Join Us for Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live!

The Polk Museum of Art will take part in Smithsonian magazine’s 13th annual Museum Day Live! event on Sept. 23.

The event is designed to emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based facilities, which offer free admission daily.

You could say that every day is Museum Day Live! at the Polk Museum of Art, because it offers free admission daily thanks to strategic partnerships with the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, the Share Foundation and Southern Homes. As a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Polk Museum of Art emulates the Smithsonian’s commitment to make learning and the spread of knowledge accessible to everyone.

“Even though admission to the museum is always free, we participate in this annual event to draw even greater attention to the Museum’s accessibility to everyone,” said Executive Director Claire Orologas. “Our participation also presents an opportunity to get the word out that we are here. There may be people in Central Florida who learn about us for the first time because they found us on the Museum Day Live! website.”

Those who visit the museum Sept. 23 will enjoy a variety of exhibitions:

·      Rembrandt’s Academy: Old Master Paintings from Private Dutch Collections, an exhibition organized by the Hoogsteder Museum Foundation, The Netherlands

·      The Figure in American Art: Florida Southern College’s New Art Museum Collection, organized by the Harmon-Meek Gallery in Naples, Florida

·      STATUS: fluid/dynamic

·      Rosenquist

·      Ancient Art of the Americas

You can learn more about these exhibitions here.

For more information on Museum Day Live!, please visit Smithsonian.com/museumdaylive.

The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College Thanks 2017 Summer Art Camp Donors

The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College recently hosted a thank you breakfast for its 2017 Art Camp scholarship donors.

Donors Vicky Luffman of Lakeland and Judith Darby of Bartow also visited the classrooms with museum staff following the breakfast.

The scholarship campaign raised $13,335 to support students who otherwise would not be able to attend the camp. That amount includes a $2,500 grant from Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.

The museum awarded 38 scholarships to children. Throughout the six-week summer program that ends Friday, the museum served 225 students between its Lakeland and Winter Haven locations.

Students ages 7-13 enjoyed learning and creating art in a variety of mediums such as animation, painting, skateboard design and jewelry-making. The museum has offered its Summer Art Camp for the past 29 years, and many generations of Polk County children have participated.

As noted by current parent Tifane Worsley to Education Manager Ellen Chastain, “I remember being in fourth grade and being awarded a scholarship to a summer program through the Polk Museum of Art. I’m so thrilled there is still so much support from the community.”

To learn more about the Polk Museum of Art education programs, contact Chastain at 863-688-7743 x227 or echastain@polkmuseumofart.org. 

Polk Museum of Art Receives Gift in Founding Member’s Honor

The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is pleased to announce the donation of a Marcel Sternberger photograph in honor of the late Anne Tucker, a founding member of the museum.

Robert and Malena Puterbaugh donated the photograph of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera with their dog, which was taken by Sternberger in Mexico City in 1952. It will be on view Sept. 30 – Jan. 7.

 “Anne Tucker was a very special person to all of us at the Polk Museum of Art,” Robert Puterbaugh said. “I will always appreciate her tremendous dedication to the museum, and her strong support of the recent affiliation with Florida Southern College.”

Tucker, who died on May 26 at age 88, was a founder of the museum’s Art Resource Trust. She served as president of the Board of Trustees in 1984-85, and as chair of the Board of Governors in 1990-91. She also served on the Strategic Visioning Committee and chaired the Museum History Committee. In 2008, she was the ninth recipient of the museum’s Harrison-Hooks Lifetime Achievement Award. 

"Our family is genuinely touched by this extraordinary gift,” said Peggy McKeel, Tucker's daughter. “We thank Bob and Malena Puterbaugh sincerely for their generosity to the Polk Museum of Art and their many years of friendship. The museum meant so much to our mother and we are indeed grateful that her legacy of love for the museum will live on through this kind and thoughtful tribute."

When displayed, the donated photograph will carry the notation, “In memory of Anne Tucker, recipient of the 2008 Harrison-Hooks Lifetime Achievement Award, Polk Museum of Art.”

The photograph, which is the first Sternberger piece for the museum, is a welcomed addition to its Permanent Collection, which focuses on figurative art.

“The theme of this work fits perfectly with our new collecting focus, in that it is a very fine portrait, and portraiture is one important aspect of the depiction of the figure,” said Executive Director Claire Orologas. “Within our Permanent Collection, we also have a strong collection of photography, including examples of great portraiture. This gift will certainly strengthen that segment of our collection even more.”

