A Siren's Peril

Scott Audette Underwater is pleased to announce the art exhibition, “A Siren’s

Peril: An Underwater Portrait Retrospective,” running Oct. 31 to Nov. 11 at ARTI/fact gallery in

Downtown Lakeland.

Makeup artist Stephanie Paul and Lakeland Photographer Scott Audette bring their talents together in

this incredible show aimed at pushing limits of imagination, light, water, artistry and body.

Stunning underwater portraits of 10 talented "zombie" mermaids and mermen, along with the props,

behind-the-scenes videos, and costuming, will be on display. The exhibit also will feature underwater

maternity, kids, party, individual and couples portraits by Scott Audette Underwater.

“Being underwater allows me to throw away all the rules of photography and just create,” Scott said. “I

love the way the water creates patterns and motion. Playing with light, reflection and shadow presents a

wonderful challenge. When Stephanie approached me about working with her on a project to see how

Zombie-like mermaids and mermen would photograph underwater, I was all in. Each subject brought

fabulous and unexpected emotion, underwater prowess, and artistry to their expressions and poses and

was great to work with.”

The timing of the exhibit, sponsored by Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance and Philip Shenkman CPA, is no

coincidence.

“At Halloween time, everyone wants to test the limits of adornment and disguise. I wanted this project

to stretch everyone’s imagination a little as we delved into the mysterious world of underwater

creatures,” Stephanie said. “The results are beyond what I originally imagined even, and I am so excited

to share our art with you in this exhibit.”

Scott is a longtime sports photographer, serving as team photographer for the Tampa Bay Lightning for

20 years and shooting for The Associated Press and Reuters. He also shoots lifestyle and travel images

for Viva Polk magazine and Visit Florida. He opened Scott Audette Underwater in 2020.

Stephanie, a licensed esthetician and hair and makeup artist, has extensive expertise in the film and

effects industry as well as in weddings and spa care. Her commercial credits include “Biography: WWE

Legends” TV documentary and several film shorts.

All prints will be available for purchase. 

ARTI/fact is at 820 N. Massachusetts Ave. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

Admission is free and open to the community.

If you would like a sneak peek at the artwork, we will gladly accommodate any media requests.