Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, was pleased to be awarded the Florida Association of Museums (FAM) 2026 Museum Excellence Award for Education.

FAM’s annual Museum Service Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to the museum profession in the Sunshine State. The Museum Excellence Award for Education recognized the Appleton’s 2025 Summer Art Camp for its impact, growth and significant role in enriching the community’s cultural and educational landscape.

Led by Museum Educator Hollis Mutch since 2017, the Summer Art Camp program achieved impressive growth and expanded its reach into underserved communities. As the largest art camp in the region and one of the few dedicated specifically to the visual arts, the program fulfills an important need for K-12 students by providing a safe, supportive summer learning environment that strengthens visual arts skills and encourages creative expression.

“Over the past nine years it has been a joy to get to know the children and families our summer art camp serve, and see the camper’s art skills grow from scribbling to creating awe-inspiring drawings, paintings and sculptures,” Mutch said. “Our amazing team of talented summer camp teachers and education assistants are the reason our camp is so successful.”

The program has grown significantly in less than a decade. In 2017, the Summer Art Camp offered 15 half-day camps over six weeks, serving 178 campers with eight staff members. By 2025, the program had expanded to 29 half-day camps over 10 weeks, serving 405 campers with 21 staff members.

In 2025, the program also expanded its community outreach by providing a free week of camp for students from East Marion Elementary, a United Way of Marion County community partner school located in the rural Ocala National Forest.

Over eight seasons under Mutch’s leadership, approximately 2,400 students have participated in Summer Art Camp at the Appleton. With more than 400 campers ages 5-17 participating in 2025 alone, the program’s continued growth reflects both strong community demand and Mutch’s dedication to expanding access to high-quality visual arts education.

“We are so proud of Hollis and our entire education team, and grateful to FAM for this prestigious recognition of all the passion and hard work that go into planning and running a camp of the Appleton’s size and caliber,” said Victoria Billig, assistant director at the Appleton Museum of Art.

About Florida Association of Museums

The Florida Association of Museums is the not-for-profit professional organization for Florida’s museums and museum professionals. The mission of the association is to represent and address the needs of the museum community, enhancing the ability of museums to serve the public interest. The Association encourages excellence in its members by promoting communication through which its members share information and resources, effect legislation and promote support of museums.

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 theatre students invite the community to step inside a magician’s cave when they present “The Illusion” by Tony Kushner. First performed in 1990, the play is a retelling of a 17th century French comedy, “L’Illusion Comique.”

Directed by Visual and Performing Arts faculty member RJ Magee, the play mixes romance, humor, mystery and suspense. The story begins around a wealthy father searching for his estranged son, and a magician who uses her powers to help. The magician’s repeatedly changing illusions lead the father, and the audience, to question what parts are real and what are not.

“I chose the play because its heightened language, vibrant characters and supernatural environment makes it a wonderful challenge for our outstanding student actors, as well as our incredible faculty design team,” Magee said. “In conjunction with this summer’s reorganization of our costume shop, this production will be a true celebration of our department’s incredible costume collection, with certain pieces appearing onstage that haven’t been showcased in decades.”

Magee said that he thinks the play feels very contemporary and timeless, despite its Renaissance source material. With sword fights, gorgeous costume choices, and an elaborate stage design, Magee thinks this show will delight audiences.

Student Isaac Jovel plays three characters – Calisto, Clindor and Theogenes – and each is possibly the missing son. He said he thinks audiences will be able to relate to the play’s language and humanity.

“It’s also very action-packed,” Jovel said. “It all blends to give a very interesting atmosphere for the audience. The action is very entangled in the audience, which makes the experience different, as well as the depths of the scenery and the 3-D sound design. It’s really like the audience is in the cave with them.”

Willow Forbes, who plays the main character of the wizard Alcandra, said she thinks audiences will also laugh and get caught up in the central mystery and whimsy of the story. Forbes has been in every CF theatre production for the last three years, and this is her second lead role.

“My character wants to be omnipotent and in control, but she’s also a big theater nerd, so she’s putting on a show, in a way,” Forbes said. “She has all these big dramatic moments, she talks to the audience, and some parts are very funny.”

