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As Executive Director and Chief Curator at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College and chair of the Department of Art History & Museum Studies at FSC, Dr. Rich plays an influential role in Lakeland’s art community.
ON THE COVER:
Dr. Alex Rich
Photo by Jordan Randall
FEATURES
42 UNBRIDLED AMBITION OF THE AGB
The expansion of a 59-year-old museum aims to redefine the art and cultural center of our city. The dedicated work and generosity of many people over the years is the fuel for what comes next.
80 FASHIONABLY DIFFERENT Robert Berganza is no stranger to creating custom products that are conversation starters, but his latest venture takes him outside the realm of home decor and into the marketplace of high fashion.
68 HYDRATE, BRIGHTEN, REPLENISH
Caring for your skin, no matter your age, doesn’t have to be complicated. A local dermatologist breaks down essentials for healthier skin, including a simple test to identify your skin type.
88 BIG DESIGN, SMALL SPACES
Do you have those corners or empty spaces that you dream of doing something with but don’t know where to start? A local design expert showcases several big wins in tight quarters.
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Deb Patterson
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Bechard Bookkeeping
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CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Jason Jacobs
DISTRIBUTION
David Heideman
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Ted W. Weeks IV
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LAKELANDER CREATIVE SERVICES
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EDITOR, CONTENT STRATEGIST
RJ Walters
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Allie Brinton
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER
Jordan Randall
GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN
Maddy LaRock
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL
Katy Lister
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Madi Elizabeth
The Lakelander is published 12 times annually by Lakelander Media, 1505 Florida Ave. S, Lakeland, FL 33803. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
That is so aesthetic!” I hear that exclamation most weeks of my life thanks to the verbally processed juvenile wonder of our six children. It’s likely about a decorative pillow, a social media influencer’s wardrobe or the result of us simply rearranging furniture. It often seems like vanity, but I’m beginning to understand it’s their way of appreciating something they see and calling out the beauty they would like to see more of. There is a limit to it—I’m prone to roll my eyes if I hear the word multiple times in one conversation—yet I’m encouraging you to look (and yes, please read—I am a purveyor of words, after all) at this issue slowly and intentionally.
You will see what the end result of decades of dedication looks like as we take you inside the stunning remodel of our city’s hub of art, you can experience a 30,000 foot view of the evolution of air travel in our community and you can even determine your skin type.
You might also find inspiration for a simple way to spruce up a space in your home that lacks a certain aesthetic, you’ll learn that handbags can indeed be made of the same material as your favorite end table and maybe you will even see eyecare more clearly than before.
Look, process, appreciate. Sometimes it’s as easy as that to gain a fresh perspective.
When you stop and think about it, there is actually a deeply moving aesthetic to all of creation.
God is a musician, just look at the birds. He is a potter, and as Scripture says, we are the clay. Glance at mountains, rock formations and valleys, and maybe you’ll consider Him an architect. And in my life, he is certainly the author.
Regardless of your beliefs and where you are in life, I hope you can appreciate some of what makes Lakeland such a special place to live and better understand ways to integrate yourself into its lovely story.
That would be—setting the perfect definition aside—very aesthetic to me.
RJ Walters EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS
KATY LISTER
Katy was born and raised in South Bend, Ind, but she has been living in Lakeland for the past three years while attending Southeastern University. She is pursuing a degree in communication and is passionate about studying mass communication media film, television, magazines and social media and how it affects humanity. In the future, Katy hopes to have a job that allows her to use her creativity in some capacity.
When she’s not writing and researching for her internship with The Lakelander, you can find Katy walking backwards on campus (hey, she’s a tour guide) or helping lead SEU’s Unpland Improv team. Katy loves exploring local antique shops and getting iced coffee at Pressed.
MADI ELIZABETH
Madi Elizabeth is a California-born photographer who now resides in Lakeland. Known for her ability to capture fleeting moments with authenticity, Madi’s work showcases a diverse range of subjects and settings, from landscapes to intimate portraits.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she invites viewers to experience the emotions and beauty of each captured scene. Madi’s talent has gained recognition through features and publications in People Magazine, The Lakelander, Voyage Tampa, etc, solidifying her place as a sought-after artist in the field of photography.
MADDY LAROCK
Maddy was born and raised in Lee, Mass., but has since moved to Lakeland three years ago and is attending Florida Southern College. She is currently pursuing degrees in both graphic design and marketing. Maddy hopes to find a job in the future that allows her to use her digital artistry and creativity.
Outside of graphic design both for the Lakelander and in school, you can find her at the downtown farmers market or enjoying a coffee at Black and Brew.
BY RJ WALTERS
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL
Asthe Boeing 737 descends, one of Lakeland’s most successful businessmen and his wife are wrapping up a fun weekend getaway with some of their closest friends.
After checking out new hiking trails, enjoying some wonderful meals together and creating lifelong memories with a handful of other couples, Mark and Linda Hulbert are preparing to get back to work Monday, and it’s a more seamless process than they ever dreamed.
As their Avelo flight lands, they grab their bags, walk a couple of hundred yards to their vehicle and drive roughly 10 minutes to arrive at their front door.
“To say that it’s convenient is an understatement,” says Mark Hulbert, the founder of award-winning Hulbert Homes and a generous philanthropist in the community. “Parking, bag check and security was seamless—it’s unbelievable it’s right here in Lakeland.”
Lakeland International Airport (LAL) has played a pivotal role in the development of Central Florida for more than 80 years, but for the first time in more than a decade—and with a more defined and hopeful runway for long-term success— people like the Hulberts can skip getting on I-4 and utilize the airport for business and pleasure alike.
