A baseball themed movie was also shown in the Bright House Theatre. Attendance was free, but guests had the chance to win a $50 gift card by bringing in canned goods for donation, which resulted in a bin of items being collected for local food banks. The visitor center also saw an increase in sales in its gift shop and of discounted attractions tickets. In addition to celebrating the game of baseball and welcoming back the Detroit Tigers for their 78th Spring Training season, the event also provided PCTSM with another opportunity to inform visitors about the upcoming RussMatt Baseball Central Florida Collegiate Invitational, taking place between February 21 and April 20, and the Central Florida Rebel Spring Games collegiate softball event, being held from March 3 to March 18. The collegiate events are projected to generate more than $28 million in economic impact for Polk County.

To redeem their free admission ticket, active duty military personnel should present their military identification card to LEGOLAND Florida’s ticket window the day they plan to visit. Family and friends of military personnel also receive substantial discounts on admission tickets and should make purchases in advance through participating military base ticket offices.

“We are pleased to continue our Military Appreciation Days. This is a great way for LEGOLAND Florida to say thank you for the selfless service our military men and women provide every day throughout the year,” said Kim Isemann, director of sales and marketing at LEGOLAND Florida.

For the most current information on operating hours and special events throughout the year at LEGOLAND Florida, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

“We welcome the City of Sebring to the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition this year and are thrilled for the opportunity to facilitate the installation of public art well beyond the Museum’s walls,” said Claire Orologas, executive director of Polk Museum of Art. “Cities throughout the country are realizing the value – in economic, social and cultural terms – of having art as a prominent and integrated part of their urban landscape.”

Every year, sculptures are selected by a committee of community members and Museum staff for the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition. This year, the committee selected sculptures from 50 entries by 19 artists representing eight states.

Winter Haven

In Winter Haven, 10 winning sculptures will be installed in the Central Park area for the ninth consecutive year. The exhibition will be celebrated, and Winter Haven show winners announced, at the annual Central Park Stroll from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1.  The Stroll is free and open to the public; attendees will be invited to vote on a People’s Choice winner that evening, also.

The 10 artists, their hometowns and works selected to be displayed in Winter Haven are:

• Karyn Adamek, Lutz, Fla., “Pegasus,” 2013, railroad spikes, 6 feet by 7 feet by 4 feet.
• Jack Howard-Potter, New York, N.Y., “Descending Night,” 2012, galvanized and powder-coated steel, 7 feet, 11 inches by 9 feet, 5 inches by 3 feet, 6 inches.
• Hanna Jubran, Grimesland, N.C., “Sunburst,” 2010, steel, 8 feet by 3 feet by 2 feet.
• Jerzy Kedziora, Miami Beach, Fla., “Boy with anchor,” 2012, coldcast bronze, 8 feet, 2 inches by 4 feet, 9 inches by 4 feet, six inches.
• James Lashley, Gainesville, Fla., “Ride, Captain, Ride,” 2013, metal, 6 feet by 8 feet by 2 feet.
• Gus Ocamposilva, Clearwater, Fla., “Dancer of the Wind 2,” 2013, aluminum and enamel, 12 feet, 5 inches by 6 feet, 8 inches by 1 foot, 3 inches.
• James Oleson Jr., St. Petersburg, Fla., “Rusty,” 2013, mixed steel, 4 feet, 8 inches by 3 feet, 5 inches by 1 foot, 5 inches.
• Larry Ringgold, Chesapeake Bay, Md., “Tinker,” 2013, driftwood, 6 feet, 11 inches by 2 feet, 3 inches by 7 feet, 6 inches.
•  James Westermann, Morrisville, Vt., “Comet,” 2010, steel and stone, 14 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet.
• Glenn Zweygardt, Alfred Station, N.Y., “Verde Passage,” 2006, verde antique, cast bronze and cast glass, 7 feet, 8 inches by 2 feet, 3 inches by 1 foot, 4 inches.

Lakeland

In Lakeland, 10 winning sculptures will be installed along Lemon Street for the second consecutive year. FLOSC winners also were displayed on Lemon between 2001 and 2007. The exhibition will be celebrated, and Lakeland winners announced, at April’s First Friday event, 6-9 p.m. April 4.

