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View this email in your browser.                                                                                           May 16 - 31, 2022
Check out the new edition of Art-i-facts magazine by visiting this LINK.
You can also find the magazine at various sites around Polk County.
 

Artrepreneur
Spotlight
 

Scott Audette's Underwater Portraits
     They say everyone has a happy place and mine just so happens to be in the water. And maybe even more so under it! I am an experienced diver, and I've long had a passion for capturing underwater life, from seahorses in Jupiter, Florida, to weedy sea dragons off the coast of Australia. My love of underwater photography expanded to human portraiture in 2020 when my career as pro sports photographer briefly went away because of COVID. Looking for something to do with my time, I stumbled across some really beautiful pictures shot underwater and, well, I was hooked.
     Being underwater allows me to throw away all the rules and just create. Well, almost all the rules - you shouldn't try to take a breath underwater! But I love the way the water creates patterns and motion. Playing with light, reflection, and shadow presents a wonderful challenge for me, and each photo shoot is different from the others. Each one is its own living, breathing piece.
Learn More About Scott's Work Here!
PACA Board Member Receives Award
 
Polk County Commissioner, Dr. Martha Santiago, who also serves on the Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance Board, was honored on May 11 with the Distinguished Leadership Polk Alumni Award presented by Polk Vision. Dr. Santiago, who was a member of Leadership Polk Class I, received the award for her many years of service in various leadership roles throughout the county. The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance also benefits from her desire to better her community through servant leadership. Way to go, Dr. Santiago!
The Polk Museum of Art's 50th Mayfaire-by-the-Lake art festival saw large crowds this past Mother's Day weekend. Sponsored by Citizens Bank and Trust, this annual event attracts thousands of visitors to the downtown-Lakeland shores of Lake Morton. This year's Best of Show Award was presented to Jessica Reyes of Gainesville, who represented the family trio that made the work. You can see more of their work HERE. A full list of festival winners can be found HERE (courtesy of LkldNow).
Photographs by Gregory Mills
VISIT THE POLK COUNTY HISTORY CENTER     
     What happens when water is viewed as more than a utility bill? Through the art of storytelling, Victoria Machado, Ph.D., will discuss the motivations of environmentalists who draw inspiration from their spirituality. By focusing on issues related to springs and the Everglades, she will dive into conversations that arise when those who pray for water work toward restoring Florida’s waterways.
     Specializing in both religion and nature and religion in the Americas, Machado's research explores religion and spirituality within Florida’s present day environmental movement. More specifically, she is interested in state and local water issues, environmental justice and the underlying values that promote social change. 
     This is an in-person program and reservations are not required – arrive early to get a great seat. For more information contact the History Center at (863) 534-4386.
Upcoming Events | May 16 - May 31
  • The Broken Hearts - The Music of Tom Petty • May 19, 7 pm - Lake Wales Downtown Marketplace • More info HERE
  • Summertime Citrus Exhibition • April 26 - August 22 - Lake Wales History Museum • Opening Reception set for May 21 - Info HERE
  • Bese Saka Festival: From the Fields to Carnegie Hall
    May 21, 7 pm - Hurst Chapel AME Church, Winter Haven, FREE
  • Friday Night Paint Party: Country Mailbox • May 27, 6 pm - Florida Wildflower Studios, Frostproof • Call Jacque (863-206-9691) or Chip (863-855-8525) for more info.
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Polk Arts Alliance · P.O. Box 727 · Bartow, FL 33831-0727 · USA