Sternberger was well known during his career, but became overshadowed by others over time until recently, Orologas said.

“During this time when his photographs are coming back to light, so to speak, it's wonderful to have one in our collection for our community to enjoy,” she said.

Sternberger is among the celebrated Pictorialists of the 1900s who photographed portraits of some of the most celebrated people of their age as they expressed poignant emotions that made them seem human and approachable. His photographs are marked by the subjects’ lively expressions revealed through minimalist lighting.

Sternberger and his wife Ilse moved to Mexico in 1952, and became friends with Rivera and Kahlo, who were known for their self-portraits. Rivera once told Sternberger his photographs were, “The first time I have seen the real me … behind the mask I have all the time,” according to “The Psychological Portrait: Marcel Sternberger’s Revelations in Photography.”

Polk Museum of Art’s Summer Hours Begin June 1

The Polk Museum of Art begins its summer hours of operation on June 1, and it will be closed on Sundays through Labor Day.

Summer hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts in Central Florida. The Museum is one of the Top 10 art museums in the State of Florida, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the only art museum accredited by the American Association of Museums serving the 561,000 residents of Polk County. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. on Sundays (closed Sundays June 1 through Labor Day); and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free for everyone year-round, thanks to the following organizations and individuals: Tuesdays, thanks to Southeastern University; Wednesdays, thanks to a Friend of the Community; Thursdays, thanks to our partnership with the Chao Foundation; Fridays; Saturdays, thanks to MIDFLORIDA; and Sundays, thanks to Clayton & Beverly Hollis. The Museum is fully accessible.

Polk Museum of Art Announces Winners at 46th Annual MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake

The Polk Museum of Art is pleased to announce the following artists won awards at the 2017 MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake. The winners, their hometowns, the media they work in and their booth location at the show are as follows:

Best of show ($5,000):

• John Mascoll, Safety Harbor, Fla., wood, Booth #99

Awards of Excellence ($2,000 each):

• Glenn Lewis, Greeley, Co., photography, Booth #86-87
• William Kidd, Miramar, Fla., clay, Booth #105

Awards of Distinction ($1,000 each):

• Jack Hill, Deland, Fla., sculpture, Booth #93A
• Claudia Melchiorr, Cape Canaveral, Fla., jewelry, Booth #159
• Timothy Hall, Tampa, Fla., photography, Booth #133
• Cristina Eve, Orlando, Fla., mixed media, Booth #123

Merit Awards ($500 each):

• Garry Seidel, Davie, Fla., photography, Booth #82
• Peggy Miller, Melbourne Beach, Fla., jewelry, Booth #71
• Richard Currier, Micco, Fla., painting- oil and acrylic, Booth #93
• Jeff Eckert, Tampa, Fla., drawing and graphics, Booth #112A
• Russ Schmidt, Palm Bay, Fla., glass, Booth #146A
• Chelsea Smith, Casselberry, Fla., drawing and graphics, Booth #58A

Honorable Mentions ($250 each):

• Glenn Woods, Palm Harbor, Fla., clay, Booth #164
• Mina Heuslein, Port Orange, Fla., clay, Booth #55
• Lorrie Mason, Tampa, Fla., jewelry, Booth #148
• Lawrence Packard, Winter Haven, Fla., drawing and graphics, Booth #121
• R.L. Alexander, Celebration, Fla., painting- oil and acrylic, Booth #9

Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts in Central Florida. The Museum is one of the Top 10 art museums in the State of Florida, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the only art museum accredited by the American Association of Museums serving the 561,000 residents of Polk County. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays; 1 – 5 p.m. Sundays; and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free for everyone year-round, thanks to the following organizations and individuals: Tuesdays, thanks to Southeastern University; Wednesdays, thanks to a Friend of the Community; Thursdays, thanks to our partnership with the Chao Foundation; Fridays; Saturdays, thanks to MIDFLORIDA; and Sundays, thanks to Clayton & Beverly Hollis. The Museum is fully accessible.

The Polk Museum of Art's MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake Brings Out the Art in Food This Year

What makes a great art show filled with beautiful works from around the country even better? Great food options!

New to the Polk Museum of Art’s MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake this year are elevated food options that pair well with viewing and purchasing fine art.

