Polk County in Central Florida offers many unique art galleries within its boundaries. Here are a few of the best.
The Polk Museum of Art is more than just an art museum. Offering something for everyone, the Polk Museum of Art is located at 800 East Palmetto Street in Lakeland, Florida. It boasts nine galleries which contain hundreds of pieces of art. As you step inside the Polk Museum of Art, you will find the Hollis Gallery, a gateway to the museum’s two main galleries, the Dorothy Jenkins Gallery and the Emily S. Macey Gallery. The exhibits are refreshed every two or three months. Unlike many art galleries, the Polk Museum of Art is quite suitable for kids. A permanent pre-Columbian collection includes hands-on activities for children and the Museum Gift Shop offers many whimsical educational gifts and souvenirs. General admission is $5; students are admitted free. Visit the museum’s website at http://www.polkmuseumofart.org/content/.
On Kentucky Avenue in Lakeland, you will find two more Polk County art galleries. Imperial Art Gallery, located at 128 South Kentucky Avenue, is a co-op of Lakeland artists working in all media. Give them a call at (863) 603-4663. Arts on the Park, located at 115 North Kentucky Avenue, features sculptures, Florida landscapes and wildlife art. This gallery holds monthly receptions and six annual juried shows. Call (863) 680-2787 for more information.
The Lake Wales Arts Center is housed in a spectacular building that was built in 1927 as the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Located at 1099 SR 60 East in Lake Wales, this Spanish Mission styled facility was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. The Lake Wales Arts Center offers tours, classes, lectures, art exhibitions, and musical performances. For further information and a good look at the facade of their building, visit the center’s website at www.lakewalesartscenter.org.
The Ridge Art Association is a non-profit fine arts organization that has been around for more than half a century. Located at 210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, the Ridge Art Association offers monthly juried and invitational art exhibitions. Gallery hours are 12:30 until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Check out their website at http://www.ridgeart.org/.
For a look at some local art, check out the Frostproof Art League & Gallery. This tiny art gallery, located at 12 East Wall Street, features the work of over fifty local artists. They also offer art classes. Give them a call at (863) 635-7271 for more information.
