Mr. Ernest M. Lee

Painted Roots: Images of Black Southern Life - An Exhibition of Art by Ernest Lee
2025-09-14 16:00 - 2026-01-20 16:00 (America/New_York) | The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, Inc., 837 SE 7th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32627, United States
Gloria Lee will be speaking about the life and journey of Mr. Ernest M Lee at the opening reception on September 14 at 4pm

Ernest M Lee Art Exhibit - Jennings Public Library
2025-10-16 - 2026-01-31 | Jennings Public Library, 1322 Plum Street, Jennings, FL, 32053, United States
The inspiring works of Mr. Ernest M. Lee will be on display and available for purchase at the Jennings Public Library in Jennings, Florida, from October 16 through January 31.
Gloria lee, wife of the late Mr. Ernest M. Lee, will be speaking at the closing reception on Jan 31
It’s the perfect opportunity to find a meaningful gift — for yourself or a loved one — while supporting the legacy of a truly remarkable artist.
We are deeply grateful to the Suwannee River Regional Library System for their continued excitement and generosity in sharing the art and legacy of Mr. Lee with the community.
Join us in celebrating the creativity, history, and enduring spirit of Mr. Ernest M. Lee.

5th Annual Thornebrook Spring Art Festival
2026-02-28 10:00 - 2026-03-01 17:00 | Shoppes at Thornebrook, 2441 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, 32606, United States
Experience the Magic of Art in the Heart of Gainesville! Get ready for a weekend of art and fun as Thornebrook’s Spring Arts Festival returns for its 5th year. This Gainesville tradition will once again transform the picturesque Shoppes At Thornebrook into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.

Many of your favorite artists, like Mrs. Gloria Lee will be returning and we will welcome some new faces too! Art on display includes painting, sculpture, photography, glass works, fiber arts, wood carvings, pottery, jewelry, and more.

The show is laid out to take advantage of the ambiance and convenience of the Shoppes at Thornebrook Village and its stores, restaurants, and other amenities. Dining options include Thornebrook favorites: Bageland, Esperanza’s, Mini Momo, and Thornebrook Chocolates. There will be additional food truck vendors as well!

Mark Your Calendar!

To the Bluegrass from the Sunshine State: The Artwork of Mr. Ernest M. Lee
2026-03-06 11:00 - 17:00 | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St, Lexington, KY, 40507, United States
March 6 – May 2, 2026Community Gallery (Upstairs)
An exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Mr. Ernest M. Lee will be on view March 6 through May 2, 2026, in the Community Gallery in partnership with UK Arts in HealthCare.
Known for his bold impasto technique and vibrant storytelling, Ernest Lee’s paintings capture memory, heritage, and the emotional connections that bind communities together. Often referred to as “Florida’s Van Gogh,” his expressive style earned regional recognition and numerous festival awards throughout his career.
This exhibition brings Lee’s work from Florida’s Sunshine State to Kentucky’s Bluegrass, honoring his enduring message of love, legacy, and connection through art.
Hours
Tuesday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: noon – 5 p.m.

Gloria and Kerra Hopping into Spring at the Lexarts Hop
2026-03-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St, Lexington, KY, 40507, United States
Join us at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center in Kentucky during LexArts HOP for a special exhibition featuring the vibrant work of Mr. Ernest M. Lee.
His paintings will be on display in the 2nd Floor Gallery, showcasing his signature bold textures, rich color, and storytelling style that earned him recognition throughout Florida and beyond.
Select prints will be available for purchase.
Gloria Lee, Ernest’s wife, will be present to share the stories behind the paintings and reflect on their journey together. His niece, Kerra, will stand alongside her in honoring and continuing his legacy.
We invite you to hop downtown, experience the color and connection of his work, and celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire.
LexArts HOP 2026
On the third Friday of every other month, downtown Lexington is the place to be. And it has been for 30 years.
On HOP night, dozens of galleries, museums, artists’ studios, and creative spaces conventional-and-un, collectively throw open their doors. And everyone, from seasoned Hoppers to arts newbies to just-lookers, to collectors, to people simply wanting to make the scene, is welcome to wander in. Most venues are open from 5-8 PM, but check their personal socials to see if there is a pre-HOP or post-HOP party happening!

