The Melvin and Burkes Art Galleries are a part Florida Southern College’s Department of Art and Art History.  They bring a wide array of outstanding shows to Lakeland, exhibiting the work of established and visiting artists throughout the year, as well as showcases of student work.

Up to three (3) works may be of any medium (except giclees, video and performance).  All work must be original.  All works must be available through entire run of the show.  If questions, email to www.lakelandartsassociation.com.

The juror, Mr. Richard D. Colvin is an artist, art teacher, museum professional, and musician.  Born in Olathe, Kansas (1957), Colvin’s family relocated to Florida in the mid 1960’s.  Colvin received an art education courtesy of a succession of mentors:  Barbara Bassett at the Art Workshop in Winter Park, Thomas F Peterson at Rollins College, and through observing Central Florida’s legendary painter/printmakers, including Maury Hurt, Bill Orr, Jerry Raidiger, and many others.  In craftsmanship and spirit, Colvin’s greatest mentor is his father, Ronald P. Colvin.

AWARD TOTAL:  $2550

Best of Show:  $1000

Second Place:  $600

Third Place:  $400

Award of Merit (2):  $100

Honorable Mention (2):  $50

Mal Surrency Watercolor Award:  $250

Application Requirements

For this regional exhibition, a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 images may be submitted (one image per piece of artwork).  All artwork must be received at the Melvin Gallery located at Florida Southern College.  Drop-off dates will be Saturday, June 14, 2025, between the hours of 10a - 4p, and Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 1p - 4p.  Address for drop off and pick up:

     Florida Southern College

     Melvin Gallery

    1118-1198 Johnson Ave.

     Lakeland, FL 33803

Eligibility Criteria

The Lakeland Arts Association 53rd Annual Fine Art Exhibition is open to all artists in the Central Florida area.  

Sales & Commission:  All works of art will be for sale at the price set by the artist, unless specified as NFS (not for sale).  No POR, please.  Artists who sell art during the exhibition will donate 20% of the sold price to the Lakeland Arts Association.  The artist will retain 80%.  The art cannot be removed or substituted from the exhibition until the pick-up date.

Statement of Responsibility:  All entries are delivered and left at the owner's risk.  Although precautions are taken, neither Lakeland Arts Association nor Florida Southern College will be responsible for damage or theft.  Submission of work to any exhibition constitutes agreement on the part of the artist to the provisions here set forth.

The Lakeland Arts Association reserves the right to reject any painting that, upon arrival is significantly altered or different than the digital photo used for gaining entry to the Exhibition, or is different in dimensions or does not meet eligibility guidelines.

  Photographs of accepted works may be used by the Lakeland Arts Association for promotional purposes.