The College of Central Florida will host its annual Preview Night open house on Tuesday, March 2, from 4-7 p.m. online.

The college will showcase the many career and educational opportunities it offers. Prospective students can learn about academic programs, financial aid opportunities and how to get started at CF. They may also interact with faculty and staff to learn about workforce and certificate programs, and advanced degrees, including CF’s baccalaureate programs.

Students who complete the event survey will have their $30 college application fee waived and will be entered into a drawing to win a scholarship to pay for one three-credit undergraduate class at the in-state rate. They will also receive a free CF T-shirt.

For more information about the free event, call 352-873-5800 or visit www.CF.edu/PreviewNight.

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, presents a full schedule of special exhibitions, programs and workshops during February.

Opening on Jan. 30, visitors can enjoy the landmark exhibition “Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art.” Organized and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C., this show presents 62 works of art from a collection that was amassed over 35 years by the Davises. Kerry, a retired mailman, and Betty, a former television news producer, gladly gave up many ordinary comforts in order to live with extraordinary paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. Their pioneering collection includes masterpieces by Radcliffe Bailey, Romare Bearden, Beverly Buchanan, Elizabeth Catlett, Ernest T. Crichlow, Sam Gilliam, Loïs Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Gordon Parks, Alma Thomas and Charles White. Visitors can enjoy free admission every Saturday and Sunday in February to see this exceptional display.

Learn more about “Memories & Inspiration” and the Davises’ collection on Sunday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. during a free, online Zoom talk with Kerry Davis. He will be accompanied by celebrated artist and curator Kevin Sipp. Zoom login details are available at AppletonMuseum.org.

Also on view during February, “Luminous Worlds: Paintings by Kristin Herzog” featuring bold, abstract works by the Florida artist. Drawn from the permanent collection, bright and colorful prints by Clayton Pond, as well as work that focuses on the Sunshine State by Florida artists, are sure to please audiences of all ages.

Special online programs during February include a meeting of the Appleton Book Club on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. Bibliophiles and art enthusiasts alike will enjoy reading “The Brilliant History of Color in Art” by Victoria Finlay. Register for the free, online meeting at Eventbrite.com by searching “Appleton Book Club.” On Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m., the monthly Artist’s Outlook series will present a free, live Zoom talk by American figure painter Anthony Ackrill. Login details are available at AppletonMuseum.org.

For those interested in art-making, our weekly Teaching Tuesday series continues with pre-recorded, instructional art projects for children. A new video is posted on the Appleton Facebook page and YouTube channel every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Previously posted videos remain accessible for later viewing. For adults, our popular Art 101 workshops are currently online and free. February’s workshop features a clay Valentine’s dish project; participants must provide their own supplies and will be given a supply list in advance. Registration information is available for this Feb. 9 workshop at Eventbrite.com or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

For questions on Appleton exhibitions, events or programs, contact AppletonMuseum@cf.edu.

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.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Gabriel Bullaro to the College of Central Florida District Board of Trustees.

Bullaro is Chief Executive Officer at West Marion Community Hospital and previously served as CEO at Ocala Health. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and has been a member of the American College of Hospital Executives and the Rotary Club of Ocala. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University and his masters of business administration from Duke University.

“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Bullaro to the CF family,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “We appreciate that he is willing to help us guide the college with his experience as we continue our focus on providing workforce-ready graduates for our community.”

Bullaro joins Board Chair Robert Durrance, Joyce Brancato, Rusty Branson and William Edgar.

Fresh food will be distributed to Marion County families Saturday, Jan. 30, starting at 10 a.m. at the College of Central Florida Hampton Center, 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd., through a partnership of Farm Share, CF, state Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson and Ocala City Councilman Ire Bethea.

Food items are for Marion County residents and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will be asked to show their IDs. Volunteers will place food items in vehicle trunks to maintain social distancing. Entrance to the drive-through distribution will be at the main entrance of the college on Silver Springs Boulevard. Other entrances will be blocked off. Approximately 500 families will receive food through the distribution.

“It is an honor to work with Rep. Hinson and Councilman Bethea to provide a convenient location and volunteers to distribute food through Food Share during this trying time. It is important that we work together as a community to meet the critical needs of our Marion County residents” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, president of the College of Central Florida.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has upended our entire way of life,” said Rep. Hinson. “So many Floridian families find themselves suffering due to financial loss, food insecurity, or the loss of loved ones. In these times, we must look towards each other for support. That is why I am so excited to be working with the City of Ocala and local community leaders on this upcoming Farm Share event to ensure that our neighbors get the food and support they need. This is the beautiful thing about our district. We know how to come together and overcome.”

