Claire Orologas

Claire Orologas of Wheaton, Md., has been named executive director of Polk Museum of Art, the Board of Trustees announced today. Her appointment is effective February 1.

“I have been extremely impressed with the dedication of the staff and Board at Polk Museum of Art,” Orologas said. “I look forward to working with them and the citizens of Polk County to advance the goals of this wonderful institution, and to maximize its role as a Smithsonian Affiliate museum.”

Orologas, 58, comes to Polk Museum of Art from the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C., where she serves as the head of education and public programs. The Freer and Sackler are the Smithsonian Institution’s national museums of Asian Art.

“We are thrilled to welcome Claire to the Polk Museum of Art,” said Weymon Snuggs, president of the Board of Trustees. “She brings a wealth of experience in art and education, and she is a strong advocate of the civic responsibilities of museums. We are excited by the contributions she will make to our museum and our community.”

Art and education have been the cornerstones of Orologas’ career. At the Freer and Sackler, Orologas has broadened educational programs to appeal to a wider and more diverse audience, increasing attendance by 44 percent over a six-year period. She also has led fundraising efforts, increased the number of Smithsonian and non-Smithsonian partnerships, helped shape the institution’s strategic plan and served on several leadership committees both at the Freer and Sackler and at the Smithsonian. In 2010, she was one of just 25 from throughout the Smithsonian network selected for the Smithsonian Leadership Development Program.

She previously served as assistant director of education at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass., and as assistant curator of education and programs coordinator at the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She also previously served as executive director of the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra and as education and program director for Eckerd Youth Alternatives in Maryland.

A native of Warren, Ohio, Orologas moved to Greece with her family while in high school and later settled in St. Petersburg, Fla. She holds a bachelor of science degree in art education and studio art and a master’s of science in art education with a concentration in studio art from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She also pursued postgraduate studies in art history, focusing on modern art and the history of photography, at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Orologas succeeds Daniel E. Stetson, who left Polk Museum of Art in May to become executive director of the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Ann and Jim Stafford at Ritz announcement

Winter Haven native and nationally known comic-genius and musician Jim Stafford announced today that he will be performing at the newly restored Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven. His first production, “Jim Stafford — Home for Christmas” will run December 15 through December 18, 2011.

Stafford also announced that he will bring his show to the Ritz from February 2 through March 17, 2012. Shows will be Thursdays at 3 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Naturally, Stafford will call his show “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”  Sharing the stage with Stafford will be his two children, 18 year-old Shea and 14 year-old G.G. who are both accomplished pianists and performers. Complete show schedules and tickets are available at JimStaffordFlorida.com and by calling 1-800-677-8533.

Welcome home Jim!

After lengthy discussion the Board approved the following resolution directed to the City of Winter Haven.

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF THE
GREATER WINTER HAVEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

“THE LANDINGS”

The Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce strongly urges the City of Winter Haven to take the necessary steps to relocate the community facilities currently located on the Chain of Lakes Complex property at the intersection of US 17 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard.

The Board believes that the successful repurposing of this property featuring hotels, restaurants and retail is of critical importance to the long term economic well being of the business community including LEGOLAND Florida, and the citizens of Winter Haven.

As this community aspires to become a world-class tourism, technology and logistic center, the aging facilities located on this important parcel deserve to be recreated to serve a new and vibrant economy.

Toward this end the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce pledges our support in working to create community partnerships that can assure the successful realization of this important vision.

Unanimously approved this 25th day of February 2011.

Cynthia Price, President

Ed. Note: The Chamber’s resolution does not preclude reconstruction Chain of Lakes facilities on that site where feasible. The primary concern is replacing aging inadequate facilities while expediting the construction of hotels, restaurants and specialty retail to complement the LEGOLAND Florida theme park as well as Winter Haven’s amenities.

Duelin’ Divas will feature 12 of the most incredible voices ever to have sung on the stage of Theatre Winter Haven.   Each vocalist will vie for the title of “Diva” by receiving the most votes from the audience (via contributions).  However, their true mission is to help further the cause of community theatre in our city, by performing to raise funds for one of the finest civic theatres in the country.

Other well-known local performers for the evening include:  Elizabeth Burton, Shelly Fountain, Amanda LeVasseur, Caitlin Knowles and Holly Vreeland Parrish.

Tickets are $55 each, and include heavy hors d’ oeuvres and beverages beginning at 6:15 pm. Show time is at 7:30 pm, and “Dessert with the Divas”, follows the performance.  The event will take place at Theatre Winter Haven, located at 210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Theatre Winter Haven at (863) 294-SHOW (7469) or at www.theatrewinterhaven.com.  It is certain to be an evening to remember.

Good sports and even better dancers included: Gail McKinzie, superintendent of Polk Public Schools; Bonnie Parker, president of Winter Haven Sun Trust Bank; Jerry Miller, community affairs manager for Progress Energy; Tracy Porter, executive director of the Polk State College Foundation and Tim Harris, a School Board member and a representative of MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. All had accomplished partners to mentor them through the ten weeks of dance instruction and all brought applause from the audience as they performed twists, turns and lifts to waltzes, tangos, quick step and other ballroom standards.

