Polk Museum of Art Announces 52nd Mayfaire by-the-Lake Art Festival

LAKELAND, Fla. (May 2, 2024) – The Polk Museum of Art is excited to announce its 52nd annual Mayfaire by-the-Lake Art Festival, presented by Citizens Bank & Trust and The Ruthvens and to be held along the shores of Lake Morton May 11 and 12, 2024, from 9 am to 4 pm. Showcasing over 150 artists from nine states working in a variety of media, from painting and sculpture to woodworking, hand-crafted jewelry, and more, this free two-day fine art festival promises to offer something for every art enthusiast, collector, and visitor to enjoy. The festival is excited to welcome 39 new exhibiting artists to this year’s festivities.

In addition to the artists’ booths, this year’s celebration will include fun activities for kids of all ages at the Mayfaire Kids Zone, sponsored by Publix Super Market Charities. “Kids Collect,” a kids-only tent where children can purchase artwork donated by Mayfaire artists at nominal prices, returns for a third year to the Mayfaire Kids Zone to engage even the youngest of art connoisseurs. Free hands-on art activities for children of all abilities will also be available at each Kids Zone tent.

“For 52 years now, Mayfaire and Mother’s Day weekend have become synonymous for festival attendees of all ages from all over the region, looking for great art, great food, and great diversion,” said Dr. Alex Rich, executive director and chief curator of the Polk Museum of Art. “This year, we are thrilled to welcome so many new and returning artists to Lakeland to showcase their work for ever-expanding generations of art lovers.”

Artwork will be available to purchase throughout the show, along with concessions from Kebablicious, 1 Up Burger, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Heavenly Pretzel, and more. Meanwhile, just beyond the Lake at the Museum, visitors  will be able to revel in nostalgia with the blockbuster “Rockwell/Wyeth: Icons of Americana” exhibition on display in the main first floor galleries, highlighting two of the greatest artists and illustrators of the twentieth century.

On Saturday evening, Mayfaire welcomes back the Lakeland Runners Club to host the 45th Annual Mayfaire 5K. The run begins at 7 pm near Lake Mirror and ends on Francis C. Promenade. Interested participants can register online or volunteer for the run at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Lakeland/Mayfaire5k. Online registration will close Tuesday, May 7; walk up registration will be available between 4 pm and 7 pm on Friday, May 10.

Additional information about this year’s Mayfaire Judge, Featured Poster Artist, and event details are available on MayfairebytheLake.org in the coming weeks. 52nd Mayfaire Sponsors include Citizens Bank & Trust, The Ruthvens, Visit Central Florida, Subaru Lakeland, Southern Homes, Publix Super Markets Charities, Friends of Mayfaire, Tampa International Airport, LeafFilter, Power Home Remodeling, the City of Lakeland, LKLD Arts Mayor’s Council of the Arts, and Culture Builds Florida, with Media Sponsors, The Ledger | Localiq, Max 98.3 and WLKF, WEDU PBS, LKLD Magazine, and Winter Park Publishing Company.