
January–April 2026






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January–April 2026







As we begin 2026, the Appleton team joins you in proudly anticipating America’s 250th anniversary. We invite everyone to visit the museum and celebrate this milestone by sharing in the beauty and diversity of American art and design through exhibitions, programs and events scheduled throughout the year.
What does it mean to commemorate a yearlong celebration of the 250th (semiquincentennial) anniversary of our nation’s founding? It means we’ve thematically curated the Appleton’s worldclass art collections to highlight American art and artists. It also means visitors will experience artworks that reflect the freedoms and opportunities we value as Americans.
Our focus on “all things American” will complement our ongoing community partnerships and education outreach. The patriotic spirit will be reflected throughout the galleries and in programs that connect with neighbors across Marion, Citrus and Levy counties, and beyond.
Our founder, Arthur I. Appleton (1915–2008), a World War II veteran and successful entrepreneur, partnered with local leaders to establish the museum that bears his name. From day one, the Appleton has embraced the idea of arts for all. Today, the museum serves as an important CF campus and community hub, celebrating American pride in north central Florida through art and education.
The Appleton exists for you, and because of you, our steadfast members and supporters. If you can help us continue to expand our programs, please share our donation form and encourage others to give in support of the museum.
Sincerely,
Jason Steuber, Director
Scan the QR code to make a donation to the museum.

Discover something new each month on Free First Saturdays! Enjoy free admission, inspiring exhibitions, hands-on art activities and educational programming. While you’re here, grab a bite from local food trucks and meet community partners such as the Humane Society of Marion County, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, and more. Interested in sponsoring a month or more, please contact Jason Steuber at steuberj@cf.edu.
January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5

JANUARY
Film Screening: “The Trip to Italy,” (2014, NR, 1h 48m)
January 3, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Years after their successful restaurant review tour of Northern Britain, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are commissioned for a new tour in Italy. Equally hilarious and insightful, “The Trip to Italy” effortlessly melds the crackling chemistry between Coogan and Brydon to create a brilliantly comic rumination on the nuances of friendship and the juggling of family and career. Free to attend.



Film Screening: “Quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend” (2004, NR, 56m) AND “The Quilting Women of Gee’s Bend” (2025, NR, 53m)
February 7, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively
Inspired by the special exhibition “Under the Cover of Knowledge,” see two screenings. At 11 a.m., “Quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend” explores the extraordinary lives, inspirations and history of these artists, and also follows them on a poignant and sometimes very comical bus journey to see their quilts exhibited at The Milwaukee Art Museum. At 2 p.m., “The Quilting Women of Gee’s Bend” highlights the celebrated quilts made by a community of African American women in rural Alabama. Free to attend. Viewing permissions provided by Alabama Public Television.
Talk: “Silver Springs on the Silver Screen” by Dr. David Morton
March 7, 2 p.m.
Dr. David Morton will discuss Florida’s springs and their unique role in shaping the American motion picture industry. Featuring iconic films such as “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” “Thunderball,” “Moonraker,” and “Doc Hollywood,” along with popular TV shows including “Sea Hunt” and “Sea Quest,” Florida’s springs have had an outstanding role in creating unique and inventive stories. Free to attend.
Artist Talk & Demonstration with A.E. Kozeliski
April 4, 1 p.m.
Exhibiting artist A.E. Kozeliski will discuss the works featured in her solo exhibition, “Portraits in Passing.” Learn about her contemporary Chinese brush painting techniques and enjoy a live demonstration in the auditorium. Free to attend.
Please note: For all events, seating in the auditorium is limited to 250 guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free First Saturdays are supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union. The March Free First Saturday is additionally supported by Florida Humanities.
March 13–September 13, 2026

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” celebrates more than three centuries of American art and design.
Drawn from the Appleton’s exceptional permanent collection, the exhibition highlights the wide range of American expression across time periods, subjects, media and functions.
It also explores the pivotal role Florida, and its spectacular natural wonders, including those of Marion County, has played as a source of inspiration for artists. Interwoven throughout the galleries are historical artifacts from north central Florida that remind us of our region’s shared heritage and its place within the broader American story. (Fun fact: Florida became the 27th U.S. state on March 3, 1845.)
“My Country, ’Tis of Thee” honors the enduring spirit of American creativity and pride, reflecting how art continues to shape — and be shaped by — the nation’s collective identity.
Members Reception
Thursday, March 12, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
All Appleton members are invited to celebrate the opening of “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.” Watch for more information coming in February on our website and in a postcard with event details.

