History of the Lake Wales Arts Center
For over 60 years, this handsome building served Holy Spirit Catholic Church. When the congregation outgrew it, dedicated citizens and community leaders helped the Lake Wales Arts Council acquire the mission-style structure and secure a State Historic Preservation grant to restore it as a visual and performing arts center. The renovation preserved its original character while improving accessibility. Today, it hosts vibrant arts activities while remaining a striking architectural landmark on the skyline.
Since its acquisition, the building has become a vibrant center for the arts while also emerging as a premier venue for weddings and special events. Its historic mission-style architecture, elegant interior spaces, and commanding presence on the skyline create a memorable backdrop for ceremonies, receptions, and community celebrations, all while preserving its role as a cherished local landmark.
Meet our Venue Coordinator
Gigi Hernandez
Born in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 and now an honorary Floridian, Gigi has always been passionate about Latin American art, literature, and the way creativity connects people.
Today, she brings that same meticulous attention to our curated weddings, helping every celebration unfold flawlessly.
When she’s not working on bringing our couples’ vision to life, you can usually find her on a nature hike with her Jack Russell Terrier, Sargie, snapping film photos, or enjoying a really good cup of coffee!
Our Spaces
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![Wedding venue that features stained glass windows depicting religious scenes, stone wall accents, and string lights hanging from the ceiling.]()
Updike Hall
Updike Hall offers a charming and historic setting with exquisite stained glass windows. This space provides a beautiful backdrop for weddings, receptions, and milestone celebrations, blending elegance with historic charm.
Capacity: 100-person seated, 80-person with tables.
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![An art gallery with framed posters on white walls, several high-top and low-top tables with tablecloths and floral arrangements, and a black grand piano in the center.]()
Crews Gallery
The Crews Gallery is a contemporary gallery space showcasing rotating exhibitions of work by local and regional artists. The open layout and curated visual setting create a sophisticated backdrop for cocktail receptions, networking sessions, or guest arrival and mingling.
Capacity: 75-person, standing room only.
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![An outdoor patio with several round tables, some with striped umbrellas, decorated with vases of flowers, enclosed by beige walls with a building in the background.]()
Outdoor Patio
The center offers several distinct spaces like Updike Hall with stained glass windows, the Crews Gallery art space, and an outdoor patio. It allows couples to host ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours in different artistic settings all in one venue!
Capacity: 30-person
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![Group of people working on pottery projects at a workshop table with clay balls and shaping tools.]()
Conference Room
Ideal for educational retreats and workshops, our Classrooms offer flexible spaces that encourage creativity and collaboration. Whether for team-building activities or art education, these rooms are equipped to inspire and engage.
Capacity: 25-person seated, 12-person with tables.
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![Group of ten people sitting around a conference table in a meeting room, engaged in discussion and listening]()
Classrooms
DescriptionIdeal for educational retreats and workshops, our Classrooms offer flexible spaces that encourage creativity and collaboration. Whether for team-building activities or art education, these rooms are equipped to inspire and engage.
Capacity: 25-person seated, 12-person with tables.
