10/14/2026
Falling for the Arts Brings Art, Music and Community Together in LaBelle
Arts of the Inland’s annual Falling for the Arts gala once again brought artists, supporters, and members of the community together for an evening celebrating creativity in downtown LaBelle.
Held at the Arts of the Inland Gallery in Barron Park, the event was well attended and filled with art, entertainment, food, and community spirit. Guests enjoyed performances by Latinas Unidas, who brought dancing to the garden party atmosphere, while the Cordials Barbershop Quartet, led by Frank Broen, roamed throughout the event entertaining visitors.
Mike Shough served as master of ceremonies for the evening, helping guide guests through the festivities and the presentation of awards from the annual juried art show.
This year’s Best of Show honor went to Barbara Swift for her watercolor, Evening Interlude.
First Place was awarded to Cris Soto for a colored-pencil self-portrait.
Second Place went to Diana Carkin for her watercolor, Pink Hat.
Third Place was awarded to Stella Luckey for her watercolor, Cat Bath.
Three artists received Honorable Mentions: Stacy Moody for her glass mosaic, Rosa; Shary Weckwerth for her palette-knife oil painting, Lurking; and Bobby Holland for his photograph, Doe and Fawns.
The gala also served as an important fundraiser for Arts of the Inland. Funds were raised through the silent auction, 50/50 drawing, artwork purchases, and donations, providing continued support for the organization and its work promoting the arts throughout the region.
The silent auction was organized and managed by Diana Carkin, while Laska Ryan coordinated and oversaw food service for the evening. Stacy Moody, who serves as the organization’s bookkeeper and treasurer, also played an important role in helping keep the many pieces of the event running smoothly.
Arts of the Inland extends a special thank-you to President Stella Luckey, along with the entire board, members, and volunteers whose hard work made the evening possible. Events of this size require countless hours of preparation, from organizing the art competition and entertainment to arranging food, fundraising activities, hospitality, and the many details that come together behind the scenes.
The strong turnout and support shown throughout the evening reflected the community’s continued appreciation for the arts and for the work Arts of the Inland has done to create a place where artists and residents can come together.
With art throughout the gallery, dancing in the garden, barbershop harmonies in the air, and the backdrop of Barron Park and the river, Falling for the Arts once again proved to be much more than an art show. It was a celebration of the artists, volunteers, and community that continue to keep the arts thriving in LaBelle.