At evening’s end Jerry Miller took the judges’ top honors (Miller scored a perfect 30 in his final dance routine) while Bonnie Parker received the People’s Choice Award and also raised the most money through $1 votes – more than $3,000. (Parker also scored a perfect 30 in her final routine.) In all the five candidates raised more than $7,000 in that voting alone. Sponsor dollars and attendee ticket purchases ensure that those Stepping Out truly “stepped up,” and the Polk Education Foundation was the true winner for what is sure to be a popular new annual event.

All the dancing stars were on their mark, and the judges gave each high marks for technique. We might add that Gail McKinzie does a mean jitterbug, and Tracy Porter’s waltz was spectacular as well. Bonnie Parker’s dress she wore for her “Last Tango in Lakeland” (right) will long be remembered.

Wow, it was truly a special evening. Congratulations to Susan Copeland and everyone at the Polk Education Foundation for a great new evening of fun.

Join your friends from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and stroll the parks. Then vote for your favorite sculpture in the People’s Choice Awards. Official judges awards will also be announced that evening. Adding to the festivities will be music performed by musicians from Polk State College.

The Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition is presented by the City of Winter Haven and the Polk Museum of Art in partnership with Main Street Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce.

You can see all ten sculptures here.

Pictured above left is Basalt Man by Glenn Zweygardt, Alfred Station, NY, and at right is Creepy Crawley by Adam C. Walls, Laurinburg, NC.

You’ll find delicious culinary samples from five different caterers, piano entertainment and facility tours worth your time. Renovations included bathroom renovations, enhanced lighting, a protective fire sprinkling system, new ceilings and other renovations in keeping with the buildings historic designation on the National Register including an historically accurate repainting of the pink facade. There are new museum displays as well.

The City has developed guidelines for building rental in keeping with the historic contents of the museum. Learn a little history, enjoy some delicious food and tour a beautiful building.  RSVP here.

A special Open House for the General Public is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 from 10 am. to 2 p.m.

The Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition is a joint project of the City of Winter Haven and the Polk Museum of Art. The Chamber and Main Street are also partners in the project.

The selections were made by a committee of  people that included representatives from the Museum and residents of Winter Haven. Ten pieces were chosen from the 53 submitted. Best of Show, 2nd Place, and Honorable Mention prizes will be awarded on April 9th following judging and Peoples Choice voting.

You can view all ten sculptures here.

Satellite view of proposed master planning DRI

City Commissioners, staff, Chamber and Main Street representatives heard a preliminary overview of how redevelopment of the current Chain of Lakes Stadium/Southwest Complex property is likely to proceed. The City actually plans to trigger a “Development of Regional Impact” study (DRI) on a major portion (approximately 200 acres) of the community’s southwest quadrant bounded on the north by Avenue O, south by the Lake Lulu/Shipp canal, east by Park Lake/First Street South and west by Lake Shipp. Local developer Tony Binge presented the conceptual scenerio involving commercial, residential and enhanced public access to the Chain of Lakes.  City staff underscored that the plan will provide for all amenities currently found on the Chain of Lakes property including a new facility for Theatre Winter Haven, a new aquatic center and other recreational amenities. Public access to Lake Lulu and the east shore of Lake Shipp would be greatly enhanced.

The master plan being contemplated will produce land use guidelines including more inter-city in fill development of a very high quality as well as an increased emphasis on Chain of Lakes access and appreciation, connectivity to walking trails and downtown.

The information was shared during the City’s annual planning retreat where those present outlined a vision for the city both five and ten years in the future. The areas of emphasis included Economic Development, Community Neighborhoods, Lakes, Leisure, Growth and Development and City Services. The City continues to use the results of the “Our Future By Design” visioning document as a significant benchmark for planning purposes. The document was developed in 1999-2000 by a broad cross section of Winter Haven residents (approximately 200 participated throughout the process).

Reach was inspired by the astronauts who lost their lives on the shuttle Challenger.

The Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition is organized by the Polk Museum of Art in conjunction with the City of Winter Haven. This is the eighth year for the competition and the third time it has been in Winter Haven’s downtown parks. The City of Winter Haven provides both financial backing for the exhibition and the logistical support to install and maintain the sculptures. The sculptures are selected by a committee of area residents. This year’s judges included Carol Mickett, Ph.D., and Robert Stackhouse, Ph.D Artists. 

The Central Park Stroll was sponsored by Cartlon Music Center, CSX Transportation, Food Partners, Haskell Corp., Peterson Myers, P.A., Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Raley Downtown Properties, Richards Fine Coffees, Tampa Electric Company and the Winter Haven Chamber Foundation.

The Chamber joins with Main Street Winter Haven and the City to present the Central Park Stroll. Those who voted for the sculptures last evening received a coupon book good for discounts at downtown restaurants and retailers.