
information. 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 Stage
Production. Thurs.-Sat. 7:30pm, Sun. 2pm.
$20 Adults, $15 Students with I.D., $10
Children. 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 Mirror
Theatre. 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 Mirror
Theatre. 863-603-7529.
23-Aug. 8: RENT. Theatre Winter Haven.
863-294-7469 (SHOW).
Experience a hands-on, fun-filled adventure
in 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
24: Family Fun Workshop: Geometric
Painting 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. Registration
required. 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: An
Adventure with Carl Jung. 5-7:30pm.
$12 Membrs, $15 Non-Members. Polk
Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863-688-5423.
23: Florida Dance Theatre 2010-2011
Season Classes Begin. For registration and
class schedule information call Florida Dance
Theatre at 863-802-0399.
FOR INFORMATION ON
Advertising
IN
PLEASE CALL
IMAGINE!
EXPLORE!
CREATE!
863.422.8651
DISCOVER!
info@cromerprinting.com
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance
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. Polk
Museum 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.
OR EMAIL
740 E. Main St.
Suite 1
Haines City
15
 HARRISON SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS
CONCERT IN FRANCE PREVIEW JUNE 18

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.)

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
Come to Harrison School for the Arts
bands from many countries including France, Austria, Norway, Switzerland, Austra-
(750 Hollingsworth Road, Lakeland, FL)
lia, the U.S., and Canada. Jean Luc Wastable, music teacher and director of the Croix
and enjoy the Symphony Orchestra in a
Valmer Music School, is the Artistic Director and co-organizer of the festival.
FREE Preview Concert of their France
A sneak preview of the France program will be presented on Friday, June 18,
trip, on Friday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m.
2010, at 7:30 p.m., at the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing
(Photo by Mary Grace Gordon.)
Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Road, Lakeland, FL. The concert is FREE and the public is
cordially invited to attend.

The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts is a public school of choice offering excellence
in 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.
Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010
16
 IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
OUR 45TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON
August 31, 2010 Music and Martinis
2010-201 1
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

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

17
 Works of Harlem Renaissance
Painter to be Exhibited at PMoA
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 for
non-members.

800 East Palmetto St. • Lakeland, FL 33801

863.688.7743 • Fax 863.688.2611 • www.PolkMuseumofArt.org

SummerArt Camp for Children

During the summer, the Museum offers its annual SummerArt Camp for children ages 5 - 13.
Polk Museum of Art is located
From June 14 - August 6, the Museum will offer four sessions of SummerArt Camp. Each session
in Lakeland and is the only
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- museum serving Polk County
ferent modern art period. Here are a just a few of the movements we will draw inspiration from: that is nationally accredited by
the American Association of
Session 1: 1900s-1910s: Explore the swirls, twirls, and cartoon-like style of Museums. Museum Summer
Art Nouveau, a nd the broken forms of Cubism. Hours are 10am - 4pm, Tuesday
Session 2: 1920s: Let imaginations run wild with Surrealism, through Saturday. The Museum
and feel the clean lines and geometry of Art Deco. is closed on Sunday, Monday and
Session 3: 1950s: Go mad for popular culture with Pop Art, and get funky major holidays. Admission is
with Neo-Dada constructions. $5 for adults, $4 for Seniors age
Session 4: 1960s–present: Fool your eyes with Op Art, and break it down 62 & older, and FREE for
to the basics with Minimalism. Members, Students (K-College),
and Children. The Museum
SummerArt Camp is sponsored by the Glenn W. and Hazelle Paxson Morrison Foundation
and an Anonymous Donor. To register for SummerArt Camp, call 863-688-5423 or is wheelchair accessible.
visit www.PolkMuseumofArt.org/classes.mofArt.org. For more information call
863-688-7743 or visit
Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010 www.PolkMuseumofArt.org.
18
HISTORIC LAKELAND, INC.
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
The Deen House
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 L AKEL AND, INC.

P.O. Box 3347 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3347 • 863-682-6149 • www.historiclakeland.org
Historic 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.

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

19
 TRENT
MANNING:
MIXED MESSAGES
A One Man Show
July 8-Aug. 7, 2010
Reception:
July 10, 2010 www.ridgeart.org
6:30-8:30pm

R
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 let
me experiment with all of these in a cohesive body of work. By assembling
discarded pieces of metal, screws, wooden handles, old tools, wire and
other recycled objects and combining them with painting, sculpting and
woodworking, I create sculptures and dioramas which consist of figures
that 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 Messages

will 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.

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 863-291-5661
or visit their website at www.ridgeart.org.

Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010

20
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

Please see our membership brochure on

our website, www.polktheatre.org or call
863.682.7553 to find out which level may
be right for you and your family. You will
find that the true benefit of a Polk Theatre
membership is priceless!

Polk Theatre, Inc.

