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The Appleton Museum of Art, ��������, announces an additional community program this March with the Community Heroes Free Admission Program.

Through 2021, the state of Florida’s first responders, health care professionals, and educators can enjoy free admission to the Appleton Museum of Art as a “thank you” for their leadership, lifesaving work and heartfelt dedication to keeping our communities safe.

Effective immediately, the following professions are encouraged and welcome to visit the Appleton for free by showing their official work ID to be part of the Appleton’s Community Heroes Free Admission Program: law enforcement, firefighter, EMT, 911 operators, as well as health care, hospital and hospice professionals, and K-12, college and university instructors.

“Our community heroes on a daily basis share their will to be strong and courageous with everyone, even though one may not know their names,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, �������� president. “We call them heroes since we harvest the fruits of their sacrifice and work.”

Appleton Director Jason Steuber says, “Since 1987, the Appleton has been a community partner. Honoring our Florida and Marion County heroes is part of our everyday lives.” Appleton Assistant Director Victoria Billig adds, “Working with �������� President Henningsen and our Advisory Council, the Appleton continues to be a leader among museums in Florida to offer year-round free admission to these heroes.”

Other free-admission categories at the Appleton include veterans and active-duty military; �������� faculty, staff and students; children 5 and under; and Appleton members. Those with reciprocal memberships from other museums through Southeastern Museums Conference and North American Reciprocal Membership programs also receive free entry to the Appleton.

�������� students won numerous public speaking and interpretation awards, including eight state titles, at the Florida College System Activities Association Forensics State Championship Feb. 5-6 and at the Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Association state championship Feb. 19-21.

The �������� Forensics team won the Readers Theater State Champions and finished in second place in Overall Team Sweeps and Individual Events Team Sweeps in the FCSSA competition. �������� student Eileen Hernandez was named State Champion in three events – Poetry (interpretation), Persuasive and Communication Analysis (speaking). Additionally, Edgar Soto (first-year member) took home three awards, Macy Ryan (first-year member) two awards, and Sayjal Jaimungal second place in Programmed Oral Interpretation. Forensics Coach Dr. Matthew Maddex was voted FCSSA Coach of the Year.

At the FIFA competition, the �������� team was named State Champion in Readers Theater and in the Limited Entry Division. Hernandez was named State Champion in both Communication Analysis and Persuasive Speaking. In winning the Persuasive Speaking event, she earned an invitation to compete at the Interstate Oratory Association, the oldest speaking competition in the United States. Hernandez and one other Florida representative will compete in the national contest in April. Additionally, Ryan took sixth place and was named Top Novice in Poetry interpretation. Jaimungal took sixth place in Programmed Oral Interpretation. The team took fourth place in Individual Events sweeps and fifth place in Overall Team sweeps.

The �������� Forensics team has never won this many state titles at the two Florida state competitions. For the first time, �������� has won Readers Theater at both state competitions and won Persuasive speaking at both state competitions and qualified a student to compete at IOA. For the first time, �������� has won Communication Analysis at FIFA.

“When the pandemic hit, I was concerned about what our 2020-2021 season would be like. However, the students on this team have been there for each other throughout this pandemic. Forensics has been an outlet for them to express themselves in many different speaking formats,” said associate professor of Speech and director of Forensics, Dr. Matthew Maddex. “The online competitions have allowed our students to compete more and develop their voices more throughout this season. In total we have competed at 12 forensics competitions and earned 60 individual event awards and 13 team sweeps awards.

“When I started coaching this team two years ago I could not imagine that we would have a season like this,” said Maddex. “We still have some big dreams to achieve before this season is done but it has been amazing to see these students embrace the challenge of COVID-19 – embrace each other – and continue to Find Their Voice through forensics.”

Students will compete at a couple of tournaments in March and then the Phi Rho Pi two-year National Championship in April. 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 team enables students to not only improve their speaking skills but also develop a stronger understanding of the communication field as a whole.

The ��������’s Visual and Performing Arts Department presents “Motherhood Out Loud,” Friday-Sunday, March 12-14, starting at 7:30 p.m. online.

If you have a mother, know a mother, are a mother or are even thinking of becoming a mother, you need to see “Motherhood Out Loud.” Conceived by Susan R. Rose and Joan Stein, the play is comprised of short scenes, many of which are monologues, authored by 14 playwrights, including Beth Henley “Crimes of the Heart” and Lisa Loomer “In the Waiting Room”. The result of entrusting the subject of motherhood to such a dazzling collection of celebrated American writers is a joyous, moving, hilarious and altogether thrilling theatrical play.

