May–August 2025
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE A Letter to Members and Friends
Community Events
On View
Sunny greetings from your world-class art museum! From new exhibitions to explore to a one-of-a-kind Summer Art Camp program, our team has planned an exciting season filled with inspiring art experiences for all our members and visitors.
As you know, Appleton memberships support the museum and all that we do for the 100,000+ folks we interact with yearly. Memberships also give back, providing you with ways to save money, like discounts on art classes and in the Appleton Store, as well as members-only discounts at locally owned businesses (see pages 14–15). Further, your membership is a global ticket to an encyclopedic grand tour of art and artifacts spanning centuries and continents. Your word-of-mouth recommendations to friends, coworkers and family create powerful ripple effects, encouraging more people to experience the museum and discover the value of being part of the Appleton community.
If you haven’t visited recently, there’s a lot happening on the grounds. Renovations are underway on the annex building (formerly the Pioneer Garden Club), which will soon serve as a health care facility for Marion County employees through an agreement with CF. We’re excited to welcome our new neighbors and engage with this new audience.
Be sure to check out the freshly conserved elephant fountains, now reinstalled in their original 1987 location in the front reflecting pool. The pool has also been upgraded with new LED lighting to enhance evening events. Additional improvements are underway, including a new picnic area and more benches nestled among the sculptures, all designed to enhance the Appleton’s safe, relaxing, park-like setting.
As a proud CF campus and department, the Appleton continues to be nationally recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, honoring our commitment to maintaining a beautiful,
and resilient forested environment.
Interested in helping us enhance the grounds? See page 3 for opportunities to support the
Sincerely,
Jason Steuber, Director
COMMUNITY EVENTS
May–August 2025 Free First Saturdays
Explore the museum for free on the first Saturday of each month and enjoy a day filled with inspiring exhibitions, family-friendly art activities and educational programs. Each Free First Saturday offers something new to discover. While you’re here, be sure to check out the local food trucks on-site — a delicious way to support small businesses while enjoying your visit — as well as other special partners like Humane Society of Marion County, LifeSouth Blood Centers and more.
2025 Free First Saturdays: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6
MAY
Double-Feature Film Screening: “Godzilla” (1954) and “The Return of Godzilla” (1984)
May 3, 11 a.m.
In combination with the special exhibition, “Framing Tokyo,” see a double-feature screening of two notable films in the Godzilla franchise: “Godzilla” (Not Rated, 1hr 33m) and “The Return of Godzilla” (PG, 1h 43m). Appleton staff will give a brief introduction at 11 a.m. and there will be a 15-minute intermission between the films. Screenings are free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed to attend.
JUNE
Presentation: “Frank Lloyd Wright and His Influence on Florida Architecture”
June 7, 2 p.m.
Presented by historian and author Dr. Wayne Wood, this entertaining program gives the audience an in-depth understanding of Frank Lloyd Wright’s vast influence on Florida’s architectural history. This presentation will be held in the auditorium and is free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed to attend.
JULY
Musical Performance: Southern Express Big Band
July 5, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
We welcome back Southern Express Big Band for a special performance in the auditorium. This lively 17-piece ensemble will perform a wide variety of musical hits, from traditional to modern. Seating is limited to 250 guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Auditorium doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed to attend.
AUGUST
Presentation: “A Motion Picture Paradise! A History of Florida’s Film and Television Industry”
August 2, 2 p.m.
Presented by Dr. David Morton, this lecture discusses how Florida became a “third coast” to the American film and television industries over the past 100 years. Starting with the first film pioneers in Jacksonville during the 1900s-1910s to South Florida’s television boom during the 2000s-2010s, Florida has inspired countless exciting stories captured by the camera. Free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed to attend.
It’s Coming This Way: A Godzilla Double Feature!
