Mae Carroll
LAkeland, Fl
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Artist Bio
I have been passionate about visual art since I was young; it has always been more than just a hobby for me. My childhood was filled with entering local art competitions and shows at Arts on the Park in Downtown Lakeland, participating in the “baby butterfly” competition to raise funds for Common Ground Park, and spending most of my free time experimenting with various mediums and techniques. Growing up in Lakeland, I watched my mom work as a muralist and art teacher. I learned a lot by observing her process and helping when needed. My deep roots in this community have provided me with many opportunities, including a successful career as a Creative Director, Graphic Designer, and Muralist. I am proud to have earned an A.A. in Visual Art from Polk State College, as well as a B.S. in Graphic Design and an M.B.A. in Executive Leadership from Southeastern University—right here in my hometown. In 2018, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Carroll Design Co., a boutique creative agency. Through my business, I combine my love for art with graphic design and creative direction, creating artistic brands for and thoughtful public art for my hometown. Both roles allow me to support and uplift small businesses, organizations, and causes within the Lakeland community.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR ART?
I am heavily inspired by old Florida art and landscapes, wildlife and land conservation, and the natural world that God has created.
WHAT DOES COMMUNITY MEAN TO YOU?
People often think of community as a group of people, lending a helping hand or sharing in past times and common experiences. I see community as more than just the connection we have with other people, but also the land and animals that make our home beautiful.
ABOUT MAE’S MURAL
Hope
Mural Themes
Nature
Home
What story would you love to tell through a mural?
Lakeland is home to many endangered and threatened species. Wood storks who thrive in wetland areas like Se7en Wetlands, gopher tortoises found near the Lakeland Highlands area along the sand scrubs, and sandhill cranes that are currently left with nowhere to go other than golf courses, parking lots, and grassy developed parks.
As Lakeland grows, their homes are continuously at risk and are a forgotten part of our local community. I would love to paint a piece that draws awareness to our shrinking natural lands and the animals and birds that live in my hometown.