Polk Museum of Art

WHO WE ARE

The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is a teaching museum that seeks to enhance lives through inspirational and engaging art experiences for all. As the largest and only nationally accredited visual arts organization in Polk County and the only Smithsonian Affiliate art museum in Central Florida, we strive to offer world-class, creative, and original exhibitions for all members of our community and beyond. With free admission, the Museum champions the accessibility of arts education, inspiring visitors of all ages and interest levels to explore, learn, and find something in the world of art to appreciate. The Museum also seeks continued engagement with the community and our members through programming and educational opportunities such as studio and lecture classes for teens and adults, in-person and virtual events, kid-focused art programs, MUSEings: The Polk Museum of Art Blog, and more. As the Museum grows and innovates, we hope that you can join us by becoming a member, by enrolling in a program or class, or even just by strolling through the galleries!

INFORMATION

Museum's Website

Explore the Polk Museum of Art

Mayfaire by-the-Lake

Mayfaire by-the-Lake is a juried fine arts festival held on the shores of Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland, Florida. This two-day free festival, traditionally held on Mother's Day weekend, is a premier annual event and is one of the largest outdoor festivals in Central Florida. The festival has been ranked among Sunshine Artists Magazine's "200 Best Art Shows" for over ten years in a row.

Mayfaire by-the-Lake will be held on May 11 & 12, 2024, from 9 am to 4 pm. The festival is free to attend.

Polk Museum of Art Unveils New, Permanent Gallery for African and Oceanic Art

Just over a year ago, the Polk Museum of Art welcomed visitors to its original exhibition “Spirits: Ritual and Ceremonial African and Oceanic Art from the Dr. Alan and Linda Rich Collection,” a full-scale show that displayed one-of-kind, artisan-made ritual and ceremonial art objects collected from across Africa and Papua New Guinea and generously lent by Lakeland locals Dr. Alan and Linda Rich. Following the success of the 2019 exhibition and their experience working with the Museum to present the show, the Riches gifted their extensive collection to be displayed permanently in a dedicated gallery space at the Museum.

“Spirits: African and Oceanic Art from the Dr. Alan and Linda Rich Collection” is available for viewing now. For any additional questions or information, please contact Taylor Holycross, Manager of Membership and Communications at tholycross@polkmuseumofart.org or 863-688-7743 ex. 249.