If you haven’t yet seen “Under the Cover of Knowledge,” there’s still time — this vibrant exhibition of pinecone quilts by Betty Ford-Smith is on view through February 22.
A pinecone quilt is a traditional Southern quilt composed of thousands of hand-cut, individually folded fabric pieces sewn in concentric circles that resemble the scales of a pinecone. The name reflects both the natural inspiration for the pattern and the regions where it originated, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
Ford-Smith’s quilts are striking, contemporary interpretations of the traditional pinecone quilt, a form rooted in African American quilting practices of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This exhibition marks the first major solo presentation of her work. Her quilts have been collected nationwide, including by major institutions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Also on view are antique quilts from her personal collection, including examples from the renowned Gee’s Bend community.
January 31–June 21, 2026

The subjects in “Portraits in Passing” are the people of the street — those encountered in daily life yet often overlooked: the wanderers, the unhoused and the forgotten. Through Tallahassee-based artist A.E. Kozeliski’s brush, these fleeting figures become thought-provoking reflections of contemporary society. Rather than traditional portraits, they capture a moment in time, revealing glimpses of humanity that might otherwise go unnoticed. As Kozeliski notes, “I have embraced an ancient art form and through the depiction of contemporary subject matter I have made it my own while respecting its traditions.”
Opening in the Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists, each work invites viewers to engage personally and to find their own stories within the faces and gestures portrayed. As subtle details reveal themselves, the once unseen become visible, gaining presence and dignity through the artist’s hand.
Rooted in the ancient traditions of Chinese brush painting, Kozeliski’s process draws on the discipline’s four foundational strokes, techniques that require mastery of brush pressure, water-ink balance, and handmade paper selection. Painting in the Mogufa (“boneless”) style, she captures not physical likeness but the energy, or qi, of her subjects. Composed without backgrounds, these minimal yet expressive portraits allow a simple line or gesture to suggest place, emotion and humanity.
Artist Talk and Demonstration
Saturday, April 4, 1 p.m.
Join Kozeliski in the auditorium on the April 4 Free First Saturday for a talk on the works featured in “Portraits in Passing.” Learn about her contemporary Chinese brush-painting techniques and enjoy a live demonstration. Free; no reservations needed to attend.

Videos in the Appleton’s Art Minutes series may last only five minutes or so, but hours of work go into creating these concise yet informative looks at works from the permanent collection.
Each Art Minutes video begins with careful planning. Museum Specialist Kerry Elkins begins by reviewing the exhibition calendar and planning a schedule of one video per month, timed to coincide with the longstanding First Friday Art Fact. Research then begins, often for multiple videos at once, by gathering existing information on each artwork from museum files. Elkins expands on this foundation by consulting books, articles and other museums’ collections to develop fresh, up-to-date content that builds upon existing research.
Elkins truly has a hand in each video from start to finish. She writes the script and, with the help of Graphic Design and Social Media Coordinator Lisa Taylor, develops visuals, which can include photographing or filming the artwork, sourcing images of the artist, and incorporating other elements that help tell a compelling story for the viewer. Once the script is recorded and background music is selected, all of the elements are combined. When the final video is complete, it is uploaded to the Appleton YouTube channel on the Art Minutes playlist.
Since taking on the project in 2022, Elkins has produced more than 40 Art Minutes videos. In addition to showcasing works from the collection, the series has significantly expanded the Appleton’s reach on YouTube, with subscribers increasing by 273% since 2022. The Appleton channel now boasts more subscribers than any other college or university museum in Florida!
If you haven’t already, take a few moments to visit YouTube.com/@AppletonMuseum or scan the QR code and explore the Art Minutes playlist — each video offers a new way to connect with the Appleton collection.
For more information or to register for classes, visit AppletonMuseum.org or scan the QR code. All materials are included unless otherwise specified.
This engaging, multisensory program introduces ages 2–5 to the Appleton. Each session begins with a storybook reading, followed by a short gallery visit to explore a featured artwork or artist. Afterward, children will head to the Artspace to create their own art inspired by what they have seen. An adult must accompany each child throughout the program.
Tuesdays, January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Free for Appleton members; included with admission fee for adult nonmembers. Advance registration on Eventbrite; links available at AppletonMuseum.org Registration begins one week before the program date. Limited to the first 20 children registered.
This three-week class introduces young artists ages 5–7 to a studio art class. Students will have a collection of colorful, imaginative artworks to bring home by the end of the session.
Saturdays, March 28–April 11, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Saturdays, May 16–30, 10:30 a.m.–noon
$85 Appleton members | $115 nonmembers

