The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) at Florida Southern College announced its annual Mayfaire by-the-Lake celebration is from May 10 to May 11 on the shores of Lake Morton in Lakeland.
Entering its 53rd year, the AGB’s Mayfaire fine art festival, an annual Mother’s Day weekend tradition, will be presented by Citizens Bank & Trust and The Ruthvens.
Each year, Mayfaire selects an artist who has exhibited at the festival to create a featured image. Emma Holland, this year’s featured artist, is known for her striking animal portraits and innovative mixed media techniques.
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, according to the museum.
“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.
Go to mayfairebythelake.org for more information. .
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.