When looking at the skyscrapers featured in the exhibition, “Framing Tokyo: Joel Bustamante’s Architectural Photography,” an interesting trend appears. For those who are fans of Godzilla, you might recognize some of the buildings from the 1984 film, “The Return of Godzilla.” Bustamante was not the only one intrigued by the striking architecture in Shinjuku, a special ward of Tokyo. Film director Koji Hashimoto employed special effects to make it look as though Godzilla (or Gojira) was “destroying” these modern architectural wonders.
Since the original film premiered in 1954, Godzilla has become a cultural icon. Its popularity has inspired decades of films, animated series, toys, collectibles and even art. As part of our May 3 Free First Saturday programming, we are happy to present a double feature of two notable Godzilla films. Following a brief introduction by Appleton staff at 11 a.m., see the original Japanese “Godzilla” (1954), the first film in the franchise, followed by the aforementioned “The Return of Godzilla” (1984), that restarts the storyline and picks up after the original film.
The films will be shown back-to-back with a 15-minute intermission between. Screenings are free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservations needed to attend. (See page 4 for additional details about the May 3 Free First Saturday.)
Don’t forget to stop by the Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists on our second floor to see “Framing Tokyo: Joel Bustamante’s Architectural Photography,” on view through June 8.
This Free First Saturday is supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts.
(right) “Sumitomo and Mitsui Buildings,” 1984, Joel Bustamante (Venezuelan, b. 1949), Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Black and white photograph, Gift in memory of Akio Kawasumi.
ON VIEW Summer 2025 Exhibitions
Through August 3, 2025
What If Eye: Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong
If you haven’t visited to see “What If Eye,” there’s still time to check out this striking 50-year retrospective featuring the work of Florida artist Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong.
Through 45 works in the Edith-Marie Gallery, and three additional works from the permanent collection in the second-floor Modern & Contemporary galleries, experience his artistic vision across several distinct bodies of work. Beginning in the 1970s and 1980s, realistic and intimate pencil portraits and figure drawings give way to mixed-media assemblages from his Military Industrial Art (M.I.A.) series from the 1990s and 2000s. Finally, his explosively colorful acrylic paintings, followed by more muted, nature-inspired pieces, bring us up to date with Eitharong’s work from the past 15 years to the present.
Mixed-Media Works by Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong
Only in the Appleton Store
Now available in the Appleton Store — expressive mixed-media assemblages by Tony Eitharong. Don’t miss the chance to take home a unique work by this celebrated artist.
$850 each
CURATORIAL NEWS Behind the Scenes
Intern
Spotlight:
Caitlin and Rachel Ulangkaya
This spring the Appleton was happy to host interns (and twin sisters) Caitlin and Rachel Ulangkaya. Caitlin is a senior at the University of Central Florida pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Art History, while Rachel recently obtained her bachelor’s degree from Rollins College in Critical Media and Cultural Studies with a concentration in Asian Studies.
Internships at the Appleton help prepare students for careers in the museum field and beyond. Under the guidance of museum registrar David Reutter, Caitlin and Rachel received hands-on experience with the curatorial department, focusing on fundamental museum operations such as art handling, gallery installation and cataloging works in the collection. They installed artwork in the special exhibition, “What If Eye: Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid ‘Tony’ Eitharong” and in other gallery spaces, while working on individual projects relevant to their degrees.
Drawn to storytelling, Caitlin hopes to become a curator. She conducted research on works from the Appleton’s permanent collection to design an exhibition that will be on view in the European galleries this summer. On her time at the Appleton, Caitlin said, “I have Dr. Colon at UCF to thank for allowing me the opportunity to intern here. My favorite project I worked on is my personal exhibition. It has been a difficult process, but I learned a lot about what goes into making an exhibition. Choosing the artwork is probably the most fun part.” Caitlin plans to pursue a graduate degree in either art history or museum sciences.
Rachel’s background in Asian film studies and the Japanese language aided us in editing videos and providing subtitles for videos installed in the exhibitions, “What If Eye” and “Framing Tokyo: Joel Bustamante’s Architectural Photographs.” Rachel’s favorite project was developing a future film series for the museum.
