黑料天堂

Appleton Museum of Art to present 鈥楾he Human Pulse,鈥 a photographic series by John Elliott

On view in the Appleton鈥檚 Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists from June 21, 2025-January 18, 2026, 鈥淭he Human Pulse: Photographs by John Elliott鈥 features 42 black-and-white prints from the Ocala-based photographer鈥檚 ongoing series, 鈥淭he Human Pulse.鈥

Elliott鈥檚 鈥淭he Human Pulse鈥 project is shaped by his life and travels across 32 countries, capturing the remarkable array of the human experience. His photographs reflect a dreamlike vantage point: floating somewhat above, sometimes even at a great distance, but still connected to the moment.

As an influence, Elliott cites the renowned 鈥淭he Family of Man鈥 exhibition, organized by photographer Edward Steichen for the Museum of Modern Art New York in 1955. Elliott discovered the exhibition catalog in his father鈥檚 library and said, 鈥淥nly decades later did I recollect perusing it with interest as a child, and the memories of many images remained vivid. Recently musing upon the genesis of one of my series, 鈥楾he Human Pulse,鈥 I began to realize how influential this book was on my photographic vision. I strive to paint a multi-faceted spectrum of global humanity 鈥 joy to suffering, spontaneity to reflection.鈥

Gallery Tour

Saturday, October 4, 11 a.m.

Join Elliott on the October 4 Free First Saturday for a tour of his solo exhibition, 鈥淭he Human Pulse.鈥 Tour meets at 11 a.m. in the Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists on the second floor. Free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed to attend.

About the Artist:

John Elliott was born in Spring Valley, New York, and for his first dozen years lived in Manhattan, after which he moved with his family to Coral Gables, Florida, where he fell in love with photography. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and double minors in Spanish and international studies from Ohio University. After a successful career in media production, in early 2011 he was selected to be an officer in the U.S. Foreign Service and, after five months of training, received a congressional appointment to be a vice consul in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From 2014-2016, he served as press attach茅 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, before returning to Washington, D.C., to work for the State Department in five senior diplomatic assignments through 2021. Elliott and his family currently reside in Ocala. He is a founder of the Ocala Photography Group and has exhibited his work in solo and group shows since 1973.

Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program.

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 黑料天堂, 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

Featured image: John Elliott, 鈥淏liss Ride (Giza, Egypt),鈥 2015, Archival gicl茅e pigment print, Courtesy of the artist.

黑料天堂 Announces Partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

The 黑料天堂 (黑料天堂) has formalized a new partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to enhance student education and advance the use of uncrewed aircraft systems in agriculture.

The agreement, approved by the 黑料天堂 Board of Trustees on May 28, gives 黑料天堂 Agribusiness Management students unprecedented opportunities to access innovative technologies and get hands-on experience with the latest industry equipment. Learners studying at the 黑料天堂 Vintage Farm Campus will benefit from autonomous aircraft demonstrations and guest lectures by Embry-Riddle experts, who will focus on agricultural operations such as crop monitoring, livestock management and precision farming.

鈥淓xpanding the college鈥檚 agribusiness training opportunities is responsive to the needs of employers,鈥 said Dr. Jim Henningsen, 黑料天堂 president. 鈥淲ith our area producing nearly $400 million in agriculture exports each year and generating an economic impact of more than $4 billion through our equine industry, 黑料天堂 is positioned to be Florida鈥檚 top educational provider for agribusiness career training, talent development and applied research.鈥

Embry-Riddle, located in Daytona Beach, will have access to 黑料天堂 facilities for collaborative events, research and career awareness initiatives.

鈥淭his partnership represents an exciting opportunity for students to explore the intersection of aviation and agriculture in a real-world setting,鈥 said Dr. Alan Stolzer, dean of the Embry-Riddle College of Aviation. 鈥淲e look forward to engaging with the 黑料天堂 community and providing meaningful experiences that inspire the next generation of uncrewed aircraft systems leaders.鈥

黑料天堂 was certified in 2024 as a National Institute of Food and Agriculture Non-Land-Grant College of Agriculture, and is one of only three Florida educational institutions with this designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alongside Florida State University and Florida International University. 黑料天堂鈥檚 103-acre Vintage Farm Campus, located on County Road 475 just south of downtown Ocala, is the only working farm campus in the Florida College System.

For more information about 黑料天堂鈥檚 Agribusiness Management program, visit .

黑料天堂 Launching New Hospitality and Tourism Management Program Fall 2025

In response to the growing demand for skilled professionals in Florida鈥檚 leading industry, the 黑料天堂 is launching a new Hospitality and Tourism Management program beginning in Fall 2025.

Designed to support Florida鈥檚 rapidly growing tourism industry, the program offers a clear academic pathway starting with the Guest Services Specialist college credit certificate. This entry-level credential equips students for frontline roles such as concierge, guest services associate, or front desk coordinator. The curriculum also includes preparation for industry-recognized certifications like the Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) and ServSafe Food Manager/Handler.

