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The Appleton Museum of Art, ��������, joins museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums program. This program is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and participating museums across America. Now through Labor Day (Sept. 6, 2021), free admission is available to currently serving military personnel and their families. The Appleton is honored to extend this offer to veterans and their families.

“The Appleton is proud to once again be a Blue Star Museums partner. We reaffirm Marion County’s long history of respectfully honoring all active military members and veterans,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton Museum director. “Alongside our Appleton and �������� staff members who are veterans, we are happy to have this program run concurrently with our Community Heroes Free Admission Program, providing free admission to the state of Florida’s first responders, health care professionals, and educators.”

This free admission program includes those currently serving in the United States Military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, as well as veterans, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum. Veterans may present an ID or discharge paperwork.

The Appleton is one of many participating museums that include children’s museums, art museums, history and science museums, zoos, nature centers, and more. To find participating museums, locally or during your summer travels, visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

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 ��������, 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

The �������� is conducting virtual information and academic program sessions for potential students, parents and guardians of high school teens interested in learning more about ��������.

Sessions last about an hour and provide details about the application process, financial aid, placement testing and resources available to help students be successful. Sessions outline the expectations and outcomes for the specific academic programs.

Future students are encouraged to register and receive assistance with the application process, financial aid, placement testing, academic advising or assistance with registration for summer classes that start June 28 and fall classes that begin Aug. 16.

Virtual sessions in June include:

• General Information, Tuesday, June 1, at 10 a.m.
• Bachelor of Applied Science, Tuesday, June 8, at 12:30 p.m.
• Health Sciences NursingCrew2023, Wednesday, June 9, at 1 p.m.
• Health Sciences Physical Therapist Assistant, Monday, June 14, at 4 p.m.
• General Information, Thursday, June 17, 2 p.m.
• Health Sciences Radiography, Monday, June 21, at 3 p.m.
• Health Sciences Dental Assisting, Tuesday, June 22, at 11:30 a.m.
• Health Sciences NursingCrew2023, Wednesday, June 23, at 11 a.m.
• General Information, Tuesday, June 29, at 6 p.m.
• Health Sciences Nursing ADN, Bridge, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Wednesday, June 30, at 1:30 p.m.

These two sessions will be in-person events located at 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

• Application Day, Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Bachelor of Applied Science, Monday, June 21, at 5:30 p.m.

 

For information about any of the sessions or to register, visit or email admissions@��������.edu.

The Appleton Museum of Art, ��������, will present the seventh annual “Mobile Photography Contest & Exhibition,” with a call for entries from June 1-30.

Be inspired by any or all of the four categories: My Hero, Black & White, Adventure, and Horse & Hound. Photos will be juried by photographer and recent Marion County transplant Tino Grana, who has a newly opened gallery at World Equestrian Center Ocala and whose large-scale color and black and white photographs can be seen at the facility. Prizes will be awarded in each category and all entries will be on view in an exhibition at the Appleton from July 13-Aug. 8. This contest is open to all ages; no experience necessary to enter this fun, community event.

Photos will be accepted throughout the month of June; each participant may submit up to two entries in each category. Photos will be juried by a professional photographer and prizes awarded in each category. All entries will be on view in an exhibition at the Appleton from July 13-Aug. 8. This contest is open to all ages; no experience necessary to enter this fun, community event.

Categories and Instructions

Adventure
Outdoors or indoors, share your best photos that represent the spirit of adventure.

Black and White
Share your best black-and-white photos — all subjects allowed in this category.

Horse & Hound
Share your best photos that feature horses and/or dogs, two community favorites.

My Hero
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Show us who makes your life better, in big ways or small.

��“The Mobile Photography Contest & Exhibition engages the community and sparks creativity in such a fun way,” said Victoria Billig, assistant director of the Appleton Museum of Art. “We’re pleased to host the seventh rendition of this annual program and look forward to seeing this year’s entries.”

��From June 1-30, email photos to AppletonMuseum@cf.edu; include the category in the subject line and your full name in the body of the email. Photos must be sent via email. Entries submitted by mail or through Facebook or other social media will not be accepted.

Submitting to more than one category? Please send separate emails for each category. And remember, no more than two photos per category will be accepted.

Entries will be juried, and winning photos will be selected based on creativity, quality, responsiveness to the category and overall impact. Winners will be notified before announcements are made on social media. All entries will be printed and displayed in the museum. For ease of printing, photos will be cropped by the Appleton to square or 4 x 5 inches. There are no guarantees for special printing of panoramas.

��Exhibition Dates: July 13-Aug. 8
Regular museum admission fees apply to see this exhibition. Visitors can enjoy free admission on Aug. 7, as part of Free First Saturdays.

��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 ��������, 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

 

The Visual Artists’ Society presents the 24^th “Summer Spotlight” exhibition June 1-Aug. 5 at the �������� 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 ��������. “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, ��������, 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 .

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 ��������, 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

�������� and Lockheed Martin representatives joined elected officials and education, industry, workforce development and community leaders to 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, �������� 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 �������� 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 �������� 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 �������� 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 �������� 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 �������� 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 for contact information.

 

 

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The �������� 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, ��������. 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 �������� International Film Series Speakers will be given away by drawing to current International Film Series members.

�������� 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 ��������.edu/Now. For more information contact Jason Longtin at longtinj@cf.edu.

�������� 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. �������� 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 �������� 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 �������� 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.