College of Central Florida presents free pops concert

The community is invited to Pops Till You Drop, a free concert on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m.

Pops Till You Drop will feature the CF Patriot Blues Jazz Ensemble, the CF Minutemen Brass Ensemble and the CF Wind Symphony performing original compositions by CF students plus selections from “Wicked,” “Titanic,” “Star Trek,” “Aladdin,” “The Pink Panther” and more.

Admission is free and no tickets are required for this concert at the Dassance Fine Arts Center on the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

For more information, visit CF.edu/events.

CF Appleton Museum of Art to present major retrospective featuring the work of Ummarid ‘Tony’ Eitharong

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is proud to present “What If Eye: Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid Eitharong,” on view Feb. 28-Aug. 3, 2025 in the first-floor Edith-Marie Gallery.

As a young man visiting the Kennedy Space Center with a friend, Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong remarked of an impressive wall mural, “I bet I could draw that.” Winning that bet was the genesis of a long and successful career in art.

Never content, Eitharong consistently asks himself “What’s next?” “What if I try this?” “What if I change that?” Through more than 50 works, visitors can experience his artistic evolution that has resulted in three distinct bodies of work. Beginning in the 1970s and 1980s, realistic yet expressive pencil portraits and figure drawings give way to mixed-media assemblages from his Military Industrial Art (M.I.A.) series from the 1990s and 2000s. Finally, his explosively colorful and magnetic acrylic paintings bring the viewer current with Eitharong’s work from the last 15 years through today.

“As a supporter of Florida’s artists for nearly four decades, the Appleton is happy to host a retrospective of Tony’s work,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton director. “He is very much admired in our community and well beyond and we know that our visitors will be amazed at his expansive artistic range, which is quite special.”

“What If Eye: Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid Eitharong” is sponsored by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO).

Director’s Circle Reception
Saturday, March 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Appleton Director’s Circle members are invited to celebrate “What If Eye” by joining the artist for an evening of hors d’oeuvres and wine, plus live music from Florida’s retro queen, Becky Baby. RSVP is required by March 2 to Colleen Harper, harperc@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1830.

Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program. Free First Saturdays are supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and the 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.

CF Webber Galley to host Student Art Exhibition

The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery will showcase the talent of the college’s visual arts and digital media students in the annual Student Art Exhibition on view March 31-May 6. Featuring a diverse range of mediums and styles, this exhibition spotlights the incredible passion and creativity of CF’s student artists.

“We look forward every year to providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work in a professional setting at the Webber Gallery,” said Tyrus Clutter, professor and program manager for art. “Each piece in this show tells a unique story, inviting viewers to explore the innovative visions of the next generation of artists.”

The community is invited to an opening reception and awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 2, at 12:30 p.m. Awards will 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 add one student’s artwork to the college’s permanent art collection.

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.

College of Central Florida Invites Future Students to Preview College, Levy Campus

The College of Central Florida invites anyone thinking about college to attend the Preview event on Thursday, March 13, from 10 a.m.-noon at the CF Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland.

Preview is a chance for anyone considering college to learn about everything CF has to offer – for high school students to retirees and everyone in between. At CF’s largest event of the year, representatives from admissions, financial aid, student services, clubs and organizations will help attendees plan their successful college experience.

The $30 application fee is waived for anyone who applies at the event. Attendees who complete a survey will get a CF T-shirt and will be entered to win free tuition for one 3-credit undergraduate class at the in-state tuition rate.

Additional Preview events will be held at the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus on Thursday, March 6, 5-7 p.m. and the Ocala Campus on Tuesday, March 11, from 5-7 p.m.

For more details, visit CF.edu/preview.

College of Central Florida Invites Future Students to Preview College, Citrus Campus

The College of Central Florida invites anyone thinking about college to attend the Preview event on Thursday, March 6, from 5-7 p.m. at the CF Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.

Preview is a chance for anyone considering college to learn about everything CF has to offer – for high school students to retirees and everyone in between. At CF’s largest event of the year, representatives from admissions, dual enrollment, financial aid, student services, clubs and organizations will help attendees plan their successful college experience.

The $30 application fee is waived for anyone who applies at the event. Attendees who complete a survey will get a CF T-shirt and will be entered to win free tuition for one 3-credit undergraduate class at the in-state tuition rate.

Additional Preview events will be held at the Ocala Campus on Tuesday, March 11, from 5-7 p.m. and the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus on Thursday, March 13, from 10 a.m.-noon.

For more details, visit CF.edu/preview.

College of Central Florida Invites Future Students to Preview College, Ocala Campus

The College of Central Florida invites anyone thinking about college to attend the Preview event on Tuesday, March 11, from 5-7 p.m. at the Ewers Century Center on the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

Preview is a chance for anyone considering college to learn about everything CF has to offer – for high school students to retirees and everyone in between. At CF’s largest event of the year, representatives from admissions, financial aid, student services, clubs and organizations will help attendees plan their successful college experience.

The $30 application fee is waived for anyone who applies at the event. Attendees who complete a survey will get a CF T-shirt and will be entered to win free tuition for one 3-credit undergraduate class at the in-state tuition rate.