Since June 2024, more than 45,000 passengers have come through the turnstiles of LAL as travelers on Avelo Airlines, a low-fare airline focused on convenience and customer service that has become profitable in less than four years and who recently earned the distinction as “America’s Most Reliable Airline” in 2024 based on flight-cancellation rates and on-time arrivals and departures.
“It’s simple, basic air transportation,” says Trevor Yealy, Head of Revenue for the Houston, Texas-based company. “We want to make sure we get you to and from your destination on time so you can spend more time at your destination, you can spend more money at your destination, whether it’s for a vacation or it’s with loved ones or family.”
WRITTEN
DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA
Avelo currently offers six round-trip destinations in and out of LAL, and will add Nashville, Tenn. as its seventh in March.
LAL Airport Director Kris Hallstrand is all smiles these days as she chats with customers grabbing snacks from the MarketplACE in the terminal or greets fellow Lakelanders returning from a trip. She never had aspirations to operate an airport that had commercial services for passengers, but during the last year she is having the most fun of her 20-plus year career, in part because she is seeing the incredible dividends of nearly 1.5 years of negotiations to bring the right commercial carrier to LAL.
“During that process of the initial meetings, I was looking for a partner. I wasn’t looking for someone who was going to walk into our community, burn a bunch of money and walk away,” she says.
Hallstrand said it’s clear Avelo is the right partner because they believe in who Lakeland is and who it is becoming, based on their experiences on the ground and the data they continue to collect to help guide their decisions.
Hallstrand said some of the favorite routes from the first half-year of flights seem to be to Rochester, NY and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Yealy said ideal routes for Avelo are
ones that have desirable destinations on both ends, and with Tampa and Orlando both within 60 miles, Lakeland is poised to continue to add new destinations.
Some locals may have balked when an announcement came out in December 2024 that Avelo was suspending flights to Atlanta, as well as Hartford, Conn., but it’s all part of the business sense that Avelo believes will make the airlines not only sustainable, but enable it to grow significantly in the coming years. Airline staff pour over data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Census migration data (where people are moving to and from) and cell phone mobility data to determine feasible routes from what the company deems “currently underserved hubs.”
With the route from Lakeland to Atlanta in particular, Yealy acknowledges there are a lot of people flying between Atlanta and Central Florida every day, but there are a lot of existing airline options and the Atlanta market has had little exposure to the Avelo brand to this point.
“It was just too early for us in Lakeland to
“I want to put a billboard over by ChampionsGate on Westbound I-4 that says, ‘If you would’ve flown to Lakeland with Avelo, you’d be home already.’”
Avelo’s Boeing 737 fleet has flown more than 45,000 passengers in and out of Lakeland in the past six months.
get sufficient numbers to make the flight work…but we think in the long run it can work,” he says.
Yealy said Avelo’s mantra is to “start small and grow into it,” and that principle is evident in the fact Avelo currently has a fleet of 20 planes, up from 16 when the first Avelo flight departed LAL in June of last year.
Similarly, LAL is growing into its role as a hub for travelers and the community at-large.
Sora Eatery, a new Japanese inspired restaurant that will also feature American classics like smashburgers, wings, etc., was scheduled to open in mid-February in the location previously occupied by Waco Kitchen.
The parking situation is also set to evolve. Hallstrand said by April she expects a full parking system to be installed and operational, meaning customers who park on any of the asphalt parking spots for more than four hours will be charged a daily rate, which Hallstrand estimates could be around $9 per day.
“The reason for that is we’re an enterprise fund of the City of Lakeland, which means we do not have any taxpayer dollars coming into here from our community,” she says. “So we are government, but we are also independent on our revenues, which means that we also are quasibusiness.”
For the foreseeable future there will continue to be a limited number of free parking spots on the grass.
It’s a small price to pay for the alternative of leaving hours earlier for flights and paying much higher fees for parking at other airports.
“Convenience is the number one thing—not having to sit in ChampionsGate traffic,” Hallstrand said. “I want to put a billboard over by ChampionsGate on Westbound I-4 that says, ‘If you would’ve flown to Lakeland with Avelo, you’d be home already.’”
Fly Lakeland
Dr. Dustin Dixon Owner of Vision First
WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS
BY JORDAN RANDALL
Eye care is about more than prescriptions and eyewear recommendations. Just ask Dr. Dustin Dixon, owner of Vision First.
He vividly recalls helping a 24-year-old patient find just the right specialty contact lenses.
“He started crying and told me this was the first time he had seen his 3-year-old daughter clearly,” Dixon says. “That was a moving experience for us both.”
That moment took the experienced optometrist back to the days of the first exam on his eyes, when he was a 1st-grade student at Sikes Elementary. Soon after being prescribed his first pair of glasses he strolled through a local Publix with his mom, and he realized that improved vision had truly opened up his world when he could clearly read signs throughout the store.
Today, his mission is to serve the eye care needs of everyone with any type of vision or medical needs through personalized care by skilled professionals, advanced diagnostics tools and technology and top-notch products that are highly customizable.
“He started crying and told me this was the first time he had seen his 3-year-old daughter clearly,” Dixon says. “That was a moving experience for us both.”
Over the course of more than a decade of providing patient care Dixon learned what he does and doesn’t want Vision First to be. In May 2024 he opened the office at 6595 South Florida Ave. Suite 3. As part of this venture he brought on Dr. Stuart Harrell, a colleague he had long respected and who he knew treated corneal diseases in similar ways and had the same expectation of the standard of customer care. He also brought on optician Brian Hayden to round out a team that has served local patients for decades.
It’s common for people to think of an eye doctor’s office as simply a place to go for a short exam that gives them the prescription needed to get whatever products they want, but Dixon is ready to help patients reset their idea of what an eye doctor should be.
