The Visual Artists’ Society presents the 24^th “Summer Spotlight” exhibition June 1-Aug. 5 at the College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, 3001 S.W. College Road. There is no fee to visit the exhibition.

“Summer Spotlight XXIV” will be judged and juried. This year’s guest judge is Susan Silverman Fink, born in Manhattan to artist parents. Visit her website at Silvermanart.com for more information.

“The impetus for creating artwork can come from any arena of life.  It may come from artists from the past, from the primary building blocks that form all visual imagery, from the great themes of our human existence, or even the minutiae of everyday life,” said Tyrus Clutter, associate professor of Art at CF. “Every aspect of our inner and outer lives is grist for the artistic mill. Coming from a year when our daily lives seemed so much smaller, yet we felt more connected to people across the globe, this year’s Summer Spotlight should possess a focus unlike anything from recent years.”

VAS has more than 100 members from all over Marion County and Central Florida. VAS exhibits showcase a variety of styles and mediums, including more traditional paintings and photographs, as well as jewelry, sculpture and digital media.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The gallery is closed Friday, Saturday, Sunday and college-observed holidays. For additional information, call 352-873-5809.

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is pleased to reopen the Artspace, the drop-in makers space. After a temporary closure due to COVID-19 health and safety measures, visitors of all ages can once again enjoy this creative and colorful environment beginning Tuesday, June 1.

Funded by a generous donation from Daniel M. Kraus and Mary B. Kraus, the Artspace engages adults and children in hands-on art experiences through colorful activity stations and projects that promote the understanding of art.

“The Artspace anchors the eastern end of the Appleton and is deeply rooted in our community as a creative nexus for young and old, alike,” said Appleton Director Jason Steuber.

Visitors can build with Lego®, draw on a glass wall, paint their next masterpiece — there’s something for every age and ability! The Artspace also features a toddler play area and library of children’s art books.

“The Artspace is a phenomenal space for artmaking and creativity that sets the Appleton apart from other museums. It’s truly the heart of all our educational endeavors,” said Museum Educator Hollis Mutch. “Projects and activities change throughout the year introducing a wide variety of artists and art-making techniques to our visitors. The Artspace is not just for children, but for all ages, and helps adults remember the joy of art.”

The Artspace, supplies and activities are free for Appleton members and included with museum admission fee for nonmembers. Through 2021, the public can visit the Appleton and the Artspace with no admission fee on the first Saturday of each month. For admission fees and other free admission programs, visit AppletonMuseum.org.

Face masks covering the mouth and nose are required for all staff and visitors ages 5 and older.

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 and Lockheed Martin representatives joined elected officials and education, industry, workforce development and community leaders to cut the ribbon and formally open a state-of-the-art apprenticeship lab.

“Apprenticeships are a unique way to provide a student with education, career training and a job simultaneously and a valuable opportunity for us to work directly with an employer,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “The synergy created when partners come together in the best interest of their communities is unrivaled.”

Lockheed Martin’s two-year apprenticeship program trains electronics associates who will solder circuit cards and wiring harnesses used in aerospace and defense systems. The first cohort of apprentices began their work with 80 classroom hours in the new lab before transitioning to Lockheed Martin’s Ocala facility where they receive additional education and complete the program.

“Our partnership with the College of Central Florida and CareerSource Florida extends our training capabilities and is instrumental in providing a sustainable talent pipeline for our future operations as we strive to help create highly skilled and high-wage career opportunities” said Phil Lowery, director of Lockheed Martin Ocala operations.

The partnership resulting in today’s announcement began in 2019 when Lockheed Martin launched an initiative to hire and train apprentices across its enterprise over the next five years. CareerSource Florida, the governor’s principal workforce policy board, provided support in building those apprenticeship programs, recruiting potential talent, and identifying grant opportunities to defray training costs. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, the local workforce development board serving the Ocala area, assists Lockheed Martin with identifying candidates for the apprenticeship program.

“Governor Ron DeSantis has prioritized expanding workforce education and training opportunities to help all Floridians begin and grow in rewarding careers, and apprenticeships provide a great career path,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “CareerSource Florida’s partnership with Lockheed Martin, the College of Central Florida and CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is helping bring in-demand career opportunities to hundreds of local residents, and we’re excited to support the program’s expansion in other communities.”

Since the start of the program, Lockheed Martin has hired 349 apprentices, 20 of whom started their training in one of three different cohorts at the CF lab since February of this year.

