Attend arts activities in October and register for a chance to win awesome “ARTS” prizes! The rules are easy. Look for the Heart of the Arts Logo at participating arts and cultural events in Polk County.  Provide your contact information only one time at each activity, so we can contact you if you are a winner, and you are done. The events are listed in Art-i-facts Magazine and on the Polk Arts website.

The more activities you experience, the more opportunities you have to win. Drawings will take place in early November.

Oct 3: Auditions for “It’s A Wonderful Life” at 7pm

Oct 3: After School Art (Ages 5 and up) at Polk Museum of Art, 4:30-5:30pm

Oct 3-7: Explorations V Children’s Daily Sessions

Oct 5: RAW TV at Southeastern University

Oct 6: NOVA – “The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies” at Bok Tower Gardens

Oct 6: FSC’s Florida Lecture Series Welcomes Frank Laumer – “Soldiers, Seminoles, and Slavery: Florida and the Second Seminole War”

Oct 6-9: The Full Monty at Theatre Winter Haven

Oct 7: View & Review – Critiquing Emerging Artists (Photography) at Polk Museum of Art

Oct 7: Ask a Gardener at Bok Tower Gardens

Oct 7: People’s Choice at Arts on the Park

Oct 7: Half Price Admission to Explorations V Children’s Museum from 6-8pm

Oct 7: Cracker Storytelling Festival Ghost Stories at Polk County Historical Museum

Oct 7-8: THE EDGE Stage Read Series – “Hot L Baltimore” at Lakeland Community Theatre

View the complete October EVENT CALENDAR>>

Sept 19-23, 10:30am-12:00pm
Daily Sessions at Explorations V Children’s Museum

Magical Monday, Sept 19           Where the Wild Things Are       Literacy
Terrific Tuesday, Sept 20           Fall Leaf Match                              School Readiness
Wacky Wednesday, Sept 21       Cracker Toppers                           Cup Cooking”
Thrilling Thursday, Sept 22       Traffic Sign Shapes                      Science/Math
Fun Friday, Sept 23                      Sunflower Garden                        Creative Activities

All sessions are included with admission, which is $7 per person. Senior Citizens age 65 and over and military are $3.50. Children under two are free. Additional information can be obtained by calling 863.687.3869 or via email to info@explorationsv.com.  Visit us on the web at www.explorationsv.com.

Sept 20, 5:45-7:00pm
Tea & Symphony: Magic of the Flute
The Lake Hunter Room at The Lakeland Center

The first event of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra’s 2011-2012 Season. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, tea or a glass of wine with other music lovers and learn about the life and music of the composers featured on the upcoming Masterworks Concert on the following Tuesday (Sept 27). These fascinating lecture/demonstrations are facilitated by Music Director Mark Thielen. Admission is $15 at the door. Phone: 863.688.3743.

Sept 21, 7:00pm and 9:00pm
RAW TV: Live Shows in Bolin Studio

Southeastern University’s RAW TV, is a live, student-produced, television talk show that targets young adults. The mission of RAW TV, whose acronym stands for “Real And Willing,” is to openly discuss relevant issues and topics with its guests. In September 2007, the show began appearing nationwide on National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Network via satellite television. Learn more about RAW TV on the Southeastern University website or by phone 863.667.5119.

Sept 15-18: The Full Monty presented by Theatre Winter Haven at the Chain of Lakes Complex. Thu-Sat, Sept 15-17, 7:30pm; Sun, Sept 18, 2:30pm.  Adults $22/Students $19. Can’t make it this week? You are in luck. The show runs through October 9th. Tickets: 863-294-7469.

Sept 16-18: The Wind in the Willows, a “Theatre for Youth” production of Lakeland Community Theatre at the Lake Mirror Theatre. This weekend only! Fri, Sat 7:30pm and Sat, Sun 2pm. $10 Adults /$8 Children 12 & Under. Tickets: 863-603-7529.

Sept 16-18: The Tale of Snow White, a children’s theatre production of Lake Wales Little Theatre. Fri-Sat, Sept 16-17, 7:30pm; Sun, Sept 18 2:00pm. The show also runs next weekend (Sept 23-25). Adults $10 /18 & Under $7. Call the voice-mail ticket line at 863-679-8587.

Saturday, Sept 17, 2011. Family Day: World on a Plate.  11am to 3pm. Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland’s FREE annual open house and art carnival for the entire family! Information: 863-688-5423.

Saturday, September 17. Opening Reception for Inspirations: The Member’s Exhibition at Ridge Art Association in the Chain of Lake Complex, Winter Haven. 6:30 to 8:30pm.  Check out the FREE exhibition before you go see The Full Monty right across the lobby. Phone 863-291-5661 for more information.

September 18:  Hidden Garden Melodies from noon to 4pm. Guitarist Joe Gavin performs in the East Glade of Bok Tower Gardens. Included with general admission of Adults $10 / Children $3. Phone 863-676-1408 for more information.

