Attend arts activities this month 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 one time at each activity, so we can contact you if you are a winner. The more activities you experience, the more opportunities you have to win. Drawings take place in early November.

This weekend in the Heart of the Arts (Oct 7-9):

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 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” LCT at Lake Mirror Theatre

Oct 8: Opening Reception for Student Exhibition at Polk Museum of Art

Oct 8: History Highlights Polk Proud 150 at 2pm at Bok Tower Gardens

Oct 8: Underground at the Polk at the Historic Polk Theatre

Oct 9: Edward W. Bok Birthday Carillon Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens

View the complete EVENT CALENDAR.

Visit our listing with links to Polk’s arts & cultural organizations.

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>>

View the October events calendar on polkarts.org, or learn more about the inaugural Heart of the Arts Festival in the fall issue of Art-i-facts Magazine available at Polk Outpost 27, Polk Museum of Art, Theatre Winter Haven, Lake Wales Arts Center and numerous arts and cultural venues throughout Polk County.

Polk’s inaugural  Heart of the Arts Festival is sponsored in part by the Polk County Advertising Federation.

Saturday, October 1^st

7pm & 10pm: Le Cabaret de Polk at the Historic Polk Theatre inLakeland. The songs of Johnny Cash performed by some of your favorite local artists: Brian Sutherland, Craig Morby, Sarah Machinia, Kimberly Milton, and Sharon Clark. Directed by Paul Hughes. Musical director Patrick Fleitz.

2:30pm & 7:30pm: The Full Monty at Theatre Winter Haven.  At heart, a musical comedy, this is the most fun you can have when others take their clothes off. In fact, you may laugh so hard you can hardly “bare” it. Katrina Ploof directs the action with Kevin Davis choreographing.

10am – Noon: Lake Wales Arts Council hosts a Meet the Highwaymen and painting demo by Florida Highwayman Robert Lewis.  Highwaymen Al Black and Issac Knight will also be in attendance. Bob Beatty’s Florida’s Highwaymen, Legendary Landscapes books are available at the Arts Center.  This event is the perfect time to purchase a book and have it signed! Paintings by all three Highwaymen will be available for sale. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are always appreciated.

10am – 4pm (bring your own lunch): Beginning Photography – Point & Shoot at Polk Museum of Art with instructor Gregory Mills. Cost: $35 Members, $50 Non-Members (Pre-registration Required)

10:30am – Noon: Family Fun Workshop – Drawing at the Polk Museum of Art. A safe, fun environment for families to participate together in hands-on activities led by an art educator. FREE for everyone.

7:30pm: Ultimate Broadway: Memorable Movement & Musical Moments with Lakeland Community Theatre and Florida Dance Theatre.

Sunday, October 2^nd

2:30pm: The Full Monty at Theatre Winter Haven.  Last chance is Oct 6-9.

2:00pm: Last chance to see Ultimate Broadway: Memorable Movement & Musical Moments with Lakeland Community Theatre and Florida Dance Theatre.

2:00pm: Sunday Classic Film Walk the Line at Historic Polk Theatre.

2:00pm: Auditions for It’s A Wonderful Life at Theatre Winter Haven.

Learn more about what’s going on in Central Florida’s Heart of the Arts by viewing the October events calendar on polkarts.org, picking up the fall issue of Art-i-facts Magazine available at Polk Outpost 27, Polk Museum of Art, Theatre Winter Haven, Lake Wales Arts Center and numerous arts and cultural venues throughout Polk County, or at visitcentralflorida.org.

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.

Friday, September 2nd

Okay, it’s First Friday and I live in Lakeland. So, I’m off to celebrate the Dog Days of Summer that takes place from 6-9pm in Downtown Lakeland. First, I’m going to Five Guys Burgers and Fries for dinner at around 4:30pm. I’ve never been to Five Guys, so I’m trying something new.  After dinner, I’m heading downtown to check out the classic cars on Tennessee Avenue, to stroll the shops and wander the gallery at Arts on the Park where I’ll vote for the People’s Choice Award before I find my place to watch the Pooch Parade.

The Pooch Parade begins at 7:30pm on the corner of Bay Street and Kentucky Avenue, will proceed south on Kentucky Avenue past Munn Park, and ends at the intersection of South Kentucky Avenue and Lemon Street.  I don’t have a dog, but I enjoy seeing other people’s dogs.

Saturday, September 3rd

I’m an early riser and I want to get on the road quickly before I find myself working on the computer, doing housecleaning or yard work.  First, I’m off to Lake Wales to check out the new exhibit in the Michael Crews Gallery at the Lake Wales Arts Center.

Against All Odds: The Florida Highwaymen opened at the Lake Wales Arts Center on September 1st and runs through October 13th. The exhibit features paintings from all 26 of the Florida Highwaymen and offers a rare opportunity to view some of the most iconic images of Florida.  The LWAC is open Saturday from 9am-4pm.