The production features a cast of 15 students on stage and a team of 10, both students and staff, behind the scenes.

“As is the case with all of CF’s theatre productions, the faculty design team, cast, and crew are comprised of personnel from a variety of academic pathways,” Magee said. “These interdepartmental collaborations allow for CF’s productions to truly show off the skills of the college.”

The play’s structure includes original music by Visual and Performing Arts Adjunct Professor Joshua Mazur, original set design by Fine Arts Center Manager Mario Cieri, and additional original costume designs by Visual and Performing Arts Assistant Professor Abigail Stallings.

Showtimes for “The Illusion” are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22-24, and 3 p.m. Oct. 25. 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. The Charles R. Dassance Fine Arts Center is located on the Ocala Campus.

For more information about CF Visual and Performing Arts events, visit CF.edu/theatre.

The community is invited to visit the College of Central Florida’s Center for Agricultural Innovation at Vintage Farm campus for a free Field Day on Monday, Nov. 16, noon-4 p.m. This is an open house-type of event where visitors can drop in at any time during those hours. Participants can explore the 103-acre working farm to learn about general local agriculture as well as CF’s agricultural and equine programs.

“We really want to encourage the community to come out to this event and see our beautiful farm,” said Agribusiness Program Manager Jacob Dorland. “This event isn’t just for prospective students. It’s a great outing for families with young kids that want to see the farm, or anyone who’s ever driven by and been curious about what we do here. Our students want to show off what they’ve been learning, and our faculty and staff want to talk to people in the community about agriculture.”

Dorland said this event is part of Marion County’s Farm City Week, which celebrates the partnerships between rural and urban communities that make our food supply safe and plentiful. The week is celebrated as part of the lead up to Thanksgiving.

Interested visitors can also learn about career paths, network with industry organizations and connect with faculty, staff, students and alumni. Faculty members will present live demonstrations with resident livestock and high-tech agriculture drones.

“Field Day is one of our favorite days at the farm. We love to showcase the wonderful educational opportunities we offer,” said Dr. John D. Ash, CF dean of Business, Technology and Agricultural Sciences. “With our cutting-edge Ag Tech programs, including our new Precision Agriculture Technology A.S. degree, world-class Equine Studies faculty, clear career pathways, and even several beloved horses, field day is always an inspiring experience.”

The CF farm campus is located at 4020 S.E. Third Ave. (Highway 475) in Ocala.

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, welcomes families from across the Sunshine State for the second annual “Signing Santa: A Deaf-Friendly Holiday Event” on Sunday, Dec. 6, from noon-2 p.m.

The festive event offers a welcoming ASL-friendly experience for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Sensational Selfies will be on-site to capture holiday photos. Each guest will receive one complimentary printed photo, along with a digital image sent by text.

Families are invited to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy a festive holiday experience at the museum. The “Signing Santa” event is free, and museum admission is also free all day, from noon-5 p.m. No reservation is required.

“Signing Santa” is presented in partnership with the Greater Marion County Association of the Deaf.

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.

A longstanding, beloved holiday tradition returns to the Appleton Museum of Art with “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” on view Nov. 7-Jan. 10.

The exhibition brings together a festive selection from the Christmas collection of Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban, including elaborately decorated themed trees, the popular Dickens Village miniature, an extensive nutcracker collection, handmade Santas from around the world and other seasonal favorites. New arrangements and details each year give returning visitors something different to discover.

Joyce Urban’s love of Christmas began during her childhood in Philadelphia, where visits to see Santa included walks past the elaborate holiday displays in the city’s department stores. That sense of wonder stayed with her, eventually inspiring her to begin publicly displaying her own collection in 1989 so that children and families could share in the experience.

Over the years, her Christmas Tour has also supported numerous local charities, including Harvest International, Interfaith, Pilot Club, Women’s Pregnancy Center and the Counseling Resource Center, where she worked as a counselor. In 2012, she opened Urban Counseling, continuing her commitment to helping others.

