Featuring 19 talented fine artists, Fine Art at the Magnolia, which runs Aug. 17 and 18, provides an intimate setting where visitors can explore a diverse range of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and mixed media.
As temperatures soar in our Sunshine State, Fine Art at the Magnolia offers a welcoming reprieve from the heat for artists and patrons alike as it is one of few indoor shows. The event is proudly endorsed by The Polk Museum of Art and co-sponsored by The City of Lakeland Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department, underscoring its significance in the local arts scene.
This anticipated event will take place at the Magnolia Building, located at 702 E. Orange Street, adjacent to Hollis Gardens and The Garden Bistro in downtown Lakeland. The show will be open to the public on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is expected to draw nearly 1,000 art-loving visitors into downtown Lakeland.
The carefully curated artists and emphasis on the local community set this show apart. The founder of Fine Art at the Magnolia, Betsy Bohrer, annually brings together a diverse field of artists, creating an atmosphere of family between the artists that’s palpable for the patrons. Set in the historic Magnolia building, the winning combination creates a special experience for all who attend.
The 2023 exhibiting artists of Fine Art at the Magnolia gather for a group photo outside the Magnolia Building in downtown, Lakeland. (left to right: Jano, Show Director Betsy Bohrer, Peggy Miller, John Williams, Greg Jones, John Kellum, Bruce Ferguson, FAM greeter Zach Weatherby, Beth Garcia, Stephen Koury, Susan Currier, Kelly Rysavy, Koko Brandao, Joyce Curvin, Dominice Gilbert, Julie Latayan, Barbara Umbel, Lorrie Mason, and Margaret Baker. 
Vicki Luffman and Barbara Moore Canning enjoy visiting with Lakeland artist, Greg Jones, at Fine Art at the Magnolia. | Zoe Alexander 
The 2023 exhibiting artists of Fine Art at the Magnolia continue the FAM”ily annual tradition of locating their featured lamp pole banners hanging around the historic downtown Lakeland area. Banner shown: lohn Kellum in Munn Park, with Show Direct Betsy Bohrer & Michael Maguire, Peggy Miller, John Kellum, Greg Jones, Susan Currier, and Joyce Curvin.
“The Florida summer typically marks the end of the season for tourists and outdoor fine art festivals, which are staples in supporting the livelihood of working artists,” shared Bohrer. “To address these unique challenges for the artists who remain in the state, I created Fine Art at the Magnolia (FAM) – a small indoor fine art show providing the public opportunities to view impressive artworks and personally connect with the artists.”
Bohrer, an artist herself, wanted to create “a show that emphasized personal connections of communities-to-artists to demonstrate how engaging with the arts can spark dialogues, transcend boundaries, and bring people together in celebration of cultural richness and creative expression.”
Jewelry artist Peggy Miller appreciates the intentional efforts to create a unique experience for artists. “Fine Art at Magnolia offers a quaint environment for a select group of artists to display and sell their work. It’s at a time of year when there are no outdoor fine art shows. It gives us personal time with our clients in a lovely, relaxed indoor setting,” she said.
Visitors to Fine Art at the Magnolia also have a great experience. Michell Githens, a long-time patron said, “The Fine Art at the Magnolia is a beautifully curated show that is set up to allow patrons to connect with artists and the works they create. It introduced us to artists whose works we fell in love with and are now part of our own. We look forward to Fine Art at the Magnolia every year!”
Related
Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame Gala Celebrates Local Legends and Rising Stars
latest news
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
