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The Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida is excited to present “Seeing Christ in the Darkness: Georges Rouault as Graphic Artist,” an exhibition featuring a variety of graphic works by Georges Rouault (1871-1958), the 20th century master expressionist painter and printmaker. The exhibition will be on display Jan. 8-March 17 and features 18 original etchings from the artist’s renowned Miserere Series, as well as additional etchings, lithographs and wood engravings from the Fleurs du Mal (I and II) and the Passion Series.

“Georges Rouault was one of the few modern artists whose work was clearly religious,” said Bill Dyrness, senior professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary in Los Angeles. “But the graphic art in this exhibition, done at the height of the artist’s powers, shows how deeply the artist identified with people’s sufferings and, indeed, saw within this darkness the salvation that Christ brought.”

On view during the religious season of Lent, this exhibit allows viewers to consider and contemplate the twin sufferings of humanity and Jesus. Rouault’s work is often darker and complex, unlike the typical imagery one might connect with Christianity, making the exhibit perfect for this reflective season within the church calendar.

The works on display are from The Bob and Sandra Bowden Collection of Chatham, Massachusetts, a substantial collection built over many years and many trips to Europe. Sandra Bowden will visit the Webber Center and Gallery on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. She will participate in a question-and-answer forum with Professor Tyrus Clutter about the content and style of Rouault’s work. There is no fee to attend this session.

Admission is free. The Webber Gallery’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For additional information, call the gallery at 352-854-2322, ext. 1664. Additional tours of this exhibition will take place on select Sunday afternoons during the exhibition. Visit for more details.

The Appleton Museum of Art, �㽶��Ƶ, announces the new Winter/Spring 2024 schedule of studio art classes. Adults, teens and children can choose from a variety of classes and workshops suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned artists. Classes are taught by professional artists and educators who will guide participants through various mediums, techniques and styles.

“The Appleton is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a creative environment,” said Appleton Assistant Director Victoria Billig. “Whether you are just getting started on your artistic journey or are more advanced, there is truly something for everyone.”

Highlights from the upcoming schedule for children include the Museum & Me Pre-K Program for ages 2-5, offered bimonthly on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.; Art Adventures for ages 5-7 that meets on three consecutive Saturdays in April to introduce young Picassos to working in a studio environment; several six-week Art Explorations sessions for ages 8-12 that focus on drawing, painting and clay; and portrait drawing and wheel throwing just for teens to gain new skills or build their portfolios.

New, and geared toward independent and homeschool groups, the Museum Happenings program meets once a month on Jan. 23, Feb. 27 and March 26, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Led by a museum educator, this program includes an activity in the galleries and the Artspace.

For adults, the Art 101 workshop series offers low-commitment opportunities to try something new. One-day workshops include Watercolor on Jan. 9, Surrealist Landscape Painting on Feb. 13, Silk Scarves on March 12 and Pastel Sunflowers on April 9.

Multiweek classes for adults include three, six-week Dig into Clay sessions. Wheel Throwing begins Jan. 20 and again on March 23. Hand Building begins May 4. Classes meet on Saturdays and are open to potters of all skill levels. Artist Lisa Russo will lead a painting workshop in February, teaching participants to paint the soft and subtle skin tones of Bouguereau’s exquisite “Young Shepherdess” using acrylic paint.

The Master Class Series welcomes back Sue Primeau to lead a multiweek watercolor class in February and March, and Tyrus Clutter for a cyanotype workshop on May 18.

Registration is now open and advance registration is required for all classes and workshops. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for the full schedule of classes and to register. For inquiries, please contact AppletonEducation@cf.edu.

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 �㽶��Ƶ, 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 �㽶��Ƶ has launched a new Fire Science Technology program, offering current firefighters, fire officers or fire protection professionals the opportunity to advance in their career.

