Groveland Founder's Gala
October 10, 2026 | Groveland, Florida

Celebrating Leadership, Community, and a Legacy of Excellence

The Groveys Awards 2026 celebrate individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service help shape the future of Groveland, Florida.

For this special occasion, Dax Art Studio, under the artistic direction of Daxel López, created a collection of handcrafted glass sculptures representing five essential values: Vitality, Intentionality, Connectivity, Knowledge, and Heart.

Each sculpture features a distinctive design and carefully selected colors that express the meaning behind its award category. Created through the kiln-casting process, the glass pieces combine artistic expression, craftsmanship, and symbolism.

What makes these awards especially meaningful is their connection to Groveland's history. Each sculpture rests on a wooden base crafted from a historic oak tree, bringing together contemporary glass art and a legacy that spans generations.

1. VITALITY

Creating Energy, Opportunity, and a Thriving Community

Artistic Concept: Energy and Growth

The Vitality Award features a flowing flame-inspired sculpture handcrafted in kiln-cast glass. Its vibrant shades of golden yellow, amber, and deep red symbolize energy, passion, growth, and transformation.

The upward movement of the sculpture represents the spirit of progress and the opportunities created by individuals who inspire positive change.

This award celebrates those whose energy, vision, and dedication contribute to a stronger and more vibrant Groveland.

2. INTENTIONALITY

Leading with Purpose

Artistic Concept: Vision and Direction

The Intentionality Award features a contemporary blue glass sculpture incorporating a circular form and an upward-pointing arrow.

The arrow symbolizes direction, determination, and forward movement, while the circular element represents unity and a clear sense of purpose.

The rich blue glass conveys confidence, wisdom, and stability.

This award recognizes individuals who lead with intention, make thoughtful decisions, and inspire others through purposeful action.

3. CONNECTIVITY

Building Relationships That Strengthen Groveland

Artistic Concept: Unity and Connection

The Connectivity Award is represented by an elegant turquoise glass sculpture featuring intertwined, flowing forms.

Its interconnected design symbolizes the relationships, partnerships, and shared experiences that bring people together.

The transparent turquoise glass reflects openness, trust, communication, and collaboration.

This award honors individuals who build meaningful connections and strengthen the bonds that unite the Groveland community.

4. HEART

Serving with Compassion

Artistic Concept: Compassion and Generosity

The Heart Award features a sculptural heart handcrafted in kiln-cast glass, combining rich shades of red, amber, and gold.

Its open center represents generosity, inclusion, and the willingness to make room for others.

The warm colors express love, kindness, and the emotional connections that strengthen a community.

This award recognizes individuals whose compassion, generosity, and commitment to serving others make a lasting difference in Groveland.

A PIECE OF GROVELAND'S HISTORY

Where Art, Heritage, and Community Come Together

Beyond their artistic design, the Groveys Awards carry an extraordinary historical connection. Each award rests on a wooden base crafted from the original historic oak tree that once stood at the Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery of Taylorville, a cemetery established in 1895 on land donated to Black settlers in the community.

For generations, this towering oak served as a landmark and a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and continuity.

After the tree fell decades ago, it was rediscovered during restoration efforts in 2022, with its roots still marking the place where it had stood for so many years.

Today, a piece of that history lives on through these awards.

The historic oak wood was carefully transformed into the award bases by Jeremy Hauff of Hauff Homes in Groveland, preserving an important connection to the community's past.

The combination of handcrafted glass and historic oak creates a meaningful contrast between past and present.

The glass represents the vision, creativity, and possibilities of the future, while the oak wood honors the roots, resilience, and generations that helped build Groveland.

Together, these materials transform each award into more than a symbol of achievement. They become a lasting tribute to the people, history, and values that define the community.