The Urban family is honored to share a portion of the collection with Appleton visitors each holiday season. “As the largest art museum in north-central Florida, the Appleton is grateful for the opportunity to share the Urban family’s wintry treasures with the community. The museum provides a festive setting for holiday gatherings and memorable photos with family and friends,” said director Jason Steuber.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, trees decorated by local community groups and organizations will be displayed throughout the museum’s first- and second-floor galleries. This year’s participants include Appleton Artspace, Art Approach, Artify Ocala/Marion Maker Collective, Arts in Health Ocala Metro, Better Together, Big Brothers Big Sisters Marion County, Bridge to Hope, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, College Park Elementary, East Marion Elementary, El Bell’s Flower Truck, Hands Up Communications with LN Signs and Greater Marion County Association of the Deaf (GMCAD), Hiers-Baxley – Highland Memorial Park, Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Soleil Bakery, The LILAC Foundation, TJM Promos, and Urban Counseling.

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.

Holiday Community Day
Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Celebrate the season at the Appleton Museum of Art’s annual Holiday Community Day, held on Free First Saturday, December 5. Admission is free all day from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere with “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” along with additional holiday displays, special exhibitions, and hands-on crafts in the Artspace. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., guests can enjoy Face Painting by Tonya, and Sensational Selfies returns this year to capture photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each guest will receive one free printed photo and a texted image. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the auditorium will feature short holiday performances by Devotions Dance Company. Food trucks from 3 Scoops and a Truck, Dancing Empanada, Donut Express, and Poppy’s Dogs will be on-site with food and beverages available for purchase, as well as K’s Blooms and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. This Free First Saturday/Holiday Community Day is sponsored by the Urban family 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. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

College of Central Florida will host a 5k fun run/walk on Oct. 10 at the Ocala Campus. The “Wear Your Wings” fundraising event is open to the community and will donate its proceeds to the Marion County Children’s Alliance Family Violence Prevention workgroup. The organization provides education, resources and support for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Advanced registration is $35 through Oct. 9, and $40 on the day of the event. On-site registration begins at 7 a.m., followed by the pre-race celebration at 7:30 a.m. and the race at 8 a.m. Shirts will be available for the first 150 registrants, and medals for the first 150 finishers. There will also be medals for the top three male and female finishers in each age group. To register online, visit: wearyourwings5k.itsyourrace.com.

This is the 14th year the event has been held at the college. The walk was originally created in honor of former CF Associate Professor Debra Vasquez, and continues to honor all victims and survivors. Vasquez lost her life in 2004 as a result of domestic violence. She taught English, literature and creative writing at CF for many years and established the “Imprints” literary magazine, serving as advisor of the award-winning publication until 2004.

College of Central Florida participated in a formal signing event at the University of South Florida last week to officially renew the college’s participation in USF’s Fuse Transfer Program. Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president, signed the formal agreement on behalf of the college.

The Fuse Transfer Program, which is facilitated by the State University System of Florida, was launched in 2016. It allows students who earn their associate degree in specific majors at participating state colleges to transfer to USF and complete a bachelor’s degree in two years. The Fuse model aligns curriculums and one-on-one academic advising, helping students stay on track while creating opportunities to engage with the USF community before they transfer.

“This partnership has created a fantastic roadmap for CF students who want to obtain a bachelor’s degree from USF,” said CF President Dr. Jim Henningsen. “Because of the Fuse program, these students arrive at USF ready to succeed, equipped with more than their A.A. degree.”

University of South Florida is one of the College of Central Florida’s top transfer choices for CF Associate in Arts graduates, along with University of Central Florida and University of Florida. Students discuss the different degree options and transfer pathways when they meet with their CF academic advisor upon admittance to the college.

“I always wanted to go to USF, but I wasn’t ready at first,” said CF Sophomore Ryan Crowe. Crowe will graduate with his A.A. in business administration next semester and plans to major in marketing at USF next fall. “With Fuse, I’m guaranteed a transfer and it’s been a lot easier and more affordable to be able to stay home longer. Now, I’m ready to go next year.”

According to USF, students enrolled in Fuse consistently achieve retention rates exceeding 90 percent. More than 1,100 Fuse students have graduated with bachelor’s degrees, with graduation rates averaging 8 percentage points higher than their non-Fuse transfer peers.