The 10 artists, their hometowns and works selected to be displayed in Lakeland are:

• Karyn Adamek, Lutz, Fla., “Iron Horse Jumper,” 2013, railroad spikes, 6 feet by 8 feet by 3 feet.
• Jack Howard-Potter, New York, N.Y., “Valkyrie,” 2008, galvanized and powder-coated steel, 9 feet, 9 inches by 9 feet, 8 inches by 8 feet.
• Hanna Jubran, Grimesland, N.C., “Balance Point,” 2013, steel, cast iron and paint, 9 feet by 1 foot, 6 inches by 1 foot, 6 inches.
• Jerzy Kedziora, Miami Beach, Fla., “Feng Shui,” 2007, coldcast bronze, 6 feet, 6 inches by 3 feet, 9 inches by 3 feet, 9 inches.
• Gus Ocamposilva, Clearwater, Fla., “Dancer of the Wind 3,” 2013, aluminum and enamel, 12 feet, 5 inches by 6 feet, 8 inches by 1 foot, 3 inches.
• James Oleson Jr., St. Petersburg, Fla., “Reflecting,” 2013, welded mixed steel, 5 feet, 4 inches by 2 feet, 11 inches by 1 foot, 1 inch.
• Wesley Stewart, Martinez, Ga., “For Us,” 2012, steel, 11 feet, 6 inches by 5 feet, 2 inches by 5 feet.
• Joseph Thompson, Greenville, S.C., “Archangel After Michael,” 2005, steel, 7 feet, 2 inches by 2 feet, 8 inches by 2 feet, 8 inches.
• Adam Walls, Hope Mills, N.C., “POW,” 2013, painted steel, 5 feet, 5 inches by 3 feet by 6 feet.
• Glenn Zweygardt, Alfred Station, N.Y., “Malachite Voyager,” 2003, stone, glass and metal, 9 feet, 4 inches by 3 feet by 2 feet, 8 inches.

Sebring

In Sebring, six winning sculptures will be installed for the first time.

The 10 artists, their hometowns and works selected to be displayed in Sebring are:

• Karyn Adamek, Lutz, Fla., “Iron Horses,” 2013, recycled metal, 6 feet by 8 feet by 3 feet.
• Craig Gray, Key West, Fla., “Slices of Heaven,” 2013, concrete combined with limestone, 2 feet by 1 foot by 3 feet, 6 inches.
• Jack Howard-Potter, New York, N.Y., “Winged Glory,” 2009, galvanized and powder-coated steel, 8 feet, 5 inches by 7 feet, 4 inches by 5 feet, 2 inches.
• Hanna Jubran, Grimesland, N.C., “The Three Graces,” 2012, steel, cast iron and paint, 8 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet.
• Aisling Millar, Greenville, N.C., “Bealtaine,” 2012, steel, 7 feet, 11 inches by 2 feet by 1 foot.
• Adam Walls, Hope Mills, N.C., “Father and Son,” 2013, painted steel, 5 feet, 5 inches by 4 feet by 4 feet, 5 inches.

An independent judge selects the Best of Show, Second Place and Honorable Mention awards, which are announced at the public celebrations planned by the cities. The sculptures will be displayed for a year.

Beginning today, Tuesday, March 11, and continuing through Sunday, March 16, guests will have the opportunity to receive exclusive access to rare World War II aircraft at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.

The CAF AirPower History Tour kicks off with the arrival of FIFI, the only flying B-29 Superfortress in the world. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, first flown in 1942, began active service in 1944 and is perhaps best known as the aircraft whose missions over Japan helped bring about the end of World War II. It was designed as a replacement for the older B-17s and B-24s, with longer range and greater bomb loads. The B-29 was also used in the Korean War in the early 1950s and was a staple of the U.S. Air Force until the late 1950s.

The tour also includes the only flying SB2C Helldiver in the world, a C-45 Expeditor, a Douglas Skyraider, a PT-17 Stearman and pilot Sarah Wilson with her newly restored Stearman Junior Speedmail.

The aircraft, all part of the CAF AirPower History Tour, will be on display and offering rides throughout the stop. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the B-29 and purchase rides on all of the visiting aircraft. The airplanes will be on the ramp Tuesday, March 11 through Sunday, March 16. Guests can stop in from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 11-17, and free for children 10 and under. The admission price also includes a free B-29 cockpit tour.

Rides range from $75 to $1,595 depending on the aircraft and seat selection. Rides can be booked online or purchased at the event.

B-29 Schedule in Lakeland

Tuesday, March  11; 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

- B-29 arrives at approximately noon

- Aircraft tours available after 2:00 p.m.