“We are here not only to provide products—we are here to diagnose and treat red eyes, painful eyes, eye irritants, glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.,” he said. “I believe people of Lakeland, Mulberry and the surrounding areas deserve better care than what I see being offered by many other providers.”
Through his doctorate program and residency programs
Above: Dr. Stuart Harrell (Lakeland High School ‘81) uses state-of-the-art technology to get dialed into a patient’s eye care needs. Below: Optician Brian Hayden consults with a patient.
Dr. Dustin Dixon and Dr. Stuart Harrell have been serving the eye care needs of locals for decades.
at The Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn., Dixon gained a considerable amount of experience fitting complicated corneas with specialty lenses, treating corneal diseases and building his skills in diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions.
The 2000 Mulberry High School graduate is excited to be back in the community he grew up in, alongside his wife, Melinda, and their children, Elise and Holden, to make a difference. This includes working with young children and determining if they could be aided by products such as “myopia control” contact lenses that can help delay the onset of nearsightedness.
But as Dixon often says, his team is here to serve all ages, and one remarkable story proves his point.
“I saw a lady that was near age 70 with decreased vision who ended up having swelling around both optic nerves, caused by excessively high blood pressure,” he says. “After an immediate trip to the ER, she came back grateful that I sent her, as they told her that I likely saved her life.”
Vision First accepts a wide array of insurances and is proud to carry designer frames from established brands like Tiffany & Co., Ray-Ban, Oakley, Tom Ford, Versace and other exceptional options from well-known and up-and-coming names. Dixon notes that eyewear preferences are extremely individualized, but he does see a trend of more people going back to retro frames, including wing-tipped options, and in Florida, sunglasses will always be popular.
“We prioritize your eye health through building a relationship with you and understanding your needs,” Dixon said. “It’s far different from the assembly line experiences you may have experienced before, and Vision First looks forward to serving this community for years to come.”
3 Tips for Better Eye Health
At Vision First they provide customized recommendations for each customer. However, Dr. Dixon offers several universal tips that can help anyone.
Consider “computer glasses”
For people who work on computers for long hours, it can be helpful to see if a different prescription and special anti-fatigue lens are a good option. Examine additions like blue light blocking technology and various anti-reflective features to fit your specific needs.
Take blink breaks
Eye strain often comes from too much staring. Make a habit of taking 20-second breaks. Use a lubricating drop and blink softly.
Better health = better vision
Healthy eating habits, blood pressure control, diabetic control, abstaining from smoking, using sun protection and regular exercise all greatly increase a person’s chance of having healthier eyes and better vision as they age.
To schedule a visit or learn more about Vision First, check out visionfirstfl.com.
The Relentless Pursuit to Inspire, Educate and Build Community Through Fine Art
WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL, MADI ELIZABETH AND FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE
Theart of being involves tangible reality, vivid daydreams and experiences that often entangle the two.
Being an art enthusiast in Polk County has long had its benefits—such as a consummate theatre scene, celebrated architecture, a music scene that occasionally surges like a neon LED, and an art museum that has served locals for 59 years.
Being a local art enthusiast also has had its limitations, often realized by restraints of space and funding that are foreign to larger metropolitan areas or cultural centers with centuries of history to build on.
But today is a very different day regarding art and culture in the life of a city that once may have called any swan related art transcendent, a nod to the beloved birds that initially became part of its lore thanks to a gift from the Queen of England.
You can now explore the iconic Pop art of Andy Warhol, emotionally invest yourself in the birth of modern jazz through immersive photos, experience the dramatic inclinations that can come with appreciating Baroque art and take in the artistry of sculpted works that takes you all the way from ancient civilizations through distinctive movements and into the Disneyfication of some modern art. And you can enjoy all of that, and more—depending on the day or the month—while still hearing the familiar call of swans congregating on the shores of Lake Morton when you step out of the building located at 800 East Palmetto St.
A facility where you can now walk past a classroom with state-of-the-art 3D printers and quite literally enjoy art education from adolescence to adulthood is itself a piece of art that tells a story of humble beginnings, an often uncertain future, relentless dedication and hopeful expansions.
At The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College (The AGB for short) guests can now marvel at the wide array of exceptional art made possible by 14,000 square feet of additional exhibit space (compared to roughly 3,500 square feet total prior to the expansion) made possible by a more than $8 million undertaking that began with seed money in December 2021 and culminated with an official grand opening to the public on January 18 of this year.
It’s local art at its finest, with an extensive permanent collection of the Florida Highwaymen provided by longtime Lakelanders Charles and MaryLou Woodsby that showcases art by a prodigious group of African American painters during a time when our country was still in the throes of segregation.
Original Architecture and Expansion Design
Provided for The AGB by Straughn Trout Architects
Under the leadership of Managing Principal Tim Hoeft, Principal Jon Kirk and Senior Principal Jerry Trout the Lakeland-based firm has perennially been called upon by the Museum for design services.
Expansion Wing Built by Rodda Construction
The Lakeland-based contractor is led by CEO/ President Jason Rodda and Senior Vice President of Construction Jodie Rodda. Jason is a Florida Southern College alum and serves on FSC’s Board of Trustees.
The museum has been housed in three buildings since its founding in 1966, including the current home that opened in 1988 and just welcomed its grand expansion.
Visitors also can’t help but smile as they turn the corner from the main atrium to an exhibit that is often dedicated to the art of local students of all ages.
Then you have a treasure trove of distinctive and well-known American art, especially in the brand new “American Art Since 1960” exhibit that covers ground from the Civil Rights Movement to the Space Race to new technologies of the 21st century.