Sunday, September 18th from 2-4pm enjoy the Over 55 Show Band in the Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre at Polk State College. Tickets $8/person. Phone: (863)297-1050.

Sunday, September 18th. Enjoy a Mel Brooks Double Feature for only $5/person at the historic Polk Theatre in Lakeland. Blazing Saddles begins at 2pm. Young Frankenstein begins at 4pm.

View the Polk Arts Alliance event calendar to learn more about these events and other arts and cultural events happening throughout Polk County.

Explorations V will provide hands-on party activities and three floors of exhibits to explore throughout the day. X5 Buddy, Explorations V’s robot, will also be on hand. All activities are included with admission, which is $7 per person. Senior citizens 65 and older are $3.50. Children under two and museum members are free.

Saturday, August 27th; 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Live at the Gardens: Garrison Doles
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales
Garrison Doles is a true singer and songwriter, often telling stories as he entertains. His style ranges from a subtle folk/blues mixture combined with strong melodies to humorous and upbeat. Audiences will enjoy listening to the lyrics of his original songs. Doles has recently won major songwriting competitions in North Carolina, Texas, Florida and Massachusetts and continues to tour nationally, performing at festivals, coffeehouses and house concerts.

Come early for dinner! Dinner options are Homemade Meat Lasagna with Sauteed Green Beans or Homemade Vegetable Lasagna with Sauteed Green Beans. Each selection includes a vegetable, salad, rolls, iced tea, soda or coffee, and dessert. Dinner will be served from 5:45 – 7 p.m. at the Blue Palmetto Café. Call 863.734.1222 for reservations.

$20. Members receive a 10% discount. Limited seating. Indoor concert. Advance ticket purchase recommended.

For additional information contact MOSI at 813 987 6000 or Explorations V Children’s Museum at 863 687 3869.

Explorations V Children’s Museum is located at 109 North Kentucky Avenue in downtown Lakeland. Hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm.  Regular admission price is $5 per person. Senior citizens 65 and older are $2.50 each. Explorations V Children’s Museum members and children under two are free.

It all starts Saturday, September 18 at 11:00am, and besides the great entertainment (that I’ll be telling you about below), the first 500 school age children through the door will receive a free bag of art supplies!

So what can you do or see at Family Day? How about performances by Didgeridoo Down Under, magician Luis Campaneria, Tampa Taiko Japanese drumming, and the Kuumba Dancers & Drummers? You can also find balloon bending, face painting, a community sculpture project, a global stick game, portrait sketches, a bake sale, and tables about countries from all over the world. For art activities, you can try your hand at paper African masks, origami lanterns, Japanese kimono dolls and carp kites, Moroccan good luck hands, Australian didgeridoos, and Chinese good luck door hangers.

The event runs 11:00am – 3:00pm on September 18. You won’t want to miss it!

This year’s Family Day features a “Going Green” theme. Activities and entertainment will feature a variety of eco-friendly ways to be artistic and creative, including the chance to participate in the construction of a large sculpture made from recycled materials. A diverse entertainment schedule will include Tampa Taiko, Japanese drummers whose instruments are made from recycled wine barrels; didgeridoos made from old PVC pipes by Didgeridoo Down Under; a recycled magic show by Luis Campaneria; and more.

The event takes place from 11am – 3pm, and art supplies will be given away while supplies last.

Family Day part of the Diversity Partnership Multicultural Week and is sponsored by: MIDFLORIDA,  The George W. Jenkins Fund though the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland, BCI Engineers & Scientists, Mosaic, The AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Friends of the Lakeland Public Library, Kohl’s, Pepperidge Farm, and Party People Celebration Company.

First, there’s the Family Halloween Party at the Museum, which, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, takes place on Halloween! Bring the kids from 4 – 7pm for an early evening of spooky stories, a scavenger hunt through the Museum, creepy art activities, games, prizes, and a raffle to win some wonderful Halloween pastries. Admission is $5 per child, and children have to have a parent with them. Go here to register ahead of time.

If you didn’t feel like doing the Halloween thing, or maybe you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids on Saturday, then bring them BACK to the Museum for our Day of the Dead Family Celebration. The day is divided into three segments. First, make a Day of the Dead mask at the Family Fun Workshop at 10:30. Then, wear that mask in a Day of the Dead Parade at 12:30. Finally, create a Day of the Dead altar at our afternoon Art Workshop at 1:00. The first two events are FREE (whoo hoo!), but the Art Workshop is $2 per child for materials. Still! It’s a cheap way to spend the day AND keep the kids entertained. There’s no registration required, so just show up!