​Wednesday, March 12; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

- Aircraft tours available starting at 9:00 a.m.

- Supporting aircraft available all day

​Thursday, March 13; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

- Aircraft tours available starting at 9:00 a.m.

- Supporting aircraft available all day

Friday, March 14; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

- B-29 fl;ys at 9:00 a.m.

- Aircraft tours available starting at 10:30 a.m.

- Supporting aircraft available all day

Saturday, March 15; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

- B-29 flys at 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

- Aircraft tours available after 12:00 p.m.

- Supporting aircraft available all day

Sunday, March 16; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

- B-29 flys at 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

- Aircraft tours available after 12:00 p.m.

- Supporting aircraft available all day

For more information on the event, go to www.airpowersquadron.org.

FIFI was acquired by the CAF in the early 1970s when a group of CAF members found her at the U.S. Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, California where she was being used as a missile target. The airplane was rescued and restored and flew for over thirty years until 2006when the chief pilot made the decision to ground her pending a complete power plant re-fit. What followed was an extensive four year restoration that included replacing all four engines with new custom built hybrid engines. FIFI returned to the sky in 2010 and since that time has traveled coast to coast attracting large crowds at every tour stop.

Find a complete listing of March and Aprilevents taking place in Polk County at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

**Show your Tigers spirit in our Spring Training photo contest through March 28. Click for the details.

Masterworks 4
Date: Tuesday, March 11
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- The Imperial Symphony Orchestra presents Masterworks 4, part of the 2013-2014 Masterworks Series, featuring the out-of-this-world music of John Williams and his “Star Wars Suite”.

Special Events Series at Theatre Winter Haven- The Dukes
Date: Tuesday, March 11
Venue: Theatre Winter Haven
- This two man group singing 50’s & 60’s Doo Wop and Rock & Roll hits began as The Dukes of Harmony in 2001 and have had over 200 appearances in Florida alone.
- Dedicated to preserving the music of their youth, the audience will hear favorites such as “Lil Darlin,” “Duke of Earl,” “Pretty Woman,” “The Stroll,” “Blue Moon,” and dozens more.

Sweet Charity
Date: Wednesday, March 12
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- Sweet Charity, based on Federico Fellini’s screenplay for Nights of Cabiria, is a tender, poignant and consistently funny look at the adventures, or rather misadventures in the way of love.

Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally
Date: Thursday, March 13
Venue: Munn Park, Lakeland
- Enjoy a variety of Florida food trucks and their delicious cuisine at Munn Park on Thursday, March 13 and every second Thursday monthly.

Moonlight Carillon Concert
Date: Thursday, March 13
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- Enjoy a carillon concert under the light of the full moon in a unique opportunity to visit the Gardens after-hours and have a light dinner at the Blue Palmetto Café.

Ernie
Date: Thursday, March 13 – Sunday, March 30
Venue: Polk Theatre, Lakeland
- “Ernie” is the story of Ernie Harwell’s last night at Comerica, when the Hall of Fame Detroit Tigers broadcaster is about to give a moving thank you to a grateful city.

Installations by Dan Gunderson & Barbara Sorensen
Date: Friday, March 14
Venue: Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland
- This exhibition will include installations by two Central Florida artists, Dan Gunderson of Deland and Barbara Sorensen of Winter Park.
- The exhibition reception will take place on March 14 and is free for members and $10 for guests.

Wildflower Walk
Date: Friday, March 14
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- In partnership with South Florida State College’s Pygmy Fringe Tree Wildflower Festival, Bok Tower Gardens will host a 2-mile Wildflower Walk with Greg Kramer, Director of Horticulture, along the Gardens new Preserve Trail.

Lakeland VW Classic
Date: Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 16
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- Find music, food, fun, and tons of Volkswagen’s at the 8^th Annual Lakeland VW Show with over 45 trophies for different classes.

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team Show
Date: Saturday, March 15jkjk
Venue: Lake Silver, Winter Haven
- The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team (reestablished in 2012 by former theme park employees) performs every third Saturday of the month on Lake Silver.

Florida’s Natural Charity Classic 5K Nature Run
Date: Saturday, March 15
Venue: Grove House Visitor Center, Lake Wales
- Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation is hosting their Second Annual Charity Classic 5-K Trail Run/Walk that will begin at the Grove House Visitor Center on Saturday, March 15.

Live Green Lakeland Eco Festival
Date: Saturday, March 15
Venue: Munn Park, Lakeland
- The Junior Woman’s Club of Lakeland presents this family-friendly event highlighting the Lakeland community’s eco-friendly businesses, non-profits and organizations.

