CF’s Appleton Museum of Art Celebrates The Holidays With Annual Exhibition, Community Day

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, welcomes back one of Ocala’s best holiday traditions. On view Nov. 4-Jan. 7, “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” features themed trees and much more 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, alongside an extensive collection of nutcrackers from all around the world and much more. The display is different every year.

Adorning the second floor of the museum are trees decorated by community groups and organizations. Participants include Bridge to Hope, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Hands Up Communications, Hiers-Baxley/Highland Memorial Park, Jack and Jill of America, and Urban Counseling. Outside, the museum’s majestic oaks will shine again with twinkling lights. Additional large-scale decorations will deck the grounds with holiday cheer.

“The fall and winter holidays have a way of bringing the community together, said Appleton Director Jason Steuber. “There’s no better way to spend time with family and friends than visiting the Appleton from November to January to enjoy festive holiday displays and world-class art.”

On Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the annual Holiday Community Day event offers free admission sponsored by the Urban Family. Visit the permanent collection and special exhibitions including “A Dickens Christmas” and “Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design from the Permanent Collection,” make holiday crafts in the Artspace, and have your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. From 10 a.m.-noon, enjoy Face Painting by Tonya. All activities are free. Food trucks will be onsite throughout the day. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for more details.

If you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift, an Appleton Museum of Art membership is truly the gift that gives all year. A variety of membership levels are offered to fit the needs of every individual, couple or family. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for membership details. We also invite you to visit the Appleton Store any time with no admission fee to find unique gifts for all ages including artist-made jewelry, art books and activities for adults and children, holiday greeting cards, home décor, fine glassware 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.