Art in AgriCulture is a community project which combines a series of permanent art and landscaping improvements with a celebration of the arts.

It was seeded by an idea outlined in the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency’s Downtown Redevelopment Plan which champions the continued urbanization of downtown Lakeland through new real estate and business development as well as ongoing enhancements to improve pedestrian, automobile and cycling connectivity, and overall quality of life.

As with all fledgling ideas, this project required nurturing and cultivation, which was provided by Platform Art, a non- profit arts organization which specializes in showcasing new and exciting talent in all aspects of the arts.

Platform Art spearheaded the Art in AgriCulture idea which rapidly grew into a fun, creative, collaborative venture involving an extraordinary number of arts, education, government and business organizations.

Click here or on the cow photo to view the document.

Scroll down to learn more and view videos from past events.

Award-Winning art on exhibit at Gallery 2125.  Opening Reception: February 24, 5:30-8:30pm.

Lakeland, Florida, February 22, 2012— The award-winning artworks from the Platform.5 Youth & Art event and juried art competition held Saturday, February 18 at Oasis Community Church will be on exhibit in Gallery 2125 from February 24 through May.  The public is invited to view the exhibit in Gallery 2125 during business hours, phone (863) 646-2125.

The award-winners will be recognized during the opening reception on February 24 from 5:30-8:30pm at Gallery 2125 located in Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 2125 Bartow Road, Lakeland, Florida.  The Guitar Ensemble from Harrison School for the Arts will perform during the reception.  Light refreshments will be served.  Admission is free and open to the public.

Platform.5 Youth & Arts is a program of Platform Art, Inc.  Through this program, Platform Art supports the early efforts of young students and encourages students to continue to pursue art throughout their school career.  The Lakeland Sister Cities International Art Competition award-winning artworks, juried during the Platform.5 event, will also be on exhibit.  This year’s award-winning artists are—

Platform.5 Youth & Art Awards

High School
1st Tianna Harvey – Harrison School for the Arts
2nd Stevie Pniewski – Harrison School for the Arts
3rd Randy Lopez – Harrison School for the Arts

Middle School
1st Nguyen Vu – Mulberry Middle School
2nd Paula de la Torre – Mulberry Middle School
3rd Marybeth Crispin – Mulberry Middle School

Elementary School
1st Caroline Pabrinni – Lincoln Avenue Academy
2nd Chloe Lanham – Wendall Watson Elementary
3rd Brandon Yang – Pinewood Elementary

Lakeland Sister Cities International Awards

1st Veronica Barger – Harrison School for the Arts
2nd Gabriela Molleda – Harrison School for the Arts
3rd Anna Ponchak – Harrison School for the Arts

People’s Choice Awards

Visual Art
1st Place – Sara Jones – Lakeland High School
2nd Place – Sydney Hamilton – Wendell Watson
3rd Place – Chloe Jackson – Spessard L. Holland Elementary

Performance
Florida Dance Theatre Academy Youth Ensemble & Geneva Classical Academy – Small World Project

Visit www.platformart.org for information on the Platform.5 Youth & Art program and Platform Art.

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About Platform Art
Platform Art, Inc., a non-profit arts organization, is a community-conscious collaboration of artisans and art lovers whose ultimate goal is to showcase new and exciting talent in the fields of visual arts, film, fashion, music and performance.

About Platform.5
Platform.5 Youth & Art is a program of Platform Art.  It is an annual program that showcases the artistic accomplishments of students in the visual arts, short film, fashion, sound and performance. The program features work by students in grades 1-12.  The program is made possible with the help of many collaborators, including the Junior Women’s Club of Lakeland, Explorations V Children’s Museum, Polk County public, private and charter schools, other community arts organizations and sponsors.  Platform.5 program supports the early efforts of young students and encourages students to continue to pursue art throughout their school careers.  Admission is FREE to all students.

This year’s theme, Platform.5 Youth & Art Event Theme was “It’s A Small World,” an expansion of the Sister Cities International art competition theme, “Youth as the Catalyst for Change.”  Students were encouraged to use artwork to express how communication, technology, and individual initiative can lead to dramatic social change.

For more information, please contact Cynthia Haffey at cynthia@platformart.org, phone (863) 838-2262 or learn more by visiting www.platformart.org.

POETRY SUBMISSIONS FOR
ART PARTY #19: Art in AgriCulture

View or save the entry procedure in pdf by clicking - Poetry Submissions for Art in AgriCulture

Guidelines:

Submit 1-3 poems in a Word Document or PDF; 12-pt. Times New Roman font; 35-line limit per poem, including title and spaces.

Email submissions to social@platformart.org

Please do not submit previously published poems.

Do not place your name or other identifying information on the poems themselves. We will number each poem for the adjudication committee.

Poems with an agricultural connection are preferred, but not required.

Submit the following information in a cover letter with your poems:

• the title of each poem (first line for an untitled poem, although we strongly prefer titled poems)
• your email address and phone number
• brief writer’s bio of 50-150 words, including information about your achievements as a writer and publication history if you have been published.