Ramon Theater 2014 Premier Music Series
Date: Saturday, March 15
Venue: Ramon Theater, Frostproof
- Dwight Icenhower, winner of numerous awards, is an outstanding Elvis Tribute Artist Winner who will perform as part of the Ramon Theater’s 2014 Premier Music Series.

TD Bank Central Park Art Festival
Date: Saturday, March 15 – Sunday, March 16
Venue: Downtown Winter Haven
- This juried art festival will feature 100 vendors, local entertainment, food and activities for children.

Chagall for Children
Date: Saturday, March 15 – Saturday, July 12
Venue: Explorations V Children’s Museum, Lakeland
- Explorations V Children’s Museum hosts the world-class traveling exhibit, Chagall for Children, an interactive, multi-sensory art exhibit featuring components that incorporate reproductions of works by master artist, Marc Chagall.

Harmonious Fare: St. Patrick’s Day
Date: Sunday, March 16
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- Journey to the Emerald Isle and find your pot o’ gold under a canopy of majestic live oak trees during this magical Singing Tower performance.

An Evening with Bill Cosby
Date: Monday, March 17
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- One of the most beloved comedians of all time, Bill Cosby, has captivated generations of fans with his special blend of comedy throughout the years and is bringing it to The Lakeland Center on March 17.

Baby Boomer Comedy Show
Date: Tuesday, March 18
Venue: Theatre Winter Haven
- In this hilarious 90-minute theatre event, fellow baby boomers and veteran comedians Jan McInnis and Kent Rader hit all the familiar topics. . . family, kids, work, do-it-yourself projects, dieting, aging and all.

Lunch & Learn Lecture Series
Date: Tuesday, March 18
Venue: Polk County History Center, Bartow
- Bring your lunch, and listen to a guest speaker on the third Tuesday monthly at the Polk County History Center.
- March’s topic and speaker is: Jeff Moates on Florida Underwater Archaeology.

The Not So Newlywed Game
Date: Tuesday, March 18
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- The Not So Newlywed Game, a live show that follows the original format of the television show, and Bob Eubanks will be at The Lakeland Center on Tuesday, March 18.

RECURRING EVENTS:

Polk Senior Games – Through March 10 (Bartow)

22^nd Annual International Carillon Festival – Through March 16 (Bok Tower Gardens)

Les Misérables – Through March 16 (Theatre Winter Haven)

Lake Wales Student Art Show – Through March 18 (Polk State Lake Wales Arts Center)

Rebel Spring Games –­ Through March 18 (Auburndale Softball Complex; DiamondPlex, Winter Haven)

Detroit Tigers Spring Training – Through March 28 ( Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland)

Ellen Spivey at The Loft Art Gallery –­ Through March 31 (The Loft Art Gallery, Lakeland)

La Florida: 500 Years In the Place of Flowers – Through April 10 (Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales)

RussMatt Central Florida Baseball Invitational – Through April 1 (Polk County)

Installations by Dan Gunderson & Barbara Sorensen – Through June 14 ( Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)

Haines City Farmers Market – Wednesdays weekly

Winter Haven Farmers Market – Thursdays weekly

Downtown Lakeland Farmers Curb Market – Saturdays weekly

Lake Wales Farmers Market – Second and fourth Saturdays monthly

3rd Saturday Market Bartow – Third Saturday monthly

Highland City Community Market – Third Saturday monthly

Mulberry Farmers Market – Third Saturday monthly

4th Saturday Market Winter Haven – Fourth Saturday monthly

Saturday Night Rodeo – Saturdays weekly (Westgate River Ranch Resort, River Ranch)

Children’s Programming: – Monday through Friday weekly (Explorations V Children’s Museum, Lakeland)

For this week’s sporting events, check out “What’s Happening in Central Florida Sports” on CatchCentralFlorida.com.

The event is sponsored in part by Visit Central Florida, WEDU, WUSF, and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Individual artist performances have been made possible by Margaret & William Burns, Pat & Don Jones, Margaret & Frank Hunt II, and Friends of Bok Tower Gardens. 

ICF will be led by Gardens’ carillonneur Geert D’hollander. Geert has studied piano, chamber music, choral- and orchestral direction, fugue, and composition at the Royal Conservatory in Antwerp, Belgium, and carillon at the Royal Carillon School in Mechelen, Belgium. He was first-prize winner in about 30 international competitions for carillon and/or composition.