After visiting the Highwaymen exhibit, I’m heading to Bok Tower Gardens for lunch in the Blue Palmetto Cafe, then a stroll through the Emerging Environmentalists: McLaughlin Middle School & Fine Arts Academy Art Exhibit in the Visitor’s Center. This exhibit includes the original artwork on the front cover of the summer issue of Art-i-facts Magazine created by Mariela Cruz.  The exhibit ends on September 29th.  At 1pm, I plan to listen to the Singing Tower Carillon from my favorite place in the Gardens, the Window on the Pond. After my visit to Lake Wales, it will be time to drive home for a much deserved nap.  I love naps.  By the way, Bok Tower Gardens is open 365 days a year from 8am-6pm, with the last admission at 5pm.

Sunday, September 4th

Okay, I’ll admit it.  I’ve never seen the classic film Casablanca.  So, I’m heading to the Polk Theatre to see it at 2pm on the big screen. And, I’m saving up some of my calories for the day to have some popcorn and a beer at the Theatre. I’m not normally much of a moviegoer, because I have troubles sitting still, but the Polk Theatre is one of my favorite Polk places.  I’ll record the Rays vs Orioles game at 1:40pm to watch later.

I’m reserving Monday for total relaxation, visiting the grandkids and of course the Rays vs Rangers game at 1:10pm.

Have a wonderful Lazy Day Weekend in beautiful Central Florida.

January 4, 1:30pm and 7:00pm: Opera Overtures: A theatre broadcast preview of Puccini’s La Fancuilla del West (The Girl of the Golden West).  Live in theatres on January 8th at 1:00pm at Cobb Theatres Lakeside Village 18 Cinemas in Lakeland and Cobb Grand 10 Cinemas in Winter Haven. Learn more!

On exhibit through January 7 at the Lake Wales Municipal Building: Municipal Fine Art Show sponsored by Lake Wales Arts Council and City of Lake Wales.  Learn more!

On exhibit through January 8 at Polk Museum of Art – Eye See America: Through the Lens of Joshua Mann Pailet and Visual Unity 2.  Learn more!

January 9, 1:00pm and 3:30pm: Edward Bok Memorial Carillon Concerts. Commemorate the life of Gardens’ founder Edward W. Bok who died January 9, 1930, less than a year after his beloved Singing Tower was dedicated.  Free with admission.  Learn more!

January 13, 7:30pm: Afiara String Quartet, Updike Hall at Lake Wales Arts Center.  Learn more!

January 17, 1:00pm and 3:30pm:  Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Carillon Concerts featuring music of hope, inspiration and peace honoring Dr. King. Learn more!

January 18, 7:30-8:30pm:  Moonlight Carillon Concert at Bok Tower Gardens.  Learn more!

January 19, 7:30pm: Singer and comedian Mark Lowry performs benefit concert for Southeastern University at The Historic Polk Theatre. Learn more!

January 21, 8:20pm (2020 hours): Pecha Kucha Night Lakeland at 241 S. Kentucky Ave in Lakeland.  The doors open at 7:20pm for this fun and creative event where eight creatives give thought-provoking and entertaining presentations of 20 slides for 20 seconds.  Learn more!

January 21 – April 1: Municipal Fine Art Show at the Lake Wales Municipal Building.  The opening reception and awards ceremony are on January 21 from 5:00-7:00pm.  Learn more!

January 22, 7:00pm: The Imperial Symphony Orchestra’s Night at the Opera takes place in Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College.  This 10th anniversary season celebration includes selections from Madama Butterfly, Carmen, Barber of Seville, La Traviata, Tosca, La Boheme, Lakme, Cavalleria Rusticana, Samson & Delilah, Le Nozze Di Figaro and Lucia Di Lammermoor with a nationally renowned cast, including Stella Zambalis, Mark Thomsen, Thomas Potter, John Thomasson and Christina Sale, led by Artistic Director James Caraher, Indianapolis Opera.  Learn more!

January 23, 4:30pm: Music at Pinewood Concert Series: Duo Turgeon, Piano. Learn more!

On exhibit through January 27 at Lake Wales Arts Center – Ringling College of Art and Design Trustee Scholar Artists.  Learn more!

January 27 – April 21: 12-Week Watercolor Art Classes at Bok Tower Gardens.  Thursdays, except April 14. Beginning/Intermediate: 9:30am-12:30pm, Intermediate/Advanced: 1:30-4:30pm.  Learn more!

January 29, 7:30pm: Leap of Faith – A hand-clapping, toe-tapping evening of gospel music featuring some of the finest voices of church choir members from around the community. Celebrate faith, family and heritage.  This jubilant salute will lift your spirits and restore your soul.  Presented on the Bartow Performing Arts Series at Bartow Elementary Auditorium.  Learn more!

