CF Appleton Museum of Art to open ‘Deconstructing Self: Work by Seth P. Benzel’
2025-08-30 10:00 - 2026-01-04 17:00 (America/New_York) | Appleton Museum, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
Take a trip to the Appleton Museum of Art, Aug. 30-Jan. 4, to see “Deconstructing Self.” Opening on the second-floor Preview Gallery, it debuts new works by Ocala-based artist Seth Benzel in the form of two- and three-dimensional paintings and is a compelling exploration of transformation and identity through the lens of abstract painting.
Join artist Seth P. Benzel on Free First Saturday at 11 a.m. in the auditorium for a talk about his solo exhibition, “Deconstructing Self.” Following the talk, guests are invited to view the exhibition with the artist and participate in a Q&A. At 2 p.m., Benzel will return to the “Deconstructing Self” gallery for an informal meet-and-greet, offering another opportunity to engage with the artist and ask questions about his work. Events are free as part of Free First Saturday, and no reservations are required.
Faculty, staff and students for College of Central Florida receive free admission to the Appleton. Click here for more information.
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 College of Central Florida, 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 College of Central Florida, its board of trustees, or any of their officers, employees or agents.

At the Webber Gallery: "There's Nothin' to Do in Slowcala!?"
2025-10-27 10:00 - 2025-12-11 16:00 | Webber Gallery
Local photographer Tommy Cuevas thinks it’s time to retire the old nickname that went with Ocala’s reputation as a sleepy town with nothing to do. His upcoming solo exhibition, “There’s Nothin’ to Do in Slowcala!?” captures the everyday vibrance, human and hidden beauty of a community alive with activity and will be on view at the CF Webber Gallery from Oct. 27-Dec. 11.
“Tommy is a friendly and familiar presence in Ocala, and is rarely seen without his camera,” said Jacqueline Bozman, Webber Gallery coordinator. “Over the years, he has become known for his ability to turn ordinary happenings into extraordinary visual stories. His work shines a spotlight on the people who bring Ocala to life, revealing the personality, resilience and energy of a community that continues to grow and evolve.”
Visitors will see Ocala in a new light – through photographs that capture powerful demonstrations of spirit and expression, the grandeur of the renowned World Equestrian Center, and late-night moments of laughter at neighborhood hangouts – all documenting the heartbeat of a growing city in motion.
The community is invited to the opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

“The Dip” “Summer Jams” “The Bridle” “I75 Fair”
All photos by Tommy Cuevas.
Webber Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and admission is free. The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. An opening reception, yet to be scheduled, will be announced at CF.edu/Webber. For more information, call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.
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 College of Central Florida, its board of trustees, or any of their officers, employees or agents.

A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family's Holiday Exhibition at the Appleton Museum
2025-11-01 - 2026-01-11 | Appleton Museum, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
Twinkling lights, themed trees, and timeless holiday charm — “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” is back at the Appleton Museum of Art, on view November 1–January 11.
Joyce Urban’s love of Christmas began when she was a child in the city of Philadelphia. Every year she would go see the elaborate decorations at the department stores set up along the path she walked as she went to see Santa. This wonder of Christmas has stayed with her through the years. She began publicly displaying her collection in 1989 because she wanted to provide a place for children of all ages to come experience what she did as a child. Over the years, her Christmas Tour has raised money for many local charities including Harvest International, Interfaith, Pilot Club, Women’s Pregnancy Center and the Counseling Resource Center where she worked as a counselor. In 2012, Joyce opened Urban Counseling where she continues her legacy of helping others.
The family of Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban is honored to share a portion of their Christmas collection with the Appleton each holiday season. Visitors can enjoy beautifully decorated themed trees, the ever-popular Dickens Village miniature, an extensive nutcracker collection, handmade Santas from around the world, and much more. With new arrangements and details each year, the display offers something fresh for returning visitors to discover.
Adorning the first and second-floor galleries are trees decorated by community groups and organizations. This year’s participants include Alta Printing, Appleton Artspace, Art Approach, Arts in Health Ocala Metro, Better Together, Bridge to Hope, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, College Park Elementary, Crazy Foods, East Marion Elementary, El Bell’s Flower Truck, Hands Up Communications with LN Signs and Greater Marion County Association of the Deaf (GMCAD), Hiers-Baxley – Highland Memorial Park, North Central Florida Media Group, The LILAC Foundation and Urban Counseling.
Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program. Free First Saturdays are supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union.
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 College of Central Florida, 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.

New Employee Orientation
2025-12-01 08:30 - 2025-12-02 12:00 | Professional Development Center
New Employee Orientation sessions are held twice a month. New full-time employees are required to attend one as part of their onboarding. These sessions offer a heartfelt welcome to our college family, sharing our rich history, how we operate, and the mission, vision, and values that shape our culture. While part-time employees aren’t required to attend, we strongly encourage it. It’s a great way to feel connected and inspired from day one. For more information, contact the Office of Professional Development at opd@cf.edu.

Cocoa and Karaoke in the Café
2025-12-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Patriot Cafe
Encourage your students to join Ocala SAB for a little holiday spirit with hot cocoa and karaoke in the Patriot Café, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Come get festive before finals!
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 College of Central Florida, its board of trustees, or any of their officers, employees or agents.

AFC 2026 Board Member Installation Luncheon
2025-12-02 12:30 - 13:30 | Webber Center
Please join us Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 12:30 p.m., in the Webber Center on the Ocala Campus in recognition of the outgoing CF Chapter Executive Board’s amazing accomplishments. We will also be installing the 2026 Executive Board as they take their oath of office to serve the chapter and CF for the next year. There will be a full lunch served. RSVP to afc@cf.edu by 11/21/25.
For more information on College of Central Florida’s chapter of the Association of Florida Colleges, please visit our page on InsideCF.

Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus Biodiversity Trail Grand Launch
2025-12-02 17:30 - 19:00 | Citrus Campus Charles S. Dean Sr. Educational Center
The community is invited to join the grand launch of the interactive Biodiversity Trail at the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 5:30-7 p.m.
This event will include music, art, time to explore the trail exhibits, a presentation, “The Stories I Could Tell”, by CF Professor of Biological Science and Biodiversity Trail creator Steve C. Schenk, and free food.
As you explore the newly installed exhibits, you can add your trail photography to the BioDiT project here. You can also virtually explore the exhibits on the BioDiT page.
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 College of Central Florida, its board of trustees, or any of their officers, employees or agents.