“After 30 years in the carillon field, one of my goals is to encourage and promote the carillonneurs of tomorrow,” D’hollander said. “During this international festival, you will enjoy the music of four young, very talented artists who have an incredible passion for music. For each of them, it’s their first appearance at our festival, and they’re really taking things to a whole new level.”

NEW MUSIC ON OLD BELLS

The 2014 carillon festival is a musical departure and celebration of contemporary music. Visitors will hear selections from important American composers, digitally-synthesized music with live bells, new compositions, and several world and North American premieres.

The selected guest carillonneurs are all pioneering new sounds on the carillon, yet are accomplished on timeless classics. They all have recently won international competitions, come from a variety of backgrounds, and are dedicated to promoting the awareness and enjoyment of carillon music. Together with Geert, these artists will perform throughout the nine-day festival at 1 & 3 p.m. daily.

Tiffany Ng has played more than 80 concerts in 11 countries, including the opening recital of the 2008 World Carillon Federation Post-Congress Festival in Lommel, Belgium. An energetic proponent of multi-media carillon performance, she has premiered over a dozen pieces for acoustic carillon and for carillon utilizing real-time electronic sounds.

“We’re hacking Bok Tower’s extensive sound recording and amplification equipment to create sounds that have never been heard from the Singing Tower before,” Ng says. “I’m honored to be part of a long and rich tradition of festivals, and also honored to have been invited by Geert D’hollander to share my new innovations.”

A student of Geert D’hollander at the Royal Carillon School “Jef Denyn” in Belgium, Tiffany graduated magna cum laude in 2006. In the following years, she revived the years-silent carillon at the University of Rochester, serving as Instructor of Carillon and successfully training a successor to carry on the program. She now serves as Associate Carillonist of the University of California, Berkeley where she teaches performance and carillon history through the DeCal program. She has taught master classes and private lessons at institutions including Yale University and the Roosevelt Academy in The Netherlands.

Jeremy Chesman, AAGO, ChM, is University Carillonist and Associate Professor of Music at Missouri State University. A graduate of the University of Michigan where he was the first person to earn a Master of Music degree in carillon performance, Jeremy has performed throughout the United States, The Netherlands, France, Belgium and Portugal, where he played a recital of American music at the National Palace in Mafra on the European Union’s day of mourning for the events of September 11.

A specialist in American music, Jeremy has premiered works by Steven Sodders and Augustus O. Hill. He has lectured on American carillon music in Belgium and at congresses of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America. He is also working on a book about the carillon in American universities.

“This festival is the most important and historical festival in the North American carillon movement, and one of the most important in the world,” Chesman says. “It’s also nice to have a week where the carillon is the focus. We’re happy to play in the background to liven people’s days, but this week the carillon takes center stage.”

Tom Van Peer is the City Carillonneur of Lokeren, Belgium. He received his carillon diploma magna cum laude at the Royal Carillon School “Jef Denyn” in Mechelen, Belgium in 1998. That same year, he won the prestigious International Queen Fabiola Contest for carillon, as well as the prize for the best interpretation of a modern Belgian work from the Belgian Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers (SABAM).

In 2002, Tom was awarded The Outstanding Young People (TOYP) Award in the “personal development” category for his striking musical merit, despite his visual impairment. In 2003, he won a ‘Young Talent’ prize with his Nocturne No. 1 for carillon. Tom is an accomplished composer for both piano and carillon, and has performed in ten countries.In 2009, in honor of the golden wedding anniversary of Belgium’s King and Queen, Tom was invited to play the carillon at the Royal Palace of Laeken.

“For me, this unique and prestigious event is the absolute musical highlight of my career,” Van Peer says. “From what I’ve heard about this incredible instrument, I’m sure it will inspire me to compose new works, but above all, will give me an unforgettable musical experience. I can’t wait.”

Monica Kaźmierczak is the City Carillonneur of Gdansk, Poland. She studied piano at the State Academy of Music in Gdansk and obtained a master’s degree in music theory from the Gdansk Conservatory in 2003. She was selected for the prestigious Huyghens International Scholarship, enabling her to study carillon at the Dutch Carillon School in Amersfoort, Netherlands where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in 2004 and master’s degree in 2005.