NOTE: We strongly prefer to communicate by email.

Up to three contributors will be invited to read their poem aloud during Art Party #19: Art in AgriCulture. The chosen contributors will receive one complimentary admission to the event.

Art Party #19: Art in AgriCulture takes place from 7-11pm on April 28, 2012 at St Joseph Catholic Church, 210 W. Lemon St., Lakeland, FL  33815.

In addition, one selected poem will be published in the Platform Art Magazine for the Art in AgriCulture event.  Other submissions may be published if space is available in the magazine.

All submissions are due by March 16, 2012.

Decisions will be made by April 2, 2012.

Shameless Commerce (vendor) Entry Procedure

View/download the pdf Vendor Entry Procedure, click -  Shameless Commerce-ArtinAg.

View the Shameless Commerce entry procedure and register online now, click here.

Entry Procedure: Art Party #19: “Art in AgriCulture” on April 28, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lakeland

The theme is our agricultural heritage. We seek vendors to sell their wares in Shameless Commerce. Items that somehow relate to the theme are requested, but are not required. Examples include fine art jewelry, crafts, ornaments and small trinkets, canned products (jams, preserves, sauces, etc) or prepared food, t-shirts, clothing, door knobs, handmade note cards, henna art, caricature, balloon art, etc.

Requirements: Please submit one digital photo that accurately represents the type items you plan to vend when you submit your online application. Email a link to your web images or sample image to social@platformart.org.

Deadline: Submit online registration and one image by FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012.

Shameless Commerce Acceptance: Vendors will be notified of acceptance by MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2012.

Event Date: SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2012, 7 PM – 11 PM

Event Location: St Joseph Catholic Church, 210 W. Lemon St., Lakeland, FL 33815 in the outdoor covered basketball court that sits on the corner of Orange Street and Missouri Avenue (southeast corner).  The parking entrance is on New York Avenue (west side) near the court.

Vendor Setup: SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2012, 3 PM – 5 PM. Vendors are responsible for all components of their display – This includes but is not limited to: pedestals, tables, easels, lights, extension cords etc. NO TENTS are permitted. Vendors should expect enough space to accommodate an 8-foot table, two chairs and three-to-five feet of walking space on either side. Email special needs/requests in advance to social@platformart.org.

Vendors are responsible for all of their sales. Shameless Commerce vendors pay a registration fee (see below) and a 20% commission on all sales for the evening to Platform Art.

Shameless Commerce Registration Fees:

Non-member Vendor: $35

Get a Membership: $70 – Includes $50 Platform Art membership fee and $20 discounted vendor registration fee.

Current Platform Art Member: $20 – Please email social@platformart.org of your intent to be a vendor at the April 28 Art Party and submit one image as described above. We will confirm your membership and will send you a private URL so you can complete your $20 registration.

Confused? Email social@platformart.org

To view/download the Artist Entry Procedure, click - Call to Artists Entry Procedure (pdf).

To view the entry procedure and register online, click here.

Platform Art celebrates our agricultural heritage. We seek artworks that are cutting edge, traditional or contemporary. Only original drawings, oils, acrylics, watercolors, graphics, computer art, mixed media, fiber, ceramics, sculpture, and photography may be submitted.  All work must be properly prepared for display.  Pieces to be hung must be wired for hanging.  Video or work for digital display are permitted, however, artist is responsible for all equipment (computers, projectors, dvd players, screens, cables, tables, carts, stands, etc) and set-up.  Please email social@platformart.org about pieces larger than 60 inches in width or requiring electricity.  Artist must provide pedestals or easels for works that may not be freestanding or hung for display.  Artists who wish to exhibit and sell crafts, jewelry or reproductions should register for “Shameless Commerce.”

Deadline: Submit online registration and all images by FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012.

This is a juried event.  Prizes monies are awarded for Best of Show, Award of Achievement and Award of Excellence.  Each artist may submit up to five (5) pieces for judging.  Email one good quality digital photo of each artwork you submit to social@platformart.org.  Or, share the images in a folder of your name using dropbox.com with social@platformart.org.  Images must be sent in pdf or jpg format and must be a minimum of 900pixels in width or height, preferably more.

Please provide captions by “filename” with the following information: Your Name, Title of Work, year (optional), Medium, Size, Price.  (note: size includes framing).  Captions may be provided in the body of an email or as an attachment.  See caption examples below:

Example 1:  IMG11203.jpg = John Doe, Pink Cow, Acrylic on Canvas, 24”x30”, $150
Example 2:  handsdown.pdf = Jane Doe, Hands Down, 2011, Steel, 37”x44”x8”, $575

Artist Acceptance: Artists will be notified of accepted works by MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2012.

Receiving: Thursday, April 26, 4pm-7pm & Friday, April 27, 11am-2pm, otherwise by appointment.

Platform Art will hang/place the artworks that the curator selects for the event in the venue.  Please make sure your artwork is tagged with name, title and price of the work before you leave receiving.