Led by an art educator, this program is designed for homeschool and independent students ages 6–9 to explore the wonders of the Appleton. Meet in the lobby to receive a special activity sheet. Use the sheet to guide your adventure through the museum galleries, then head to the Artspace for a hands-on art project. Recommended for ages 6–9.
Tuesdays, January 27, February 24, March 24 10:30 a.m.–noon
Free for Appleton members; included with admission fee for adult nonmembers. Advance registration on Eventbrite; links available at AppletonMuseum.org Registration begins one week before the program date. Limited to the first 20 children registered.
Art Explorations are multiweek classes designed for ages 8–12. Choose the session(s) of your choice. All materials are provided.
In this four-week class for ages 8-12, learn about using color, perspective, shading and realism to make drawings come alive. Explore different materials while expanding your drawing abilities.
Wednesdays, January 21–February 11
3:30–5 p.m.
Saturdays, January 24–February 14
10:30 a.m.–noon
Appleton Members: $110 | Nonmembers: $140
Join us for a four-week creative journey exploring the colorful world of painting and drawing! Young artists will learn to sketch, shade and paint while discovering key artistic concepts like perspective and realism. Using a variety of materials, students will experiment with techniques that build confidence and creativity.
Wednesdays, April 15–May 6 3:30–5 p.m.
Saturdays, April 18– May 9
10:30 a.m.–noon
Appleton Members: $110 | Nonmembers: $140
Appleteens (Ages 13–17)
This six-week class for ages 13–17 offers the opportunity to hone wheel throwing and hand building skills through fun, functional projects. Students will practice and develop new techniques
while creating unique pieces. Fee includes clay, glazes and firing.
Saturdays, March 7–April 18 (no class 3/21) 2–4 p.m.
Appleton Members: $150 | Nonmembers: $175
In this three-hour workshop led by Lisa Russo, capture your likeness as you learn about proportions, placement, and how to define facial features while adding your own artistic touch.
Saturday, May 2, 1–4 p.m.
Appleton Members: $55 | Nonmembers: $75
In many Celtic and Irish folktales, fairies are said to make their homes inside trees. Bring a touch of that magic to your own garden by crafting a whimsical clay fairy door. Led by instructor E. Marie Fielding, each participant will design and sculpt their own unique fairy door using hand-building techniques. Finished pieces will be fired and ready for pickup the following week.
Saturday, April 25, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Registration is for one child and one adult. $60 Appleton Members | $85 Nonmembers (Additional child or adult is $25 for Appleton members and $30 for nonmembers.)


Led by Dawn Bergstrom, these sessions offer potters of all skill levels a chance to practice and develop new skills and techniques in hand building and wheel throwing through fun and functional ceramic projects such as serving sets, vases, or your own creative expressions. Fee includes clay, glazes and firing.
Saturdays, January 17–February 21 2–4:30 p.m.
Appleton Members: $265 | Nonmembers: $310
Led by Dawn Bergstrom, take your pottery skills to the next level with Dig Deeper, the perfect follow-up to our beginner class.
Designed for intermediate potters who are confident in their ability to center clay, this six-week session explores more complex forms, advanced glazing techniques and ways to refine your throwing skills. Participants will build on foundational knowledge while experimenting with new creative approaches.
Fee includes clay, glazes and firing.
Saturdays, January 17–February 21 10:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
$265 Appleton Members | $310 Nonmembers Prerequisite: Participants must have completed at least two regular “Dig into Clay” classes within the past three years.
Join us for this free online workshop to learn new acrylic painting techniques or refine your existing skills in a single, two-hour session. Participate live via Zoom with fellow art enthusiasts from around the world and follow along with step-by-step instruction from our teaching artist. A recording will be available to watch later.
WINTER ACRYLIC PAINTING
Tuesday, January 20, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
FLORAL STILL-LIFE ACRYLIC PAINTING
Tuesday, April 7, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Registration will appear on Eventbrite.com a month before each event (links available at AppletonMusuem.org). There are no fees to participate; supply lists provided on Eventbrite.

