The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, presents a fun day of activities on the upcoming May 3 Free First Saturday.

Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Guests are invited to explore the permanent collection and special exhibitions and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace.

In celebration of the special exhibition, “Framing Tokyo: Joel Bustamante’s Architectural Photography,” join us for a double-feature film screening beginning at 11 a.m. in the auditorium. Following a brief introduction by Appleton staff, the screening will begin with the original Japanese “Godzilla” (1954), followed by “The Return of Godzilla” (1984), that restarts the storyline and picks up after the original film. The “Framing Tokyo” exhibition spotlights Tokyo’s striking skyline, and viewers might recognize several featured skyscrapers in the 1984. Like photographer Joel Bustamante, director Koji Hashimoto was drawn to the dynamic architecture of Shinjuku, a special ward of Tokyo, using special effects to depict Godzilla (or Gojira) wreaking havoc on these iconic buildings. Admission to the films is free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservations needed to attend.

Other special exhibitions on view include: “To the MAX: Magnolia Art Xchange’s 10-Year Anniversary,” “What If Eye: Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid ‘Tony’ Eitharong,” both sponsored by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO), as well as “Strength and Resilience: Works by Carmen Rojas Ginés and Naomi Shanti.”

Support Ocala’s local small businesses and stop by Michelle’s NY Style Hot Dogs and The Donut Express food trucks, serving delicious treats. While you’re there, make a difference and donate blood with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, also onsite throughout the event.

This Free First Saturday is supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

Topics and concepts presented at this event are for discussion purposes only and are not intended to espouse, promote, advance, inculcate, or compel individuals to believe the topics or concepts presented therein. Nor do they constitute endorsement of such topics or concepts by the College of Central Florida, its Board of Trustees, or any of their officers, employees, or agents.

More than 40 works showcasing pastel as a fine art medium will be on view in “The Pastel Odyssey,” an exhibition by the Pastel Society of Central Florida at the CF Webber Gallery May 19-June 19.

“The CF Webber Gallery is excited to host this stunning selection of pastel works by 17 Central Florida artists that highlight the depth, versatility and expressive nature of the medium,” said Jacqueline Bozman, Webber Gallery coordinator.

The Pastel Society of Central Florida is a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies, an organization committed to fostering growth through educational workshops and exhibition opportunities for pastel artists of all levels.

The community is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, May 29, from 4-6 p.m.

The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and admission is free. For more information, visit www.CF.edu/Webber or call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.

Topics and concepts presented at this event are for discussion purposes only and are not intended to espouse, promote, advance, inculcate, or compel individuals to believe the topics or concepts presented therein. Nor do they constitute endorsement of such topics or concepts by the College of Central Florida, its Board of Trustees, or any of their officers, employees, or agents.

There’s no better place to have a creative, art-filled summer than at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida. Ocala’s biggest art camp returns with a full schedule of half-day camps for ages 5-17.

Campers will discover the work of renowned artists, experiment with a variety of materials and try out new techniques to create masterpieces. Art camps are led by professional art educators and teaching artists, who will guide campers through fun, themed projects.

“Appleton summer art camps sell out quickly since our expert educators are engaged teachers delivering classes within a world-class museum environment,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton director. “It means so much to see former Summer Art Camp students now as parents bringing their own children in for classes. Our decades of experience make camp a summer tradition destination.”

Summer Art Camp is appropriate for all skill levels. Register now at AppletonMuseum.org. Spaces fill quickly. Discounts are available for current Appleton members at the Family/Dual Level or above. For questions about Summer Art Camp, contact AppletonEducation@cf.edu.

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2025 Summer Art Camp Schedule

June 2-13 (Two-Week Camps)

• Dig Into Clay – Two-Week Camp (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  In this two-week camp, learn the basics of hand building with clay and the art of glazing. Pinch pot, coil pot and slab construction will be used to make fun pieces to take home. $290 Appleton members; $330 nonmembers. Instructor: Dawn Bergstrom
• Outdoor Landscape Painting – Two-Week Camp (Ages 13-17), 1-4 p.m. In this two-week camp, leave the classroom behind and use the Appleton’s beautiful grounds as your painting studio. We’ll take portable easels and paints outside to practice your painting skills “en plein air,” or, in the open air. Please note, the class may also work indoors, depending upon the weather. $290 Appleton members; $330 nonmembers. Instructor: Jordan Shapot

June 9-12 (Four-Day Camp)

