POLK MUSEUM OF ART RECEIVES A TRANSFORMATIONAL DONATION AND IS RENAMED THE ASHLEY GIBSON BARNETT MUSEUM OF ART

(MENAFN- PR Newswire) LAKELAND,
Fla., July 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Anne B.
Kerr,
President
of
Florida
Southern College,
is proud to announce a historic transformational gift to the Polk Museum of Art, through a generous donation from the Nicholas and Ashley Barnett Foundation at GiveWell.

In tribute to Florida Southern College and Museum Trustee Ashley Gibson Barnett's deep commitment
to
the
arts,
the
Smithsonian-Affiliate
museum will
be
renamed The
Ashley
Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) at Florida Southern College, effective July 13, 2024. This generous gift establishes an endowment to support world-class exhibitions, operations, community art and educational programs, expanding the Museum's engagement, accessibility, and influence.

"As one of the founders of the Museum, I believe this gift brings full circle Mr. George Jenkin's donation of the property in 1966 for our museum location. To have it now named by his
grandson for his beloved wife is a true testament to creating a legacy of support for the arts in
our
community,"
said
Dr.
Sarah McKay,
Florida
Southern College
and
Museum Trustee
Emerita.

Along with its signature exhibitions, like the recent Rockwell/Wyeth, Rodin, and Degas shows, the
Museum
will
introduce
new
youth,
adult, family,
and
senior programs,
including
art
therapy and art wellness, while remaining admission-free.

"Surprising Ashley with the naming of our community's esteemed museum was a meaningful way to recognize her dedication to the arts and their impact on our community," explained Nicholas Barnett. "The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art will be a link between our treasured
past
and
an
exciting,
forward-thinking
future
for
our
community,
and
we
are
thrilled
to be a part of it."

The Museum is also home to the growing Florida Southern College Art History and Museum Studies program, the only of its kind housed in a museum. The AGB is thus uniquely positioned to offer unparalleled educational opportunities. Additionally, through a three-decade partnership
with
the
Polk
County Public
Schools
over
5,000
fourth-grade
students
from
the
County
enjoy field trips to the Museum.

"We are profoundly grateful for this extraordinary gift from our alumni, Nick and Ashley Barnett," said President
Kerr. "This remarkable generosity ensures a world-class future for our revered museum, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come."

As
a
premier
arts
destination
for
Central
Florida for
the
past
58
years, the
Museum
will
continue to play a critical role in attracting cultural tourists and serving as the area's only community academic art museum. Recently, Ashley Gibson Barnett was appointed by the Governor to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture which speaks to her passion for expanding the influence of art museums in our State and beyond.

"As we enter our exciting next chapter, our future has never looked brighter," said Dr. H. Alexander Rich, Executive Director and Chief Curator of The AGB. "This incredible gift will enhance the Museum's capacity to deliver outstanding exhibitions and extensive educational programs,
attract
and
retain
top
talent,
and
continue
our
abiding
mission to
offer
exceptional
arts and arts education experiences for every person who walks through our doors for generations to come."

For
more
information
about
The
Ashley Gibson
Barnett
Museum of
Art,
upcoming exhibitions, memberships, and programs, please visit polkmuseumofart.

SOURCE Florida Southern College

MENAFN14072024003732001241ID1108436972