College of Central Florida presents ‘The 2024 CF Student Art Exhibition”

The College of Central Florida presents “The 2024 CF Student Art Exhibition,” an annual event showcasing the talents of students from its Visual Arts and Digital Media programs. The exhibition will be on display Monday, March 25-Tuesday, April 30 at the CF Webber Gallery, 3001 S.W. College Road at the CF Ocala Campus.

 

The exhibition provides a platform for students to display their work in a professional environment and highlights the variety of artistic expressions and dynamic skill sets of CF students.

 

Esteemed artist and conceptual bookbinder Jacob Z. Wan will judge the exhibition. Wan, known for his internationally collected mixed-media books, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts from the University of Central Florida and currently teaches at the University of North Florida. His work has gained significant acclaim including exhibits in Germany, China, the Florida Biennial and the International Book Art Exhibition in New York.

 

An opening reception and awards ceremony will be held Wednesday, March 27, at 12:30 p.m. in the Webber Center, adjacent to the gallery. Awards include Best in Show, first through third place, honorable mentions and purchase awards. Notably, the People’s Choice Purchase Award, voted on by the CF student body, will see one student’s work added to CF’s permanent art collection.

 

Wan will deliver an artist talk on Monday, April 8, 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the gallery, sharing insights into his artistic practice and discussing the UNF Visual Arts Program.

 

The Webber Gallery is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. For further information about the exhibition, visit CF.edu/Webber or call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.

College of Central Florida Hosts Annual Preview Event at Multiple Campuses

The College of Central Florida invites prospective students of all ages to attend the annual Preview events taking place across three campuses: Ocala Campus on Tuesday, March 5, from 5-7 p.m.; Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus on Thursday, March 7, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.; and Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus on Friday, March 8, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Preview offers an invaluable opportunity for anyone considering college to discover all that CF has to offer. As CF’s largest event of the year, Preview brings together representatives from admissions, financial aid and student services, as well as various clubs and organizations. These representatives will be available to assist attendees in planning a successful college experience.

In a special offer to students at Preview, CF will waive the $30 application fee for anyone who applies during the event. Additionally, attendees who complete a survey will receive a complimentary CF T-shirt and will be entered into a drawing to win free tuition for one three-credit undergraduate class.

For more details about the Preview events, visit CF.edu/Preview.

 

CF Ira Holmes International Film series featuring ‘PATHER PANCHALI’

The College of Central Florida Ira Holmes International Film Series will continue Tuesday, Jan. 30, featuring the award-winning film “Pather Panchali.”

In 1955, the world was introduced to a compelling and significant new cinematic voice with the debut of Director Satyajit Ray’s film, resonating eloquently across the global stage. A depiction of rural Bengali life in a style inspired by Italian neorealism, this naturalistic but poetic evocation of a number of years in the life of a family introduces us to both little Apu and, just as essentially, the women who will help shape him. With resplendent photography informed by its young protagonist’s perpetual sense of discovery, the film –which won an award for Best Human Document at Cannes – is an immersive cinematic experience filled with elemental power.

A screening will begin at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., and is free to all museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. A second screening will begin at 7 p.m. at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Building 8, Room 110. The screening at the CF Ocala Campus is free and open to the public.

For more details, visit CF.edu/FilmSeries.

CF Closed Tuesday, Jan. 9, Due to Weather Warnings

The College of Central Florida will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 9, due to severe weather warnings. The closing is for all sites, including the Ocala Campus, Citrus Campus, Levy Campus, Hampton Center, Appleton Museum and Vintage Farm, as well as online classes. Scheduled activities also have been cancelled. We plan to reopen Wednesday morning for classes and all business operations, weather permitting. Please continue to monitor the CF website (www.CF.edu), traditional media and social media for additional updates.

CF Appleton Museum of Art and Silver Springs State Park Announce ‘Florida SpringsFest Photography Contest’

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, and Silver Springs State Park have partnered to announce the “Florida SpringsFest Photography Contest,” in celebration of Florida’s beautiful natural springs.

From Jan. 8-Feb. 5, 2024, photos taken of Silver Springs State Park using any camera or mobile device can be submitted to this contest. The contest is open to all ages and each participant may submit one photo per category. The three categories are: Color; Flora and Fauna; and People.

Submissions will be juried by Appleton Museum of Art and Silver Springs State Park staff. Two overall prizes will be awarded by age group: youth (17 and under) and adult (18 and older). Additional prizes will be awarded in each category.