• Fun at CF Vintage Farm – Four-Day Camp (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  Let your art be inspired by the horses, cows and chickens at this special art camp at CF Vintage Farm, located on County Road 475. Paint and sketch outside under a majestic oak, plus get indoor studio time in the Vintage Farm classroom. This camp meets Monday-Thursday, only. $165 Appleton members; $185 nonmembers. Instructor: Michel Yeuell

June 16-20 (One-Week Camps)

• Color Wonderful (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Explore and celebrate all the colors of the rainbow this week, from shades and tints to primary and secondary colors. Use a variety of media to create your own colorful world. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Kio Weber-Lee
• Shells and Sandcastles (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  This week, create art influenced by the secrets of the sea. Imagine yourself snorkeling through the beautiful water. What treasures would you discover? Make a ceramic sandcastle, fish print, and create art with shells. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Jeanne Baines
• Florida’s Wild Wetlands (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  From turtles and frogs to lizards and more, you’ll be surprised by the incredible wildlife that call Florida’s wetlands home. This week, use a variety of materials and your own creativity to create artwork inspired by the creatures found in this unique habitat. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Tasha Strigle

June 23-27 (One-Week Camps)

• Art Detective (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  How do artists do that? Design your own magnifying glass and search for ways to create art while you discover the mysteries of Mona Lisa while making your own self-portrait. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Trish Perkins
• Art Safari (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  Journey to Africa’s Kalahari Desert in search of the “Big Five:” lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants and African buffalos. Bring home an elephant sculpture, a drawing of a leopard and other works of art to remind you of your safari experience. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: E. Marie Fielding
• Saddle Up (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Calling all horse lovers! This week, immerse yourself in the world of these majestic animals. Draw, paint, and even create a design for your own boots while you learn about the history of the horse in art. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: TBA

July 7-11 (One-Week Camps)

• Storybook Art (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Stories are as timeless as the artwork they inspire. In this enchanting class you’ll bring stories to life. Let your imagination soar as you create with an array of art materials and techniques. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Vanessa Zumba-Gonzalez
• Reinventing the Canvas (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  Art doesn’t have to be on a canvas this week! With a little imagination, your painting surface can be almost anything. After this class you’ll see creative options everywhere you look. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Maritzabel Jauregui-Rodriguez
• Drawing and Painting Portfolio Development (Ages 13-17), 1-4 p.m.
  Explore a variety of drawing and painting techniques that will develop your skills and ignite your creativity. Learn how to expand your range and create an artistic portfolio that showcases your talents. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Lisa Russo

July 7-18 (Two-Week Camp)

• Dig Into Clay (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  In this two-week camp, learn the basics of hand building with clay and the art of glazing. Pinch pot, coil pot and slab construction will be used to make pieces to take home. $290 Appleton members; $330 nonmembers. Instructor: Jamie Roche

July 14-18 (One-Week Camps)

• Groovy and Glowing (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  It’s hip and happening at the Appleton this week! Make art that’s super cool and even glows in the dark. Don’t miss the fun! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Vanessa Zumba-Gonzalez
• Funky Sculpture (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Do you like to build things? You’ll be working with an assortment of fun and unconventional materials this week to make sculptures. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: E. Marie Fielding
• Skulls and Skeletons (Ages 13-17), 1-4 p.m.
  Practice your observational drawing skills using a variety of skeletons for reference. Learn about light and shadow, shapes and relationships, and the basic drawing skills that are essential to every work of art. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Lisa Russo

July 21-25 (One-Week Camps)

• Glow Up (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Let your creativity shine and make cool art that glows in the dark! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Trish Perkins
• Meow Masterpieces (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  This week, campers will explore how artists have captured cats in their work and create their own feline-inspired masterpieces. Get ready for a purr-fectly creative adventure! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Elisa Adelman Rodriguez
• Doggy Days (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  This week won’t be ruff — it’ll be paws-itively amazing! Have a howling good time creating art inspired by man’s best friend. Get ready for a tail-wagging adventure! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Vanessa Zumba-Gonzalez

July 28-August 1 (One-Week Camps)

• Critter Fun (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Learn all about a variety of animals this week, while creating art that you’ll treasure! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: TBA
• Splat! (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  What can you do with paint? Brush it, blend it, dab it, dribble it, stipple, layer and mix — we’ll explore it all this week. Get ready to experiment, create and have a colorful adventure! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: TBA
• Outside the Lines (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Love to draw and want to learn more? Learn about using color, perspective, shading and realism to make drawings come alive. Explore different materials while expanding your drawing abilities. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Maritzabel Jauregui-Rodriguez