Additional Preview events will be held at the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus on Thursday, March 6, 5-7 p.m. and the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus on Thursday, March 13, 10 a.m.-noon.

For more details, visit CF.edu/preview.

CF Appleton Museum of Art to celebrate 10th anniversary of Magnolia Art Xchange

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, proudly announces its participation in celebrating Magnolia Art Xchange’s 10-year milestone with the exhibition “To the MAX: Magnolia Art Xchange’s 10-Year Anniversary.”

On view Feb. 15-May 18 in the second-floor Preview Gallery, the show includes MAX’s 2025 Resident Artists: Rod Acosta, Kendra Brazzel, Joan Elizabeth, Sarah Lajealle, Z Reyes and Tyrek Studivant.

Located in Ocala’s historic Union Station, MAX celebrates its 10th year as a vibrant hub for artists, educators and art enthusiasts. Through its Resident Artists program, MAX provides emerging and mid-career artists with the tools and opportunities to thrive both creatively and professionally. Resident Artists enjoy dedicated studio spaces with 24/7 access, the chance to showcase their work in exhibitions, engage in public educational programming and receive mentorship and support from MAX’s board of directors and advisory board. This signature program, in collaboration with the City of Ocala and partnership with FAFO (Fine Arts for Ocala), embodies MAX’s commitment to fostering artistic growth and community engagement.

“Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Magnolia Art Xchange is incredibly meaningful because it marks a decade of fostering creativity, building community and empowering artists,” said Darian Mosley, MAX board member and secretary. “This incubator has not only had a profound impact on our local art scene but has also sparked a momentum that promises even greater achievements in the years to come.”

“To the MAX: Magnolia Art Xchange’s 10-Year Anniversary” is sponsored by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO).

Resident Art Talk
Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join MAX’s six Resident Artists in the Appleton auditorium on the March 1 Free First Saturday for a featured talk focusing on their work and inspiration as artists. Participating artists include: Rod Acosta, Kendra Brazzel, Joan Elizabeth, Sarah Lajealle, Z Reyes and Tyrek Studivant. This talk is free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed to attend.

Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program. Free First Saturdays are supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and the 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.

CF Foundation Invites Community to Night at the Farm Fundraising Gala

The College of Central Florida Foundation will host its annual Night at the Farm fundraising gala on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the CF Vintage Farm Campus, 4020 S.E. Third Ave., Ocala.

All proceeds from this party with a purpose create scholarship opportunities for CF students. Over the past five years, the CF Foundation has raised more than $423,000 through the Night at the Farm event.

This year’s gala is presented by CAMPUS USA Credit Union and Friends of Horse Farms Forever. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres featuring the flavors of Florida and live music by Michael Smith (The String Smith) – back by popular demand. Cocktail attire is recommended for this upscale event set under the glowing chandeliers of the college’s expansive vintage barn.

For tickets and more information, visit Nightatthefarm.org or call the CF Foundation office at 352-873-5808.

About the College of Central Florida Foundation:
The College of Central Florida Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to providing support for the College of Central Florida through fundraising initiatives. The Foundation’s efforts are focused on enhancing the educational opportunities and resources available to students and faculty.

CF Appleton Museum of Art to Present Architectural Photography Exhibition

The striking architectural photographs of Joel Bustamante will be on view Jan. 18-June 8, 2025 in “Framing Tokyo: Joel Bustamante’s Architectural Photography” at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida. Opening in the Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists, the exhibition features 30 black-and-white and color photographs by the Venezuelan-born artist.

Bustamante (b. 1949) enjoyed an international education early in his career. He graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale while working in the college’s photography department. Bustamante owned and operated an advertising agency in Caracas for a decade before graduating with a master’s degree in architectural photography from Tokyo-based Nihon University. During that time, he created a photo exposé of the amazing modern architecture in Japan from the 1970s-1980s, capped by the 1985 one-of-a kind structures erected for the World’s Fair in Tsukuba Science City, located north of Tokyo.

Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program. Free First Saturdays are supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and the 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.

College of Central Florida Hosts Ribbon Cutting for AdventHealth Center for Nursing

The College of Central Florida invites the community to a ribbon cutting for the new AdventHealth Center for Nursing at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. On Thursday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 a.m., the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership will join college officials to cut the ribbon for the newly constructed building, which will open for classes when the spring semester begins on Jan. 8.

The naming of the $20 million, 42,500-square-foot AdventHealth Center for Nursing recognizes the $3 million commitment from AdventHealth Ocala to the CF Foundation, made in September 2024. The AdventHealth Nursing Endowment and AdventHealth Health Sciences Endowment will support student scholarships and new program equipment.

Attendees will be invited to tour the six classrooms, three skills labs, six simulation rooms and testing lab in the two-story building, which will serve more than 300 students in RN and bachelor’s degree programs.

Funding for construction came from AdventHealth Ocala, the Marion County Hospital District, the Florida Legislature, Marion County Board of Commissioners and other community partners.

RSVP requested for ribbon cutting event: CF.edu/RibbonCutting or coter@cf.edu.

For more information about the CF Debbie Ressler Nursing program, visit CF.edu/nursing.