Influences from across many periods and from all over the world will now rotate in and out of the museum more than ever—both from the museum’s permanent collection of 3,400 art pieces and artwork that is on loan—including the sculptural brilliance of French artist Auguste Rodin that has had a prominent presence in the museum in recent years.
“This is a big moment that has been on the horizon for a long time, a great leap for the entire team,” says Dr. Alex Rich, executive director and chief curator of The AGB. “This was a big thought that was germinating in all of our minds collectively for a long time, and to achieve it and to see it come out the way that many of us envisioned…there are literal galleries that are fully fleshed out as they’ve been in my mind for many, many years.”
THE “OLD GUARD” TO THE “NEW GUARD”
“Finally!” exclaims Pal Powell, director of museum events and special projects, and the longest tenured museum-affiliated employee, with more than 33 years of experience to her credit. “Finally we’re moving forward—it is time to move forward to that next step.”
She understands better than most that this “shiny new gem” wasn’t unearthed overnight. It was in fact kept viable in part by resolute, hard working people— especially a group of tight-knit individuals who did whatever it took for decades as a volunteer and donor base to keep the dream alive of one day being the community focused and Smithsonian-affiliated academic institution that it is.
“When I started, I called them the ‘old guard.’ So if you’re familiar with Rosa Hernandez, Anne Tucker, Lois Cowles Harrison, Beth Mason and the Junior League, Patricia Meland…they just had a different [attitude] about them—I mean they were not afraid,” she recalls. “We all worked for a common goal to get it done.”
What began as an undertaking by the Junior Welfare League (now known as the Junior League) to start a youth museum in the mid 60s eventually found a permanent home in 1970 at the address The AGB stands today. At that time it was housed in an old Publix store on Palmetto St. that had been bestowed to Florida Southern College by Publix founder George Jenkins.
Lynda Buck was part of the “old guard” and would actually also be at the front of the “new guard” if someone defined it, having served as president of the
Some of Lakeland’s most generous individuals and vocal supporters, especially of the arts, were on hand for the ceremonial ribbon cutting celebration for the new wing on January 9.
museum’s board of trustees since 2015. She remembers how in the 70s, 80s and 90s it took a lot of hard work to incrementally bring new ideas to life, including moving into the original wing of the current building in 1988. She fondly recalls being part of the Art Resource Trust, a group of Museum advocates who traveled to places like Chicago, New York and California to find inspiration to make the museum more enjoyable for the community and better equipped to serve students.
“You just do it, we just get ’er done,” she said with a laugh when talking about what it was like to keep the museum going during leaner years filled with more uncertainty. “We are so thrilled to have the museum up and running after 30 years of trying to do so.”
Powell said working alongside individuals like Buck, as well one of the founding members, Sarah McKay, to name just a few, gave her the energy and inspiration to keep aspiring to greater programming and keep raising the level of excellence. It’s no surprise then that Powell has played a pivotal role in building the credibility of the Lakeland art community in her role as the overseer of the Mayfaire-by-the-Lake fine arts festival for more than 20 years.
Another pivotal marker in the life of the museum was when Florida Southern College officially became affiliated with it in 2017. Under the leadership of President Emerita Dr. Anne Kerr, the college brought significant financial backing, the infusion of a burgeoning art history and museum studies program, and the infrastructure to help usher the museum into a new era.
“Without the community support and Florida Southern, we wouldn’t be where we are today, and it’s just unbelievable,” Buck said, noting that she hopes as the community takes in the new wing of the museum they find a deeper level of appreciation for the college.
In a nod to the importance of that partnership, the recently completed expansion of the museum is called the Dr. Anne B. Kerr Wing.
Lynda and Steve Buck, shown in this photo from 2002, have been ardent supporters of the museum for decades.
A NAME TO MATCH THE MOMENT
The Florida Southern College connection has only grown stronger since the school affiliated with the museum, and two proud Moccasin alums have ensured that will be the case for the foreseeable future.
In step with the heart and intent that his grandfather George Jenkins had when he donated the building and land to FSC in the late 1960s, Nicholas Barnett, and his wife Ashley, announced in July 2024 a transformational endowment to the museum through the Nicholas and Ashley Barnett Foundation at GiveWell.
On top of that, Nicholas earned himself an unofficial “husband of the year” nomination by surprising Ashley with having the museum renamed The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College. It all adds up, considering his mom, Carol Jenkins Barnett, was a supporter and advocate of the museum for years, and Ashley is a former national champion dancer and award-winning photographer who grew up with extensive exposure to and adoration for the arts.
“Having the chance to surprise Ashley with the naming of the Museum was such a wonderful opportunity,” Nicholas said. “I am thrilled to be able to show my love and appreciation for her, and to honor her commitment to this great institution.”
Ashley, who serves on Governor Ron Desantis’s Florida Council on Arts and Culture, was once the Student Body President at FSC, and now serves on the Board of Trustees for both the college and museum. She said having the museum named after her is “the honor of a lifetime” but not just because of how it impacts the family legacy.
“The significance of the endowment is…it is the future of the museum and a celebration of all the individuals who make our free, world-class educational art museum possible,” she said.
Ashley’s mom, Tammy Gibson Dillard, was an educator and administrator for more than 30 years, and was keen to instill in her children the importance of education and the arts. Nicholas and Ashley are excited at the prospect of being part of a community that does that for thousands of children each year, including their own 3-year old daughter, Zoey.
“As our daughter grows and her imagination ignites, I envision Zoey exploring the museum halls with her friends, engaging in activities that enrich her mind and foster creativity,” Ashley said. “My dream is for the Museum to continue to transform as a launching point of an entire arts district, not only as a beautiful cornerstone of our community but as a premiere arts destination in the state of Florida.”
