FONCHEN LORD, ‘FOUR FOLD #3,’ 1988, STAINLESS STEEL AND ACRYLIC URETHANE, GIFT OF WILLIAM W. LORD, POLK MUSEUM OF ART PERMANENT COLLECTION.
While the Museum houses over 2,800 objects, only a small percentage of the collection is on display at any given time. Our Collection in Focus series was created to give an intimate look at the pieces not often featured.
During this Collection in Focus event, Ann Gurley Rogers will discuss the works of Florence Usher Lord — known to most as Fonchen Lord — a prolific abstract artist, ever-evolving in her artistic expression. Lord created Abstract Expressionist, Op Art, and Minimalist works, which culminated in her most recognizable objects: unique folded metal paintings and sculptures. This special walking tour* will feature artworks in the permanent collections of the Polk Museum of Art and on the campus of Florida Southern College.
Ann Gurley Rogers and her husband, Jim, co-authored the book PMoA at 43, which documents the founding and evolution of Polk Museum of Art. In 2013, she curated a retrospective exhibition of Fonchen Lord’s art at the Melvin Gallery at Florida Southern College, and, in 2017, co-curated a Fonchen Lord exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. She is currently Fonchen Lord’s official biographer.
Participants for this special walking tour will meet at the Polk Museum of Art at 800 East Palmetto Street Lakeland, Florida 33801.
*Please note: As this will be an outdoor event with movement between between sites, we recommend comfortable, outdoor-friendly attire and walking shoes.