Polk State student and employee’s passion for The Arts brings department together

When Tori Cunningham arrived at Polk State College, she didn’t think her passion for art would ever be more than a hobby. After spending time at the College as a student and a part-time employee, she realizes it can be her life.

A graduate of Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School, Cunningham was originally a business major before switching to The Arts. Hired as a work study in 2023 and now a part-time employee, there isn’t an aspect of The Arts Program that Cunningham hasn’t had her hands on.

“I was once unaware about what was possible,” she recalled. “When I got here, I realized anything was possible. The Arts spaces have everything students need and we’re free to use it. The professors are very kind and willing to work with you. I love the way all the classes work together.”

Cunningham graduated from Polk State with her Associate in Arts in May but continues to take classes as a non-degree-seeking student. As she contributes to the department’s cohesiveness among Music, Theatre, and Visal Arts programs, Cunningham is quickly making a name for herself in the art world – at the College and beyond.

“Polk State has the materials, the space, and the professors to take your talents to the next level,” Cunningham exclaimed. “The Arts helps you transition to your next school, but it also sets you up for personal success. There are so many opportunities for students – markets, trips abroad.”

One of those opportunities for Cunningham came in the form of a mural. She was one of seven students to work on an impressive 81-by-14-foot mural at BayCare Winter Haven Hospital’s Behavioral Health Center.

“Not everyone knows all the opportunities that are here at Polk State,” Cunningham insisted. “Some fellow students and I are trying to get others more involved with The Arts. I fell in love with the school and the passion it has for the students and the programs.”

Cunningham originally worked with ceramics but always participated in a plethora of classes within The Arts program. Her primary focus ultimately shifted to painting where she learned under former Professor Holly Scoggins. An acrylic, oil, and watercolor painter, Cunningham recently worked with the Theatre Program to design a poster for the November production of Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand.

“It was an awesome opportunity,” she said. “It was super exciting and something I had never done before. Now that all the aspects of The Arts know the others’ needs, we are working together to become a more cohesive group.”

As an employee, no job has proven too big or small for Cunningham. In addition to the theatre designs, she’s also displayed student work in the hallways at the renovated Winter Haven Fine Arts Building (WFA) and put together displays for the Fine Arts Gallery.

“She’s a breath of fresh air,” said Nancy Lozell, Program Manager for The Arts. “She takes initiative and learns so fast. Tori is just so versatile. She is a sponge. She excels at everything she does and is always looking to do more.”

That “more” for Cunningham has included all aspects of The Arts Department, including sound, curtains, and set design at the theatre. Cunningham is currently undertaking a major project in inventorying the existing artwork and putting it into categories.

“Working under Nancy Lozell has been amazing,” Cunningham shared. “She knows the department like the back of her hand. She’s the driving force behind its success.”

When it comes to Cunningham and The Arts Program, Lozell said it’s the program that’s lucky.

“It’s hard to find someone as passionate about The Arts and as talented as she is,” Lozell exclaimed. “Her energy and positivity are infectious. Tori is a go-getter. She’s an absolute gem. She’s going to help take us to the next level.”

During her time as a student and employee, Cunningham has developed close relationships with The Arts faculty. Each, she explained, provides their own strengths and sparks creativity in unique ways.

“The professors are all so kind and willing to work with you,” Cunningham said. “The potential is blooming. There is so much equipment and materials ready for students to utilize.”

With hopes of making art her career, Cunningham is off to a strong start. In the area of Winter Haven known as “mural alley,” Cunningham and fellow members of Scoggins’ Mural Painting class completed a mural called “Geometric Succulents.” She’s currently working on a second mural in the area known as “Grow Where You’re Planted,” which depicts orange groves. Her latest work was inspired by the scenic view on Cunningham’s drive from her home in Lakeland to the Polk State Winter Haven Campus.

“I’m really proud of the work I’ve done here,” Cunningham concluded. “I’m an open-minded and loving person. That – and growing up in nature and free to enjoy the outdoors is what inspires my work. I’ve always been encouraged by my family to be creative. Polk State inspired me to make that creativity my life.”

The Arts at Polk State College is enrolling for the Fall 2025 Semester. Classes start on August 11. Students can browse available classes by clicking here and connect with the faculty by emailing twitek@polk.edu for Music, mhartfield@polk.edu for Theatre and acoombs@polk.edu for Visual Arts.