“As our daughter grows and her imagination ignites, I envision Zoey exploring the museum halls with her friends, engaging in activities that enrich her mind and foster creativity.” -Ashley Gibson Barnett
“St. John the Baptist Preaching” by Auguste Rodin
Since 2022, iconic works by the French sculptor have been on display at The AGB
FROM CULTURE COMES CULTURE
“An opportunity like this does not come often to any town or city of any scale—to be able to reimagine itself as something larger than what it was, and to showcase everything about what art means in people’s lives on a really gorgeous and innovative level,” Dr. Rich says. “Lakeland and Polk County and Central Florida have a cultural hub now that really takes a respectful and really smart look at art and thinks that its audiences and its visitors of all different ages and backgrounds and interests in the world of culture or the world of art have an opportunity to learn something new every time they walk through our doors.”
The scholarly and gregarious Dr. Rich doesn’t say that only as a champion of The AGB, but as an avid lifelong lover, consumer and teacher of art.
He grew up in Manhattan, NY and says he has been an artist since age 2. As a young boy he made sense of the world through art and he was known by other students as the class “cartoonist” because he was always creating drawings of them.
“Going to New York City’s museums was the most edifying part of my development as a person,” he says. “I believe being able to see the world through that lens of art was pivotal, and I hope that we can satisfy that at least similarly in some percent of students’ lives.”
The Dartmouth College graduate moved down to Lakeland to become an assistant professor of art history at FSC in 2014, and by way of the FSC affiliation and his own professional development he progressed into his roles today that include executive director and chief curator of The AGB as well as the chair for the college’s Department of Art History and Museum Studies.
He has gone from the kid who would narrate tours of the
“I don’t want to say it, but I didn’t expect Lakeland to be a central part of the art world, but with this new wing it’s really becoming a central museum for all of Central Florida.”
-Federico Gandolfi Vannini, a fourthgeneration art dealer and owner of
Frascione Arte in Florence, Italy
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to the face of a museum that is now receiving acclaim from many corners of the art world.
In mid-January, Federico Gandolfi Vannini, a fourth-generation art dealer and owner of Frascione Arte in Florence, Italy made a trip from his second home in Miami to visit The AGB. He had visited the museum almost a year prior to see specific exhibit, and he was blown away by the new exhibit space.
“I don’t want to say it, but I didn’t expect Lakeland to be a central part of the art world, but with this new wing it’s really becoming a central museum for all of Central Florida. I think Alex did an amazing job on finding the funds and constructing [the space]...he had a modern concept, but it’s very classical too and it’s an enormous space,” he says. “What I love in a museum is this universal approach of art… and I think that’s exactly what the museum does because it serves university [students], the younger [students] and is open to all of Lakeland.”
In an effort to be more of a community hub, the Museum has added new wrinkles to start engaging people, including: more lively social events like AGB Thursdays that will offer fresh programming weekly, more vibrant spaces available to rent for meetings, weddings and events, and a more intentional approach to adding new and collectible items to its gift shop.
Dr. Rich and the Museum staff’s goal is to not only accommodate, but inspire people with a wide spectrum of interests and varying degrees of art knowledge.
“I never want to have our exhibitions or programs teach down to people. I believe we have to meet them where they are, but also expect that everybody who comes through our doors is going to learn something new and walk away really happy that they learn something new,” he says.
THE CLASSROOM THAT’S CALLED A MUSEUM
Art education has always been a foundational principle of the Museum, and the expansion has only amplified the possibilities.
The museum has a cooperative relationship with Polk County Public Schools that spans more than 30 years. Each school year more than 5,000 4th-grade students visit The AGB on field trips, and Dr. Rich says “the museum is a great adjunct that can help to extend what they’re learning in the classrooms, making art here and seeing artwork made by other artists.”
Renovated classrooms are large flexible spaces that can accommodate countless types of art, complete with touchscreen technology, and The Ruthvens Creativity Lab is home to four brand new 3-D printers. The Museum offers low-cost (free to members) after-school art programs throughout the year, as well as summer and spring break camps for students who want to explore their creative side.
Dr. Rich has an obvious bias toward supporting art education, but it’s with good reason, based on science and the human experience.
“We talk so much about reading literacy and the importance of that,” he says. “Nobody would doubt the importance of a library, but museums are about visual literacy and finding ways to look at visual culture and looking at artwork to be able to somehow extrapolate new information or new understandings of who these kids are or what their communities are about.”
In addition, there are daytime classes for adults, panels and lectures, docent-led tours and more.
The pin on the map for art education at the museum, though, is the fact that Florida Southern College’s Art History and Museum Studies program is only one of its kind that is actually housed in a museum. Lectures are often given in an auditorium, but in the expanded wing every exhibit can also become a classroom because, with the touch of a button, a projector and screen unfold out of the ceiling.
Students are immersed in art history, but also get the functional experience of being able to help install exhibits, market the museum, etc. One example can be found in the “Decorating History in Clay” exhibit upstairs, where Riley Karau, a junior who is studying graphic design and studio art at FSC, designed the art and verbiage that is on the walls throughout the room.
“If they come to our program they’ll be thrown right into work they might like in the galleries or working with objects or helping put words on the wall...or working on marketing gear,” Dr. Rich says. “So it’s a really special space for students to learn in, and Florida Southern is all about engaged learning.”
When you are walking the halls of The AGB you are bound to
learn something if you keep your eyes and ears open. Dr. Rich recognizes that some people will matter-of-factly say they’re not interested in art, but he likes to challenge them to come pay a visit to the museum to test that theory.