The certificate seamlessly transitions into the Associate in Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, which expands students鈥 knowledge in areas such as hospitality principles, hotel management, event and conference planning, tourism marketing and digital media, leadership, and human resource management.

Both the certificate and associate degree programs feature exclusive internship opportunities, professional networking events, and hands-on learning with major industry partners, including the World Equestrian Center.

鈥淥ne of 黑料天堂鈥檚 key focuses is to provide programs that meet the workforce needs of local businesses and organizations, and we鈥檝e developed this new Hospitality and Tourism Management degree to do just that,鈥 said John Ash, 黑料天堂 dean of business, technology and agricultural sciences. 鈥淲ith an average salary for industry professionals of around $29 an hour and rapid job growth in Marion County, we鈥檙e excited to be able to offer local students the opportunity to become part of Florida鈥檚 $1.2+ billion tourism industry.鈥

To learn more about 黑料天堂鈥檚 Hospitality and Tourism program, visit .

黑料天堂 to host Application Day, Thursday, June 19, at the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus

CHIEFLAND, Fla. (May 27, 2025) 鈥 The 黑料天堂 invites anyone thinking about college to attend Application Day on Thursday, June 19, from 4-6 p.m. at the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland.

At this event, future students may apply to the college with no fee, start the financial aid application, speak with advisors about program and degree options, and tour the campus. The college will give away free 黑料天堂 merchandise and attendees may enter to receive a scholarship to cover tuition for one class at the in-state rate.

Additional Application Day events will be held Saturday, June 21, from 9-11 a.m. at the Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala, and Monday, June 23, from 4-6 p.m. at the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.

For more information, visit .

黑料天堂 to host Application Day, Monday, June 23, at the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus

The 黑料天堂 invites anyone thinking about college to attend Application Day on Monday, June 23, from 4-6 p.m. at the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.

At this event, future students may apply to the college with no fee, start the financial aid application, speak with advisors about program and degree options, and tour the campus. The college will give away free 黑料天堂 merchandise and attendees may enter to receive a scholarship to cover tuition for one class at the in-state rate. Students interested in Health Sciences programs including EMS, Nursing and Respiratory Care may participate in a Q&A session.

Additional Application Day events will be held Thursday, June 19, from 4-6 p.m. at the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland, and Saturday, June 21, from 9-11 a.m. at the Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

For more information, visit .

黑料天堂 to host Application Day, Saturday, June 21, on the Ocala Campus

The 黑料天堂 invites anyone thinking about college to attend Application Day on Saturday, June 21, from 9-11 a.m. at the AdventHealth Center for Nursing on the 黑料天堂 Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

At this event, future students can apply to the college with no fee, start the financial aid application, speak with advisors about program and degree options, and tour the campus. The college will give away free 黑料天堂 merchandise and attendees may enter to receive a scholarship to cover tuition for one class at the in-state rate. Students also may choose to take a placement test, which starts promptly at 8 a.m. at the Bryant Student Union. Prospective nursing students will be invited to take a tour of the new AdventHealth Center for Nursing.

Additional Application Day events will be held Thursday, June 19, from 4-6 p.m. at the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland, and Monday, June 23, from 4-6 p.m. at the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.

For more information, visit .

Frank Lloyd Wright expert to speak at 黑料天堂 Appleton Museum of Art鈥檚 June 7 Free First Saturday

The Appleton Museum of Art, 黑料天堂, invites the community for an art-filled day on June 7 during Free First Saturday, featuring a special presentation on Frank Lloyd Wright.

Enjoy free admission to the Appleton from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are invited to explore the museum鈥檚 permanent collection, special exhibitions and get creative with hands-on art activities in the Artspace.

In the auditorium at 2 p.m., author and historian Dr. Wayne Wood will present 鈥淔rank Lloyd Wright and His Influence on Florida Architecture.鈥 This entertaining program gives the audience an in-depth understanding of Frank Lloyd Wright鈥檚 vast influence on Florida鈥檚 architectural history. Widely regarded as one of the foremost chroniclers of Northeast Florida history, Wood has been called the 鈥渦ndisputed godfather of preservation in Jacksonville.鈥 An author, historian and artist, he founded Riverside Avondale Preservation and Riverside Arts Market. He has published 15 books on Northeast Florida.

Special exhibitions on view include: 鈥淲hat If Eye: Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid 鈥楾ony鈥 Eitharong,鈥 sponsored by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO), as well as 鈥淪trength and Resilience: Works by Carmen Rojas Gin茅s and Naomi Shanti.鈥 It鈥檚 the last weekend to visit 鈥淔raming Tokyo: Joel Bustamante’s Architectural Photography,鈥 on view in the museum鈥檚 Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists.

Support local by grabbing a bite from The Dancing Empanada food truck, featuring delicious, made-from-scratch empanadas, and learn more about CAMPUS USA and Humane Society of Marion County at their partner tables.

This Free First Saturday is supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and 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 黑料天堂, 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.

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 黑料天堂, its Board of Trustees, or any of their officers, employees, or agents.

