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53 years of fine art at Mayfaire by-the-Lake

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s annual festival returns to Lake Morton this month.

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1: A row of pop up tents with people walking by on a lake shore, 2-5: People looking at art displays and art for sale in pop up tents, including pottery, paintings, and woodworking.

Mayfaire by-the-Lake is a weekend of fun and fine arts for all ages.

Photos courtesy Gregory Mills, Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum

Mayfaire by-the-Lake, one of the oldest arts festivals in Central Florida, returns to the shores of Lake Morton on Mother’s Day weekend, May 10-11.

Hosted by the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum and presented by Citizens Bank & Trust and The Ruthvens, this local celebration has come a long way since starting as a small craft fair on the Lakeland Public Library Lawn in 1971. The weekend now includes:

  • 150+ artist booths to view + shop, from paintings and sculptures to hand-crafted jewelry
  • Free hands-on art activities for children of all ages + abilities at the Mayfaire Kids Zone, sponsored by Publix Super Market Charities
  • “Kids Collect,” a kids-only tent for young art lovers to purchase donated artwork at nominal prices

The two-day event is free + open to the public. Use the visitors’ guide to plan your day, and find out why Sunshine Artist Magazine has ranked Mayfaire among its “200 Best Art Shows” for ten years in a row.

Plan your festival day

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