In 2007, Monika was offered the Cultural Scholarship of the City of Gdansk and was able to take extensive master classes with the Gardens’ Geert D’hollander at the Royal Carillon School in Mechelen, Belgium. In addition, she obtained a master’s degree in choral conducting and is the conductor of the Gdansk Citizens’ Choir. Monika undertook several concert tours with the Hevelius Brass Ensemble (carillon and brass) and is considered one of the best female carillonneurs in the world.

“It is an honor to play during this festival. It is my first time to be here, and I’ve heard a lot of things about the beauty of this tower, carillon and place,” Kaźmierczak says. “I will present pieces that are special for me. Two of my short programs present music from my city and country that I find very beautiful. I hope you will enjoy my choices!”

ICF is part of the Gardens’ ongoing mission to share and engage with learners of all ages in music, history, and the arts. This programming is critical to the collective human experience of cultural institutions across the globe.

The Gardens’ Visitor Center will feature historical exhibits on the history, construction, and sound of the carillon from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, included with general admission.

All performances are included at no additional cost in the Gardens’ regular admission prices. Tickets may be purchased online at www.BokTowerGardens.org, or by calling the Gardens at 863-734-1222.

In addition to the Art-B-Que, live entertainment, artist demos and food trucks, the Festival will offer other family-friendly activities. A puppet building workshop and a nine-ft.-tall dinosaur will entertain children from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sat., March 8. From 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sun., March 9, Fantasy of Flight will provide hands-on aviation fun with a Cessna cockpit, balsa model plane building and other activities.

Children’s activities also include the 45th Annual Student Art Show that will showcase the best artwork from east Polk County students. Judged by artist Pat Gooden, the artwork will be displayed during the Festival and through March 18 at the Polk State Lake Wales Arts Center.

“We look forward with great anticipation to seeing the fine artwork our local students produce under the direction of their fabulous art teachers,” said Melody McKenna, Student Art Show chair. “We are so thankful that our schools are developing culturally literate students and developing that creativity that helps kick start new ideas.”

Participating elementary schools include: Babson Park; Ben Hill Griffin; Hillcrest; Janie Howard Wilson; Polk Avenue; and Spook Hill. Participating middle schools include: Bok Academy; Dundee Ridge; and McLaughlin. Participating high schools include Frostproof Jr.-Sr.; Haines City and Lake Wales.

Now in its 43rd year, the critically acclaimed Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year to the shores of Lake Wailes with free admission and parking. Up to 100 juried artists will exhibit their works in clay; drawing, graphics, pastel, digital; jewelry; mixed media and fiber; oil and acrylic; watercolor; photography; and sculpture, wood, glass and fine crafts. Awards will include the $4,000 Best of Show, $2,500 First Place Award for Exceptional Work and the $2,500 Citizens Bank & Trust Award for Exceptional Work, four $1000 Awards of Excellence, five $500 Awards of Distinction, five $300 Awards of Merit and a new, $500 People’s Choice Award. Awards selection is made without regard to category by two judges, Les Lesnick and Nancy Adams, except the People’s Choice Award.

In addition to the title sponsor, Citizens Bank & Trust, sponsors include Citrosuco; Duke Energy;  Lake Wales Medical Center; Polk State College; Publix Super Markets Charities; Sorensen & Schade Chevrolet; Visit Central Florida; with media partners Ledger Media Group; WEDU; and WUSF.

The Student Art Show will be on display 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fri. through March 18  at the Polk State Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 State Road 60 E., Lake Wales. Admission and parking for both the Festival and Student Art Show are free. Call 863-676-8426 or visit www.lakewalesartscouncil.org for more information.

No instructions are needed here, The LEGO Movie Weekends in March will feature an all out takeover of Miniland USA’s New York City and model builders need the help of park guests to transform this city into Bricksburg, home of the movie’s hero, Emmet. While LEGOLAND Florida model builders add iconic LEGO models from “The LEGO Movie” each weekend, park guests will have the chance to build alongside them and use their imaginations to create their own model that will live on and be added to the city to be transformed into Bricksburg over the four week event.

“The LEGO Movie” Weekend at LEGOLAND Florida includes the following activities:

The LEGO Movie Take Over of Miniland’s New York City – Miniland USA

Guests can use their imagination to build their own unique LEGO model to help LEGOLAND Florida Master Model Builders transform Miniland USA’s New York City into Emmet’s home town, Bricksburg. Master Model Builders will add iconic LEGO Bricksburg Models each weekend such as:

• The construction crane hoisting “The LEGO Movie” Logo over the city.
• Lord Business’ Evil Lair
• Batman’s Batwing Vehicle
• Benny’s Spaceship…and more!

