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Arts & Rec!
About the Program
The City of Lakeland Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department is excited to introduce "Arts & Rec!" A program to provide exposure to art in our Recreation facilities through classes and programs, highlighting art and artists in our venues, and rotating art exhibitions featuring Central Florida artists. A 'Call for Art,' will be hosted and organized in partnership with Art Crawl, Inc. - a Lakeland-based nonprofit organization serving as a catalyst to celebrate the emergence of new and innovative artists in Central Florida. Artwork will be chosen for the exhibitions based on originality, skill, the appearance of the artist's voice, visual impact, quality, and each physical exhibition space. Artwork must be framed and/or ready to be securely hung for consideration. The City of Lakeland will provide name plaques for each exhibition, which will include artist information and options on how to purchase the artwork directly.
Visit our exhibits at Kelly Recreation Complex, Simpson Park Community Center, Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, Coleman-Bush Building, and City Hall.
Current Exhibit
Theme: "Drawing and Painting"
Any artwork using digital art of photography as the medium is welcome. Art must be suitable for wall mounted display. Art pieces cannot exceed the maximum size of 48x60x6 and maximum weight of 20lbs. (No copyright images will be accepted.)
Artwork will be chosen for the exhibition based on theme, originality, skill, the appearance of the artist's voice, visual impact, quality, and physical exhibition space. Additionally, artwork must be in good taste and mindful of the exhibition's intent and community’s standards. Profanity, obscenity or objectionable material will not be accepted.
Exhibition Dates: August 17 - October 18
Drawing and Painting Exhibition Artists:
City Hall:
- Alan Metzger (Wesley Chapel)
- Julie TerHaar (Lakeland)
- Leighton Wyatt (Lakeland)
Coleman-Bush Building:
- Charlotte Borah (Lakeland)
Kelly Recreation Complex:
- Alex Martinez (Mulberry)
- Allyson Bode (Winter Garden)
- Julie Stone (Lakeland)
- Ron Wilder (Lakeland)
Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex:
- Carol Hughes (Lakeland)
- J.E. Sherling (Lakeland)
- Meredith Pope (Lakeland)
- Peggy Gallaher (Lakeland)
- Sarah Paletta (Lakeland)
- Wayne Otto (Lakeland)
Simpson Park Community Center:
- Angela Hansen (Winter Haven)
- DoN Brewer (Plant City)
- Shirin Moghadasi (Lakeland)
Call for Art
Theme: People Places & Things
Any artwork that is created to represent People, Places, or Things as a subject matter. Artwork can be of any medium, but must be in good taste and mindful of the exhibition's intent and community standards. Artwork must be suitable for wall mounted display. (No copyright images will be accepted.) Art pieces must be 12"x12" or larger for consideration, but not exceed the maximum size of 48"x60"x6" or maximum weight of 20lbs.
Artwork will be chosen for the exhibition based on theme, originality, skill, the appearance of the artist's voice, visual impact, quality, and physical exhibition space. Additionally, artwork must be in good taste and mindful of the exhibition's intent and community’s standards. Profanity, obscenity or objectionable material will not be accepted.
Exhibition Dates: November 16, 2026 - February 14, 2027
Application Dates: August 24, 2026 - September 20, 2026
Application Fee: $10
Exhibition Fee: Free, with no commission fees.
Artists may submit up to two pieces for consideration per application.
Email Recreation@lakelandgov.net for more info.
Misc info:
Artists' Agreement
Hold Harmless
(Artists with art chosen for exhibition will need to complete and return an Artists' Agreement & Hold Harmless to a designated City of Lakeland representative)
For more info, email Recreation@lakelandgov.net
