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The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance hosted its annual Hall of Fame Gala and Awards Ceremony on Oct. 14 at the Bartow Civic Center, honoring individuals and organizations that have shaped the cultural landscape of Polk County.
The evening was a vibrant celebration of creativity, community and legacy.
Executive Director Daryl Ward welcomed guests with a heartfelt message about the power of the arts to transform lives and communities. “Tonight is a special evening of celebration and due recognition for our award winners and inductees,” Ward said, thanking sponsors and partners who made the event possible.
Hall of Fame inductions
The highlight of the evening was the induction of five new members into the Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame:
- Carol Krajacic Erkes, founder of Florida Dance Theatre
- John and Terry Frost, longtime Bartow philanthropists and arts advocates
- Mimi Hardman, historic preservationist and founder of the Lake Wales History Museum
- Joe Mitchell, arts educator and founder of Mayfaire-by-the-Lake
- Alan Reynolds, artistic managing director of Lakeland Community Theatre
Annual arts and culture awards
Six awards were presented to outstanding contributors in the arts:
- Arts & Cultural Organization of the Year: Bok Tower Gardens
- Philanthropic Organization of the Year: Six/Ten LLC
- Volunteer of the Year: Tom Johnson, Theatre Winter Haven
- Educator of the Year: Simoni Bonadies, Rochelle School of the Arts
- Art for Good award: Polk Plays, Florida Children’s Museum
- Rising Star award: Tiffany Van Wieren, Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts In Medicine Program
Each recipient received a handcrafted ceramic art piece and a $500 donation to their organization.
The ceremony also honored the late John DeYoung, a 2018 inductee and beloved Bartow arts figure, who passed away earlier this month. The Bartow Adult Concert Band will honor DeYoung with a special concert on Nov. 2 at the Bartow Civic Center.
OCTOBER 14: Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance Hall of Fame Gala event on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Bartow Civic Center in Bartow, Fla. (Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance/ Scott Audette) 
OCTOBER 14: Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance Hall of Fame Gala event on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Bartow Civic Center in Bartow, Fla. (Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance/ Scott Audette) 
OCTOBER 14: Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance Hall of Fame Gala event on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Bartow Civic Center in Bartow, Fla. (Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance/ Scott Audette) 
OCTOBER 14: Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance Hall of Fame Gala event on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Bartow Civic Center in Bartow, Fla. (Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance/ Scott Audette) 
OCTOBER 14: Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance Hall of Fame Gala event on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Bartow Civic Center in Bartow, Fla. (Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance/ Scott Audette) 
OCTOBER 14: Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance Hall of Fame Gala event on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Bartow Civic Center in Bartow, Fla. (Polk Arts & Cultutal Alliance/ Scott Audette)
Reflecting on the evening’s spirit, Hall of Fame member Dr. Jessie Owens, founder of the J. Owens Fine Art Academy, shared, “With our country demonstrating so much hatred and division, it felt so good to be in a happy and celebratory atmosphere.”
Guests enjoyed dinner by TLC Catering, live jazz from Steamin’ Jazz and a curated exhibit from the Best of Polk Art Show, which will continue at the Pamplin Gallery in the Bartow Public Library.
Community Impact
Ward emphasized the importance of the gala in supporting local arts initiatives. Last year’s event helped fund $30,000 in grants and direct assistance to artists and organizations. “We’re well on our way to being able to do that again this year thanks to all of you,” he said.
For more information about the Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance and its programs, visit polkarts.org.
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