January 30: Sundays @ the Center – Singing Tree, 2:00pm.  Updike Hall at the Lake Wales Arts Center.  A special name for a unique duo. Celtic, folk and traditional music.  Learn more!

January 30, 2pm. One day only – “Thank you for the music – the music of ABBA,” a joint production of Theatre Winter Haven and Lakeland Community Theatre presented at The Historic Polk Theatre.  Tickets available through the Polk Theatre are $25, $20, $15.  Phone: 863.682.7553.  Learn more! Purchase tickets online here!

Learn more about arts events and news by visiting the Polk Arts website.

Nov 11-14: Harrison School of the Arts presents Camelot
Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm / Sunday at 2:00pm
Ticket Prices: $10 Adults / $8 Senior Citizens and Students
Purchase tickets online.  The box office will be open 1 hour prior to the performance.  Phone: 863-499-2939.  Harrison Arts Website.

Nov. 12-14: Architecture in Landscape Art Workshop
A three-day workshop for intermediate & advanced students of watercolor, acrylic and oils with artist Gary Gessford at Bok Tower Gardens in the setting of Pinewood Estate.  Bok Tower Gardens Website.

Nov. 12: View & Review at Polk Museum of Art
Polk Museum of Art hosts another installment of View & Review, an informal art critique for emerging artists. This View and Review is led by Rocky Bridges and Leslie Neumann, two of the artists who have work on display in the exhibition Visual Unity 2. The event starts at 6:00pm. Artists who wish to have their work critiqued by Bridges and Neumann must pre-register, but the event is also open to people who are interested in simply hearing what is said.  Admission is $15 per piece for artists who are presenting artwork, and $5 for the audience.  A cash bar will also be available.  Artists must pre-register by calling 863-688-5423 by November 9.  Polk Museum of Art Website.

Nov 13: Behind the Art of Visual Unity 2
On Saturday, November 13, Polk Museum of Art hosts a roundtable discussion of the Visual Unity 2 exhibition. At least nine artists are confirmed for the event, which delves into the experiences of the artists as they prepared their artwork for the exhibition. The event is from 1:00 – 2:00pm, and is free with regular Museum admission.  The confirmed artists to speak at Behind the Art are: Rocky Bridges (Tarpon Springs), Leslie Neumann (Aripeka), Lucia Taxdal (Winter Haven), Monica Eastman (Plant City), Monica Londono (Sarasota), Theo Wujcik (Tampa), Kirk ke Wang (Tampa), Jill Cannady (Deland), and Robert Stackhouse (St. Petersburg). Other artists may appear if their schedules allow.  Learn more at the Polk Museum of Art Website.

Nov 13: Polk County Art Teacher’s Invitational Reception
A reception for the Polk County Art Teacher’s Invitational takes place at Ridge Art Association Gallery on Saturday, November 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.  The exhibition runs in the Gallery from October 26—November 17, 2010.  Visit the Ridge Art Website.

Nov 15: American Festival Pops Concert
The Lakeland Choral Society presents an American Festival Pops Concert at the Ramon Theater in Frostproof on Monday, November 15 at 7:30pm.  Tickets: Adults $10, Students $5.  Tickets are available at the door on the evening of the concert.  Click here to visit Lakeland Choral Society on the web.

Learn more about arts and cultural activities and how you can support the arts by visiting the Polk Arts Alliance Website.

Intermediate/advanced: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Beginner/intermediate: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Limit 12 per class; reservations required. Materials list will be provided.

Internationally-acclaimed Clarita Filgueiras is Founder and Artistic Director of Flamenco Puro Dance Company. Her Spanish grandmother was a Flamenco singer and her Spanish father was an afficionado of the cante which she heard from a very early age.

Specializing in the intricate and complicated art of Flamenco, Ms. Filgueiras keeps abreast of its evolution by touring, performing, and by continuously traveling to Spain.  Her performing credits include dancing with the Gypsy Kings as soloist on tours; a six month engagement in Frankfurt, Germany as soloist dancer at the Tiger Palast and Al Andalus; performing with Placido Domingo at MTV studios; filming an instructional dance series for “Ole TV”; and modeling for Star Styled Dance Magazine, and numerous photographers and painters.

The Flamenco Puro performance takes place in Updike Hall, Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 SR 60 E, Lake Wales.  You are invited to visit the Michael Crew Gallery beforehand to explore decades of personal photographs documenting the changing urban landscape of Cuba reflected through three artists’ visions of their people. Pedro Ascabal, Enrique de la Uz, and Lisette Solorzano bring three generational perspectives.

For more information about the Lake Wales Arts Council and Center, and to purchase tickets for Flamenco Puro, call (863)676-8426.  Tickets: $20 members, $25 non- members.  Students with ID: $5.00