139 South Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 682-8227
www.polktheatre.org

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT

OF OUR EXCITING 2010/11 SEASON!
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance
21
 Polk County
Historical

s Museum
Celebrating the Old Polk County Courthouse
100th Anniversary Year at the
Polk County Historical Museum SUMMER 2010

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

Summer Calendar 2010
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
s
Sweetheart and Down By the Old Mill Stream each June 1 - June 20:
sold five to six million copies. Exhibit “Woodcrafters of
Here is a good opportunity to reminisce over a few Winter Haven Members Show”
of the classic tunes from 100 years ago.
June 1 - July 2:
Exhibit “Inventions of the
The Polk County Historical Museum is located at 100 Early 20th Century”
East Main Street in Bartow. The hours of operation
are Tuesday – Friday, 9am to 5pm; and Saturdays July 1 - Sept. 30:
from 9am – 3pm. Admission to the Exhibit
Museum is free. For more “Collecting Vintage
information call Sheet Music”

s s
863-534-4386 or visit
polkcountymuseum.org.

Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010

22
 Theatre for Youth
SUMMER CAMP
Join us for one of our favorite events of the year ... school’s out and
summer camp is in! Three glorious weeks of singing, dancing, acting and
Tel.: 863-603-7529 just having fun on stage – then put on a show written especially for you!
121 S. Lake Ave • Lakeland, FL 33801
www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com SUMMER CAMP Ages 6-15
July 19th-30th (2 weeks) $385 ($350 if paid in full by June 1)
Celebrate our 25 Anniversary Season ...
th July 19th-23rd (1 week) $199 ($175 if paid in full by June 1)
Lakeland Community Theatre has big plans for the upcoming
2010-2011 Season; starting off with Tony Award Winning The 25th SUMMER CAMP PLUS Ages 11–15
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, September 9-19, 2010 with August 2nd-6th (1 week) $199 ($175 if paid in full by June 1)
music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin. For 11-15 year olds signing up for all three weeks $499 ($450 if paid in full by June 1)
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 THE EDGE
cross-world adventure with a group of anthropomorphic insects he
meets within the giant peach. Lakeland Community Theatre’s Alternative Stage Read Series
The Producers, December 2-19, 2010 a musical by Mel Brooks and Presented in the intimate environment of The Polk Museum of Art
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 Betrayed By George Packer
This timely play portrays the real life struggles of the thousands
unexpectedly turns out to be successful. The humor of the show is
accessible to a wide range of audiences, and draws on ridiculous ac- of Iraqi citizens who welcomed the U.S. and offered their support,
cents, caricatures and many show business in-jokes. Swing! March only to be denied even the most basic protection by the American
3-6, 2010 is the next production, a musical conceived by Paul Kelly Government whom they served.
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 7:30pm June 11 & 12
Duke Ellington, William “Count” Basie, Benny Goodman and others. $10 Adults $8 College Students w/id
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- Cutting edge, relevant, award-winning dramatic literary works.
coming April 14-17, 2011. So many people enjoyed the first two Only 150 seats available each night. For Mature Audiences only.
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 Our final Theatre for Youth Produc-
and antics from the jungle come to life on stage. Finally join us for an tion is Disney’s Mulan Jr. With a cast
amazing journey as we present the Wizard of Oz July 21-31, 2011. of over 60 ages 6-60, this show will
Bound to be a smash hit, everyone loves the tale of Dorothy and Toto, be a fun filled musical for all the
the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man as they journey family. Following the adventures of Mulan and her dragon
through Oz.
friend Mushu as she joins the Chinese army disguised as a man
... and A Theatre on the Road! in order to save the Emperor from the Hun invaders.
The Lake Mirror Theatre has been home to Lakeland Community
Theatre since 1985 when it began as a children’s theatre – The Pied June 25-27 2010
Piper Players. The City of Lakeland, after 50+ years, has plans to reno- $9 adults, $7 Children 18 & under
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 The final Main Stage Production this
organizations in Lakeland and planning began to collaborate on the season will be Into the Woods. A
three productions that will be affected. Southeastern University will
fractured fairy tale full of familiar char-
be the venue for Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. The final
segment in the trio of Bluegrass musical comedies will be held in the acters such as Jack and his Beanstalk,
Bush Chapel April 14-17, 2011. The Polk Theatre will host Swing! and Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood,
the Theatre for Youth production of The Jungle Book. this Tony award-winning show tells of a baker and his wife trying
What a great opportunity to partner with other arts organizations. to break the curse of the Wicked Witch.
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- July 15-25 2010
lenging, no doubt to be away from our stage for a time but come July $20 Adults, $15 Students w/id, $10 Children 18 & under
2011 there will truly be NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

