Page 18 - 2018 Art-i-facts Jan-Feb

The Arts are Alive and

Well in Lake Wales

The Lake Wales Arts Center has been a hive of activity since Polk State
College returned the building to the Lake Wales Arts Council (LWAC)
last Fall. The past three months have been filled with great musical
performances and unique art exhibitions. The event schedule for
January and February 2018 offers even more cultural opportunities.

First, LWAC is collaborating with the City of Lake Wales to sponsor a City
Flag Design Competition open to all Lake Wales residents.Submissions
will be on display at the Art Center from the first week of January through
mid-February. The public is invited to view these flag designs and vote
for their favorite. The designs with the most votes in each category
qualify as finalists who are awarded cash prizes. The winning design will
be selected by the City of Lake Wales Board of Commissioners in March.

January 2-February 28, The Michael Crews Gallery showcases a special
exhibit, Nature Meets Art: Photographs by Polk County Sherriff Grady
Judd and accomplished Photographer and Videographer, Mike Potthast.
They share their views through the lens, capturing an amazing display of
color light and intimate perspectives of Central Florida’s natural world.

Sunday, January 21 at 4pm, The Lake Wales Arts Council and Bok Tower Blossoms 'Olivia' by Mike Potthast.
Gardens open the Pinewood Chamber Music Series featuring classical
musicians in an intimate setting at Pinewood Estate. A variety of
programs are presented. Reservations are required through Bok Tower
Gardens - phone 863.734.1222 or email programs@boktower.org to
reserve your tickets. $25/person. Member discounts available.

On January 27, experience the romance of an old Viennese café during
“An Elegant Night in Old Vienna.” Listen to opera, operetta-gypsy and
Strauss waltzes played by a local orchestra while sampling delectable
Viennese pastries and coffees. Tickets and tables can be reserved, but
hurry, as this unique evening is selling out quickly.
The Lake Wales Arts Council Student Art Show gives students from Lake
Wales area schools the opportunity to showcase their artwork. The
show runs the entire month of February at the Lake Wales Public Library.
Meanwhile back at the Arts Center, enjoy the Black History Exhibit in
the Michael Crews Gallery from February 5-28. The reception is on the
evening of February 8.
The Citizens Bank & Trust Arts Festival kicks off on the shores of Lake
Wailes Friday, February 23 with the Art-B-Que Welcome Party for
participating Artists. The public is invited to meet the artist while
enjoying great barbecue, live music, and a cash bar. Tickets are $10 for
adults and $5 for children. The Festival itself takes place Saturday and
Sunday, February 24 and 25, and fosters appreciation of art in many
forms, including oil and acrylic painting, photography, and fine art
craft. With $30,000 in prizes available, this event attracts more than 100
artists from around the country and thousands of visitors. Food trucks,
a children’s entertainment tent and live music add to the festivities.
Admission is free.

Visit www.lakewalesartscouncil.org or call 863-676-8426 for learn more,
and to purchase tickets for any of these one of kind experiences.
Snowy Egret by Sheriff Grady Judd.

18 Art-i-facts • January-February 2018 • www.polkarts.org