“Though CF has an international film series, I wanted to try bringing a different approach to film curation to the Appleton, as other major museums have series centered around specific art movements or themes,” Rachel says. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in film preservation.
Appleton internships are open to current and recently graduated students ages 18 and older and are designed to provide engaging experiences in a real-world business setting. For internship inquiries, contact AppletonMuseum@cf.edu.
Caitlin and Rachel Ulangkaya during the installation of “What If Eye.”
and symbolism of birds through art and nature journaling. The session includes bookmaking, painting and observation-based inspiration from nature. Each participant will create a personalized art journal, using mixed-media techniques to celebrate the wonder of winged creatures. Participants will be provided with an infographic that contains instructions, prompts and information about the birds utilized in the project. All skill levels welcome.
Saturday, May 31 1–4 p.m.
$60 Appleton members | $85 nonmembers
Dig Into Clay: Wheel Throwing
Led by Dawn Bergstrom, this session offers adults of all skill levels a chance to practice and develop new skills in 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, August 23–September 27 2–4:30 p.m.
$250 Appleton members | $285 nonmembers
Florida Mixed-Media Collage
In this two-part workshop with Charles Eady, create a one-of-a-kind collage using paint and paper, then silk-screen an image of an alligator, egret or manatee on top. Take inspiration from Eady’s style and artists like Andy Warhol to create a dynamic, layered work of art.
Saturdays, August 16 and 23, 1–5 p.m.
$100 Appleton members | $125 nonmembers
Watercolor Balloon Dog
In this creative three-hour workshop, artist Lisa Russo will guide you through using watercolors to capture the playful, pop icon image of a twisted balloon dog, inspired by the work of Jeff Koons. No experience needed.
Saturday, September 20 1–4 p.m.
$60 Appleton members | $85 nonmembers
APPLETON ART SCENE
1–6
On March 8, Appleton Director’s Circle members joined the artist (1, on left) to celebrate the opening of his retrospective exhibition, “What If Eye: Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid ‘Tony’ Eitharong.”
7–12
(7) On the April 5 Free First Friday, Dr. Victoria Machado gave a talk on Florida’s waters.
The education wing was busy this winter/spring with (8) a koi-fish painting workshop, (9) the annual “License Plate Tag Art” student exhibition, (10) drawing classes for ages 7-12 and (11–12) a softcut block printing class for adults.
THE ART OF LIVING Benefits for Appleton Members
Member Discounts on Art Classes
Throughout the year, the Appleton offers studio art programs for adults and children, serving all skill levels. Adults can enjoy single-day workshops for a relaxed introduction to new techniques or dive deeper with multiweek classes. Early learners ages 2–5 can begin their art journey with the Museum & Me Pre-K Program, a fun and engaging way to explore the museum, while older children can build and refine their artistic skills in classes tailored to their age group. Turn to pages 10–11 for the latest schedule, or visit AppletonMuseum.org.
Appleton members enjoy discounts on all classes! For adult classes, members at any level qualify for the member rate. For children’s classes, a Family/Dual membership or higher is needed to receive the discount.
To join, renew or upgrade your Appleton membership, contact Colleen Harper, harperc@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831.
4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470-5001 352-291-4455 |
ON THE COVER:
(detail) “Three Elephants,” Mid-20th century, Khien Yimsiri (Thai, 1922–1971), Thailand, Bronze, Gift of Arthur I. Appleton, Courtesy of Maven Photo + Film.
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College of Central Florida offers equal access and opportunity in employment, admissions and educational activities. The college will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, veteran status or disability status and any other factors prohibited under applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations in its employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students. Recognizing that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex and violates this policy statement, the college will not tolerate such conduct. The Title IX Coordinator has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and can be contacted at the Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, at 352-291-4410 or Compliance@cf.edu.
Welcome to the Director’s Circle
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.
New, Upgraded and Renewed: December 1, 2024–March 31, 2025
Ms. Marcia D. Allen
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Tai Po and Tong Sang Yeung
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