Lake Wales Arts Center >>>> "You Gotta Have Art"

The Lake Wales Arts Center has something for everyone. It is a treasure trove of visual art and music located in the charming historic building at the corner of State Road 60 and 11th Street in Lake Wales, Florida. The Lake Wales Arts Center is owned and operated by the Lake Wales Arts Council and offers a year-round variety of classes, concerts and exhibitions in a state of-the-arts gallery.

We are open to the public Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 1 - August 31. From September 1 - May 31, the Arts Center is also open Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. There is no admission fee. Visitors may enjoy our current exhibit in the Michael Crews Gallery and the Permanent Collection throughout the building, all while enjoying the beautiful architecture of the historic, Spanish Mission-style building, which was formerly the Holy Spirt Catholic Church built in 1927.

Please join us for the 38^th Annual Lake Wales Art Show on
March 28 & 29, 2009

The critically acclaimed Lake Wales Art Show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 28 & 29, 2009 from 10 AM to 5 PM both days. The outdoor festival features more than 125 artists from around the nation and abroad and receives 30,000 visitors annually from throughout the South. Buyers and lookers can stroll the “walk of art” under a canopy of oak and sky on the shores of Lake Wailes, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Lake Wailes National Audubon birding trail.

The Lake Wales Art Show distinguishes itself by finding talented new artists as well as those who have become nationally renowned. Exhibits feature exceptional examples of fine arts and crafts, including painting in acrylic, oil, watercolor, and mixed media as well as basketry, sculpture, photography, pottery, glass, jewelry, ceramics and more. The variety of media and style offers something of interest for every level of collector.

This year’s special exhibitor is Ruby C. Williams, who is a folk artist and a native of Bealsville, A traditional and historic African American town in Hillsborough County near Plant City. Ruby began her career as an artist in the 1980’s while running a small roadside produce stand. She made bright signs of strawberries, watermelons and the like that helped her advertise her produce. Her customers loved her artwork and soon began buying just as much artwork as produce. Now, Ruby’s work can be found in the Smithsonian Museum for African American History and Culture as well as in private collections and galleries all over the world. Her work features bright colors and often has messages that are descriptive or religious. Please stop and take a look at her artwork when you visit the show.

Live musical entertainment, specialty foods and an exciting children’s activity area make for an experience that whole family will enjoy. Encourage the budding artists in your child with paints, glue, glitter, and other supplies to create a hangs-on creative session. The children’s are area is under the auspice of Mr. Rick Olivo.

All are invited to this free event (no admission fee and no charge for parking). The event is an annual, juried art show produced by a volunteer committee of the Lake Wales Arts Council, Inc. with more than 200 volunteers from the community. Bring the family and meet your friends at the 38^th Annual Lake Wales Art Show.

Directions to the Arts Show: From I-4, take US Highway 27 South and turn left onto Central Avenue, which leads directly to Lake Wailes, turn left. From SR 60, take US Highway 27 North 1 block, turn right onto Central Avenue to Lake Wailes, turn left. Free parking will be available on either side of the art show site.