The pieces are grouped chronologically, as in life stages — “Fast Births,” “First Day Fugue,” “Sex Talk,” “Stepping Out” and “Coming Home.” Together they shatter traditional notions about parenthood, unveils its inherent comedy and celebrates the deeply personal truths that span and unite generations. Beautiful, poignant, funny, real, emotional, optimistic, heartfelt and tear producing, this play will make you laugh out loud and bring tears to your eyes.

The play is being presented for free by �������� and is available to the public. Tickets can be ordered at showtix4u.com/events/Theatre��������.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced today that Lockheed Martin and CareerSource Florida have partnered to develop and refine a registered apprenticeship program. Lockheed Martin, one of the nation’s leading global security and aerospace companies, has led the development of a regional workforce and education ecosystem and will model the program across its major regional operations in Florida and nationwide.

“Lockheed Martin’s new apprenticeship program with CareerSource Florida exemplifies many of the reasons why Florida is the best state to do business: we are focused on job creation, partnerships, innovation and workforce education,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “The expansion of workforce education and training programs is an essential element of our mission to ensure Florida is No. 1 in the nation for workforce education.”

Lockheed Martin Corporation employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide. In Florida alone, the company employs more than 17,000 residents at 66 facilities across the state.

“Lockheed Martin is committed to creating 8,000 new apprenticeship and workforce positions within the company through 2023 and this program is one way we’ll do that,” said Monet Nathaniel, vice president of human resources at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “These students serve as a cornerstone of our future talent and the success of our workforce, and we’re proud to partner with CareerSource Florida to help us create highly skilled and high-wage career opportunities for Floridians.”

The partnership with CareerSource Florida 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.

“The mission of the CareerSource Florida network is to connect employers with qualified, skilled talent,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “Providing customized solutions for companies like Lockheed Martin in targeted industry sectors is one of the most important contributions our team can make to help diversify Florida’s economy and grow opportunities for Floridians to prosper.”

Lockheed Martin’s Ocala facility is home to the new pilot program, with strong support from CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, the local workforce development board. The new two-year apprenticeship program trains electronics associates who will solder circuit cards and wiring harnesses used in aerospace and defense systems. The Ocala program includes 265 new apprentices so far.

“These apprentices are getting a foothold in a great company with growth potential for their careers,” said Thomas E. “Rusty” Skinner, Jr., CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion CEO. “We are honored Lockheed Martin entrusted us to lay the groundwork for this unprecedented pilot program. And, to other businesses in our state, we encourage you to explore how we can create a custom talent solution for you as well.”

The apprentices begin their journey with 160 hours in the classroom at Lockheed Martin’s Ocala facility. This month, the training expanded to a dedicated classroom at the ��������’s Ocala campus, where the apprentices can earn between nine and 12 college credits for that paid training. Those credits also count toward an Associate in Science degree in Engineering Technology, which the employee can pursue if they choose to do so.

“The college’s unique partnership with Lockheed Martin will create an academic pathway for its employees to earn college credit while on the job,” said Dr. James Henningsen, �������� president. “Our Engineering Technology program at the �������� is a very marketable degree in the workplace, and we appreciate this opportunity to support our students, our industry partners and our community.”

“Apprenticeship programs are a viable on-ramp toward higher educational attainment and workforce readiness that allows students the opportunity to learn while they earn. Through apprenticeship programs like this one, the Department of Education continues to strive to make Florida the number one state in the nation for workforce education by 2030,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “I want to thank Governor Ron DeSantis for continuing to deliver on his promises, and Lockheed Martin, the ��������, CareerSource Florida and CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion for working on this collaborative apprenticeship model – a pathway to success for Floridians.”

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO remains committed to expanding apprenticeships throughout the state,” said Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Dane Eagle. “Joining with our local and state partners, we can work collaboratively to help Floridians find gainful employment through apprenticeship programs.”

In addition to ongoing work to expand apprenticeship opportunities alongside the Florida Department of Education and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, CareerSource Florida administers the Quick Response Training and Incumbent Worker Training grant programs to offset training costs for new or expanding businesses. These grants have facilitated additional growth for Lockheed Martin, which trained 884 new hires and 396 incumbent workers over this first year of the grant programs.

Learn more about business services and available grants for companies of all sizes and in all industries at .

 

The ��������’s Business and Technology Department will host a free event about careers in agribusiness on Wednesday, March 10, from 12:15-1:30 p.m., online.