August 4-8 (One-Week Camps)

• Space Cadet (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Calling all intergalactic explorers — prepare for lift off! You’re headed to a galaxy of your own creation in a miniature space vehicle you design. Your artwork will be out of this world! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Maritzabel Jauregui-Rodriguez
• Architecture FUNdamentals (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  What does an architect do? Learn about design, creativity and problem-solving through fun drawing and painting projects. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Michel Yeuell
• Pixels and Blocks (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Harness your inspiration from your favorite block-based video game in a world of pixels, blocks, creativity and imagination! Build your own universe while exploring new art techniques with like-minded enthusiasts. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Deborah Horvath

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

The College of Central Florida invites future college students, including high school seniors and their families, to a free financial aid workshop at the CF Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland, on Tuesday, April 1, from 6-8 p.m.

CF Financial Aid staff will present a short informational session on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), answer questions, and provide assistance for students to complete the free application online at the event.

All incoming CF students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA, which is required for student loan, grant and scholarship applications.

For more information, visit CF.edu/FAFSAworkshop or call 352-658-4077.

The College of Central Florida invites the community to savor the sweetness of a family friendly, live musical production of “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka,” on stage April 3-6 at the Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 S.W. College Road.

This imaginative student performance captures all the nostalgia of the classic children’s novel and the whimsical tunes of the 1971 film with a fantastical, futuristic steampunk aesthetic. A cast of 30 students will entertain audiences with bold, colorfully adorned costumes, high-energy choreography, daring stunts and enchanting songs.

“The 50 talented students involved in this extraordinary show are having the time of their lives while learning incredible skills,” said Nonalee Davis, CF assistant professor of theatre and the musical’s director. “We are bringing the wild, mechanical world of the chocolate factory to life, and it’s an engaging, visually captivating experience. Stunts performed by the cast add an extra layer of thrill, while the student tech crew has created intricate mechanical contraptions that make the kinetic energy possible. The result is an unforgettable blending of entertainment and education – in the most exciting way possible.”

The production is a collaboration between CF theatre, music and dance departments. Dr. Jason Longtin, professor of music, is the show’s music director; dance instructor Justine McDaniel is the choreographer; and Abigail Stallings, assistant professor of digital media, is the costume designer.

Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 3-5, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students and can be purchased at cf.universitytickets.com or by calling 352-873-5810. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid I.D. For more information about CF Visual and Performing Arts events, visit CF.edu/theatre.

Topics and concepts presented at this event are for discussion purposes only and are not intended to espouse, promote, advance, inculcate, or compel individuals to believe the topics or concepts presented therein. Nor do they constitute endorsement of such topics or concepts by the College of Central Florida, its Board of Trustees, or any of their officers, employees, or agents.

The Ira Holmes International Film Series at the College of Central Florida will host two screenings of “Some Kind of Heaven” on Feb. 25.

In addition to inviting viewers behind the scenes of the utopia that is The Villages – America’s largest retirement community situated just south of Ocala – in this 2020 documentary by Lance Oppenheim, the college is encouraging attendees to donate gently used professional attire to the CF Clothing Closet.

“Whether they are preparing for an interview or stepping into a new role, there are CF students who need our help to dress for success,” said Wendy Adams, CF Humanities professor and film series director. “The CF Clothing Closet empowers students in need to look and feel their best, and we’ll have a special giveaway drawing for those who bring a donation.”

Films will be shown at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., and at 7 p.m. at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Building 8, Room 110. Films at the Ocala Campus are free and open to the public. Films at the Appleton are free to all museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. Films may contain mature content.

For more details, visit CF.edu/FilmSeries.

The College of Central Florida will host award-winning author David Kirby for reading, discussion and book-signing events on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

Kirby is the author of more than 30 books of poetry and essays. He has won multiple Pushcart Prizes, the Brittingham Prize, and fellowships from Guggenheim and the National Endowment for the Arts. He also received the Florida Book Award and Millennium Cultural Recognition Award. An educator at Florida State University since 1969, his poems are known for humor, accessibility and depth.

This event is part of the CF Debra Vazquez Memorial Poetry Series, which honors the memory of Professor Debra Vazquez, who taught English, literature and creative writing at CF for many years. Every year, the series brings writers of literary stature to the Ocala Campus for free events open to students and the community.

The public is welcome to attend either free event on Feb. 19: 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Humanities and Social Sciences building, Building 8, Room 110, or 7-8 p.m. in the Webber Center.

For more information, visit CF.edu/events.