The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery will showcase the talent of the college’s visual arts faculty in the biennial Faculty Art Exhibition on view Jan. 8-Feb. 6. New work by four faculty members spans mediums including ceramics, fiber arts, mixed media, printmaking and more.

Artists include Tyrus Clutter, professor and program manager for art; Abigail Stallings, assistant professor and program manager for digital media; Michele Wirt, senior professor of art; and Graham Young, associate professor of digital media.

“This dynamic exhibition celebrates the creativity and expertise of our visual arts faculty members, offering viewers an inspiring glimpse into the diverse approaches and techniques that define contemporary art,” said Dr Jason Longtin, visual and performing arts department chair. “Each work is a testament to the innovative spirit of our faculty, inviting visitors to experience the vibrant dialogue between tradition and experimentation that drives their artistic practices.”

The community is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 4:30-7 p.m.

The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and admission is free. For more information, visit www.CF.edu/Webber or call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.

Victoria Billig, assistant director for the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, was recently recognized with the Florida Association of Museums (FAM) 2024 Exceptional Leadership Award.

FAM’s annual Museum Service Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to the museum profession in the Sunshine State. The Exceptional Leadership Award recognizes Billig’s work in the museum field and her profound impact on the cultural arts, Florida’s museums, and the lives of the citizens of the State of Florida.

“Victoria’s decade-long commitment of service excellence at the Appleton has made significant contributions to the museum while simultaneously advancing Florida’s museums, both locally and statewide,” said Appleton director Jason Steuber.

Billig has been with the Appleton as assistant director for almost 11 years. She leads a 15-person team composed of the Education, Marketing and Public Relations, Appleton Store and Visitor Services departments. Victoria is the managing editor and content designer for all the Appleton’s public-facing engagement and marketing strategies, such as the trimonthly museum magazine, Artifacts, as well as the website and media communication platforms. Working closely with the Appleton team, she led the museum’s successful American Alliance of Museums reaccreditation in spring 2023 and the development of two, five-year strategic plans (2017-2022 and 2023-2028). Billig embodies a true and heartfelt dedication to ensuring that museums and the arts are accessible resources for children and adults in all walks in life.

“The Florida Association of Museums is such an important organization that works diligently to bring together and provide valuable resources for the state’s museum professionals while promoting and supporting the arts and arts advocacy,” Billig said. “I’m thrilled and honored to receive this leadership award and represent the Appleton and College of Central Florida.”

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.

The College of Central Florida’s online programs and degrees recently received national recognition in Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025 list.

At No. 35, CF ranked highest among the Florida College System’s 28 institutions, and placed above larger universities including University of Central Florida, University of Florida and University of Miami. CF students can complete the following programs fully online: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science in Business Administration, Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education, and nine college credit certificates in areas such as business and education. Unique in Florida, CF offers Equine Studies students the opportunity to start their education journey with an Equine Technician college credit certificate offered completely online.

The college’s fully online Bachelor Science in Nursing program was nationally recognized this year on the U.S. News & World Report Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs list, where CF placed the highest among Florida College System schools. The BSN program is ranked No. 3 for the Best Online Nursing Programs in Florida by Research.com.

The CF Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education and college credit certificate programs in Early Childhood Development and Child Care Center Management, which offer fully online credentials for future preschool educators, were ranked No. 24 on the Intelligent.com nationwide list of Best Online Early Childhood Education Degree Programs of 2025.

“The College of Central Florida has proved, once again, that we can meet our students where they are with flexible scheduling that does not sacrifice quality,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “By offering courses virtually, we can help learners access instruction by our highly ranked faculty, whether they are pursuing a degree that will prepare them to transfer to a university or a credential that will help them achieve their career goals.”

For more information about CF’s fully online degree and certificate programs, visit CF.edu/Online.

Now through Jan. 12, visit the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, for a festive display of trees decorated by community groups, organizations and businesses. This annual, community-driven tradition is showcased alongside “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” creating a memorable holiday experience throughout the museum for all ages to enjoy.

During the summer months, the Appleton seeks participants from the local community to provide and decorate themed trees to adorn the second-floor galleries during the holiday season.

“Each year, our participants provide beautifully decorated trees that reflect the mission and spirit of their organization, while others delight visitors with their imaginative designs,” said Victoria Billig, assistant director of the Appleton Museum of Art. “We’re really happy to have such great representation from our community partners this year and we appreciate all of the hard work and thoughtfulness that is clearly reflected in their displays.”

This year’s participants include Appleton Artspace, Better Together, Bridge to Hope, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, College of Central Florida, East Marion Elementary, Hands Up Communications with LN Signs and Greater Marion County Association of the Deaf (GMCAD), Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Humane Society of Marion County, North Central Florida Media 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, Marion Cultural Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Visit the museum on the Dec. 7 Free First Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., for the annual Holiday Community Day, sponsored by the Urban family. Enjoy face painting, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts and more! For more details, visit AppletonMuseum.org.

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.

