PMA Announces New Mayfaire Title Sponsor

Mayfaire by-the-Lake, the iconic fine art show held annually each Mother’s Day weekend along the shores of Lake Morton, will usher in its 48thyear in 2019 with a new title sponsor: Citizens Bank & Trust.  

Mayfaire is presented annually by the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College.

“Mayfaire has such a great reputation in the art community and it is such a popular event that we didn’t have to think twice about becoming involved as the title sponsor,” said Greg Littleton, president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust. “We have always enjoyed our partnerships with the Polk Museum of Art and look forward to working with them on the Citizens Bank & Trust Mayfaire by-the Lake.”

Financial support from Citizens Bank & Trust, as well as from past title sponsors, is responsible for making the event possible and helping it achieve prominent status on Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “Best 200 Art Shows” list. Mayfaire by-the-Lake was ranked 45 on the list in 2018.

“Without the support of all of our sponsors, we would not have been able to achieve this stature,” PMA Executive Director Claire Orologas said. “We are honored to have Citizens Bank & Trust pick up the baton and help us continue to present this show annually.”

Citizens Bank & Trust Mayfaire by-the-Lake is May 11-12, 2019, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. More than 70,000 visitors enjoy the works of about 160 artists in this juried fine arts competition, with $17,000 in awards presented to artists each year. 

MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake Offers Accessibility Services

The Polk Museum of Art presents MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake annually, and it has become a tradition for thousands of families and individuals from throughout Central Florida. 

Accessibility for all is important, and Mayfaire organizers routinely solicit feedback on areas where increased focus can improve upon existing measures that are in place. Based on that feedback, following are the steps coordinators have taken to make this year’s Mayfaire even more enjoyable and accessible for people of all abilities.

An Adaptive Services Oasis will be located on the Lakeland Public Library lawn. This area will be staffed by volunteers who will provide assistance with communication, shuttle transport and information about reaching accessible entry points designed for people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices. 

The following amenities also are provided for attendees:

·     Three ADA-compliantportable toilets around the lake with mats placed on the grass in front of them to make it easier for attendees in wheelchairs to access.

·     ADA-compliant restrooms in the museum and library.

·     A wheelchair accessible golf cart for shuttle service throughout the event.

·     A wheelchair accessible concrete dining area with picnic table is located on the lake shore near Walnut Street.

·     Signage throughout the event directing people to accessible restrooms and the Adaptive Services Oasis.

·     An event guide and map that includes accessibility information. Guides will be available at the Adaptive Services Oasis, the museum and the museum tent on the library lawn.

·     A Children’s Art Tent that offers free crafts for children of all abilities.

Accessibility questions and requests during the event can be addressed by calling (863) 455-4990.

Please offer feedback and suggestions on additional accessibility improvements after the event via email: mayfaire@PolkMuseumofArt.org. 

Meet the Judge of MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2018

Each year, a number of cash awards are presented to artists whose work is on display at the Polk Museum of Art’s MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake, and one judge plays the important role of determining those winners.

Leland Michael Bryant will serve as the fine arts competition judge for the 47th annual Mayfaire, held May 12-13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. along the shores of Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland.

Bryant served as a photographer and lab manager to Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries in Washington, D.C. from 1991 until 2008, when he retired to devote more time to teaching and making art.

Bryant received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photographic illustration from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and his Master of Fine Arts degree in interdisciplinary arts from Goddard College in Vermont.  He worked at Penn Camera Washington, D.C.  in sales for several years. He also started teaching photography at this time, and has served as an instructor for more than two decades.

"As a teacher, a museum professional and an artist himself, Michael has spent his entire career looking at, responding to, evaluating and learning from works of art,” said Executive Director Claire Orologas. “I know he'll do an excellent job."

Award winners will be announced at Mayfaire Saturday Night at 8 p.m. on May 12.

For more Mayfaire information, visit the Mayfaire by-the-Lake website.