Great Day for Francophiles March 23

To honor the French language and culture during the internationally recognized La Francophonie month of March, the Polk Museum of Art is hosting a free-of-charge La Francophonie Celebration on Saturday, March 23, from noon to 4 p.m.

This French-focused education program sanctioned by the Organisation international de la Francophonie in Paris coincides with the closing of the Museum's three-month long Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist exhibition.

Throughout the afternoon the museum plans ongoing hands-on art activities for all ages and abilities. Participants will create an observational pastel painting of a 3-D Eiffel Tower or a 2-D landscape image of France, Canada, Haiti, Belgium, Switzerland, or Monaco. Dignitaries from five French-speaking countries are expected to attend.

French cuisine and beverages will be available for purchase outdoors.

Activities for the day include:

noon - Florida Southern College Woodwind Quintet Performance

12:15 p.m. - Opening Ceremony & Proclamation Presentation to French Dignitaries

12:40 p.m. - Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist Curator Tour

1:40 p.m. - Polk State College Pearl of Nation Haitian Creole Dance & Poetry Performance

2:10 p.m. - Florida Southern Symphony Orchestra Performance

2:30 p.m. - Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist Curator Tour

2:40 p.m. - Polk State College French Literary & Poetry Performance

3:10 p.m. - Florida Southern Voice/Opera Program & Music Department Performances

3:30 p.m. - Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist Curator Tour

3:40 p.m. - Florida Dance Theatre Performance at 3:40 p.m.

The Polk Museum of Art is located at 800 E. Palmetto St. in Lakeland.

Sponsors for the event are the Fishman Family Foundation, The Mahoney Group, A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, Colette and Buzz Tarver, State Farm Companies Foundation Matching Gift Program, France Florida Foundation for the Arts and the Consulate General of Canada.

For more details, contact Manager of Adult Programming, Laura Putnam at [email protected].