News Release
The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, announces the annual exhibition, "A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family Holiday Exhibition," on view Nov. 16-Jan. 6.
This beloved collection adorns the first floor of the museum with themed trees and other holiday decor from the collection of Ocala cardiologist Dr. Paul Urban, his wife, Joyce, and daughters, Katie, Kristie, Kassie and Karlie. In addition to ornately decorated trees, see the architecture, customs and history of Victorian England come alive in the popular miniature Dickens Village. Also on display, an extensive collection of nutcrackers from all around the world features handmade Byers’ Choice caroler dolls.
On the second floor, see trees decorated by community groups and organizations. Participating organizations include: Agapanthus Ocala; Appleton Artspace; Association of Florida Colleges CF Chapter; CF Student Activities Board; NOMA Gallery; Ocala Civic Theatre; TJM Promos; and Urban Family Counseling.
On Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the annual Urban Family Community Day event offers free admission to enjoy the permanent collection and special exhibitions, including “A Dickens Christmas” and “Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau,” and holiday crafts in the Artspace. From 1-4 p.m., take photos with Santa. Food trucks will be onsite throughout the day.
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? An Appleton membership is truly the gift that gives all year. Multiple membership levels are available to fit the needs of every individual, couple or family. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for membership details. You can also visit the Appleton Store any time with no admission fee to find unique gifts for all ages including artist-made and vintage jewelry, art books and activities for adults and children, holiday home decor and more.
About the Urban Family Collection
Joyce Urban’s love of Christmas began when she was a child in the city of Philadelphia. Every year she would go see the elaborate decorations at the department stores that were set up along the path she walked as she went to see Santa. This wonder of Christmas has stayed with her through the years. She began publicly displaying her collection in 1989 because she wanted to provide a place for children of all ages to experience the holiday magic she enjoyed as a child. Over the years her Christmas Tour has raised money for many local charities including Harvest International, Interfaith, Pilot Club, Women’s Pregnancy Center and the Counseling Resource Center where she once worked as a counselor. In 2012 Joyce opened Urban Counseling where she continues her legacy of helping others.
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.
