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ÔHot Air Baloon' by Zacharia Hussain

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published: Sunday, October 07, 2012

Lake Wales Art Show increases awards to $30,900

Special to the News-Sun

LAKE WALES - The 2013 Citizens Bank and Trust 42nd Annual Lake Wales Art Show will increase the number and amount of monetary awards presented to artists during the event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2013. The new awards structure includes three prizes in each of the eight categories as well as three top awards. The show awards and purchase prize program total $30,900.

New digital hot air balloon artwork created by Dundee Ridge Middle School eighth-grade student Zacharia Hussain will be showcased on posters and other collateral. The winning artwork was selected from participants in the 2012 student art show. Also new in 2013, mini-workshops will offer free demonstrations by artists showing how they create their work.

"Every year the Lake Wales Arts Council brings together community leaders who work tirelessly to produce one of the most respected and successful art shows," explains Pirjo Restina, show chair. "We want everyone to know that the Council is alive and well, housed in temporary headquarters provided by The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd during the Polk State College renovations of the Art Center."

Located on the scenic shores of Lake Wailes, the critically acclaimed event attracts thousands of visitors each year to the exhibit booths, food, music and activities. More than 100 juried artists from throughout Florida and even out-of State will exhibit their works in eight categories: clay; drawing, graphics and digital; jewelry; mixed media and fiber; oil and acrylic; watercolor and pastel; photography; and sculpture, wood and glass. The variety of media, subject matter and style will offer price points for every level of collector.

Awards will include the $3,500 Best of Show, the $2,500 Judges Award for Exceptional Work and the $2,500 Citizens Bank and Trust Award for Exceptional Work. Artists in each category may receive a $1,000 Award of Excellence, a $500 Award of Distinction and a $250 Award of Merit. These awards will be based on the discretion of the judge. In addition, the $400 Helen Aufford Memorial Purchase Award offered and judged by Historic Lake Wales Society encourages artists to be creative in highlighting the unique history of Lake Wales. The 2013 theme is "The History of Citrus."

As in previous years the student art show, highlighting best student artwork of eastern Polk County will be showcased at the Michael Crews Gallery of the renovated Polk State College Art Center.

In addition to live entertainment, a children's activity tent will offer a variety of artistic activities to school-aged children. An "Art-B-Cue" at the Lake on Friday night will welcome artists and sponsors. The public will be invited to purchase barbecue or bring a picnic to enjoy the music entertainment. There is no admission fee or charge for parking to attend the weekend festivities.

"Artists love this show because they have the opportunity to win large cash awards and, with more than $8,000 collected for pre-purchased art in our purchase prize program, they are guaranteed that serious buyers have made a commitment to purchase artwork," Restina adds. The deadline for artist applications will be on Jan. 8, 2013. Applications are available online or at the Lake Wales Arts Council.

Volunteers will be needed to perform a wide variety of work. "We have a number of talented people serving on our committees, but we need much more help and invite anyone with an interest in the arts to participate." Contact the Council at (863) 676-8426 or info@lw-arts.org. Visit www.lakewalesartscouncil.org for more information.