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 History of the Lake Placid Art League
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"Palm Ballet" - Photo by Ben Vaughn |
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In 1985, Mrs. Alma Heflin and her daughter Dale Saceman recognized that Lake Placid, Florida was a lovely place to live, but it did not have an outlet for artists to meet and compare experiences. They founded the Lake Placid Art League, with meetings held in the clubhouse of the Tomoka Heights gated community. The clubhouse served the needs of the League well for seven years, but as the development grew, space at that location became limited. The South Florida Community College offered an upstairs room to the group, but the acoustics made the meetings there unpleasant.
At the time, the Seventh Day Adventists were negotiating the purchase of a church in the south part of town and would be vacating their property on Central Street ( later renamed Dal Hall Boulvard). They were offering to sell the building, known as The Parrish House, for $ 25,000.00 The Art League was able to put $ 7,000.00 down and six members were willing to hold mortgages for the balance. Small payments were made on the debt until Bill and Marlene Snyder donated a hand-carved horse, created by Bill. A drawing was held for the $ 5,000.00 horse, which netted funds to satisfy the mortgages.
Elise Kruft served the group well as President for many years. Elizabeth Fox died while serving as President, with Cliff Mitchell finishing her term. Mary Gebhart took her turn as President, followed by Marlene Snyder who served several years. The current President is Pat Keesling.
As a Fund Raiser, in 1986 Kruft devised an Art Show, held at the AgriCenter in Sebring, Florida the last Saturday in January.. The show grows larger every year, with vendors coming from near and far, selling all manner of products appropriate to an artistic community. Cash prizes are given for winning art work and members donate items to be given via drawings every half hour to lucky purchasers of tickets. General admission to the show is free.
The League has an Open House each month, to showcase local artists and students. Lessons highlighting various art disciplines are offered as qualified teachers are available. To encourage young artists, a $ 750.00 scholarship is presented to a promising graduating student from Lake Placid High School.
Regular meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month, alternating between noon and five P.M. starting times. A covered dish meal is included in the meetings, as well as a speaker. Visitors are welcome. For more information call President Keesling at 863-699-2058. |
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