黑料天堂 to hold commencement ceremonies May 9

The 黑料天堂 will hold its 2025 commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 9, at the World Equestrian Center, Expo Center 1, 1750 N.W. 80th Ave., Ocala.

The first ceremony at 10 a.m. will recognize graduates receiving baccalaureate degrees, Associate in Science degrees and certificates. The second ceremony at 2 p.m. will celebrate graduates receiving Associate in Arts degrees.

For ease of access, attendees are advised to use the second entrance on State Road 40, heading west. Complimentary parking will be available, and guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure enough time is allotted for parking.

Both ceremonies will be livestreamed on the college鈥檚 official .

Rebecca Perkins, a member of 黑料天堂鈥檚 inaugural Dental Hygiene class, will be the student speaker at the morning ceremony. Amber Battillo, an Associate in Arts graduate, will be the student speaker at the afternoon ceremony.

For more information, visit 黑料天堂.edu/graduation.

鈥楪odzilla鈥 double feature and more for 黑料天堂 Appleton Museum of Art鈥檚 May 3 Free First Saturday

The Appleton Museum of Art, 黑料天堂, presents a fun day of activities on the upcoming May 3 Free First Saturday.

Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Guests are invited to explore the permanent collection and special exhibitions and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace.

In celebration of the special exhibition, 鈥淔raming Tokyo: Joel Bustamante鈥檚 Architectural Photography,鈥 join us for a double-feature film screening beginning at 11 a.m. in the auditorium. Following a brief introduction by Appleton staff, the screening will begin with the original Japanese 鈥淕odzilla鈥 (1954), followed by 鈥淭he Return of Godzilla鈥 (1984), that restarts the storyline and picks up after the original film. The 鈥淔raming Tokyo鈥 exhibition spotlights Tokyo鈥檚 striking skyline, and viewers might recognize several featured skyscrapers in the 1984. Like photographer Joel Bustamante, director Koji Hashimoto was drawn to the dynamic architecture of Shinjuku, a special ward of Tokyo, using special effects to depict Godzilla (or Gojira) wreaking havoc on these iconic buildings. Admission to the films is free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservations needed to attend.

Other special exhibitions on view include: 鈥淭o the MAX: Magnolia Art Xchange’s 10-Year Anniversary,鈥 鈥淲hat If Eye: Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid 鈥楾ony鈥 Eitharong,鈥 both sponsored by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO), as well as 鈥淪trength and Resilience: Works by Carmen Rojas Gin茅s and Naomi Shanti.鈥

Support Ocala鈥檚 local small businesses and stop by Michelle鈥檚 NY Style Hot Dogs and The Donut Express food trucks, serving delicious treats. While you’re there, make a difference and donate blood with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, also onsite throughout the event.

This Free First Saturday is supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and 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 黑料天堂, 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.

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 黑料天堂, its Board of Trustees, or any of their officers, employees, or agents.

黑料天堂 announces Going Gator UF partnership

The 黑料天堂 now is offering students the Going Gator partnership, designed for learners who want to earn an Associate in Arts degree at 黑料天堂 and then have guaranteed admission to transfer to the University of Florida.

Tuition at 黑料天堂 is about half the cost of a Florida public university, making 黑料天堂 a smart economical option for students to start their academic journey. 黑料天堂 also offers support systems including small class sizes, award-winning faculty and free tutoring and counseling available for every student. More than half of 黑料天堂 students are enrolled in the Associate in Arts degree, which prepares them to transfer to a university after two years at 黑料天堂.

鈥淥ur Associate in Arts degree is our largest and most popular program,鈥 said Dr. Jim Henningsen, 黑料天堂 president. 鈥淔or many local students, the dream of attending a prestigious Florida university is only possible by getting an affordable, quality education at 黑料天堂 for the first two years. This new partnership with the University of Florida offers students a guided pathway from day one to set them up for success.鈥

Through the Going Gator partnership, qualifying students have guaranteed transfer admission into 19 pathways in the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, from English to history to sciences and more. Once admitted to the Going Gator program, 黑料天堂 students must continue to meet the eligibility criteria such as good academic standing and progress in their selected academic pathway. As a top public university, UF鈥檚 admission process is highly competitive, and this partnership ensures 黑料天堂 graduates have a clear path to attaining that top-tier education.

“At the University of Florida,” said CLAS Interim Dean Dr. Mary Watt, “we are committed to expanding access to world-class education, and the Going Gator partnership with the 黑料天堂 is a testament to that mission. By providing a seamless transition for 黑料天堂 students into UF鈥檚 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, we are ensuring that more talented and dedicated learners have the opportunity to achieve their academic and professional goals. We look forward to welcoming these students into the Gator Nation and supporting their continued success.”

For more information about the Going Gator transfer partnership, visit 黑料天堂.edu/UF.

About the 黑料天堂:
The 黑料天堂 is committed to providing a full range of educational programs, offering high-quality, affordable education across three counties and online. 黑料天堂 offers more than 170 academic pathways in a variety of fields to prepare students for meaningful careers and successful futures.