The Lakeland Arts Council has proudly named Samantha Walker as its Featured Artist for the 2025 season, highlighting a rising local talent whose work beautifully captures the spirit of the Lakeland, Tennessee community.
Walker, a Lakeland resident, was selected following a thoughtful and focused review process by the Council. Though the selection process for 2025 was intentionally limited in scope, the Council approached the decision with great care—seeking an artist whose vision and work reflect the natural charm and character of the area.
“Samantha’s work immediately caught our attention with its vibrant sense of place and atmosphere,” said Megan Dupuy, Secretary of the Lakeland Arts Council. “Her ability to capture the beauty she sees in the world around her brings an authenticity that aligns beautifully with our mission.”
Known for her expressive use of watercolor, acrylic, and oil, Walker has developed a reputation locally for her plein air paintings—artworks created outdoors that often reflect serene fields, rolling hills, and snapshots of life in and beyond Lakeland. Her portfolio blends technical skill with emotional depth, offering both familiar local landscapes and evocative scenes from her travels.
In addition to her studio work, Walker’s framed plein air and still life art can be viewed and purchased at Ethnos Coffee Shop located at 8817 Chaffee Rd in Arlington, further anchoring her presence in the local arts scene.
As the 2025 Featured Artist, a selected piece from Walker will be presented as a special gift in an engraved frame to Lakeland Arts Council sponsors throughout the year. Her work will also be showcased at Council events and exhibitions, serving as a symbol of the creative spirit thriving in the Lakeland area.
With this recognition, Walker’s art will not only inspire—but also celebrate—the unique artistic voices rooted in the community she calls home.