Entries will be displayed at Silver Springs State Park from March 8-April 30, 2024. Regular park admission fees apply to see the photo display.

“We’re pleased to partner with our friend and neighbor, Silver Springs State Park,” said Appleton Director Jason Steuber. “The photography contest is a wonderful opportunity to engage the community and highlight the beautiful wonder of the springs and park, which we are so fortunate to have in Marion County. This contest coincides with several special exhibitions opening in early 2024 at the Appleton that feature artwork focused on Florida’s springs and waterways. We look forward to celebrating this unique and revered feature of the Sunshine State’s ecosystem.”

Contest Details and Rules:

  • Entries must be original and taken by the person submitting the entry. Parents/guardians may submit photos on behalf of children under 18.
  • Photos must have been taken at Silver Springs State Park (no specific timeframe).
  • From Jan. 8-Feb. 5, 2024, email photos to AppletonEducation@cf.edu. Include the category in the subject line and your full name in the body of the email. For youth, please include age.
  • Entries must be submitted by email; those submitted by mail or through Facebook or other social media will not be accepted.
  • Entries will be juried and winning photos will be selected based on creativity, quality and overall impact.
  • Winners will be notified before announcements are made on social media.
  • The first 500 entries and the winning photos will be printed; others will be displayed virtually. Details will be announced before the exhibition opens.
  • For ease of printing, photos will be cropped to 4 x 4 in. or 4 x 6 in. There are no guarantees for special printing of panoramas.
  • Photos must be tasteful and a positive representation of Silver Springs State Park. Any photos or emails that do not adhere to all of the guidelines may be disqualified at the discretion of staff.
  • Prizes will be shipped or available for pickup at the museum. Winners must provide a U.S. shipping address to request the prize by mail; international shipping is not available.
  • Questions? Email AppletonEducation@cf.edu.

To learn more about upcoming exhibitions and other special programs, visit AppletonMuseum.org.

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.

CF Garners Prestigious Awards in 2023, Setting New Standards for Academic Excellence

The College of Central Florida proudly announces a string of notable achievements in 2023, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community impact. These accolades serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the college’s faculty, staff and students, and the pivotal role played by its community partners.

“We are thrilled to share the news of CF’s outstanding achievements in 2023 and are humbled by the recognitions we’ve received,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “As we look ahead, we are inspired to build upon these accomplishments, further strengthening our impact on our students and the community.”

List of awards and recognitions achieved by the College of Central Florida in 2023:

  • CF was recognized by Aspen Institute as one of the Top 150 colleges in the nation for quality and excellence. It is the sixth time that CF has made this prestigious list.
  • CF was once again noted for being in the top 1% in the nation for affordability.
  • CF has received historical state support for academic programs and the college mission, allowing the continuation of the largest workforce expansion in the history of the college.
  • The Citrus County Hospital Board committed up to $5 million to the CF Foundation for the college to apply for matching Linking Industry to Nursing Education support. This is the second year in a row that the board has given a seven-figure gift to aid CF’s Nursing program, allowing the college to meet the regional and statewide demand for nurses.
  • A ribbon-cutting for Allied Health Sciences took place in March. The new building is home to Surgical Services, Cardiovascular Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology programs. Respiratory Care will be added at the Ocala Campus, as well as CF’s Citrus Campus.
  • A groundbreaking for the new CF Center for Nursing was held in September, in partnership with Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership. The $20 million capital expansion project will serve 325 nursing students in associate and bachelor’s degree programs upon opening in 2025.
  • CF’s Associate Degree Nursing program was recognized as 2023 Best Registered Nursing Program in Florida by RegisteredNursing.com.
  • In April, CF’s Nursing program was renamed as the CF Debbie Ressler Nursing Program to honor the retired RN who served Citrus County for many years.
  • In a new partnership with FleetForce, CF is now offering a commercial truck driving program at the Ocala Campus.
  • CF was selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program, providing Amazon’s hourly employees access to all 170+ of CF’s degree and certificate programs.
  • Seven outstanding CF students were named to the Florida College System 2023 All-Florida Academic Team in the spring. The esteemed recognition was based on academic performance, leadership and community service.
  • The CF Baseball team won the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series in June, capping off the greatest season in school history and bringing home CF’s first baseball national championship. The CF Softball team won the Mid-Florida conference for the fifth consecutive year, and the CF Cross-Country team wrapped up the season with several records.
  • CF’s Dental Hygiene program was launched in the fall after a $1.4 million renovation at The Hampton Center. The college is looking forward to welcoming the community to the dental clinic with an open house in the spring.
  • CF Communications Professor Lori Witkowich was honored with the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award by the Florida Association for Student Success.
  • CF Engineering Professor Sam Ajlani was recognized with the National Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award by the American Association of Community Colleges. The award recognizes instructors who go above and beyond to help their students find academic success.
  • CF Engineering Technology Instructional Assistant Chris Kromke received the 2023 Advanced Technological Education Award of Excellence by the National Science Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges for a series of projects he developed during his time as both a student and employee at the college.
  • One of CF’s Teacher Education students, Gavin Alexander Riley-Morales, was selected to represent the college on the Florida Department of Education Articulation Coordinating Committee. He will advise on the Associate in Arts to bachelor’s degree transfer student experience.
  • CF’s Collegiate Academy was launched in the fall in partnership with Marion County Public Schools. The new program expands dual enrollment opportunities beyond the Associate in Arts to include Associate in Science pathways — all at no cost to the student or family.
  • In November, Distinguished CF Alumni Mary Sue Rich was honored with the Association of Florida Colleges LeRoy Collins Hometown Hero Award.
  • CF was recognized by Statista, in collaboration with Newsweek, as one of America’s Top Online Colleges 2024. The ranking highlighted only 200 colleges nationwide and was based on surveys of student satisfaction.