But we haven’t forgotten about the adults. Starting at 7pm, experience Death by Chocolate. The event have a festive Day of the Dead theme and will feature five chocolate stations with treats from local caterers and specialty shops, a signature chocolate drink, music by flamenco guitarist Nathan Herrera, and a special performance by Florida Dance Theatre. Dessert plates that have been hand-painted by local artists will also be available for purchase, and sales will benefit the Museum’s Education Programs. Tickets to Death by Chocolate are $30 per person and you must be at least 21 years old to attend. Go here to buy your tickets.

I hope to see you at the Museum! Death by Chocolate sounds like my kind of event, and I know my sister’s planning to bring my nephew to the Halloween Party. Maybe I can get his Shugi to bring him back for Day of the Dead…

Fantasy of Flight and Polk Museum of Art are teaming up for fun new art contest for kids ages 3 – 12. All you have to do is draw a picture of something that takes place at Roar n’ Soar: speedboating on a lake, skydiving and parachuting, driving a race car, or an aerial maneuver of a WWII plane.

Several categories are being offered and winners will be picked in each one. Winning artwork will be displayed at the 2nd Annual Roar N’ Soar (which takes place November 8-9 at Fantasy of Flight) and on www.roar-n-soar.com and www.PolkMuseumofArt.org. Plus, first place winners in each category will receive a prize package including a family four pack of tickets to Roar N’Soar!

Check out www.fantasyofflight.com and www.PolkMuseumofArt.org for complete rules and entry forms. (Ya gotta follow the rules or you can’t win the prizes!) Entries are due by October 29, and winners will be notified on November 3. There’s no time to lose!

• Platform Florida’s Invitational Exhibition will be on display at Arts on the Park in Downtown Lakeland until August 26. Platform, for those of you who don’t know, is a local organization that hosts art parties all over the Lakeland area about 3 times a year. The parties feature great artists, fashion, films, music, and performance art. This exhibition will primarily focus on the visual artists, but I understand that the opening reception (8/1, 6-9pm) will involve music and film, as well.
• The Imperial Symphony Orchestra will be holding auditions for the 2008-2009 season by appointment only on August 5. Call 688-3743 or email info@imperialsymphony.org for information.
• Explorations V will be hosting its 17th Birthday X-travaganza and Marvelous Me! exhibition premier on August 23 from 10am – 3pm. The party will include all sorts of activities and museum exploration, particularly of the new exhibition which was designed by the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa. Admission is $5 per person and $2.50 for senior citizens.
• The Repeatles will be performing at Bok Tower Gardens on August 23 at 7:30pm. The Repeatles perform nostalgic 50s and 60s tunes by the likes of Buddy Holly, Elvis, the Everly Brothers, The Rolling Stones, and The Beatles, just to name a few. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
• On August 26, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra will be hosting their first Music & Martinis of the year. The event will be held at the Exhibit Hall East at the Lakeland Center, and features light hors d’oeuvres and martinis made by celebrity guest bartenders. Tickets are $30 in advance ($40 on the day of the event) and include two martini coupons and a ballot to cast your vote for the best martini in Polk County. You have to be at least 21 years old to attend.

Last but not least, and since it is near and dear to my heart, let me tell you about August at Polk Museum of Art. Not only should you get in to see all the great exhibitions that are on display right now, but there are a few events in the works, too:

• August 8 – 10, the Museum will be hosting performances of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple by the Society Players of Lakeland. Tickets are $12 for General Admission and $9 for Students and Seniors. The performances are a benefit for the Museum’s SummerArt Camp Scholarship Fund to help deserving children develop their artistic talents!
• On August 17 at 5:00pm, the Center for Creative Studies will be meeting at the Museum to explore the fun world of didgeridoo playing. Guest speaker Lindsey Dank will lead participants through this fun workshop and talk about Australian music, culture, nature, and art. Tickets are $12 for Museum Members and $15 for Non-Members and include wine and light hors d’oeuvres. Registration with payment is required by August 11. Call 863-688-5423 to register.
• Tuesday, August 19 at 10:30am you can go on a Curator Tour of the exhibition All That Glitters is English Silver. Todd Behrens, the Curator of Art, will lead the tour and talk about the various pieces that are on display. It’s FREE with Museum admission and I think it even includes coffee!
• Finally, for the kids, there will be two Family Fun Workshops hosted in August. The first one is Saturday, August 2 at 10:30am at the Museum, and the second is Saturday, August 30 at 10:30am at Auburndale Public Library. Both workshops are completely FREE and will feature an activity about hand-coloring photographs.

So that’s all I know about! At least for now! I don’t want to hear any complaints about there not being anything to do around here. I’ve just given you a bunch of things.

And believe me, there are A LOT more planned for the rest of the year. A LOT. Pick up the new issue of Art-i-Facts when it comes out at the end of August to see just how much! Art-i-Facts can be picked up at any of Polk County’s arts organizations or you can read it online at www.PolkMuseumofArt.org or www.polkartsalliance.org. I hope to see you around!