“We have strived really hard, especially with the opening of the new wing, to find something that every single person will hopefully take something away from or find some aspect of themselves to relate to,” he says. “Our desire moving forward is to use the space in the museum to reach every single person where they are—even the most dubious potential art lover.”
“Our desire moving forward is to use the space in the museum to reach every single person where they are—even the most dubious potential art lover.”
Dr. Alex Rich Executive Director & Chief Curator for The AGB, Chair of FSC’s Art History and Museum Studies program
WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL, MADI ELIZABETH
It’s
awe-inspiring, highly versatile, more than 52,000 square feet and made to accommodate guests of all ages, and it’s free to visit?
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College (The AGB) has positioned itself to be a community hub of art and culture for generations to come, but it’s going to have to be a mecca for the people supported by the people to remain free.
Dr. Alex Rich, executive director and chief curator, says aside from generous donors and sponsors it’s going to take an influx of new members to help support the heightened costs associated with operating the state-of-the-art expansion.
The museum had around 1,200 members at the beginning of the year. Rich said he would like to see that number double this year to establish a more stable financial foundation that better aligns with the expectations of a museum of this caliber.
“We can only keep doing what we’re doing if we have members,” he said. “It’s for people who want ownership in something that is not found in most cities of our size, so I hope people feel pride and will become more active members of our museum community.”
So what exactly does it mean to be a member of an organization that offers free admission to its primary attraction? It looks like a modest annual contribution (that can even be broken into small monthly contributions for higher membership levels) that unlocks member-only privileges, discounts on art classes and camps, neighborhood benefits at participating local businesses and a variety of reciprocal benefits around the region and country, depending on the membership level.
led tour, discounts on facility rentals and more.
The Neighborhood Discount Program provides members discounts at local spots like Black & Brew and Cob & Pen, as well as complimentary services or gifts at Lakeland businesses including Venue Salon and Scout & Tag. Depending on membership level, reciprocal admission benefits can include everything from passes to Bok Tower Gardens and Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry, and members are often invited to explore new exhibits in advance of the general public.
Memberships start as low as $50 per year for an individual membership, Sponsor memberships run $120 annually–or $10 per month—and include two adults and all minors in a household, and tiers go up to $1,000 per year for a Patron Membership that includes amenities such as a private docent-
One staff member of the museum mentioned that becoming a member and seeing many of the same people at events and special functions kind of takes you back to the hallways of high school where people would hang out, share stories and do life together.
Pal Powell, director of museum events and special projects, who has been affiliated with the museum for 33 years, says that membership is not just a symbol of support, it is actually what will keep the museum alive.
“If you think about it, whenever you want to invest in something and you want to keep it around, you have to put some money toward it—you’ve got to put your own effort into it,” she said. “If the community backs [the museum] through membership, that’s more classes we can offer, that’s more programming we can offer. The museum is already free, so you are just buying into the mission and allowing us to keep offering it to more and more people down the road.”
Membership provides a consistent source of revenue from within the community to help support a facility that had around 140,000 visitors coming through the doors per year prior to the expansion. The annual operating budget for the museum has hovered around $1.6 million annually the past several years, and it operated at a deficit in 2023, according to Guidestar.org.
As an engaged member of The AGB, a person will have the opportunity to become more educated about and enamored with art from eras and cultures that chart an expansive timeline
of human history, while keeping the experience accessible to all.
On a recent evening, dozens of people from 20-somethings to 70-somethings gathered for an evening celebrating the spirit and history of jazz—through live musical performances, a viewing of the Above All, Enjoy the Music photo gallery and a discussion with a local expert—as a way to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s just one way the impact of The AGB will always be more than just an economic development driver, and it offers proof of how the arts can bring diverse groups of people together for shared experiences that often unify.
“This is a new starting gate for us,” Dr. Rich said. “It is a new chapter, but we have so many more chapters to write ahead for the museum.”
“If the community backs [the museum] through membership, that’s more classes we can offer, that’s more programming we can offer. ”
-Pal
Powell, director of museum events and special projects
At the VIP ribbon cutting ceremony on January 9, Rep. Jennifer Canady and Lakeland City Commissioner Stephanie Madden were a couple of many donors, dignitaries and supporters on hand for the special evening.
Be a Part of Supporting the Art
agbmuseum.org/join
Individual Membership - $50 per year
Household Membership - $80 per year
Sponsor Membership - $120 per year
Advocate Membership -$250 per year (or $130 for homeschool families)
*Each membership level includes different benefits that can be found on the website, and there are larger business memberships available as well
IN COLLABORATION WITH KATE RYALS, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT AT
kin care can be confusing and complicated with all of the products and information out there. Maybe you find yourself paralyzed in the skin care aisle at the drugstore, wondering if you really need to spend hundreds of dollars on medical grade creams and serums, or if you need to spend a lot of time every evening on an extensive regimen. Taking care of your skin can be done simply and relatively inexpensive if you know what products to use for your skin type and stage of life. After practicing dermatology for 23 years, here are some things I have learned that can help people of all ages and skin types keep their skin healthy and looking its best.
WINTER HAVEN DERMATOLOGY
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL
Cleanse in the a.m. and p.m. using a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser suited for your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive).
Toner in the a.m. and p.m. (optional): If you have oily skin, an alcohol-free toner can help balance oil production and minimize pore size. It can also help balance the pH of the skin, making it more likely to absorb other products.
Exfoliate in the p.m. (1-2 times per week):Use a gentle chemical exfoliant with glycolic acid or lactic acid to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
Moisturize in the a.m. and p.m.:
Consider a lightweight moisturizer in the a.m., heavier at night.
Apply sunscreen in the a.m.: Use a broad spectrum product with at least a 30 SPF to prevent damage from UV exposure and prevent premature aging and discoloration. Consider blocks that include zinc or titanium oxide.