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

Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance
23
 Summer Adventures
in Learning
Heat Up Explorations V
Children’s Museum
As the calendar pages turn from spring to summer, Explora- for museum members and $80 per child per week for non-mem-
tions V will be heating up with hands-on adventures in learning. bers. Sibling discounts are available. Early drop-off and late
Weekly programming, Storybook and X5 Adventures Camp dur- pick up can be arranged for an additional fee. Pre-registration
ing Summer Camp 2010 and Explorations V’s 19th Birthday X- and pre-payment are required to hold a place in camp.
travaganza are on tap to guarantee a summer full of mega-fun!
On Saturday, August 28th, Explorations V will host the biggest
Explorations V Children’s Museum hosts weekly programming birthday party in town! The 19th Birthday X-travaganza will
Monday through Friday. Magical Monday, Terrific Tuesday, include entertainment, party hat creation and a museum full of
Wacky Wednesday, Thrilling Thursday and Fun Friday of- hands-on birthday party fun. The event will run from 10am to
fer imaginative educational sessions that engage children in 3pm with the museum scheduled to close at 4pm. All X-trava-
reading, school readiness, culinary and creative arts as well as ganza activities will be included with regular admission.
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) or

half day (9am-1pm/1-5pm) camps. Full day pricing
for museum members is $125 per child per week.
The full day fee for non-members is $150 per child
per week. Half day sessions are $65 per child per week

Explorations V Children’s Museum is located at

109 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 by
calling 863 687 3869 or emailing info@explorationsv.com.

www.explorationsv.com
Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010
24
Kids TAG ART
AWARDS 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 of
tags remain with that student’s school to be used exclusively for
teacher art supplies. The 2010 Kids Tag Art Exhibition will be
traveling around the county for the remainder of the school year.
An exhibition calendar is also available online. For more
information, please call (863) 899-8200.
Kids Tag Art inspires young artists to create their own unique
design, learning the practical application of license plate art to
support worthy causes, fashioned after Florida’s 100+ specialty
license plates. However, these tags are strictly art and not for
use as legal identification on the rear bumper of cars.
This year, the major sponsor for this project is Douglass
Screen Printers. Lisa Kaiser Hickey is the owner and president
of Douglass Screen Printers who produces the tags and has
been integrally involved from the inception of the project.
“Douglass Screen Printers has built its 70-year legacy on
creativity. We wholeheartedly support not only the arts in
general but the Kids Tag Art program in particular because it
encourages creativity and independent thought in our leaders
of tomorrow,” comments Hickey.
The price of a tag is $15 and all proceeds go to classroom art
supplies. Parents and friends can order from the winning designs
for holiday gift-giving. Orders must be postmarked by December
4 in order to be delivered by the 25th. Tag art will be on the
website and available for sale through the 2009 school year.
Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance
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 available
for 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’ tags
may 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.
25
 LIVE AT THE
GARDENS
a Summer Music Series!
Bok Tower Gardens Visitor Center

$20 General Public

Members receive 10% discount

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

JUNE 26 Porchdogs
Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco

JULY 24 Tammerlin
Folk music

AUGUST 21-22 The Repeatles

50s and 60s music

SEPTEMBER 18 Broadway & Jazz

Broadway tunes and American jazz

Pre-paid dinner at 6 p.m.

$16.50 Members $18 Non-Members

Voted Florida’s Best Garden!

Nature Quest 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.

Summer Camp Limited to children who have completed K - 5th grade.

July 19 – 23 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $250 Members. $295 Non-Members. Extended care: $50/week (8 - 9 a.m. & 5 - 6 p.m.)

For more information on our events visit boktowergardens.org/calendar

Open 365 Days a Year! • 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853 • 863.676.1408
Art-i-facts • SUMMER 2010
26
Polk County
Hall of Fame
Speaking of Local Polk County Talent ...
Karen Olivo
Always involved in theatre and the arts, attending Explorations V with her family for years and the Lois Cowles
Harrison School of the Arts, Karen Olivo received her first Tony Award for her performance as Anita in the Broadway revival
of West Side Story in 2009, guest-starred on NBC’s Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and now has been cast in the recurring role
of 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 Arts
Workshops at Harrison, and Performing Arts Classes at Polk Museum of Art. Karen’s mother, Mercedes Brown, expresses her
creativity 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!

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

“Wonderland!”
“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 and
May 17th at 7 pm and are open to students up to the age of 18.

PERFORMANCES WILL BE

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

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

27
 Race for the Arts
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU
to 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.

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 from

Florida 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 involvement
as 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!
 Heart
The of the Arts!
Central florida’s Polk County

AFFORdABLE vAcAtiON GEtAWAYs

are just a click (or a phone call) away.
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

For details, log on to

www.VisitCentralflorida.org/art
or call
1-800-828-7655, code art.
Platform Florida Dance Theatre
Art

Florida Dance Theatre

Enjoy
Explorations V the Arts!
Children’s Museum

NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LAKELAND, FL
PERMIT #208