New! LEGO Batman Photo Opportunity – Imagination Zone

Pose with the LEGO Batman, Wyldstyle’s boyfriend in “The LEGO Movie.”

Meet & Greet with Emmet & Wyldstyle – Imagination Zone

Fans can walk the red carpet and meet the stars of “The LEGO Movie,” Emmet and Wyldstyle.

“The LEGO Movie” Scavenger Hunt – Miniland USA

Emmet, Wyldstyle and Lord Business are lost in Miniland USA. Guests can help find them to save the day! Guests can submit an entry to win a LEGO Prize Pack at LEGOLAND.com. See website for official rules.

“The LEGO Movie” Video Game Challenge – Warner Bros. Games Zone

Gaming fans can test their skills and play the latest action-packed video game, “The LEGO Movie.”

“The LEGO Movie” Mural Build – Imagination Zone

Families can build together and help create a giant LEGO poster of “The LEGO Movie.”

“The LEGO^® Movie”

Currently in theaters nationwide, “The LEGO^® Movie” is the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO^® adventure from Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and LEGO System A/S. Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, it stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman.

“The LEGO Movie” Weekend is included with park admission and guests will have complete access to a full day of theme park fun with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass as low as $99 each. Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park, as well as all other Merlin US attractions (LEGOLAND California & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and Madam Tussauds), free parking and 10% off food and merchandise with no black-out dates. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit LEGOLAND.com.

Former Cypress Gardens southern belles in their billowing dresses and the LEGO belles, now iconic in the gardens, greeted guests to the event. The Florida Pool was filled with brightly-colored floating LEGO brick and the perimeter was adorned with fresh Florida citrus, paying homage to the iconic citrus photos made famous by Dick Pope, Sr. during the mid-1900s. 

Beginning March 6, guests are welcome to enjoy these restored areas. The gardens are an integral part of LEGOLAND Florida, adding to the already exciting line up of more than 50 family-friendly rides. From pink knuckle roller coasters to live action shows and attractions, LEGOLAND Water Park, opening April 12th, and the all-new LEGO World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network, there are offerings for all generations.

“We have taken great care to restore and maintain the historic Cypress Gardens since our opening in 2011 and we are thrilled to reopen such beloved areas as the Florida Pool and the Oriental Gardens for guests of all ages to enjoy,” said Adrian Jones, LEGOLAND Florida General Manager.

Florida’s first ever theme park, Cypress Gardens became famous for its botanical gardens, southern belles and was known as the Water Ski Capitol of the World from the 1930s through the 1960s. Cypress Gardens secured national recognition as the film site for a multitude of movies and TV shows. The Florida Pool was originally built as a set for the 1953 film, “Easy to Love”, starring Esther Williams.

Now nestled in the center of the park, LEGOLAND Florida has taken great care to restore the beautiful and historic botanical gardens to pristine condition. The collection of native plants, including azaleas and camellias, have been reclaimed and combined with a range of exotic species to create a horticultural masterpiece. The breathtaking Banyan Tree, planted in 1939 as a seedling, still stands prominent within the gardens.

“The most exciting thing about this is it makes the gardens whole again,” said Gernert. “It makes it exactly what it was when Mr. and Mrs. Pope put the concept together so many years ago.”

Cypress Gardens is included with general park admission. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass as low as $99 each. Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florid and free parking. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

Site Specifics: Works by Dan Gunderson & Barbara Sorensen

March 22-June 8
This exhibition will include installations by two Central Florida artists, Dan Gunderson of Deland and Barbara Sorensen of Winter Park. Working collaboratively, these two artists will transform the Museum with their site-specific installations that will provide visitors an opportunity to experience art environments. Gunderson has been a professor of art at Stetson University for more than 35 years. Having spent 30 years almost exclusively in ceramics, his current works visually express his observation of pop culture. Via the medium of iconic movie characters, his work reflects that we are a composite of our experiences. Sorensen is known for monumental sculptural installations that draw on geological formations and classical elements, but she recently turned her energies to large-scale environmental vessels constructed of metals and resins as well as new, experimental mixed-media prints and two-dimensional works. She discovered clay as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin. After completing her degree there, she went on to work with mentors Gunderson, Peter Voulkos, Don Reitz and others who were pushing the medium in fresh, sculptural directions.