2026 Gator Fly in and Armed Services Appreciation Day
2026-03-28 10:00 - 15:00 | University Air Center at Gainesvile Regional Airport, 4701 NE 40th Ter., Gainesville, FL, 32609, United States
Time to mark your calendars and get ready for the 2026 Gator Fly In and Armed Services Appreciation Day on March 28th at 10am to 3pm. We have military and civilian aircraft, rides, food trucks, vendors and so much more…..
Open Ceremony at 11am!

54th Annual Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival 2026
2026-04-11 10:00 - 2026-04-12 16:00 | Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
More information to come!

The 74th annual Florida Folk Festival @ Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs
2026-05-22 08:00 - 2026-05-24 17:00 | Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs, FL, 32096, United States
The 74th annual Florida Folk Festival will be held Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24, 2026, at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs.
Look for Mrs. Lee at the 74th annual Florida Folk Festival on Memorial Day weekend at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs. She will be selling prints, notecards and other art items by Mr. Ernest M. Lee.
The festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique.
From Irish fiddle tunes, contra dancing and root beer floats to the wide varieties of music of immigrants, the state’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities.
Throughout the Memorial Day weekend, more than 300 performances will give voice and meaning to Florida’s heritage.
Every year the Florida Department of State’s Florida Folklife Program researches a special topic on Florida’s traditional heritage and showcase performances and demonstrations celebrating the diverse living traditions of Florida. Be sure to visit the Folklife Area to experience the compelling traditions and savor the flavors, sights and sounds of some of Florida’s oldest and newest cultural communities.
Advance Ticket Prices

Adult Weekend Ticket (3 days): $70
Adult One-Day Ticket: $35
Child’s Ticket (ages 6–16): $5 (valid for all three days)
Children under 6: Free admission

Gate Ticket Prices

Adult Weekend Ticket: $80
Adult One-Day Ticket: $40
Child’s Ticket (ages 6–16): $5 (valid all weekend)

Gloria Lee Presenting the Artwork and Stories of Mr. Ernest M. Lee at Jasper Public Library
2026-06-10 10:30 - 12:30 | Jasper Public Library, 311 Hatley Street NE, Jasper, FL, 32052, United States
Ms. Gloria Lee will be with us to share her late husband’s artwork and entertain us with her colorful stories of their life together. Mr. Lee’s artworks are on display at the library and are available to purchase.
The Artwork and Stories of Mr. Ernest M. LeeWednesday, June 10th at 10:30 amJasper Public Library

Gloria at 51st Micanopy Fall Festival
2026-10-31 09:00 - 2026-11-01 16:00 | Downtown Micanopy, 202 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy, FL, 32667
Join Gloria Lee of the Mr. Ernest M. Lee Gallery at the 51st Annual Micanopy Fall Festival, one of Florida’s premier arts and crafts festivals.
Known as “The Town That Time Forgot,” historic Micanopy transforms each fall into a vibrant destination as more than 200 artists and craftspeople line Cholokka Boulevard with unique, handcrafted works. The festival attracts talented artists from across the Southeast and thousands of visitors looking for fine art, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind treasures.
Stop by the Mr. Ernest M. Lee Gallery booth to browse and purchase beautiful Ernest M. Lee prints, celebrate his artistic legacy, and meet Gloria Lee.
In addition to the exceptional art, visitors can enjoy:

Live music throughout the weekend on the main stage
Local food vendors
An old-fashioned auction featuring items donated by participating artists
A charming historic downtown filled with antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants

We look forward to seeing you in Micanopy for a wonderful weekend celebrating art, history, and community!