Participants will hear how they can start training for a career in agribusiness and about skills employers seek in today’s job market. This session will be hosted by Tavis Douglass, program manager for the Agribusiness Management Associate in Science degree at ��������.

Register now at ��������.edu/BusTechEvents. The first 10 to register and attend will receive a small gift. One event participant will also be selected to receive a grand prize. For more information, contact Bonnie Hays at haysb@��������.edu.

This event is presented by CAMPUS USA Credit Union and sponsored by the �������� Foundation, the Talent Center and �������� Alumni Association.

February is widely recognized as Career and Technical Education Month® by the Association for Career and Technical Education as an opportunity to celebrate the value, achievements and accomplishments of programs across the country.

The �������� — along with the Florida Department of Education and its 27 additional Florida College System institutions and 48 technical colleges — celebrates students who have successfully graduated from these programs into rewarding careers and encourages those who have yet to start.

“�������� is committed to providing academic programs that serve our students and community,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, �������� president. “Individuals who are out of work or who want to reskill or upskill are eligible to apply for a variety of programs and may qualify to attend with no tuition.”

In September, FDOE launched its workforce education initiative Get There, aimed at raising awareness of short-term career and technical education programs and highlighting $35 million in funding made available to state and technical colleges in the form of rapid credentialing grants. These grants were designed to increase Florida’s capacity to enroll and graduate students quickly, to aid in accelerated recovery for residents and the economy during the pandemic.

At ��������, tuition-free programs include Logistics and Transportation Specialist, Computer Information Data Specialist, Accounting Technology Specialist, EMT, and more. Potential students can learn more at an information session Monday, March 1, from 11 a.m.-noon. Visit for more information.

In January, �������� launched its Workforce Bound campaign, which focuses on Associate in Science degrees that allow students to take their career options to the next level. The stacking of credentials allows students to make the most of their time.

“CTE Month provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the great work of our school districts and state colleges as they educate and help to prepare the future of Florida’s workforce,” said Henry Mack, Chancellor for Career, Technical and Adult Education. “With the pandemic impacting the lives of many residents, there is no better time to highlight how CTE can make a difference. CTE is equal parts engaging, exciting and transformative, and leads to better academic and employment outcomes.”

The current disruption has propelled the demand for CTE programs as many Floridians seeking reemployment are looking for opportunities to match their current skill sets to demand from employers. While the pandemic sparked a renewed focus on the importance of CTE, there are also opportunities to reach beyond those impacted and educate all Floridians about educational offerings available in the state.

Young up-and-coming Florida artist Jordan Shapot will hold an online discussion about his involvement with the arts scene, his exhibitions, public art and past and current community arts projects Wednesday, March 3, from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Visit on a desktop computer or search for “Zoom” in the app store on your phone or mobile device. Use the following login information for each artist talk: Meeting ID: 989 3051 1124 | Passcode: 698921.

Shapot is a local artist/painter from Crystal River. He earned his Bachelor in Fine Arts in Illustration in 2009 at Savannah College of Art and Design, but has since pivoted to a successful career in painting. He focuses on making exciting, colorful and emotionally evoking art. His work is created from a nurtured mindset of natural wonder and unbridled curiosity while mixing undertones of many traditional masters.

Stemmed from this “unbridled curiosity,” Shapot has developed multiple unique painting styles. Although they’re often related by color and mark-making, these complex styles are also the separate limbs of his creative personality. Having a career composed of these “limbs” makes Shapot feel oddly whole, like Frankenstein’s monster.

“Teaching myself and others how to see differently is a cornerstone in my art practice. I constantly train my artistic eye to find hidden beauty in the so-called mundane,” Shapot said. “Simply put, this practice helps me to be more optimistic wherever I am in life and is a thought process I hope to pass on to others through my art.”

The exhibit has been made possible by the �������� Foundation, Jerome Cultural Endowment.

The �������� will open “It’s Color Pencil” exhibition in partnership with the Color Pencil Society of America on Monday, Feb. 22, in the Webber Gallery at the �������� Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. The exhibition will be judged by Patricia Tomlinson, curator of exhibitions at the Appleton Museum of Art, ��������.

“It’s Color Pencil” is a biennial judged show sponsored by CPSA DC113 to showcase fine artwork of all styles and subjects completed in colored pencil. Colored pencil art is gaining recognition in the arts community and by the public. Artists who work with this medium have joined to further its exposure by their membership in the CPSA. Today their work is valued more and more by galleries, museums and private collectors.

