The Lake Wales Arts Council is an organization led by community volunteers. Our mission is to build a community where art and culture thrives, enriching the lives of people. Our vision is to create a vibrant cultural arts destination.

Our volunteers serve in a variety of capacities: creating decorations for our Fourth of July bike parade (left) and serving as hosts and hostesses at various events (below); lending expertise in the fields of accounting, law and marketing; recruiting artists for special events; and organizing events and exhibitions that bring excitement to the Lake Wales community.

Upcoming signature events include:

On Thursday, July 4, 2013, children with bikes, trikes, scooters, wagons, strollers, and parents and grandparents are invited to participate in the second 4th of July Bike Parade.

On Friday, Dec. 6, 2013,  Make It Magical will return to downtown Lake Wales with carriage rides, Santa Claus, shopping and fun for the whole family from 5-9 p.m.

On Friday, March 7, 2014, the public is invited to an Art-B-Q beginning at 5 p.m.

On Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9, 2014, the Citizens Bank and Trust 43rd annual Lake Wales Art Show will return to the shores of Lake Wailes from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The date for the 45th Annual Student Art Show will be announced soon as will the performance schedule for the Lake Wales Chorale.

The 12th annual Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival will presents students ages 11-18 competing in voice, instrumental and piano for prizes potentially equaling more than $4,500. Each contestant will perform two contrasting selections from the standard classical music repertoire for each category entered.

On Saturday, May 10, 2014, the Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre will present another giant puppet musical.

Most of our permanent collection is now on display at the Lake Wales Municipal Administration Building, 201 W Central Ave, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.  Check out this free show!