Figuring out your skin type is essential for picking the right products. Here is an easy way to determine your skin type.
Cleanse your face and pat dry and allow your skin to rest for about an hour without applying any products. Then determine which of the five categories are the most true for your skin based on your observations.
Normal: balanced, not too oily or dry, no enlarged pores, few blemishes. Feels comfortable without excessive tightness or excessive shine.
Dry: flaky, rough or tight, fine lines, redness, smaller or less visible pores. Feels tight or uncomfortable after cleansing.
Combination: a mix of oily (especially the T-zone) but dry on the cheeks. Feels oily in some areas and dry in others.
Sensitive: prone to redness, irritation, burning. Feels tight and uncomfortable and may react negatively to some skin care products.
Oily: shiny appearance especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), enlarged pores, frequent blackheads and breakouts. Feels greasy or oily to the touch.
There are some things everyone needs to avoid no matter their skin type or age, especially UV light damage. Even on cloudy or overcast days UV light can cause damage to your skin which can cause premature aging, discoloration and skin cancer. A lot of sun damage occurs before the age of 20, which is why it is so important to protect even children and teenagers which can be difficult when you don’t see the damage immediately. Also, darker-skinned individuals and people of color will develop discoloration and premature aging without sun protection.
Other things to avoid are: abrasive cleansers, loofah sponges on your face, at-home chemical peels, at-home micro needles, astringents that tingle or burn, and propylene glycol, sulfates, or formaldehyde for those with sensitive skin.
Serum
Apply a vitamin C serum in the a.m. to brighten and provide antioxidant protection
Treatment
If you experience breakouts, apply a targeted treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in the p.m.
Eye cream
If you have concerns about puffiness or dark circles, consider an eye cream with caffeine or hyaluronic acid.
Treatment
If you experience breakouts, consider applying a targeted treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to blemishes.
Eye cream
If you have concerns about puffiness or dark circles, consider an eye cream that includes caffeine or hyaluronic acid.
Serum
Apply a vitamin C serum to brighten skin and protect from oxidative damage. The niacinamide, also know as vitamin B3, can decrease oil production in oily skin or help with inflammation and reduce pore size. These can be applied in the a.m.
Treatment
Adding a retinol or retinoid can improve skin turnover and fine lines in the p.m. Many retinols are overthe-counter (OTC) products. I recommend starting with these, then moving to stronger prescription (RX) products as your skin adjusts.
Moisturizer
A richer, more hydrating moisturizer in the p.m. can help diminish fine lines and improve the elasticity. Consider products with hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides.
Serum
A vitamin C serum in the a.m. can help brighten and protect against environmental damage. It can also aid in collagen production.
Treatment
Adding a retinol or retinoid in the p.m. can improve skin turnover and fine lines. Many retinols are OTC products and retinoids are RX. I recommend starting with an OTC option and progressing to an RX as your skin adjusts.
Eye cream
If you have concerns about puffiness or dark circles, consider an eye cream with caffeine or hyaluronic acid.
Do all of the above for the previous age bracket plus:
Repair and Replenish
Strongly consider thicker moisturizers as the skin loses its ability to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide and peptides are all good ingredients. Remember that as estrogen declines your skin can be affected, so discussing hormone replacement with your specialist may be helpful as well.
All of the above noted for women, except, of course, the hormone replacement.
It is important to also consider lifestyle factors when addressing skin health. Hydration is key, exercise promotes circulation and sweating can eliminate toxins from the skin. Limiting alcohol and smoking will improve your skin appearance, as will eating a healthy varied diet including bright colored fruits and vegetables, antioxidant rich foods (berries) and omega 3 fatty acid rich foods (fish). Limiting inflammatory foods like sugar, processed foods, dairy, and gluten can be helpful as well.
In summary, putting some time and effort into skin care does not have to be complicated or expensive. Knowing what products to look for and what to avoid is key. However, not all skin is created equal and sometimes trial and error is required to find the right fix. A dermatologist can help with stubborn problems and factors that may need the help of a prescription. They can also provide samples and suggestions for your specific concerns.
By Robert Berganza
“The Ring Clutch”
Carving out a Niche in the Berganza Brand
“One
of these things is not like the others” jokes Robert Berganza as he shows off his latest craftsmanship. He may be best known in Lakeland for his custom made coffee tables or the swan ornaments he designs and sells each holiday season (or perhaps as the designer and producer of the awards given to Lakelander’s Choice winners) but he is more than just a woodworker. Berganza, who has lived in Lakeland for most of his life after his parents moved the family for their real estate careers, describes himself as an artist who loves to create beautiful things and it just so happens that wood is often the medium he uses to create those things. For him, woodworking was not a lifelong passion, but something that started as a hobby to help relieve the stress of working as a detective with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department. Berganza explained he and his wife moved into a home that already had a workshop on the property, which led him to try out woodworking and, to his surprise, it came very naturally to him. His hobby turned into a full-time job when he joined the Catapult community after the launch of their Makerspace. This workshop includes space to display products and all the professional-grade machines and resources an entrepreneur could need to design, mock-up, create, and market new products. Over the last few months, Berganza has developed a product different from anything he has created before—a sleek women’s handbag that functions as both a conversation piece and a handy spot to store your phone and lipstick.
WRITTEN BY KATY LISTER | PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL
MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC
Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work.
