#United States #Lakeland #Ashley Gibson Barnett #Kate Carney #Mayfaire by-the-Lake

54th Mayfaire by-the-Lake: Celebrating Art and Nature with Kate Carney

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College has unveiled that the talented Kate Carney will take the spotlight as the Featured Poster Artist for the 54th annual Mayfaire by-the-Lake, a cherished tradition that spans over five decades. Scheduled to take place on May 9 and 10, 2026, along the picturesque shores of Lake Morton in Lakeland, this event promises an exquisite blend of fine art and the vibrant spirit of the community.

Mayfaire by-the-Lake is not just an art festival; it's an uplifting celebration that draws visitors near and far to indulge in a weekend filled with artistic expression. Each year, an artist who has previously exhibited at the festival is selected to create a distinctive poster image that encapsulates the essence of the event. This year's chosen artist, Kate Carney, has distinguished herself through her remarkable oil paintings that pay homage to the vibrancy of life.

Carney's artwork uniquely portrays living subjects, including birds, animals, people, and plants, using a masterful mixture of classical techniques and contemporary styles. Her paintings evoke a deep appreciation for the natural world, layered with both whimsy and emotional resonance. "I love living things—birds, people, animals, plants. I see the whimsy, pathos, love, and power of life, and it inspires me to express my reaction to all that wonder as honestly as I can," Carney states, encapsulating her philosophy as an artist.

In her creative process, Carney favors the versatility of oil paints, adeptly transitioning from transparent to opaque finishes, and blending soft strokes with bold gestures. Her approach involves allowing forms to build organically on her signature orange primed canvases, emphasizing her intuitive artistic style developed over many years of dedication.

A native of England, Carney's artistic influence was shaped significantly by her early encounters with London’s world-renowned museums and galleries. Her educational journey through the Chelsea School of Art and University College enriched her understanding of art history, further refining her artistic vision. After several years devoted to teaching and family, she reignited her passion for art in the early 2000s, eventually becoming a professional fine artist recognized at juried art festivals across the country. Today, she operates out of McRae Art Studios in Orlando.

“This year, Kate thoughtfully broadens the narrative of the swan, which has long symbolized Lakeland and Lake Morton, by celebrating the rich diversity of the waterfowl present in the area,” remarked Dr. Daryl Ward, Executive Director of The AGB. “Her joyful and technically skillful representation not only injects revitalized energy into this beloved tradition but also pays tribute to the ecosystem that makes Lake Morton so remarkable. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love ducks with paintbrushes?”

Through the expressive quality of Carney's oil painting, she creates a stunning visual narrative characterized by vivid colors and intricate textures. Her work will be prominently featured across all promotional materials for the Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2026, including posters, apparel, and assorted festival merchandise, enriching the celebrations with her artistic flair.

The upcoming Mayfaire will also feature a range of sponsors including Citizens Bank and Trust, The Ruthvens, and Publix Super Markets Charities, among others, and additional information regarding the featured artist and other event details will be announced in the weeks leading up to the festival.

As Lakeland prepares for another year of artistic celebration, the community looks forward to immersing themselves in the creativity and inspiration that Kate Carney brings through her work, promising a memorable experience dedicated to the beauty of art and nature.