Councilman Bethea said: “We are always looking for opportunities for the community to come together for those citizens in need of our assistance. We cherish this opportunity to serve.”

Farm Share is a nonprofit organization based in Jacksonville founded to distribute fresh food free of charge to families, children, seniors and individuals in need throughout Florida. It delivers more than 88 million pounds of healthy and nutritious food each year.

For more information, contact Jessica Kummerle at 352-854-2322, ext. 1598.

The College of Central Florida and Appleton Museum of Art have launched new websites with fresh design and improved functionality that focuses on the user experience.

“Now more than ever, it’s vital that information about college and museum programs and services be easily accessible and inviting,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “We have reimagined the college site to better showcase the experience of being a CF student and the museum site to highlight artwork and programming. Both sites reflect the quality of what we offer at the College of Central Florida.”

A complete redesign, CF.edu features drop-down menus to assist with finding information on admissions, academic programs, student life, and more. The site also offers a new search tool that makes it easy to explore programs, degrees and certificates available at CF. Website visitors can filter results by area of study, degree type and online vs. on-campus availability. The website was a collaborative effort based on input from students, staff, faculty and community members and is fully mobile-responsive.

The Appleton Museum’s site, AppletonMuseum.org, features more imagery to better highlight the special exhibitions and permanent collection. With the new events and education calendars, website visitors can see what’s happening at the Appleton in an easily digestible format, filterable by event type such as films, themed tours and more. “The new Appleton website reinforces the museum’s mission to activate the collections and to enhance our ability to serve our community,” said Museum Director Jason Steuber.

For more information on the projects, contact the Manager of Web Communications and New Media at the College of Central Florida at pr@cf.edu.

The College of Central Florida is excited and proud to continue its long-running International Film Festival with a safe, socially distanced format featuring classic, international films and scholar film talks. Screenings will take place at the Ocala Drive-In theater located at 4850 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, for free followed the next day with an online discussion. Each film can also be screened from the safety of one’s own home at a time of convenience via free, internet film streaming services.  The Ocala Drive-in film screenings and accompanying scholar film talks on topics central to each film can be viewed on the dates and times listed below.

The first film, “Man with a Movie Camera,” will be featured on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m. with online discussion on Wednesday, Jan. 27, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. hosted by Janna Jones. This 1929 Soviet film by Dziga Vertov is an early experimental documentary that depicts daily life in the Soviet Union in 1920s, but it also is full of playful and breathtaking cinematic tricks. Vertov takes full advantage of the observational powers of the film camera, for he wanted to reveal the ways in which the cinema eye can capture ordinary life. This is a silent film and has a total run time of 80 minutes. Jones, the host for the Wednesday discussion, is a professor of Creative Media and Film in the School of Communication at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. A 20^th century historian, Jones’ scholarship focuses on the history of cinema-going, historic movie theaters, amateur filmmaking, public exhibition, architectural preservation, urban and suburban history, and public art.

“The Sheik,” will be presented Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. with online discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. hosted by Linda Levitt. This film features Paris-educated Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassam, who is known for providing brides for wealthy Arabs. Currently celebrating its centennial, this Hollywood silent film solidified Rudolph Valentino’s stardom and earned him the nickname “the Great Lover.” In a classic example of Orientalism in Western art, Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan (Valentino) encounters Lady Diana Mayo (Agnes Ayres), a headstrong Western woman, in the African desert and kidnaps her. He intends to seduce her, and over time she develops affection toward her captor. Despite the presence of an independent female lead, the film reflects the social norms of the 1920s, offering a romantic drama particular to its time. This film has a total run time of 86 minutes.

“Metropolis,” will be presented Tuesday, March 30, at 8 p.m. with online discussion on Wednesday, March 31, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. hosted by Mark Neumann. This German science-fiction film (Giorgio Moroder’s edition) presents a highly stylized futuristic city where a beautiful and cultured utopia exists above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. When the privileged youth Freder discovers the grim scene under the city, he becomes intent on helping the workers. He befriends the rebellious teacher but this puts him at odds with his authoritative father, leading to greater conflict. This film and has a total run time of 83 minutes.