Lisa Russo teaches the art of portraiture through the expressive medium of chalk pastel to capture accurate proportions, facial structure and defining features while exploring color, tone and texture to bring your portraits to life.
Saturday, February 21, 1–4 p.m.
Appleton Members: $65 | Nonmembers: $90
Join instructor Judy Weber-Lucas for an introduction to collage as an art form using a variety of decorative and painted papers to create a vibrant floral composition.
Saturday March 14, 1–4 p.m.
Appleton Members: $65 | Nonmembers: $90

Inspired by the bold colors and expressive brushwork of contemporary still life, instructor Maritzabel Jauregui-Rodriguez will show you how to create a matching pair of fruit paintings on two 8 x 8 canvases. (pictured above.)
Saturday, April 18, 1–5 p.m.
Appleton Members: $80 | Nonmembers: $110
For more information or to register for classes, visit AppletonMuseum.org or scan the QR code. All materials are included unless otherwise specified.
Exhibiting artist Seth P. Benzel gave an auditorium and gallery talk on his solo exhibition, “Deconstructing Self,” on the September 6 Free First Saturday.
Photographer John Elliott gave a tour of his solo exhibition, “The Human Pulse,” on the October 4 Free First Saturday. We were also joined by Betty Ford-Smith, whose quilts are on view in “Under the Cover of Knowledge.”
Swing Theory performed for a packed house on the November 1 Free First Saturday, also the opening weekend of “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition.”
Thousands of visitors enjoyed the annual Ocala Arts Festival, hosted by Fine Arts for Ocala, and the quilt-inspired art activity at the Appleton tent.













The last quarter of 2025 was all about William-Adolphe Bouguereau, as Appleton staff dedicated extensive time to researching the artist and his oeuvre in preparation for three Art Minutes videos in honor of the artist’s 200th birthday. The focus of the videos are three visitor-favorite paintings and foundational works in the Appleton collection: “Young Shepherdess,” “Youth and Love” and “Knitter.” Now complete, the Art Minutes are available on the Appleton YouTube channel and we invite you take some time to watch and learn more about these important works.
We also invite our Director’s Circle members to a special event where we’ll share fascinating Bouguereau research that didn’t make it into the Art Minutes videos, including insights into his connections with other artists represented in the Appleton collection, as well as notable figures from art history. For example, did you know that Pierre Auguste Cot was a student of Bouguereau, one of a few chosen by the artist to work on faithful reproductions of his paintings? The evening will also feature wine from the Loire Valley, just outside Bouguereau’s birthplace, La Rochelle, a coastal city in southwestern France.

Thursday, April 9 5–6:30 p.m.
Meet in the café for wines from the Loire Valley and light snacks. You will be permitted to bring your wine into the auditorium for the Bouguereau talk by Appleton Museum Specialist Kerry Elkins. The talk will begin at 5:30 p.m. RSVP is required to Colleen Harper, harperc@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831.


If you haven’t already, take a few moments to visit YouTube.com/@AppletonMuseum or scan the QR code and explore the Bouguereau playlist.
(detail) “Young Shepherdess (Jeune bergère),” 1868, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (French, 1825–1905), Oil on canvas, 41 ¾ x 31 in. Gift of Arthur I. Appleton.


FREE admission for an entire year from the day you join — visit your favorite exhibitions as often as you’d like, with little to no wallet-related consequences.
Perfect for impressing people: dates, out-of-town visitors, or in-town friends who “need something new to do.”
Artspace! The young (and the young at heart) will love it.
Reciprocal perks: SERM gets you into 100+ other institutions, and Director’s Circle members enjoy NARM benefits at 1,400+ museums and cultural institutions.
The Appleton Store is full of unique finds, made even better with your 10% member discount.
Check “try my hand at wheel throwing” off your bucket list and enjoy discounted class fees while you do it.
Dress up for a night out with members-only invitations to special events, including exhibition openings.
Look on page 18 for special coupons from our local business partners. Don’t miss the Farm Tour offer!
Membership fees matter — they directly support exhibitions, education programs and facilities. We can do more because of you!
Membership numbers show community support, one of the ways we measure our success.
Ready to join? We would love to have you as a member. Contact Colleen Harper, harperc@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831. You can also visit AppletonMuseum.org to learn more and use our online membership form. Already a member? Memberships make a great gift!
Enhance your membership experience by exploring exclusive discounts at select local businesses, curated especially for Appleton members. Your support means the world to us, and as a token of our gratitude, we’re delighted to offer you these new coupons from our generous network of business partners. To redeem, clip the coupon you want to use and present it to the participating business. Coupons expire on April 30, 2026.

Build-a-Bouquet
6120 SW State Road 200 Facebook @ buildabouquet1ocala Instagram @buildabouquet1ocala buildabouquetocala.com
20% OFF
High-quality flowers, plants and gifts. Place a custom order or visit the shop and build your own bouquet.


