Page 27 - 2018 Art-i-facts Jan-Feb

Calendar of Events

The selection committee determines Awards of Distinction and finalists for three special award. Photo courtesy of the Tax Collector's Office.

During the month of September, teachers guide students Today, over 20 other counties host a similar Kids Tag Art
in classroom design creation. Teachers may set whatever project in their districts, with tax collectors expected to
guidelines for their students they believe will generate contribute by this school year, over $1,000,000 for classroom
creative, award-winning artwork. Parents can purchase their art programs statewide.
child's design through school sales conducted in November
of each year, in time for the holidays. Their child's design is Where to View Tag Art
individually scanned and made into a unique metal alloy tag For the first time, this year's balance of tag art designs will
which can be purchased as a keepsake or given as gifts. be on display for sale to the public. Thanks to sponsor Point
& Pay, the payment processor for the tax collector's office,
In late October, thousands of designs are submitted from a special portal has been built to showcase all participating
all across the county for judging. Selections of the top two schools' artwork. On this website, www.PolkTaxes.com/
entries from each school are made. Those top entries KTAOnline.aspx, the public can scroll through the participating
become available to the public for sale on the Polk County schools to find their child's artwork and order either a metal
Tax Collector's website on the Kids Tag Art page. tag, key fob, or both. The prior year's Awards of Distinction tag
designs are also available for sale.
According to Tedder, the project originated at the Tax
Collector's office, whose employees have over the years, In addition, The Tag Art Exhibit travels around the county
volunteered in one or two elementary schools during during the school year. A calendar of exhibit dates and
business 'teach-in' days. The kids eagerly grasped the art locations is online as well. Anyone who wishes to host the
project and staff worked to build a tag art program around exhibit is invited to inquire. Tags will be offered for sale with
this fun learning concept. Since then, tax collector employees the exhibit and throughout the school year.
have volunteered in the schools, at open houses, art festivals
and recognition events, to raise awareness of the importance For more information, contact the Polk County Tax Collector's
of arts education and to help stimulate student and school office at (863)534-4722.
involvement.

Art-i-facts • A Publication of the Polk Arts Alliance 27