CF Webber Gallery Presents ‘Seeing Christ in The Darkness: Georges Rouault as Graphic Artist’

The Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida is excited to present “Seeing Christ in the Darkness: Georges Rouault as Graphic Artist,” an exhibition featuring a variety of graphic works by Georges Rouault (1871-1958), the 20th century master expressionist painter and printmaker. The exhibition will be on display Jan. 8-March 17 and features 18 original etchings from the artist’s renowned Miserere Series, as well as additional etchings, lithographs and wood engravings from the Fleurs du Mal (I and II) and the Passion Series.

“Georges Rouault was one of the few modern artists whose work was clearly religious,” said Bill Dyrness, senior professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary in Los Angeles. “But the graphic art in this exhibition, done at the height of the artist’s powers, shows how deeply the artist identified with people’s sufferings and, indeed, saw within this darkness the salvation that Christ brought.”

On view during the religious season of Lent, this exhibit allows viewers to consider and contemplate the twin sufferings of humanity and Jesus. Rouault’s work is often darker and complex, unlike the typical imagery one might connect with Christianity, making the exhibit perfect for this reflective season within the church calendar.

The works on display are from The Bob and Sandra Bowden Collection of Chatham, Massachusetts, a substantial collection built over many years and many trips to Europe. Sandra Bowden will visit the Webber Center and Gallery on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. She will participate in a question-and-answer forum with Professor Tyrus Clutter about the content and style of Rouault’s work. There is no fee to attend this session.

Admission is free. The Webber Gallery’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For additional information, call the gallery at 352-854-2322, ext. 1664. Additional tours of this exhibition will take place on select Sunday afternoons during the exhibition. Visit CF.edu for more details.

Winter and Spring 2024 Classes at CF’s Appleton Museum of Art

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, announces the new Winter/Spring 2024 schedule of studio art classes. Adults, teens and children can choose from a variety of classes and workshops suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned artists. Classes are taught by professional artists and educators who will guide participants through various mediums, techniques and styles.

“The Appleton is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a creative environment,” said Appleton Assistant Director Victoria Billig. “Whether you are just getting started on your artistic journey or are more advanced, there is truly something for everyone.”

Highlights from the upcoming schedule for children include the Museum & Me Pre-K Program for ages 2-5, offered bimonthly on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.; Art Adventures for ages 5-7 that meets on three consecutive Saturdays in April to introduce young Picassos to working in a studio environment; several six-week Art Explorations sessions for ages 8-12 that focus on drawing, painting and clay; and portrait drawing and wheel throwing just for teens to gain new skills or build their portfolios.

New, and geared toward independent and homeschool groups, the Museum Happenings program meets once a month on Jan. 23, Feb. 27 and March 26, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Led by a museum educator, this program includes an activity in the galleries and the Artspace.

