LAKELAND, Fla. – A fine arts gallery opened in downtown Lakeland on November 19.
- Curated Interiors features work by regional artists
- The fine arts gallery opened in downtown Lakeland
- Gallery also features paintings, pottery and furniture
Curated Interiors, owned by Kia Troutman, gives artists in the region a chance to promote their work.
"I wanted a creative outlet and opportunity to represent regional artists so people can decorate their homes with unique art and furniture," Troutman said. "I feel like we didn't have anything like this in Lakeland so I wanted to create something unique as well."
One of the artists whose work is featured in the store is nature photographer Willie Brown. He started his career in law enforcement.
"To go from a prison guard to a police officer to a nature photographer might seem like it's a big jump, but I finally think I hit my calling," Brown said. "I hit where I'm comfortable at now. I hit where I need to be."
For 10 years, Brown's been taking pictures of nature across Polk County and trying to turn his hobby into a lucrative business
Often he'd resort to selling his paintings out of the trunk of his SUV.
"When people asked me what do I do with my pictures, I said 'well let me show you,'" he said. "Let's go over to my truck."
Then, his work was featured in the "Through the Lens" exhibition in 2016 at the Polk County History Center. That's where Troutman was introduced to his work. When she offered to sell his photography in her new fine arts store, he seized the opportunity.
"It takes the pressure off of me because I don't have to drive around and show it," Brown said.
Curated Interiors features paintings, Brown's nature photography, pottery, and even furniture. Other featured artists include Margaret Juul, Nathan Beard, Frederick Woods, and Cherree Mallette.
Troutman plans to host private events with other artists so they can show off their work."
"Because I only have so much space on the walls, we're going to have a time for artists to come in, one on one with a group of folks, to present their work, almost like a pop up shop," Troutman said.