“The Night of the Living Dead,” will be presented Tuesday, April 27, at 8 p.m. with online discussion on Wednesday, April 28, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. hosted by Sezin Koehler. After Barbra and her brother Johnny are attacked by a strange, lurching man while visiting their uncle’s grave and Johnny is killed, Barbra manages to escape to a nearby farmhouse as more of these murderous flesh-eating people come out of the woods. Barbra is quickly met by Ben, a Black man who quickly takes charge of the situation and everyone’s safety as best he can, all the while they continue to be violently set upon by hordes of the undead. With an unforgettable and heartbreaking conclusion, George Romero’s seminal 1968 horror film isn’t only a terrifying story of its own right, its social commentary on race in America has continued to remain relevant in the decades since. This film has a total run time of 96 minutes.

For links to the screenings and discussion, and for a full series list and more information on the International Film Series, contact Wendy Adams at 352-873-5800, ext. 1546, or visit www.CF.edu/filmseries.

The Honorable Cliff Stearns has made a $269,919.01 gift to the College of Central Florida Foundation. This gift will establish the Friends of Cliff Stearns Endowed Chair to support an annual speaker series event to be held in the Learning Resources Center at the college.

“I am delighted to support the CF Foundation with this gift toward developing a speaker series to bring notable persons to the college’s Learning Resources Center,” Stearns said. “The speaker series will provide an opportunity for the college community and citizens in Marion and the surrounding counties to meet and hear from distinguished Americans.”

The endowed chair will allow the college to bring in national and regional speakers on topics such as history, political science and technology. The speaker series would be open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.

“Research shows that students engaged with faculty, staff and peers who attend college events and presentations by guest speakers are more likely to be successful in their academic endeavors,” said Dr. Mark Paugh, vice president for Academic Affairs. “This new endowment will contribute significantly to CF’s student engagement plan.”

Stearns is an executive director with APCO Worldwide, based out of Washington, D.C., and he serves on APCO’s International Advisory Council. He is a former member of Congress for Florida’s Sixth District. Stearn’s wife, Joan, retired from the college in 2013.

“I can’t say enough about the Honorable Cliff Stearns” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, college president. “Both he and his wife, Joan, have been huge supporters of the college. We are grateful for their generous gift, which will advance the learning environment for students at CF.”

The CF Foundation, founded in 1959, is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that enhances the college’s programs and services through the development and management of private contributions and community partnerships. To learn more, visit CF.edu/foundation.

The College of Central Florida will showcase the talent of its Visual Arts faculty in an exhibition that opens Monday, Jan. 11, in the Webber Gallery at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

This is the seventh Visual Arts Faculty exhibition, which takes place every other year. The exhibition provides the community and CF students and staff an opportunity to explore the talent of CF Visual Arts faculty. The participating artists will present a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional works on display, including ceramics, prints, fiber, photography and mixed media pieces.

“There are so many places to see original art now in the Central Florida region, and the Webber Gallery is no exception,” said Dr. Allan Danuff, CF associate vice president of Arts and Sciences. “The impressive background of our faculty is evident in the incredible maturity and interesting nature of the artwork presented in this exhibit.”

The exhibit will continue through Friday, Feb. 12. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The gallery is closed Friday through Sunday and college-observed holidays. Admission is free. Masks are required to enter the gallery.
For additional information, call 352-873-5809.

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is pleased to announce “Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art,” celebrating the passion of a couple who spent more than 35 years as devoted connoisseurs, building a collection of vivid artworks that are both resonant and remarkably personal. “Memories & Inspiration” is on view at the Appleton from Jan. 30-March 28, 2021.

“Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art” presents 62 selected works from a body of art amassed over 35 years. Kerry, a retired mailman, and Betty, a former television news producer, gladly gave up many ordinary comforts in order to live with extraordinary paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures as their principal luxuries. Their collection includes works by Radcliffe Bailey, Romare Bearden, Beverly Buchanan, Elizabeth Catlett, Ernest T. Crichlow, Sam Gilliam, Loïs Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Gordon Parks, Alma Thomas, and Charles White, but Kerry and Betty do not search exclusively for well-known and/or documented artists. Rather, they focus on the more meaningful task of gathering and preserving a range of artistic approaches to the black image, in order to console the psyche and contribute to a more authentic articulation of the self.