“We are pairing high quality food with high quality art this year,” says Mayfaire Coordinator Joy Williams.

Pairing No. 1- Cuban Flair and Cuban Fare

Cuban artist Miguel Fonseca is a ceramics artist who makes his inaugural appearance at Mayfaire this year. He was enamored with ceramics at a young age and began making art from recycled wet clay pipes and tiles. He developed his own style through the years and has been an innovator in his designs and style of figurines and pottery, as well as in firing techniques.

Visitors will get to see Fonseca’s brightly colored vases, sculptures, tiles and wall art at Booth No. 147. Once inspired by Fonseca’s work, consider heading over to the food vendor area for a ¾-pound Super Cuban or a Media Noche from Manolito’s Cuban Shop. Manolitos opened in 1977 in South Lakeland. Their food is so tasty, you’ll be dancing the mambo to the next art tent.

Pairing No. 2- Laughter is Good for the Soul; So is a Smokin Bowl

Austin, Texas photographer Lorri Honeycutt has dabbled in photography for years, and she loves depicting happy or humorous characters in "what if" compositions. Her macro photos are a mix of miniature figures posed in clever situations. Her goal is to make you think, and then smile. Honeycutt is new to Mayfaire this year, and you can see her photography at Booth No. 150.

We’ve paired the culinary artistry of Smokin Bowls with Honeycutt’s art. Smokin Bowls brings the West Coast culinary style to the West Coast of Florida.  Chef Brian Lairby brings California street fare with a Latin influence in the form of elotes, which is painted corn on the cob with garlic mayonnaise, house roasted California chili powder, cotija cheese, cilantro and lime, finished with charred onion crema. This dish is guaranteed to give you something to smile about.

Pairing No. 3- Hang a Grouper, Eat a Grouper

Linda Heath is a mixed media artist from Bradenton who specializes in gyotaku- the art of fish printing. She uses Florida fish caught by herself and her friends and paints their bodies using water-soluble sumi ink. Then she rubs its imprint onto delicate rice paper. The last step is to paint the eye, adding a white dot in the center, which some believe gives the fish back its soul.

Looking at all those fish hanging on the walls of Booth No. 131 is enough to make you hungry. We recommend Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express, where you can eat your weight in grouper sandwiches, fresh shrimp, mahi tacos and crab cakes.

Pairing No. 4- David Figueroa and Nico’s Arepas Grill

David Figueroa is last year’s Best of Show Winner for his sculpture work, and you will find him at Booth No. 115 this year. A Sanford resident, Figueroa uses a variety of materials in his work, including wood, steel, stone, bronze and found objects.

Like Figueroa, variety is the hallmark at Nico’s Arepas Grill. This tasty eatery serves arepas, a popular Venezuelan dish made from white corn meal dough that is pattied, grilled, split and stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including shredded beef, chicken, pork, shrimp and cheese. Be sure to try arepas while you’re at Mayfaire.

The Polk Museum of Art's MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake to Include More Accessibility Services

The Polk Museum of Art has made a number of changes to this year’s MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake to improve event accessibility for people of all abilities.

This year there will be an Adaptive Services Oasis located in the Junior League Sorosis Building courtyard. This will be staffed by volunteers who will provide assistance with communication, shuttle transport and information regarding reaching accessible entry points designed for people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

The following amenities also are provided for attendees:

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

·       An ADA-compliant luxury portable restroom trailer in the museum parking lot.

·      ADA-compliant restrooms in the museum and library.

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

·      A covered dining area with access for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

·      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.

·      Customer service fliers in artist and food vendor packets with tips for providing services to people of all abilities.

“Mayfaire is an event that is important to the museum and to the community,” says Mayfaire Coordinator Joy Williams. “We listened to the feedback we got from event-goers last year and made improvements regarding accessibility. Our goal over time is for Mayfaire to become an all-inclusive event, so we invite attendees to continue to contact us with concerns and suggestions. We want Mayfaire to be enjoyable to people 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 before or after the event by emailing: mayfaire@PolkMuseumofArt.org.

Polk Museum of Art Seeks Camp Scholarship Sponsors

The Polk Museum of Art seeks scholarship donations for Summer Art Camps in Lakeland and Winter Haven that will run throughout June and July.

Up to 230 students will participate in this hands-on program that enables them to explore painting, sculpture, photography, performance art and other mediums over summer.