Receiving/Event Location: The Church complex sits in the entire block between Lemon St. (north side), Orange St. (south side),  Missouri Ave. (east side), New York Ave. (west side). Receiving and the event occurs in the outdoor covered basketball court that sits on the corner of Orange St. and Missouri Ave. (southeast corner).  The parking entrance is on New York Ave. (west side) near the court.

Sale of artwork is encouraged, and work will be offered for sale at the price originally stated by the artist.  Please, NO Price on Request (P.O.R.), although artwork may be listed as Not for Sale (N.F.S.). There will be a 20% commission on all works sold.  Platform Art, Inc. reserves the right to reproduce accepted work in e-blasts, news media, on our web site, and for other promotional uses.

Artist Registration Fees:

Non-member Artist: $35 (one time – submit up to five artworks for the April 28 Art Party)

Get a Membership: $70 – Includes $50 membership fee and $20 discounted artist registration fee [entry of up to five (5) artworks for the April 28 Art Party and all benefits of Platform Art Membership for one year].

Current Platform Art Member: $20 – Please email social@platformart.org of your intent to submit up to five artworks for the April 28 Art Party. Please submit your images as described above. We will confirm your membership and will send you a private URL so you can complete your $20 registration.

Confused? Email social@platformart.org

where || From the Orange Street Bridge, to a new community garden on the corner of Orange Street and New York Avenue, to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at  210 West Lemon Street, Lakeland.

what || A progressive art party of visual art, short film, fashion, sound and performance with a focus our agricultural heritage.

how much || Online in Advance: $15 / Day of Event: Adults $20, Students $10 with valid student ID at the door.

Get discounted tickets ($15) or an annual pass/basic membership ($50) BY CLICKING HERE!

Tickets are also available through April 27 at Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro for $18 each plus tax and receive 10% off of your food and beverage order at time of purchase.

A public art piece created by the studios of Charlie Parker Pottery and funded by Platform Art will be unveiled during the event, which is a celebration of Earth Month and Polk County’s rich agricultural heritage.

Popular belief is agriculture cannot exist in hot concrete jungles, but Art in AgriCulture will, in conjunction with the City of Lakeland, highlight “urban agriculture” by making improvements to the city’s environmental landscape.

Various community partners will present visual art, short films, sound and performance pieces focusing on Polk County’s agricultural heritage during the Art Party. An agriculture-themed fashion show (think “Green Acres) will also take place, ensuring that all forms of art can represent agricultural heritage.

Along with a garden at the corner of New York Avenue and Orange Street, all efforts of Art in AgriCulture will ultimately help usher pedestrians seamlessly from The Lakeland Center to downtown locations such as Hollis Garden, the Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror, shops, bars and restaurants in the area.

St. Petersburg artist Charlie Parker has been commissioned to design and produce a large ceramic tile mural to be installed on the Orange Street Bridge to create a gateway from The Lakeland Center into the downtown area.

For tickets to Art in AgriCulture, order online at www.platformart.org. Tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 the day of the event, $10 with student ID.

Learn some facts and statistics about Polk County agriculture on the Polk County Farm Bureau website.

when || saturday, february 18, 2012 – 5pm to 8pm
where || Oasis Community Church, 3330 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803 || map it!
tickets || students: FREE (thru grade 12) | adults: $5 suggested donation
volunteers || GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Lakeland, serving the community since 1928.
sponsors || George W. Jenkins Fund within the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland, Florida Refuse/Republic Services, City of Lakeland, CSX, Lunz Prebor Fowler.

Performance Schedule (Estimated times)

Hosts || Commissioner Edie Yates and Steve & Carol Boyington

Choose a handmade bowl and fill it with food created by local chefs.

In addition to food, wine & beer, we will serve up large portions of art, live music, fashion and films.

Host Committee || Sue Bentley, Chairperson, Steve Bissonnette, Christine & Jon Boring, Lynda & Stephen Buck, Stevie Buck, Jean & David Bunch, Martha Roe Burke, Jeff Clark, Susan Badcock & Tom Conger, Gregory Fancelli, Leigh Killian & Michael Folsom, Bonnie Franks, Karen & David Grisham, Cynthia Haffey, David Henderson, Patricia Hendler, Evelyn Hollen, Mimi Jenko, Linda & Michael Jezard, Adam N. Justice, Lynda & Tom Mack, Karen Seggerman & Jim Malless, Snow Martin, Meri & Leonard Mass, Keith Merritt, Newman, Lisa Parks, Trish Pfeiffer, Lori Powell, Nikki & Rick Powers, Victor Prebor, M.C. Priutt, Beatty & Maurice Raymond, Leah & Greg Sanoba, Ellen & Frank Savoie, Commissioner Don Selvage, Barbara & Mark Stampfl, Tiana & Brian Stevens, Jack Strollo, Lucia Taxdal, Ann Wilson, Founder

Wine Sponsors || Steve & Carol Boyington with selections from Red Door Wine Market

Beer Sponsors || Schenck Company

Poetry Submissions for Art Party #18: Orbs & Spheres Are Open Though October 21, 2011!