The participating artists will present a variety of two-dimensional, color pencil-based artworks. This is the Webber Gallery’s first partnership with the Color Pencil Society of America.

Tomlinson joined the Appleton in 2016 after having served as curatorial staff at the Denver Art Museum for eight years. She received degrees from the University of Colorado, Boulder; Colorado State University; and the University of Denver. In addition to numerous small-scale shows, Tomlinson curated “Fashion Fusion: Native Textiles in Spanish Colonial Art” and has published on a variety of topics.

The exhibit will continue through Thursday, March 25. 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.

The �������� continues the International Film Series with “The Sheik” on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Online discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. will be hosted by Linda Levitt. 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.

This film features Paris-educated Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan, 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.

Levitt, the host for the Wednesday discussion, teaches communication and media studies at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. Her primary research sits at the intersection of memory studies and media, considering media’s role in shaping understandings of the past. Levitt’s book, “Culture, Celebrity, and the Cemetery: Hollywood Forever,” was published by Routledge in 2018.

Valentino is one of Hollywood’s first heartthrobs. At the time of his death, at only 31, Valentino’s memorial service was a national event that inspired over 100,000 grieving fans to swarm the streets of New York City. A mysterious Lady in Black would pay her respects, kneeling in prayer before Valentino’s crypt and leaving behind flowers in honor of the Great Lover every subsequent year after his death, a tradition that continues today at Valentino’s memorial site at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.

A mysterious Lady in Black will grieve the Great Lover and honor Valentino’s memory by giving a single rose to the first 12 vehicles in attendance at the Ocala Drive-in screening of “The Sheik” on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m.

For links to the screening 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 .

The Appleton Museum of Art, ��������, continues its monthly, free online series of artist talks, “Artist’s Outlook.”

Join Appleton Curator of Exhibitions Patricia Tomlinson as she chats with individual artists about their work, processes and inspirations. This online series will take place every third Thursday through June and is free to attend. Learn more about the works by each artist that are in the museum’s permanent collection, and hear directly from the artists on their processes, inspirations and upcoming projects. Participants will have the opportunity to ask the artist questions before the end of each program.

All talks will be hosted on Zoom and can be accessed using your mobile device or desktop computer. If using your phone or other mobile device, search “Zoom” in the app store. If using a desktop computer, visit . Use the following login information for each artist talk: Meeting ID: 302 190 0088 | Passcode: 352352.

Feb. 18, 7 p.m. with Anthony Ackrill
American painter Anthony Ackrill, currently based in Florida, is known for his large-scale dramatic works depicting figures in allegorical or symbolic poses and settings. His painting “The Reaper” is part of the Appleton’s permanent collection.

March 25, 7 p.m. with Christopher Still
Native Floridian Christopher Still depicts Florida’s wildlife, people and landscapes in his artwork. In addition to the two paintings in the Appleton’s collection, his work can be found in museums and private collections including the Governor’s Mansion of Florida and the Smithsonian Institution. Of special note are 10 murals commissioned by the Florida House of Representatives in which the artist depicts Florida’s historic and natural beauty. He was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, he is the Artist in Residence for the Florida Legislature, and Florida State University granted Still an honorary doctorate.

April 15, 7 p.m. with Kristin Herzog
Florida artist Kristin Herzog’s work ranges from non-representational to abstract, often with a landscape or vegetative reference. Herzog enjoys traveling to residencies in the U.S. and abroad, and her work has been juried into over 80 regional, national and international shows and has won two awards from The Artist’s Magazine. Her work is on view in the Appleton’s Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists through June 27.

May 20, 7 p.m. with Matthew Bennett and Aneesha Rhodes
Matthew Bennett, who painted the powerful visitor-favorite “Primary Color,” will speak alongside friend, model and muse Aneesha Rhodes. Learn more about why the artist depicted Aneesha as a superhero and how the two inspire each other.

June 17, 7 p.m. with Maggie Taylor
Gainesville-based Maggie Taylor is a renowned digital artist who combines surrealism with 19^th century aesthetics, referencing hand-colored type photographs. Her photography has been published in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll (2008), “Adobe Photoshop Master Class: Maggie Taylor’s Landscape of Dreams” (2005), and “No Ordinary Day” (2013), among others. In addition to the Appleton, her works are in the collections of the Cleveland Museum of Art, the High Museum in Atlanta, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

For questions, email AppletonMuseum@cf.edu.

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