Events & Programs
October – December 2024
October 1, 2024 – January 11, 2026
Florida Southern College (The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art)
Rodin at the Polk: Selections from the Cantor Collections.
Fourteen of Rodin’s bronzes have returned as part of an exciting long-term agreement with the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation. The loans coincide purposefully with the Museum’s 14,000-square-foot expansion, set to open in Fall 2024, with all fourteen sculptures eventually installed throughout the space of the Museum.
October 5 – February 23
Florida Southern College (The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art)
Dutch Impressionism: The Hague School, 1860-1930
When most museum visitors and art lovers think about Impressionism, they think only of the French Impressionists who gained fame as the proponents of the movement. In reality, Impressionism was a far-flung phenomenon. In this exclusive and eye-opening exhibition, we venture beyond France to reveal the remarkable — and undersung — history of Dutch Impressionism and the so-called Hague School of Art. This Fall, visitors will get to immerse themselves not only in the beautiful 19th century world of the Netherlands but also to broaden their understanding of Impressionism in ways they never have — or could have — before.
October 10
Starry Night of Music
You are invited to enjoy this unique musical program under a recreated canopy of stars performed by our talented band and jazz ensemble. Built from various genres and structured in a way to be pleasing to the eye and the ear, please sit back, relax, and enjoy this evening of music that will move you to a better place.
October 25 – 27
FSC|Dance: Fall into Dance 2024
We invite you to join us for the FSC Dance Program’s highly anticipated annual fall dance concert, FSC|Dance: Fall Into Dance 2024. Prepare to be captivated as we present a dynamic showcase of choreography curated by FSC faculty and guest artists, including repertory by the renowned Carolyn Dorfman Dance company and an original work by acclaimed choreographer Theresa Jimmerson. From ballet to contemporary modern dance, immerse yourself in a spectrum of new and diverse movements brought to life by the exceptional students of the FSC Dance Program. Anticipate an evening brimming with excitement and artistic expression.
October 31 – November 3
The Children
Two retired nuclear scientists reside in an isolated cottage by the sea as the world around them crumbles. Together they are going to live forever on yogurt and yoga, until an old friend arrives with a frightening request. This play discusses climate change and explores the responsibility we have to future generations.
November 6
Florida Southern College (The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art)
Polk At Night
Polk at Nite is a cocktail party mixed with fine art and culture at the Polk Museum of Art.
November 7
Florida Southern College (The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art)
After Hours at the Museum
The Museum will be open until 8:00 p.m. the first Thursday of every month September through May.
At 6:00 p.m., join us for a Director’s Tour with Dr. Alex Rich as he provides visitors with in-depth art historical and curatorial insight into the Museum’s current exhibitions.
November 8
BANDTASTIC 2024
Featuring the FSC Symphony Band, directed by J. Jossim, with the FSC Jazz Ensembles, directed by Jeffrey Benatar, this non-stop kaleidoscope of music resounds with a fast-paced blend of classical, jazz, rock and popular tunes including arrangements by some of your favorite composers.
November 14
Florida Southern College (The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art)
Gallery Concert Series
We invite you to join us for The Gallery Concert Series, a special set of ensemble performances, live in our galleries and inspired by our current exhibitions.
November 14
Chamber Music Highlights
Join us for an evening of beautiful music for smaller ensembles. Featuring both the FSC Chamber Singers and Orchestra, the audience will experience some of the most beautiful chamber music written for these ensembles. At the end of the evening, both groups will join forces to perform music by Gorczycki and Fauré.
November 19
Blessings and Gratitude: FSC Chamber Singers & Concert Choir
In this season of giving thanks, the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir come together for an evening of music about our own gratitude for the blessings in life. With highlights from classical masterworks of Haydn, Handel, and Mozart, alongside contemporary composers, this evening will surely bring you joy and remind you of all that we must be grateful for.
November 20
JAZZ EXTRAORDINAIRE 2024
The FSC Jazz Ensemble features Jazz Guest Artist-in-Residence, Lewis Porter, Ph.D., a Grammy-nominated pianist, and composer on 38 albums with Dave Liebman, John Patitucci, Terri Lyne Carrington, and many others, as well as a celebrated author, researcher, and educator.
November 21 – 24
Spring Awakening
The winner of eight Tony Awards, Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. Set in 1891 Germany, this musical is an electrifying fusion of morality and rock and roll that explores the trials and tribulations of growing up. For mature audiences.
December 1
Florida Southern College (The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art)
Museum Store Sunday
We invite you and your family to “Be A Patron” at The Shop at the Polk Museum of Art on Museum Store Sunday on December 1, 2024. You will find quality gifts, handcrafted items, and local finds. Best of all, your purchase will directly support your favorite museum, the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art!
On Sunday, December 1, 2024 over 300 Museum Stores representing all fifty states, five countries, and three continents will offer relaxing, inspired shopping inside your favorite museums and cultural institutions. Museum Store Sunday offers a special shopping experience in one-of-a kind stores, showcasing broad assortments of highly curated, unique, mission-specific gifts. From books to jewelry to children’s products to home accessories and gourmet food, there is something for everyone. Shop knowing you are supporting the missions and programs of each participating museum and cultural institution.
December 7
The Christmas Gala: Home For The Holidays
The FSC Music Department combines all its musical resources to perform holiday classics in both traditional and innovative arrangements. Inspired by the holiday spirit, all ensembles from the FSC Orchestra, Symphony and Jazz Bands, and Choirs perform music for you, the audience, to help put you in the holiday mood. Select FSC students in smaller ensembles will greet you with their music as you enter Honeyman Pavilion, entertain you throughout the concert between larger numbers, and encourage you to join them in song for the sing-along at the end of the concert. Join us for this special annual Holiday Celebration!
December 12
Florida Southern College (The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art)
After Hours at the Museum
The Museum will be open until 8:00 p.m. the first Thursday of every month September through May.
At 6:00 p.m., join us for a Director’s Tour with Dr. Alex Rich as he provides visitors with in-depth art historical and curatorial insight into the Museum’s current exhibitions.
