Category: Art Council Board

In March, the Art Council was invited to see the unveiling of the newest art install made by the Winthrop Arts Mobile Factory. Bryant Martinez is the lead art instructor with Kathy Collins service as the Executive Director. The Art Factory has partnered with the Hispanic Services Council giving young artists a chance for weekly free art lessons as well as putting together larger art installs in Plant City. Earlier this year the Art Council donated funds for material and supply costs. Peggy Hyde a board member also matched the Art Council donation .

The students work can be viewed outdoors at the Krazy Kup.

Born in York, Pennsylvania, Peggy earned degrees at Wilson College and the University of Arizona, which prepared her to teach Spanish at the college level — the longest stint being at Denison University for more than 14 years and finishing her career with The Ohio State University for seven years part-time.

Peggy has always been in love with “the arts”, studying piano, later getting involved with composition, modern dance as dancer and choreographer and poet and songwriter in English and Spanish.

Another interest is archaeology and Peggy has been on “digs” in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, and Belize.

Once she came to Plant City, the teaching “bug” hit her again and she tutored Hispanic children for 13 years with Pastor Julio Santana’s afterschool program.  She has been a member of the Woman’s Club of Plant City since 2008 and has served in a variety of positions including First Vice President, Treasurer and on various service committees and fundraising events.

We are so thrilled to have Peggy on the Arts Council Board of Directors, and we truly appreciate her for sharing her many talents with us.

Frank Cummings has lived in Plant City for 10 years and he is the owner of Walden Lake Car Wash. He is married to Plant City girl Kelli Hoffman “Cummings.” Frank has a son and daughter.

Frank has served as President of the Plant City Lions Club for 2 years and has been the Lions Club Chairman for the Food Booth at the Florida Strawberry Festival for 7 years. Lion’s Club International collects eyeglasses and recycles them to provide eyewear to people who many not otherwise be able to afford them. This projects holds an important role in Frank’s life. He even collects them on site at his business.

Frank is originally from New York, specifically the Long Island area. He is very happy to call Plant City home.

Joe Knox has lived in the Plant City area for more than 20 years. He has supported the Plant City Arts Council for many years by volunteering at many special events.

He is employed at Tata Tea Extractions in Plant City where he oversees the maintenance department. He is humbled to be able to serve as a board member and is looking forward to all that is in store the Plant City Arts Council.

Joe is married to the beautiful, Melanie Knox who has served on the board for many years. They have 4 children; Greg, Cassie, Chelsea and Magan and 2 granddaughters; Adalyn and Aynah. Welcome JOE!

Randy and Laurette Valdez have been residents of Plant City for the past thirteen years.  After graduation from college in 1971, Randy served in the U. S. Air Force as a Russian linguist before returning to school to become a dentist in 1981.  Laurette enjoyed working many years as an elementary school teacher.  They relocated from Tampa to Plant City in 2007 and have enjoyed the smaller and friendly atmosphere of Plant City.  They both have expressed how honored they are to be a part of the Plant City Arts Council.