“Fuse goes beyond transfer-ready or reducing transfer-shock to major-ready. Fuse students arrive at USF prepared not only to transfer successfully, but to thrive in their chosen academic programs,” said Allison Crume, USF associate vice president and dean of Undergraduate Studies. “From day one, students follow a clearly defined pathway that positions them for success. It’s a proven model for student success – Fuse provides continuity and connection.”

The 65th season of the Ira Holmes International Film Series at the College of Central Florida celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence when it returns in October. Throughout the season, several of the selected films and accompanying events will reflect the Declaration of Independence’s themes, such as the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The season kicks off with Disney’s 2025 rereleased movie presentation of the Broadway musical “Hamilton.” Before the showing, there will be a special introduction by Jay Thompson, CF political science professor. The initial event will be held on Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, followed by a 7 p.m. showing at the College of Central Florida.

“For this year’s movies, we looked for a variety of stories that spoke to both the American experience and the universal pursuit of freedom,” said Wendy Adams, CF professor and series director. “There are some historical classics and newer entries, but we think all of these movies are going to entertain and spark conversations around their connections to current and past events.”

Adams said she is also excited for the series to return to Ocala’s Historic Marion Theatre for the two free and family-friendly movies in this year’s collection, “Avalon” on Nov. 8, and “An American Tail” on March 7.

Series Schedule:

Oct. 13: “Hamilton,” USA, 2020 – The Broadway musical tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton through the music of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Film introduction by CF political science professor Jay Thompson.

Oct. 27: “The Emigrants,” Sweden, 1971 – An epic immigrant story of a Swedish family seeking a better life in America. The Ocala campus screening includes a 6:30 p.m. film talk with executive director of arts in health Ocala Metro, Patricia Tomlinson.

Nov. 8: “Avalon,” USA, 1990 – Family Friendly Event, 2 p.m. at Ocala’s Historical Marion Theatre. Barry Levinson’s autobiographical story of three generations of an immigrant family in Baltimore.

Nov. 10: “Landscape Film,” Brazil, 2019 – A journey through the art and life of the Brazilian landscape architect and painter best known for the iconic black-and-white mosaic promenades that line Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach. This film will be shown only at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art.

Nov. 10: “Come as You Are/Hasta la Vista,” Belgium, 2011 – A coming-of-age road-trip comedy about three disabled friends determined to live life on their own terms. This film will be shown only at 7 p.m. at the College of Central Florida.

Nov. 24: “Minari,” Korea/USA, 2021 – A Korean-American family moves to rural Arkansas in pursuit of the American Dream. Amidst the challenges in the strange and rugged Ozarks, they create a new life.

Feb. 8: “Motion Picture Paradise: A History of Florida’s Film and Television Industry,” – Lecture with Florida film history expert Dr. David Morton, 12:30 p.m., The Ira Holmes Classroom on the Ocala Campus. This lecture is sponsored by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences Bank of America Grant.

Feb. 9: “The Flying Ace,” USA, 1926 – Made in Florida, this is set after World War I, when a former fighter pilot hunts down stolen payroll and the thieves behind it. Both screenings include a film talk with
Dr. Morton.

Feb. 23: “The Wound,” South Africa/Germany/Netherlands/France, 2017 – A look at South Africa’s Xhosa culture and an ancient coming-of-age ritual in the Eastern Cape.

March 7: “An American Tail,” USA, 1986 – Family Friendly Event, 2 p.m. at Ocala’s Historical Marion Theatre. An immigrant mouse searches for his family after they are separated in 1800s New York City.

March 9: “Cinema Sabaya,” Israel, 2023 – A documentary following Palestinian and Israeli women as they learn to document their lives through film.

March 23: “Perfect Days,” Japan/Germany, 2024 – This film follows a Tokyo toilet cleaner who finds joy in life’s simple routines.

All films will be shown Tuesdays at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, and at 7 p.m. at the College of Central Florida, 3001 S.W. College Road, Building 8, Room 110, unless otherwise noted. 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.