The Lake Wales Arts Council invites you to Participate in the 55th Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival

A TRADITION OF QUALITY, DIVERSITY & EXCELLENCE!

Presented by Citizens Bank & Trust

February 27 - March 1, 2026

The Festival

The Lake Wales Arts Festival has a 54-year-old tradition of celebrating and exhibiting quality works of art by fine artists and artisans with up to 100 artists competing for more than $22,000 in awards! Hosted by the Lake Wales Arts Council, the diversity of the critically acclaimed two-day Festival attracts thousands of art lovers each year who purchase original, one-of-a-kind works of art. This year’s event is generously sponsored by Citizens Bank Trust.

Awards Selection

Each year awards selection is made by a different judge and without regard to category.

  • Best of Show – $4,000

  • Judge’s Choice Exceptional Work (1) – $2,500

  • Judge’s Choice Exceptional Work (1) – $2,500

  • Award of Excellence (4 @$1000) – $4,000

  • Award of Distinction (5 @ $500) – $2,500

  • Award of Merit (5 @ $300) – $1,500

  • "Gift of Art" Purchase Awards – $5,000

Total Awards – $22,000

Application Instructions

Artists Selection

An anonymous panel of experienced jurors selects the artists for the Lake Wales Arts Festival. Jurying is based solely on the images submitted and acceptance goes to the highest scoring artists. A waiting list will be kept. The jury’s decisions are final.

Award Judges - TBA

2025 Award Winners

  • Best of Show: William Kidd

  • Judge’s Choice Exceptional Work: Trent Manning

  • Judge’s Choice Exceptional Work: Dagamara Nogalska Costello

Awards of Excellence

  • John Canterbury

  • Robin Frisella

  • Luis Gutierrez

  • Michael Nelson

Awards of Distinction

  • Heather Duncan

  • Juan Lee

  • Nathan Miller

  • Tim Peters

  • Christopher Roll

Awards of Merit

  • Nick Alexiades

  • Lynn Hardesty

  • Mike Knapp

  • Brigit Kowalczyk

  • Ray McClendon

Directions

Location

 

From Orlando: Take I-4 West to US-27 South. US-27 South is approximately 25 miles from W. Central Avenue (Woody’s, McDonald’s on the southeast corner). Turn left onto W. Central Avenue continuing for approximately 1 mile ending at Lakeshore Blvd. and the shores of Lake Wailes.

From Tampa: Take I-4 East to US-27 South. US-27 South is approximately 25 miles from W. Central Avenue (Woody’s, McDonald’s on the southeast corner). Turn left onto W. Central Avenue continuing for approximately 1 mile ending at Lakeshore Blvd. and the shores of Lake Wailes.

From Vero Beach: Take SR-60 West to US-27 North. Turn right (north) onto US-27 then immediately turn right (east) onto W. Central Avenue (Woody’s, McDonalds on the southeast corner) continuing for approximately 1 mile ending at Lakeshore Blvd. and the shores of Lake Wailes.

From Sebring: Take SR-27 North to W. Central Avenue. Turn right (east) onto W. Central Avenue (Woody’s, McDonalds on the southeast corner) continuing for approximately 1 mile ending at Lakeshore Blvd. and the shores of Lake Wailes.