The Lake Wales Arts Council invites you to Participate in the 56th Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival
A TRADITION OF QUALITY, DIVERSITY & EXCELLENCE!
February 27 & 28, 2027
The Festival
The Lake Wales Arts Festival has a 56-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.
Awards Selection
Each year, award selection is made by a different judge and without regard to category.
Best of Show – $3,500
Judge’s Choice Exceptional Work (2 @ $2,000) – $4,000
Award of Excellence (4 @$1000) – $4,000
Award of Distinction (5 @ $600) – $2,500
Award of Merit (5 @ $350) – $1,750
Emerging Artist Award (3 @ $250) - $750
"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
2026 Award Winners
Best of Show: John Canterbury
Judge’s Choice Exceptional Work: Wes Pratt
Judge’s Choice Exceptional Work: Dereck Roberts
Emerging Artist Award: Maxely Perez
Awards of Excellence
Tim Peters
Robin Holt
Austin Snedden
Brigit Kowalczyk
Awards of Distinction
John Jacopelle
Zhiyong Ye
Susan Kennedy
Anita Jimenez
Annie Rief
Awards of Merit
Ed Bladen
Michelle Throne
Lynn Hardesty
Michael Owings
Heather Duncan
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.