THE ASHLEY GIBSON BARNETT MUSEUM OF ART ANNOUNCES 53RD MAYFAIRE BY-THE-LAKE FEATURED ARTIST AND POSTER IMAGE

LAKELAND, Fla., March 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) at Florida Southern College is excited to unveil Emma Holland as the Featured Poster Artist for its 2025 Mayfaire by-the-Lake celebration. Entering its 53rd year, The AGB's Mayfaire fine art festival is an annual Mother's Day Weekend tradition and will be presented by Citizens Bank & Trust and The Ruthvens on the shores of Lake Morton in Lakeland from May 10 to May 11, 2025.

Each year, Mayfaire selects an artist who has exhibited at the festival to create a featured image. This artist is tasked with designing a timeless icon that will grace posters, T-shirts, and banners, capturing the essence of one of the region's—and the country's—premier art festivals. Emma Holland, this year's featured artist, is known for her striking animal portraits and innovative mixed media techniques. Her work captures the essence of Mayfaire — and Lake Morton's signature swans — through her signature blend of realism and expressionism.

"For 53 years now, the swan has become the symbol of Mayfaire, much as it has of Lakeland itself," said Dr. Alex Rich, executive director and chief curator of The AGB. "With Emma's unique take on our city's storied avian emblems, we keep the tradition going and continue to champion the talents of both emerging and established artists."

A celebrated artist based in Largo, Florida, Holland is best known for her captivating animal portraits, and her commissioned works are found in private collections across the United States. Her artistic range extends to portraiture and has earned her recognition as a member of the Portrait Society of America. Throughout her career, Holland has also won numerous awards in juried shows throughout Florida. She has also studied at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center and Morean Art Center in St. Petersburg.

"We chose Emma Holland as this year's poster artist because we loved her unique style of capturing the swans on Lake Morton while incorporating the surrounding gardens," said Joy Williams, Mayfaire coordinator. "Emma is a new artist to Mayfaire and we were captured with her vibrant colors and use of mixed media within her artwork."

For the 2025 Mayfaire by-the-Lake, Holland has created "Swan's Special Garden," featuring an elegant swan set against a lush green backdrop, adorned with roses and other delicate florals. Holland's use of mixed media — including oil paint, acrylic, art paper, wallpaper, and colored ink — adds depth and texture to the work, making it a visually stunning and emotionally resonant centerpiece for this year's festival.

Holland's featured artwork will be showcased on all official Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2025 promotional materials, including posters, T-shirts, and other festival merchandise.

Additional information about this year's Mayfaire Judge, Featured Poster, and event details will be available at mayfairebythelake.org in the coming weeks. 53rd Mayfaire Sponsors include Citizens Bank & Trust, The Ruthvens, Visit Central Florida, Southern Homes, Publix Super Markets Charities, Friends of Mayfaire, Tampa International Airport, LeafFilter, Power Home Remodeling, the City of Lakeland, LKLD Arts Mayor's Council of the Arts, and Culture Builds Florida, with Media Sponsors, The Ledger | Localiq, Max 98.3 and WLKF, WEDU PBS, LKLD Magazine, and Winter Park Publishing Company.

About The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is a not-for-profit, academic and community museum that seeks to enhance lives through inspirational and engaging art experiences for all. It is the largest and only nationally accredited visual arts organization in Polk County and the only Smithsonian Affiliate art museum in Central Florida. The Museum recently erected a $8 million expansion and renovation project, adding an additional 10,000 sq. ft. of education and exhibition space, including six new galleries, as well as multi-functional classroom and event spaces. The Museum's hours are Tuesdays–Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm, and closed Mondays and major holidays. The facility is handicap accessible and special needs assistance is available. Admission is free, thanks to our Strategic Partners, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation and Dr. Alan and Linda Rich.

SOURCE Florida Southern College