For adults, the Art 101 workshop series offers low-commitment opportunities to try something new. One-day workshops include Watercolor on Jan. 9, Surrealist Landscape Painting on Feb. 13, Silk Scarves on March 12 and Pastel Sunflowers on April 9.

Multiweek classes for adults include three, six-week Dig into Clay sessions. Wheel Throwing begins Jan. 20 and again on March 23. Hand Building begins May 4. Classes meet on Saturdays and are open to potters of all skill levels. Artist Lisa Russo will lead a painting workshop in February, teaching participants to paint the soft and subtle skin tones of Bouguereau’s exquisite “Young Shepherdess” using acrylic paint.

The Master Class Series welcomes back Sue Primeau to lead a multiweek watercolor class in February and March, and Tyrus Clutter for a cyanotype workshop on May 18.

Registration is now open and advance registration is required for all classes and workshops. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for the full schedule of classes and to register. For inquiries, please contact AppletonEducation@cf.edu.

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.

CF Launches New Fire Science Technology Program

The College of Central Florida has launched a new Fire Science Technology program, offering current firefighters, fire officers or fire protection professionals the opportunity to advance in their career.

The fully online Fire Science Technology Associate in Science degree is designed to give students a scientific understanding of fire and emergency hazards, with an emphasis on effective prevention, control and management. The program will prepare students for employment in firefighting and prevention supervision, to supervise or manage firefighters who control and extinguish fires, protect life and property, and conduct rescue efforts.

“We’re proud to offer our Fire Science Technology program and look forward to preparing both current and future fire service professionals for an expanded managing fire officer role,” said Daniel Garcia, Fire Science Technology program manager. The program includes a curriculum tailored to certifications in Fire Officer I, Fire Officer II, Fire Safety Inspector I and Fire Instructor II.

For prospective students interested in learning more about the program, CF is hosting virtual information sessions on Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. Viewers will meet with Garcia, as well as an academic advisor, to learn details about the degree and program goals.

To register for the information sessions, please visit https://www.cf.edu/events/category/health-sciences/list/. To learn more about this new program, visit www.CF.edu/FireScience.

CF Appleton Museum of Art Presents “Water’s Margins,” A Solo Exhibition by Margaret Ross Tolbert

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, presents “Water’s Margins: Paintings of Florida’s Springs by Margaret Ross Tolbert,” on view Jan. 27-June 2, 2024.

Over the last four decades, Gainesville-based multimedia artist Margaret Ross Tolbert has traveled extensively throughout areas of Florida and many international destinations that boast exceptional springs, waterways and caves. “Water’s Margins” brings together a selection of Tolbert’s paintings created following visits and plunges into these waters, including some in Marion, Levy and Citrus counties. The idea of the margins between humans and water reflects the interactive fluidity of the crystal-clear waters that flow from the Floridan aquifer.

From large-scale paintings to more intimate works created underwater on pieces of slate, Tolbert uses an array of kaleidoscopic blues and earth tones to express her passion for and understanding of these unique subaquatic environments.

Tolbert earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in painting at the University of Florida and shortly thereafter began exploring the springs. She said, “The paradisiacal Springs of North Florida are my paintings’ subject and metaphor. The springs paintings begin onsite at the water’s edge and often in the water. I swim in the springs; I sketch underwater; I am inspired to write when I am beside them.”

Since the 1980s, Tolbert’s springs paintings have been featured in exhibits and collections in the U.S., Europe and Turkey. Appleton Director Jason Steuber, a longtime appreciator of Tolbert’s work, said, “Water is key to our existence and inspires awe and wonder. Margaret literally submerges herself in her work and her paintings offer us a new appreciation of Florida’s natural resources available at parks and springs that bubble up across the Sunshine State.”

Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program.

Events with the Artist

Director’s Circle Reception

Saturday, Jan. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Appleton Director’s Circle members are invited to celebrate the opening of “Water’s Margins” with hors d’oeuvres and wine in the café, and a meet-and-greet with artist Margaret Ross Tolbert. RSVP is required to Colleen Harper, harperc@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831.

Gallery Tours with Margaret Ross Tolbert

Saturday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Take a tour of “Water’s Margins” with artist Margaret Ross Tolbert. Learn more about the work directly from the artist with opportunity to ask questions. Tours will meet in the first-floor Edith-Marie gallery and are free as part of Free First Saturday. Free First Saturdays are sponsored in part by Marion Cultural Alliance, National Endowment for the Arts and CAMPUS USA Credit Union.

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.