“The Governor challenged us to be #1 in workforce and technical education by 2030. Today is another example of his leadership and vision becoming a reality,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “This innovative partnership with CareerSource, Lockheed Martin and the College of Central Florida puts in place a new apprenticeship program in the aerospace industry that will open new doors for Floridians looking for a rewarding high-skill, high-wage job. We remain laser-focused on expanding Florida’s workforce education and training opportunities so that Floridians can upskill quickly, acquire nationally recognized postsecondary credentials of value, and ensure high wage jobs can be filled by well-educated and well-trained Floridians.”

“Lockheed Martin’s two-year apprenticeship program will be essential in growing and retaining talent in the Sunshine State,” said Secretary of Commerce Jamal Sowell, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. “This partnership with the College of Central Florida and CareerSource Florida will create countless opportunities within our communities.”

“Growing Florida’s skill-based workforce is a top priority for Governor DeSantis, and the Department is proud to support the apprenticeship program between Lockheed Martin and CareerSource Florida,” said Dane Eagle, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Our partnership is vital in the success of these training programs throughout the state, which continue to offer valuable technical skills and sustainable great career paths for Floridians.”

The two-year program will congratulate its first round of graduates in July 2021 with the next class of apprentices starting May 24. To apply, visit lockheedmartinjobs.com or CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion’s website at careersourceclm.com for contact information.

 

 

###

The College of Central Florida concludes the International Film Series with a member appreciation event and viewing of “Maya Deren Shorts” on Tuesday, May 25, at 8 p.m. Online discussion on Wednesday, May 26, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. will be hosted by Appleton Museum of Art’s Patricia Tomlinson. Screenings will take place at the Ocala Drive-In theater, 4850 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, for free. Each film can also be screened from the safety of one’s own home at a time of convenience via free internet streaming services.

Through Deren’s pioneering camera work and editing techniques, as well as her deep exploration of psychological themes, her ground-breaking films are entirely unique and laid the groundwork for future innovative filmmakers such as David Lynch. The four short films selected represent several stages of her career; from her 1943 breakout film “Meshes of the Afternoon” to one of her last films, the 1959 “The Very Eye of Night,” they offer a comprehensive introduction to an extraordinary filmmaker and scholar.

Tomlinson is Curator of Exhibitions at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida. She joined the Appleton in 2016 after having served as curatorial staff at the Denver Art Museum for eight years. Tomlinson received degrees from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado State University and the University of Denver. In addition to her degrees in art history and museum studies, Tomlinson has completed extensive coursework in film history and directed several experimental films.

Autographed books from participating CF International Film Series Speakers will be given away by drawing to current International Film Series members.

College of Central Florida Musical Theatre Department will host a virtual spring production of “Now. Here. This.” Friday-Sunday, May 7-9, at 7:30 p.m. online.

The show, under direction of Dr. Jason Longtin, follows the evolution and adventures of a group of friends as they journey through time, from the present to the past and back again. They share their stories about friendship, love, hiding, laughing, living, dying and middle school in an attempt to step directly into that elusive “present moment” Now. Here. This.

The play is being presented for free. Tickets can be ordered at CF.edu/Now. For more information contact Jason Longtin at longtinj@cf.edu.

College of Central Florida students competed for the first time in three years at the Phi Rho Pi national speech and debate competition April 5-11 earning seven awards.

The Phi Rho Pi competition for community college students featured 44 schools from 10 states (three schools from Florida) and 262 students. The competition features public speaking and interpretation individual events, along with three forms of debate. CF had six students compete in 13 events.

Eileen Hernandez earned three individual awards: a Bronze in Poetry and two Golds in Communication Analysis and Persuasive speaking. This is the first time CF has earned any individual event awards. Additionally, Hernandez earned fourth place for the Bovero-Taber individual sweeps award, meaning she finished in fourth place among 262 other competitors. The CF team took home a Silver award (or third place) in the Hindman Division. This division includes the most teams with 33 schools entered. Finally, Hernandez was awarded the Warren-Dahlin Fellowship Award for Region 8. Dr. Matthew Maddex was also awarded the Collie-Taylor Fellowship Award in Region 8 for being one of the best coaches in Phi Rho Pi forensics.

“I could not be prouder of how this team competed at the Phi Rho Pi competition. In-spite of all of struggles we have faced, our team came together and finished with a Silver award being the third best team in the country,” said Maddex, associate professor of Speech and director of Forensics. “I am in awe of what they have accomplished. We are so excited about our results this year and cannot wait to go in person to Phi Rho Pi next year and build upon what we have done.”

Hernandez has one more competition next week, the Interstate Oral competition, the oldest public speaking competition in the U.S. She will be one of two representatives for the state of Florida.