The fully online Fire Science Technology Associate in Science degree is designed to give students a scientific understanding of fire and emergency hazards, with an emphasis on effective prevention, control and management. The program will prepare students for employment in firefighting and prevention supervision, to supervise or manage firefighters who control and extinguish fires, protect life and property, and conduct rescue efforts.

“We’re proud to offer our Fire Science Technology program and look forward to preparing both current and future fire service professionals for an expanded managing fire officer role,” said Daniel Garcia, Fire Science Technology program manager. The program includes a curriculum tailored to certifications in Fire Officer I, Fire Officer II, Fire Safety Inspector I and Fire Instructor II.

For prospective students interested in learning more about the program, CF is hosting virtual information sessions on Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. Viewers will meet with Garcia, as well as an academic advisor, to learn details about the degree and program goals.

To register for the information sessions, please visit /events/category/health-sciences/list/. To learn more about this new program, visit .

The Appleton Museum of Art, �㽶��Ƶ, presents “Water’s Margins: Paintings of Florida’s Springs by Margaret Ross Tolbert,” on view Jan. 27-June 2, 2024.

Over the last four decades, Gainesville-based multimedia artist Margaret Ross Tolbert has traveled extensively throughout areas of Florida and many international destinations that boast exceptional springs, waterways and caves. “Water’s Margins” brings together a selection of Tolbert’s paintings created following visits and plunges into these waters, including some in Marion, Levy and Citrus counties. The idea of the margins between humans and water reflects the interactive fluidity of the crystal-clear waters that flow from the Floridan aquifer.

From large-scale paintings to more intimate works created underwater on pieces of slate, Tolbert uses an array of kaleidoscopic blues and earth tones to express her passion for and understanding of these unique subaquatic environments.

Tolbert earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in painting at the University of Florida and shortly thereafter began exploring the springs. She said, “The paradisiacal Springs of North Florida are my paintings’ subject and metaphor. The springs paintings begin onsite at the water’s edge and often in the water. I swim in the springs; I sketch underwater; I am inspired to write when I am beside them.”

Since the 1980s, Tolbert’s springs paintings have been featured in exhibits and collections in the U.S., Europe and Turkey. Appleton Director Jason Steuber, a longtime appreciator of Tolbert’s work, said, “Water is key to our existence and inspires awe and wonder. Margaret literally submerges herself in her work and her paintings offer us a new appreciation of Florida’s natural resources available at parks and springs that bubble up across the Sunshine State.”

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

Events with the Artist

Director’s Circle Reception

Saturday, Jan. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Appleton Director’s Circle members are invited to celebrate the opening of “Water’s Margins” with hors d’oeuvres and wine in the café, and a meet-and-greet with artist Margaret Ross Tolbert. RSVP is required to Colleen Harper, harperc@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831.

Gallery Tours with Margaret Ross Tolbert

Saturday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Take a tour of “Water’s Margins” with artist Margaret Ross Tolbert. Learn more about the work directly from the artist with opportunity to ask questions. Tours will meet in the first-floor Edith-Marie gallery and are free as part of Free First Saturday. Free First Saturdays are sponsored in part by Marion Cultural Alliance, National Endowment for the Arts and 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 �㽶��Ƶ, 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

CF alumnus and current Engineering Technology Instructional Assistant Chris Kromke was recognized by the National Science Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges at the 30^th National ATE Principal Investigators Conference in Washington, D.C., in October. Kromke received the nationally recognized 2023 Advanced Technological Education Award of Excellence for a series of projects he developed during his time as both a student and employee at the college.

According to the AACC, the conference brings together more than 850 NSF ATE grantees and their project partners to focus on the critical issues related to advanced technological education. Conference participants represent community colleges, business and industry, secondary school systems, and four-year colleges covering projects in a wide variety of areas, such as information technology, engineering technology, micro- and nanotechnologies, chemical technology, biotechnology, and others.

Kromke received his Associate of Science in Engineering Technology with a specialization in Advanced Manufacturing from CF, and is currently attending Daytona State College, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.