History
In 1995, sixty-six artists and patrons of the arts established Lake Eustis Center of the Arts in an 1881 store front on Bay Street in the heart of historic downtown Eustis. Since Lake County was home to several art centers, museum founders decided to rename the institution the Lake Eustis Museum of Art (LEMA), pledged to exhibit fine art. The first exhibitor, Mollie Manaulkin, donated 18 paintings of Australian Aborigines as a cornerstone for the Permanent Collection. Soon LEMA offered exhibitions, art events, children's art programs, adult field trips to other museums and an annual outdoor art festival, discontinued in winter 2008. Membership grew along with the roster of dedicated volunteers. The need for more space brought a 2004 relocation to a more visible building, across the street from Eustis City Hall. In January 2009, the museum started asking adult non-members to make a $5 donation to visit the gallery and opening receptions. The museum, with membership in the American and
Specialties
Lake Eustis Museum of Art promotes art education to build culture and enrich our community. LEMA is an art museum, community art center, and a 501(3)c registered nonprofit institution serving Lake County since 1995. Available programs include regularly changing fine art exhibitions, art classes for adults and children, membership, and much more. Located on beautiful Lake Eustis in downtown's Ferran Park, the museum is also a vital part of its host city, participating in many programs and events in Eustis. LEMA is a member of the Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce, and is represented on the Lake County Arts and Cultural Alliance.