Farm Tours of Ocala 352-895-9302 (call to book) | farmtoursofocala.com
15% OFF
Enjoy a guided insider’s tour of Ocala’s working farms and discover why Marion County is the “Horse Capital of the World!” Tours are Monday-Saturday, daily, and begin at 8:30 a.m. and finish between noon and 12:30 p.m. Closed on major holidays; coupon cannot be combined with other discounts.
Sandy’s Shack Imported Wine and Beer
4901 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Units 306-307 | Facebook @SandysShackWineandBeer Instagram @sandysshackwineandbeer | sandysshack.com
10% OFF
The biggest wine and beer store in North Central Florida, offering imported wines and beers, craft beers, mead, cider, sake and more. Offer excludes cigars.
Looking to spotlight your locally owned business? Consider featuring an exclusive, members-only deal for Appleton members! By partnering with us, your business will be showcased on the Appleton website, highlighted in “Artifacts” magazine, and shared in our weekly eblast, reaching over 8,000 engaged contacts. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote your business to a broader audience. To get started, reach out to Jason Steuber at steuberj@cf.edu. Deals are fully customizable by your business, including any restrictions, blackout dates, or specific terms.
(August 1–November 30, 2025)
Thank you to our Director’s Circle members for their support! To join, renew or upgrade memberships at any level, contact Colleen Harper, harperc@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831. Or visit AppletonMuseum.org.
Ms. Katherine Bailey
Mr. Miguel Bello and Dr. Lorraine Bello
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent P. Biel
Teddy Beth Bolton
Mr. Phillip D. Breske and Shannon Stutsman
Mrs. Lisa Bubba
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Campo
Ms. Vicki Carol
Prof. Liana D. Cheney
Cheval Opp
Elizabeth and Michael Coachman
Mr. Glenn Cohen
Dr. Terry L. Cole and Mr. Garry D. Adel
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Cross, Jr.
Ms. Karen Dailey
Ms. Barbara Deane and Sharon Essler
Mrs. Cathy Delph and Jochen Braunmiller
Mr. John Esbenshade and Mrs. Laura Baber
Ms. Marie Frash
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gallion
Ms. Susan K. Geeraerts
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Goings
Dr. Constance Goodwin and Mr. Richard Cascarino
Mr. Gary Gregory
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Gumpert
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Haddad
Dr. Leslie A. Hammond
Mr. Douglas and Cindy Haralson
Dr. and Mrs. Charles P. Hayes
Deborah and Tim Horvath
Mr. Michael L. and Ruth S. Hughes
Mr. Thomas M. Idziak and Teri Jo Ross
Mrs. Elizabeth H. Kutz
Mr. Terrence Ladrigan and Janine Howard
Mr. Nicholas and Kristina LaFountain
Mrs. Claire Lancaster
Linda Lanier, M.D. and Randy Batista
Bob Levenson and Grace Dunlevy
Ms. Amy Luek and JP Smit
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Malinger
Mrs. Esta and Ed Mann
Gwyneth McDonald and Thomas Brim
Paulette Millhorn and James Hilty
Ms. Donna Morrow
Jessica and Andy Nelson
Ms. Teesha O’Neal-Garcia
Mrs. Katina Pantazis and Mr. Tim Woods
Dr. and Mrs. Cary Pantazis
Dr. Thomas A. Brown and Dr. Alethia H. Pantazis
Ms. Marajo Pawling and George Whitmore
Mrs. Janice B. Pero
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Railing
Mr. Mahbub Rashid and Nuzhat Abed
Mr. and Mrs. Rob Reisman
John and Diane Renyhart
Mr. and Mrs. Roy A. Reynolds
Dr. and Mrs. Francis J. Robacker
Ms. Fontaine Rodgers
Dr. and Mrs. Jay J. Rubin
Mrs. Camilla Sackin
Mrs. Patricia R. Schwartz
Lyn H. Silberman and Stephen Dantzig
Ms. Karen J. Slaska
Mr. and Mrs. Howard A. Smith
Robert Soraci and Ellen Esparolini
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford B. Stearns
Mrs. Nancy M. Swigert
Mr. W. Clinton Terry and Pat Voss
Ms. Jeanne Thomas
Ms. Liz Thompson
Dr. Barbara Toeppen-Sprigg
Miss Emily Troil and Valarie Troil
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory E. Tucci
Ms. Marilyn Verbsky
Claudia and Mark Waiwada
Ms. Linda Watson
Mrs. Linda Werth
Mr. and Mrs. Carlton V. Whittington
Mr. and Mrs. James Willard
Mrs. Bonnie Williams
Mr. and Mrs. David Wolfersberger
4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470-5001
352-291-4455 | AppletonMuseum.org

ON THE COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS: (detail) “Jackie Bingham posing with an American flag at Silver Springs,” ca. 1949 Bruce Mozert (American, 1916–2015), Black and white photonegative, 5 x 4 in., State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.