Stephen Knapp: New Light

Through March 8
This exhibition will include 14 “lightpaintings” by Massachusetts artist Stephen Knapp. Knapp’s lightpaintings are created by using shards of fused glass, installed perpendicular to the wall’s surface, to reflect beams of colored light into abstract compositions. These unique works deepen the traditional relationship between the painter and light. They also expand the concept of light sculpture and light art, and they continue the traditions of kinetic art, op art and abstract painting. His sculptural canvases appear to be painted but are all created with light and glass. Lightpaintings are the intersection of painting, sculpture and technology by exploring color, light and space. Knapp has more than 30 years of experience creating installation art and exploring the possibilities of light. His work can be found in museum, public, corporate and private collections.

Home

Through March 23
Home is more than a building of concrete and timber. It is that place where we feel most comfortable and secure. It’s the place we all long to leave, only to wish we could go back. And, more personally, it’s the container of our most cherished treasures and beloved memories. It’s where we feel most confident and less hustled to be something we are not. It’s a sense of belonging. It’s a much needed opportunity to let down our guards. It’s a chance to be open, critical, and uncontested with ourselves. Home is more than a place. It’s a state of mind.

Home can be a powerful subject for artists. As a repository for so many of our intrapersonal traits and a physical reminder of our identities, the idea of home can represent freedom, sentimentality, rawness, and honesty in an artist’s work. In this exhibition, we select artworks from the Museum’s Permanent Collection that relate to this important sense of home.

STUDENT GALLERY

Free to Be Me: 3^rd-5^th Grade Students Exhibition

March 8-April 6

This exhibition highlights the artwork of Polk County’s elementary school students in grades three through five.
Recognition ceremony: 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 8

EVENTS

The History of America in 101 Objects

Thursday, March 6, 6:30 p.m. at PMoA
Friday, March 7, 4:00 p.m. at Winter Haven Library
Admission: Free for members, $10 for guests

Reducing the Smithsonian’s collection of some 137 million objects to a mere 101 to tell the story of America is no easy task. But aided by more than 100 curators, Dr. Richard Kurin did just that in a new book, “The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects.” Kurin, a world-renowned expert on the Hope Diamond and the under secretary for history, art and culture at the Smithsonian, will lecture about his book and the objects featured within its pages.

Exhibition Reception

Friday, March 21, 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Free for members, $10 for guests

Join us to celebrate our new exhibition, “Site Specifics,” featuring the work of Central Florida artists Dan Gunderson and Barbara Sorensen. The artists will discuss their work beginning at 6 p.m. A reception featuring light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar will follow.

WORKSHOPS & TOURS

Docent-Led Tours

Every Saturday, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Docents volunteer to lead free tours of the current exhibitions every Saturday. Tours begin at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Spring Break Art Camp

March 24 – 28, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Theme: Around the World
For students ages 7 to 14
Cost: $130 PMoA members, $150 non-members (per student); before/after camp care (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) available for an additional $75 (space is limited)

If you are looking for something fun for your students to do during spring break, bring them to Polk Museum of Art! We’re planning a fun week of art activities centered around the Museum’s “Material World” and “Hungry Planet” exhibitions. Classes are filled with fun activities for happy campers to serious artists in first grade to 14 years old. This week will be filled with projects themed around the arts from cultures around the world. Participants will enjoy FUN classes in Drawing/Painting, Sculpture and Performance/Stage Craft. Teachers and staff are fingerprinted and background-checked in accordance with the Jessica Lunsford Act. Sign up early! We have space for only 60 students. Call 863.688.5423 for details or to reserve a spot.

Family Fun Workshops 

Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
COST: Free
Family Fun Workshops provide a safe, fun environment for families to participate together in hands-on activities led by an art educator. Workshops are held at the Museum and at facilities in Polk County as a part of our ongoing community outreach efforts.

March theme: Button Making
March 1: PMoA
March 15: Auburndale Public Library

ABOUT POLK MUSEUM OF ART

Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts in Central Florida. The Museum is one of the Top 10 art museums in the State of Florida, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the only art museum accredited by the American Association of Museums serving the 561,000 residents of Polk County. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays; 1 – 5 p.m. Sundays; and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free for Museum members. General admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors (62 and older). Children and students with student IDs are admitted for free. Special exhibition fees may apply. Admission is free to all on Thursdays, thanks to our partnership with the Chao Foundation; Fridays, thanks to our BB&T; and Saturdays, thanks to MIDFLORIDA. The Museum is fully accessible.