Merge by Gleeva Straughn

12/11/2025

12/01/2025

“The Little Girl from Polk County”
Legacy Valuation: $50,000

She carries a story far beyond my own—
a quiet reminder of the worth and untold strength
woven into the girls and women of this community.

Her story belongs to the community first.

If she ever finds a new home,
100% of the proceeds will be donated to a women- or youth-focused organization.

Her story exists to uplift.

She was never created for profit.
She was created for purpose.

Thank you for seeing her.

11/18/2025

Merge: The Heart of Florida’s First Harvest, 2025.

Local recycled materials, including various publications.

This piece is the result of a little imagination and humor! I couldn’t help but wonder: what if the whole story started right here in the Heart of Florida?
My ‘what if’ scenario imagines Adam and Eve walking among the lush groves of Polk County. The serpent, being wise to true quality, wouldn’t offer a simple apple- it would offer the Polk County citrus. Adam and Eve couldn’t possibly be blamed; the temptation of a locally grown orange simply tastes too good for anyone to refuse.

11/17/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out to Grove Roots Brewing Co. last Saturday, to experience the Merge exhibition. Your presence, your conversations, and your openness brought the work to life in the most meaningful way.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to Straughn & Turner PA for generously sponsoring the event. Your support created the space for this project to reach the community in such a thoughtful and welcoming manner.

Deepest thanks especially to Mrs. Tammi Straughn—your guidance and support were truly essential to bringing Merge to life.

To Groveroots, to our sponsor, and to every person who showed up: thank you for giving your time, your attention, and your kindness. It was an honor to share the night with all of you.- GS

11/07/2025

Merge was profoundly honored to be featured at the ( Winter Haven Hospital Foundation )Winter Haven Hospital Foundation’s 36th Gala last night. We are deeply grateful to the WHHF for the opportunity and applaud their tireless dedication to the community, especially their efforts for the crucial Fund for Mental Health.
A special thank you to the incredible Event Committee( & ) and Sponsorship Committee for their dedication and hard work—you are the ones who truly made the night so wonderful!

10/30/2025

8th Grade Art was blessed with a visit from another local artist, Paul Shultz. He shared his painting style with the students and explained ways that painting has opened doors for him. Thank you, Paul, for pouring into our young people!

10/30/2025

Merge: The Pioneer of Order, 2025

Local recycled materials, including various publications.

Sheriff Grady Judd’s decisive leadership would have changed the lawless 1840s frontier completely. Using basic resources like mounted patrols, his visible, direct style would immediately bring order. He would quickly organize and professionalize the small groups of deputies to be smarter and more efficient at tracking outlaws. His strong presence would ultimately stabilize the region, making it safer for pioneers and businesses to thrive.

10/26/2025

BayCare’s new pediatric unit in Polk County offers kid-friendly designs, observation services and telehealth support for children in need of emergency care.

10/22/2025

MERGE: An Exhibition Bridging Centuries of History
What if Polk County’s pioneers could see the vibrant community we are today?
This exhibition invites you on an imaginative journey where past and present converge—much like experiencing a shared virtual reality. The collection is crafted entirely from intricate recycled paper collage, using local publications as the sole medium (no paint!).
Join us for the opening reception!
🗓️ Saturday, Nov 15, 2025
🕓 4:00 - 9:00 PM
📍 The Packing House at Grove Roots, Winter Haven
FREE ADMISSION

10/18/2025

“SHE gives ordinary walls a lasting soul.”

As Publix redesigns its stores into more contemporary versions, the historic tiled murals are going away.

10/15/2025