Donations to the Camp Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible and support the following:

·      $300 sends one child to camp in Lakeland full-time for two weeks.

·      $200 sends one child to camp in Lakeland part-time, or to camp in Winter Haven full-time for two weeks.

·      $650 provides 65 students in Lakeland with art supplies per two-week session.

·      $325 provides 65 students in Lakeland with snacks per two-week session.

·      $350 provides 35 students in Winter Haven with art supplies.

·      $175 provides 35 students in Winter Haven with snacks.

Art Camp is designed for children ages 7-13. Sessions are held June 12 – July 28 in Lakeland, and July 17-28 in Winter Haven. Students choose from a list of 14 classes offered in a 20- or 30-hour/week structure. The Museum provides all art supplies and snacks to ensure full participation regardless of economic background. Scholarship support enables children in need to attend who would not be able to participate otherwise.

Secure donations can be made online at: https://polkmuseumofart.org/donate-content. Contact Education Manager Ellen Chastain for more information at: (863) 688-7743, ext. 227, or echastain@polkmuseumofart.org.

Meet the MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2017 Cover Artist

Natacha Monnalisa calls her artistic style “abstract reality,” a blend of surrealism, realism, and abstract designs that convey feelings and ideas in a whimsical and fantasy-like manner. 

That style is conveyed in the cover art she designed for the Polk Museum of Art’s 2017 MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake, “Nesting in Lakeland.”

In addition to featuring a pair of Lakeland’s iconic swans, the artwork includes one of Monnalisa’s signature elements in the form of a dreamlike creature that serves as a swan’s nest. She says her creatures help her showcase life as seen through a child’s eyes, and they represent the unexpected.

“Last year was my first time doing the show and my first time visiting Lakeland,” Monnalisa says. “I was blown away by all the swans. They truly make the place magical. I want my piece to show non-Lakeland residents the beauty of your city.”

This Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native was happy to be invited to create the art for Mayfaire 2017.

“It is a great honor to be selected among many talented artists participating in the show,” she says.

This isn’t the first time Monnalisa’s work has been recognized in Lakeland. She won the Mayfaire Award of Excellence in 2016.

Monnalisa showed interest in the arts from a young age, and won several contests for children. She moved to Miami in 1990 and attended the prestigious magnet school program Design and Architecture, where she excelled at fashion design. Monnalisa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Miami in 2007, followed by a Master of Arts degree a year later.

Monnalisa lives in Waldo.

New Coordinators Take the Wheel for MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire 2017

The Polk Museum of Art’s MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake features new leadership this year.

Joy Williams and Leslie Norman have taken over as the coordinators of this signature event.

The museum hired Williams in January 2016 and Norman joined the museum staff in April 2016. They worked alongside former coordinators Brenda Friedman and Maya Beck last year to learn the ropes. Friedman and Beck have since passed the baton into the capable hands of Williams and Norman.

They each bring more than a decade of event-planning experience to the position, as well as a love for this fine art show.

“I've always attended Mayfaire with my family and loved meeting all the artists and purchasing their work,” Williams says. “I enjoy planning events and thought my love of art and planning events would be a great combination.”

Norman enjoys event planning, and views the position as a great way to do what she loves while serving her community.

Both women have experience in planning another iconic event: Lakeland Pigfest. Williams served on the Pigfest board for two years during her presidency in the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. 

Norman served as Pigfest co-chair for five years. She oversaw the festival layout and ensured logistics were planned and executed. She also served on the Pigfest board for three years as a liaison to the Junior League and a member of the Grounds Committee.

“My involvement with the Junior League gave me the knowledge and experience in planning events of all sizes,” Williams says. “I've helped plan many of their events and came to realize I really enjoyed the process.”

Williams and Norman have introduced a few key changes to Mayfaire 2017, including new food selections during the two-day show and at Mayfaire Saturday Night. They also have relocated the children’s activity tent to Chiles Street.

“We wanted to make the children’s area more convenient for families to enjoy without having to leave the show,” Norman says.

Regarding the beefed up food selection at Mayfaire Saturday Night, that change also was done with families in mind.

 “We wanted to make it easier for families to participate in the event without having to tote coolers and chairs to the event,” Norman says. “This year, just bring your chairs or blankets. We will have plenty of food and beverages for everyone to purchase and enjoy that night.”