The result is an eclectic gathering of pieces crossing different mediums, subjects and styles by a group of artists of the African Diaspora who – in terms of training, experience, and expression – are strikingly diverse but unified in their use of cultural and historical narratives. As their collection has grown, so has the Davises’ storehouse of memories of discovering new works of art, building friendships with artists, and conversing with museum professionals and other collectors in their home. “Memories & Inspiration” brings together an awe-inspiring selection of works, but it is their personal resonance – their connection to the Davises’ hopes, passions, and everyday lives – that gives the collection its unique power.

Online Talk with Kerry Davis and Kevin Sipp
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m. on Zoom

Join us online for a talk by collector Kerry Davis, whose collection spans nearly 100 years of art. He will be accompanied by artist and curator Kevin Sipp. This free talk can be accessed by going to Zoom.us and using the following login information: Meeting ID: 935 9471 8618 | Passcode: 471041.

More Information About the Collection

Kerry Davis, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, is a former sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, a retired carrier with the U.S. Postal Service, and an ordained deacon. He began collecting in the mid-1980s in partnership with his wife, Betty, who shared his passion for art. Begun originally with the modest aim of enhancing the interior decor of their mid-century split-level home in suburban Atlanta, the Davises’ collection has grown to over 300 works by some of the most distinguished African American artists of the 20th century.

Inspired by previous generations of African American art collectors, who understood the importance of preserving cultural expression, memory, and imagery, Davis has sought to contribute to this legacy and be a source of inspiration for others in the community. The Davis residence – dubbed an “in-home museum” by visiting neighbors, parishioners, and friends – serves as a meeting place and cultural hub for artists, collectors and art enthusiasts. Kerry and Betty have two children and one granddaughter.

“Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art” was organized and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C.

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.

The College of Central Florida Foundation has exceeded its goal of $20 million by 27% for CF Reaching Higher: The Campaign for the College of Central Florida. The comprehensive fundraising campaign was publicly launched at Taste of Ocala in 2018, and more than $25 million has been raised. The CF Reaching Higher campaign surpasses the foundation’s previous Promise for the Future campaign total raised, completed in 2012, by more than 240%.

This is the largest fundraising campaign in the history of the College of Central Florida. Funds will accelerate CF’s efforts to provide innovative and experiential learning opportunities for students pursuing work force degrees in health care, agriculture and equine, and will expand opportunities to create programming and unique visitor experiences for guests of the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida.

When launched, the campaign was among the top 10 largest fundraising efforts in the country for a community college. Valencia College in Orlando recently announced the launch of a $30 million campaign.

Over the last five years, the CF Foundation has hit many milestones in its long and successful history. During that time, the foundation received two of its largest gifts from individuals: Vintage Farm, valued at over $2.9 million, in 2016, and the estate of Mary Brent Kraus, approximately $6 million, in 2020. In 2018, the foundation was recognized nationally by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education for fundraising performance and by ImpactMatters.org as one of the most effective educational foundations for impact in 2019.

The campaign was quietly launched in 2015 with an initial goal of $10 million, and the target was increased to $20 million in 2017 when the goal was quickly surpassed.

“When we met to discuss the progress on the first goal, I remember then-Chair Fred Roberts Jr. saying ‘go big or go home,’ ” said Bill McCall, current chair of the CF Foundation Board. “And that’s exactly what the foundation and college staff did. They went big.”

Dr. James Henningsen, president of the College of Central Florida, said, “There was an audible gulp when the board said the goal should be higher. The foundation team, under the leadership of Chris Knife, has met an exceptional and historic goal. I am very proud of them, the Foundation Board of Directors for their vision, and our great college community. CF has an excellent story to tell, and we are transforming lives with the support of our many friends and partners.”

Knife has served as the executive director the CF Foundation since 2014.

“To paraphrase Sir Isaac Newton, if we have achieved more, it’s because we stand on the shoulders of giants, our predecessors,” said Knife. “That, and we live in a very generous and committed community which is eager to help students and the college prepare for the betterment of us all.”

Marc Westinberg, director of Foundations and Community Colleges for the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, is quick to acknowledge the accomplishments of the CF Foundation. “The College of Central Florida has clearly proven its fundraising abilities over recent years. This new achievement of exceeding its $20 million campaign goal furthers that tradition of excellence and reconfirms the College of Central Florida Foundation as one of the top community college fundraising programs in the country. On behalf of CASE and the community college advancement community, congratulations to the College of Central Florida for your success and for reaching ever higher to support real and powerful change in the communities you serve.”

The CF Foundation, founded in 1959, is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that enhances the college’s programs and services through the development and management of private contributions and community partnerships. To learn more, visit CF.edu/foundation.