Learn the Principles of Kwanzaa at Polk Museum of Art

Stop by Polk Museum of Art on Saturday, December 20, at 1:00pm for a fun, wild, FREE, family event! We're hosting our annual Kwanzaa Celebration early this year so that you can learn all about it, and then go home and observe the holiday on your own.

Once again, the fantastic Kuumba Drummers and Dancers of Tampa will be here to provide the entertainment. Not only will they talk about the principles of Kwanzaa and the elements of a Kwanzaa table, they'll also tell some traditional African folk tales. But the best part is when they start the drums up and get everyone dancing!

After the event, stick around for an optional hands-on workshop where you can make some of the traditional elements of a Kwanzaa table. The workshop has a $2 per person materials fee.

I hope you can make it!

Only a Few Days Left to Bid in Polk Museum of Art's Holiday Art Auction

There are only a few days left to make a bid in Polk Museum of Art's Annual Art Auction. The silent auction and exhibition, which is currently on display at the Museum, will end Sunday evening, December 7. Two pieces have already sold, and 18 others are still available. Artworks are available in a wide range of styles with starting bids ranging from $25 to $2,000.

Images of the auction items can be seen by visiting http://www.polkmuseumofart.org/. Click on the button at the top right hand corner of the page that says "Holiday Art Auction." Or visit this page: http://picasaweb.google.com/PolkMuseumofArt/ArtAuction2008#
Anyone who is interested in a piece, but who cannot make it to the Museum to place a bid, may call the Museum at 863-688-7743 to have staff bid for them, or they may email TBehrens@PolkMuseumofArt.org.

Polk Museum of Art to Host Series of Holiday Events

Polk Museum of Art will host a Holiday Magic Series of Events November 20 - 23. Every day for four days, the Museum will present at least one Holiday event and all of them will have a magical theme. Some events will be for children, including the ever popular Breakfast with Santa, and some, like the Jingle Mingle & Art Auction, will be for adults only.

Check out these great events:

Holiday Luncheon
Thursday, November 20, 2008, Seatings at 11:30am and 1:00pm
Cost: $30 per person
Enjoy the magic of the holidays with your friends! Join us for a scrumptious catered lunch, browse Gems & Jewels, and stroll through the Museum’s galleries. It’s a perfect occasion in elegant holiday surroundings.

Gems & Jewels Wearable Art Event
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: Free with admission
Your favorite jewelers and artists are back by popular demand to dazzle you with their unique creations. It's a great opportunity to buy a wonderful, hand-crafted present for someone special in your life — or for yourself!

Elves Shelves Gift Shoppe
Saturday, November 22, 2008, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Cost: Free with regular Museum admission. Prices of items vary.
Shhhhhhh! A special Secret Shoppe for children only! Gifts will be reasonably priced for children to purchase holiday items for family and friends. Elves Shelves fun includes creating unique wrapping paper for each selected gift.

Breakfast with Santa & Elf Workshop
Saturday, November 22, 2008, 9:00 – 11:00amCost: $15 per person
Get the kids ready for the Holidays with this magical morning event! Santa Claus will be on hand to visit with everyone while a buffet breakfast is served. After breakfast, the merriment moves upstairs to the Elf Workshop where Santa’s helpers have prepared a fun holiday themed art activity.

Holiday Magic Show
Saturday, November 22, 2008, 11:30am – 12:30pmCost: Free with a ticket to a Santa event or $2 at the door
Sparkle, dazzle, and abracadabra... As if the holidays weren’t magical enough, we’ve decided to add even more with our very own magic show. Bring the kids to be entertained and entranced. You’ll leave wondering what you really saw happen!

Art Auction
November 18 - December 7
Free with Museum admission
Stop by the Museum for your opportunity to buy some fantastic artwork for your collection — or as a gift for someone else’s! 20 pieces are available in a variety of styles and media and at a range of prices. Click here to see images of all of the artwork. If you see something you like, stop by to bid, or call the Museum at 863-688-7743.

“Whet Your Palettes” Cooking Class
Sunday, November 23, 2:30 - 5:30pm
Cost: $50 members and $55 nonmembers
Experience the art of creating fabulous foods with just a few brushstrokes! Join Chef Andy, the owner of TheChefAndy.LLC, for “Home for the Holidays”. Learn to make simple, yet creative appetizers sure to impress family and friends over the holidays. Chef Andy’s passion for food and life will make this a class to remember. Class size is strictly limited to 8 and includes use of apron, recipes, wine pairing, and gallery viewing. Participants must wear closed-toed shoes. Meet Chef Andy to learn about his many achievements, including winning the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence at www.thechefandy.com. Pre-registration is required. Call 863-688-7743 x238.

The Holiday Magic Series of Events is sponsored by BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc with additional support from Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing.

For more information about the activities, please call 863-688-7743 or visit www.PolkMuseumofArt.org.