Lakeland Art Guild Rebranding As Lakeland Arts Association

PACA corresponded recently with the president of the “new” Lakeland Arts Association,” Sherry Ross, about their recent rebranding effort. See our conversation below:

PACA: Can you explain the purpose(s) of the Lakeland Arts Association?

LAA: The Lakeland Arts Association is a group of artists and arts-minded community members working together to help create, support, and nurture the visual arts in the greater Lakeland area. As a non-profit, we focus on visual fine arts through education, exhibitions, and professional development. All are welcome to join us. 

PACA: Describe your goals/desires for the rebranding process. What do you hope the rebranding accomplishes? What other elements of the rebrand are in the works?

LAA: The Lakeland Arts Association is proud of the 50-plus year history of the Lakeland Art Guild and its mission to further arts education, and nurture creativity in our local arts community.  However, the feedback we got from nonmembers was that they didn’t feel they were “artistically accomplished” enough to belong to a guild.  That is simply not true, anyone is welcome!

A guild is a collection of creative people coming together, sharing knowledge and friendship through their love and promotion of the arts.  We continue to operate in this spirit of a guild, but wanted a name that would be seen as more inclusive; there is no required level of skill or preferred media. Our membership felt “Arts Association” would indicate that we welcome ANYONE interested in the arts to join us – whether they are an artist, hobbyist, crafter, or arts lover. Our mission remains the same, but how we interact with the community is changing. Part of our educational outreach inspired our new “Take Two” workshops. We are inviting members and nonmembers alike to come together to have an artistic experience, to try a new media, acquire a new skill, and enjoy artistic fellowship.  We are so lucky to have such a diverse collection of artists willing to share their passion with others. These simple, low-cost workshops are designed to act as a sampler of the arts in Polk County. Some people feel they aren’t artists, but it’s just a matter of finding something you enjoy and nurturing that interest. We hope to help people find a fun and enjoyable creative outlet – even if only for a few hours.

Another branch of that educational outreach involves future artists. We are nurturing the next generation of artists through our sponsorship of the Polk County School Board purchase awards for student shows at the Polk Museum of Art. We have just added the sponsorship of the cash awards at the PSCB Fine Arts Spring Art Show showcasing the achievement of art students and educators across the county. Providing opportunities for these budding creatives is integral to the future of Polk County arts, and we continue to actively seek projects that align with support for student and emerging artists. We have additional projects in the works, and details will be forthcoming.

While our rebranding includes clarification and publicizing our mission, we are also working to become more recognizable and accessible, thanks to our stunning new logo and forthcoming easy to access website.  The logo showcases a few of the many creative pursuits of the arts community. We wanted to move away from the perception of being a painting centric organization, and actively seek engagement opportunities for other media. For those who wish to get involved, the forthcoming website will provide information on our events, educational content, and calls to action within the arts community.

You can learn more about or engage with the Lakeland Arts Association in a variety of ways. We have an active presence on Instagram and Facebook if you want to view art or read artistic content. If you seek more active engagement, you can attend a meeting, take part in a workshop, or participate in a show. All of these activities are open to members and nonmembers alike!  Membership does have its perks, as you will save on any entry fees for shows or events, as well as receive advance notification of upcoming events.

Currently, our open meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the First Presbyterian Church on Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland.  We offer a social at 6:30pm and a meeting at 7pm. Meeting speakers and topics are published on Facebook.

PACA: How can people get involved/join the LAA?

LAA: If you seek a more active involvement in the Polk County arts scene, as we grow, we are facilitating partnerships with other organizations. We have opportunities to assist with shows, learning how to promote events on social media, and are striving to create a variety of entry level (meaning we can train you) to take leadership roles in arts events. All we need is you, so come join us.