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The bag in question, officially branded “the Ring Clutch” due to its circular shape, has an origin story unlike most of Berganza’s designs. Instead of coming from his own mind, the idea for this purse actually came from a client. This client told Berganza she was bringing a friend to the workshop to see some of his designs. When the pair arrived dressed for a fancy event, Berganza noticed that his client was holding all of her things instead of using a clutch. The client remarked that she had never found a purse that she liked, and she wished there was something she could buy that fit Berganza’s style. This simple comment stuck in his head for months until one day at a coffee shop Berganza sketched the design out, and he hasn’t stopped working on the bag since.
The Ring Clutch features a polished brass handle that wraps all the way around the wooden portion which is made of maple–the same kind of wood used to build most pianos–and covered in a dark, glossy lacquer. A matching brass clasp allows the bag to open, revealing a flocked, red velvet interior with Berganza’s signature nameplate and a unique hinge made of three moving pieces of wood rather than metal springs. As the creator of the clutch explained, “this is clearly not an everyday bag.” The excellent craftsmanship of this bag, as well as its price point (around $2,500) set it apart as something to be admired and taken out of the closet on special occasions. The elevated style fits Berganza’s personal philosophy of “creating work in
The elevated style fits Berganza’s personal philosophy of “creating work in the way it would want to be made.”
the way it would want to be made.” A purse like this highlights the beauty of the materials used–the New England maple trees and the polished metals that make up the clasp and handle–as well as the hours that went into designing and crafting it.
Although these bags are not necessarily custom designed for individuals, as with some of his furniture pieces, they are still able to be customized. The client can choose the color of the velvet lining, as well as the metal hardware. Berganza’s prototype features a gold-toned clasp and handle, but he plans to offer silver and black metal options and name engraving on the underside of the clasp as well. In the future, there may be even more options, as Berganza mentioned the idea of a woodgrain bag, a miniature Ring Clutch, and even a bag made of non-wooden materials if all goes well with the initial Ring Clutch launch. As far as marketing goes, Berganza plans to utilize social media. Influencer promotion may be just the thing to allow him to reach the right markets for this clutch which he hopes includes everyone from New York City socialites to local shoppers looking for a unique piece to add to their wardrobe.
The shift from making handcrafted wooden furniture to designing handbags may seem like an extreme departure from Berganza’s brand, but this choice was not an arbitrary decision. In his own words, Robert Beganza “loves designing pretty things,” and there is no bigger demand for beautifully designed pieces than in women’s fashion. Of course, this new product is a business move as well as a creative outlet. Most clients have no need for more than one coffee table or set of chairs, but if a client falls in love with the Ring Clutch, she may choose to buy it in every color (and size) or buy one for a friend. The purses also allow Berganza to scale his business in a way he never could before by teaching someone else the steps of producing the bag using the Makerspace tools. Although he never saw himself as a creative person before he started his hobby–and five years ago he could not have guessed he’d be making purses one day–he is now focused on discovering what he excels at as an artist. Going from coffee-table creation to marketing an evening bag seems a little less strange when looking at Robert Berganza as an artist on a journey instead of just a woodworker.
Big Design, Small Spaces
IN COLLABORATION WITH TERRI GREEN, DESIGNER AT HOLLINGSWORTH HOME INTERIORS
PHOTOS BY MADI ELIZABETH
DESIGNED BY MADDY LAROCK
Asa local Lakeland designer, I’m ecstatic about the opportunity to collaborate with homeowners to create spaces where they feel most self-expressed. My gift lies in being able to add to and edit spaces to create a comfortable, livable space for family and friends. I then translate your ideas into mood boards, designs, and item selection tools that allow you to efficiently move from dream to reality. This collection of small spaces showcases some of the corners and rooms I’ve designed through Hollingsworth Home Interiors.
A Pottery Barn barrel-style accent chair with a soft, textured upholstery in a warm neutral tone, complemented by a fringed throw draped over the arm for added coziness. Wood tones and Green vintage ceramics bring an earthy element to the space.
The neutral tone chairs and natural textures from the jute rug create a calm serene corner. Thoughtful details like the woven lamp and blue patterned side table add simple color and character.
A sturdy woven basket filled with patterned blankets adds a touch of texture and creates a rustic ambiance to this cozy space.
VENUE VENUE
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Oceans of Gratitude for Voting us BEST Salon & Jackie BEST Esthetician in Lakeland, Patricia, Owner & Operator.
Jackie Edwards Voted BEST Esthetician in Lakeland
AN AVEDA SALON
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This Warm west elm leather chair and soft textiles create an inviting nook. Built-in shelves with curated books and decor add color and character. A statement light fixture (not shown) and natural accents complete the modern yet timeless aesthetic.
Soft pastels and playful textures make up this play room. Delicate embroidery and plush cushions add whimsical charm. Wooden toys and natural light enhance this childfriendly aesthetic.
This wooden piano adds warmth to the space. A fiddle-leaf fig and woven decor create a natural touch.
A curated gallery with a mix of vintage and modern frames creates a visually dynamic display.
A cozy plant arrangement adds warmth and texture to the space. Mixed planters and varying heights create depth and interest. The earthy tones complement the brick and wood elements beautifully.
This styled mantel combines natural textures and neutral tones for a cozy feel. Layered books, greenery, and soft candlelight add warmth and depth. A round mirror reflects light, enhancing the airy ambiance.
1991
Courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library 1991 Mayfaire-by-the-Lake
Mayfaire-by-the-Lake is an outdoor art festival held annually on Mother’s Day weekend on the shores of Lake Morton in Lakeland. It began as a small crafts festival in 1972, sponsored by the Polk Museum of Art and held on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library. The first Mayfaire attracted fewer than 30 artists, all of whom fit comfortably on the Library lawn facing Lake Morton. Now more than 160 artists display their works along Lake Morton Drive at what is one of largest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida. It attracts roughly 75,000 visitors during its two day run.
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