The AGB is undergoing another major change this year, this time in its executive offices. | Photo by LALtoday
When Dr. Alex Rich announced plans to step down as the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s executive director last month, the search began for its next leader. Before a permanent replacement is found, Dr. Daryl Ward of Lakeland has been tapped to guide the museum.
Ward is no stranger to the local arts scene. He’s the executive director of the Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance, an arts educator, and a photographer who recently earned a merit award at Mayfaire by-the-Lake.
Ward, left, is an adjunct professor at Florida Southern College where Rich, right, has been associate professor of art history + museum studies.
Photos via Florida Southern College
Before Ward becomes the museum’s interim executive director on Thursday, June 26, there are still a few events where you can glean art insights from Rich:
Visit the museum after hours from 4 to 8 p.m. during AGB Thursdays on June 19 and 26, and get a Director’s Tour at 6 p.m.
Enjoy one final Drinks with the Director event — due to popular demand, another night was added on Friday, June 27 at 6 p.m. RSVP is required.
Rich leaves Lakeland to become president + CEO of the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, SC. A national search for his successor will launch this summer.
Asked
Asked
Where should the AGB look for its next director?
A. Stay local B. Branch out to all of Florida C. Find the best in the US D. Grab a passport and go worldwide E. I don’t mind where — just keep up the good work
Morning Mindfulness | 9-11 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Bring yoga mats or blankets for two family-friendly meditation sessions next to the Blanton Family Lagoon at 9 and 10 a.m.
Creative Writing Workshop | 2-3 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free | Pack your own pen and paper to explore character creation with other writers.
Thursday, June 19
Summerset @ Sunset | 5-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $15+ | Parents can relax on the farm while the kids enjoy activities so fun, they won’t even know they’re educational.
June Night Workshop | 7 p.m. | Bloom Shakalaka | $125 | Create a mini flower arrangement in shades of peach, lavender, pink, and blue.
Friday, June 20
Envision 2050 Livestream & Conversations | 12-2 p.m. | Virtual | Free | The Polk Transportation Planning Organization will answer questions and discuss its Long Range Transportation Plan via Facebook Live.
Moxie Le Femme Presents: Call of the Wild | Friday, June 20-Saturday, June 21 | 7-11 p.m. | Union Hall | $20+ | Welcome to the jungle — this cabaret and burlesque troupe is going all out in a new show.
Saturday, June 21
Spruce Up The Swamp Planting Event | 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve, Plant City | Free | Register to get your hands dirty planting native pines along the preserve’s blue trail.
Empower & Evolve Women’s Leadership Workshop | 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland | $125 | Entrepreneurs and professionals can connect through workshops designed for leadership development.
41. That’s how many traffic cameras Lakeland will soon have after city commissioners approved a contract expansion with Verra Mobility. That includes the 14 previously approved speed cameras for school zones, plus eight new red light cameras — see where they’re planned. (LkldNow)
Development
Let’s talk trash. The North Central Landfill is running out of room, so Polk County commissioners signed off on an expansion earlier this month. This next phase will include up to 90 acres of additional space to hold 16 years of waste.
Edu
Polk State College will receive a $2.8 million grant from FloridaCommerce to expand its industrial trades training. The college plans to launch a welding program and enhance its computer numerical control machining program, which has already grown 46% since last August.
Award
If you know someone making a big impact on local life, nominate them for the Polk Visionary Leader of the Year Award. One person will be selected for the honor, and the only requirement is that they’re a living resident of the county. Nominate them by Tuesday, July 1.
Wellness
“The Longest Day” is this Friday, June 20, and Spring Haven Senior Living in Winter Haven is joining the nationwide Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser. Grab a ticket to Laugh All Day and enjoy comedy shows, a meal, and karaoke fun — plus, bid on artwork from Paint Polk Purple. (WFLA)
Answered
Speaking of Winter Haven, what do you want to see at the four new buildings coming to Bowen Yard? Reader Kristie N. is hoping for a Palace Pizza expansion, and James L. took us back with a request for Deli Delicacies.
This is a message from The Great Beyond: Know of any good ghost encounters from downtown Lakeland’s Federal Building? While it’s currently home to Smith’s American Tavern + Mojo Federal, we’re sure the building has seen some things in its 107 years.
You’ve heard of Christmas in July — now get ready for Halloween in June by dropping your spine-chilling stories on Mojo Federal’s post.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Lakeland is the best city in Florida (take my word for it), but if you want to keep up with The City Beautiful, too, I have just the newsletter for you. ORLtoday has now launched in Orlando, and its first issue was packed with info like James Beard Award nominees, a new jazz center, and even a shout out to our Silver Moon Drive-In.
}})