In intercollegiate forensics, which includes speech and debate, students compete in team and individual events in a variety of areas including interpretation of literature (prose, poetry), public address (informative and persuasive), limited prep events and several platform speeches. The forensics association enables students to not only improve their speaking skills but also develop a stronger understanding of the communication field as a whole.

The College of Central Florida has been approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Division of Plant Industry to produce industrial hemp at its Vintage Farm Campus in Ocala. It is the first license of its kind approved for a state college in Florida.

The cultivating of hemp will be utilized as an educational tool by the college’s Agribusiness program to complement its existing fruit and vegetable production, greenhouse and nursery production, as well as livestock production facilities. Hemp production will focus seed germination, soil, water, nutrient and light requirements, proper pruning techniques, pest management, harvesting and curing of the crop.

Industrial hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa and has many uses, including food and feed intended for animal consumption, paper fiber, clothing, and many industrial applications. It contains very low trace amounts of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in the plant, and varying amounts of Cannabinoid compounds, most notably CBD and CBG, which may have therapeutic properties, according to federal regulations.

“Due to statewide and local interest in the burgeoning hemp industry in Florida, and the uniqueness of the college’s Vintage Farm Campus facilities and areas of study, it was a natural fit to add to the curriculum of the Agribusiness program at CF,” said Tavis Douglass, Agribusiness program manager. “Because hemp is a relatively unknown crop in our climate, not much is known of how it will perform. Therefore, we will be testing and growing plants under various growing conditions. Additionally, our program will focus on hemp products that may have use in agricultural sectors such as our local livestock and equine industries.”

The curriculum will be designed not just on cultural practices, but also navigating compliance, and marketing raw hemp harvested materials.

CF offers an Associate in Science degree in Agribusiness Management, Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Organizational Management Agribusiness Specialization — both unique to the Florida State College System — as well as Certificate programs in Nursery and Landscape, and Livestock Production Management. There will be a short-term noncredit course or lecture for the community as an introduction of industrial hemp in fall 2021 or spring 2022, though no specific details are in place yet.

For more information about these programs, contact Program Manager Tavis Douglass at douglast@cf.edu, 352-854-2322, ext. 1737; or Dean of Business, Technology, and Career and Technical Education Dr. Rob Wolf at wolfr@cf.edu, ext. 1281.

The College of Central Florida will host its spring 2021 commencement Friday, May 7, with two virtual ceremonies to honor graduates. A livestream of the Certificate, Associate in Science and bachelor’s degrees will begin at 3 p.m. and a livestream of the Associate in Arts commencement will begin will begin at 5 p.m. Both virtual commencement messages will be featured on YouTube (@CollegeofCentralFL). Links can be found at www.CF.edu/graduation.

Prior to the ceremony, graduates will have an opportunity to upload a photo, video and personal message to create a custom slide that will be combined to become part of the full ceremony. They can then view with friends and family to hear their name announced and see their custom message. Individual clips will also be shareable on social media.

“We have been determined to keep our students and their families safe during the pandemic, and at the same time ensure we still celebrate their success,” said Dr. Saul Reyes, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. “We are excited to bring students together virtually, to honor their hard work and share their stories with as many people as possible.”

The video will feature remarks from CF’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Ire Bethea Sr., who is a lifelong resident of Ocala and a graduate of Ocala High School, Central Florida Community College and St. Leo University. Bethea represents District 2 on the Ocala City Council and served the City of Ocala and the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County for a combined 30 years before retiring. Bethea has volunteered with multiple organizations and committees throughout his career and retirement, and many of his volunteer efforts focus on helping Marion County’s youth.

CF will post a PDF of the commemorative graduation program online and a printed copy of the program will be mailed to each graduate in the weeks following the ceremony.

For more information about CF graduation or to access the videos visit www.CF.edu/graduation.

College of Central Florida student Daniel Goodman was recently named as a Guistwhite Scholar. Winners were selected from among 4,400 applicants nationwide, and their selection was based on academic excellence, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in Phi Theta Kappa programs.  Goodman was one of 15 members selected and will receive a $5,000 scholarship for baccalaureate studies.

This is the second-highest scholarship offered by PTK and is named in honor of the late Margaret and Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for PTK members to Florida Atlantic University in 1975.

“Daniel is one of the great students and has embraced everything that CF had to offer and excelled even with a shift to address the pandemic’s impact at the college,” said Dr. Allan Danuff, CF associate vice president of Arts and Sciences. “He’s a true CF Patriot and Phi Theta Kappa officer.”

Goodman plans on attending the University of Central Florida as part of the DirectConnect to UCF program and study pre-medicine.

Earlier this month, Goodman was named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and received a $1,500 scholarship.