The College of Central Florida invites anyone thinking about college to an open house on Monday, Dec. 2, from 2-6 p.m. at the CF Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland.

Future students are encouraged to tour the campus and learn about more than 170 academic pathways, including 70 job-training programs. Attendees can receive assistance with the application process, financial aid and veterans’ assistance, and can register for the spring semester, which starts Jan. 8.

Everyone who completes an admissions application at the event will have the $30 application fee waived and will receive a CF T-shirt or lanyard.

The college also will host two other events in connection with the open house: An orientation for first-time-in-college students from 5-6 p.m., and an Emergency Medical Technician information session at 6 p.m.

Additional open house events will be held Tuesday, Dec. 3, noon-4 p.m. at the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, noon-4 p.m., at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

For more information, visit CF.edu/OpenHouse or call 352-658-4077.

The College of Central Florida invites anyone thinking about college to an open house on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from noon-4 p.m. at the CF Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.

Future students are encouraged to tour the campus and learn about more than 170 academic pathways, including 70 job-training programs. Attendees can receive assistance with the application process, financial aid and veterans’ assistance, and can register for the spring semester, which starts Jan. 8. Everyone who completes an admissions application at the event will have the $30 application fee waived.

Following the open house, the college also will host a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information session at 6 p.m. in the Charles S. Dean Educational Center to help students and parents learn more about how to create a free account and apply for federal grants, work-study funds and loans.

Additional open house events will be held Monday, Dec. 2, 2-6 p.m. at the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, noon-4 p.m. at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

For more information, visit CF.edu/OpenHouse or call 352-873-5800, ext. 6179.

The Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida is calling, “All aboard!” for the annual “Trains at the Holidays” display on view Dec. 21-Jan. 2. The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

For this festive family favorite, the gallery transforms into a wonderland of tracks and trains brought to life by the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society. The moving model trains chug along through locales incorporating legendary local landmarks and holiday themes.

“We at the Webber Gallery are thrilled to be celebrating the 28th year of this nostalgic event,” said Jacqueline Bozman, gallery coordinator. “It’s more than just a display; it’s a celebration of shared memories and the magic of the holiday season bringing joy to visitors of all ages.”

“Trains at the Holidays” is free and open to the public daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is closed Christmas Day. New this year, the gallery will be open on Tuesday, Dec. 24, for a special Christmas Eve viewing from noon-3 p.m. For more information, visit CF.edu/Webber or call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.

Topics and concepts presented at this event are for discussion purposes only and are not intended to espouse, promote, advance, inculcate, or compel individuals to believe the topics or concepts presented therein. Nor do they constitute endorsement of such topics or concepts by the College of Central Florida, its Board of Trustees, or any of their officers, employees or agents.

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, welcomes back one of Ocala’s most beloved holiday displays. On view Nov. 2-Jan. 12, “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.

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 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 come experience what she did 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 worked as a counselor. In 2012, Joyce opened Urban Counseling where she continues her legacy of helping others.

The Urban family is honored to loan a portion of their Christmas collection to the Appleton during the holiday season. Visitors can look forward to beautifully themed trees, the popular Dickens Village miniature, an extensive nutcracker collection, handmade Santas from 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 Appleton Artspace, Better Together, Bridge to Hope, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, College of Central Florida, East Marion Elementary, Hands Up Communications with LN Signs and Greater Marion County Association of the Deaf (GMCAD), Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Humane Society of Marion County, North Central Florida Media and Urban Counseling.

Visit the museum on the December 7 Free First Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., for the annual Holiday Community Day. Enjoy free admission all day to see “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” as well as other holiday displays and special exhibitions. Make festive crafts in the Artspace, and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., have your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy Face Painting by Tonya. All activities are free. The Donut Express and Little Red’s Chicken & BBQ food trucks will be on-site throughout the day. This Free First Saturday/Holiday Community Day is sponsored by the Urban family, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts.

If you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift, an Appleton Museum of Art membership truly is 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.

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, Marion Cultural Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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.

Contact CF Manager of Marketing and Public Relations Lisa McGinnes at 352-873-5800, ext. 1565, mcginnel@cf.edu or CF Marketing, Public and Community Relations Director Rachel Cote at 352-873-5800, ext. 1374, coter@cf.edu. The Ocala Campus is located at 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala, Fla. 34474-4415, 352-873-5800. The Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus is located at 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Fla. 34461-9026, 352-746-6721. The Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus is located at 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland, Fla. 32626, 352-493-9533. The Hampton Center is located at 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Fla. 34475-6456, 352-873-5881 and the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Fla. 34470-5001, 352-291-4455. For additional information, visit College of Central Florida at www.CF.edu. Topics and concepts presented at this event are for discussion purposes only and are not intended to espouse, promote, advance, inculcate, or compel individuals to believe the topics or concepts presented therein. Nor do they constitute endorsement of such topics or concepts by the College of Central Florida, its Board of Trustees, or any of their officers, employees or agents.