Appleton Museum of Art features distinguished collection of African American art
Installation view of Memories & Inspiration, on view at the Appleton Museum of Art through April 4, 2021. Photograph by The Culture Curators.
OCALA, FLA
.-The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is presenting Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art, celebrating the passion of a couple who spent more than 35 years as devoted connoisseurs, building a collection of vivid artworks that are both resonant and remarkably personal. Memories & Inspiration is on view at the Appleton now through April 4, 2021.
Being shown for the first time in Florida, Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art presents 62 selected works from a body of art amassed over 35 years. Kerry, a retired mailman, and Betty, a former television news producer, gladly gave up many ordinary comforts in order to live wit
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Southeastern Youth Fair: Marion County’s historic Southeastern Youth Fair has been running since 1941; this year’s event takes place Feb. 19-27 at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala. Children’s events and livestock shows and sales. This is the premier event for 4-H and FFA students in Marion County. For details, seyfair.com or 629-1255.
Discovery Center Date Night: A unique kid-free experience from 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 19 just for adults at The Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala. Guests may enjoy light appetizers, drinks and chances to enjoy the center, including the “Chain Reaction Charlie” exhibit. Play and tinker in the exhibit hall and participate in guided, hands-on building challenges. Tickets $30 per couple. Details at mydiscoverycenter.org or 401-3900.
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This weekend
Nature’s Beauty: This is the last chance to see the January exhibit at the Marion Cultural Alliance: “Nature’s Beauty: Seeing and Feeling, a collective art exhibit featuring art by Jillian Ramsammy and photography by Saul Reyes. The exhibit runs through Jan. 30 at The Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala. For more details, contact ashley.justiniano@mcaocala.com 369-1500.
“ARC” in the Arts: ARC in the Arts, a free exhibit of artwork created by individuals in the Adult Day Training program at ARC Marion, Inc., opens Jan. 29 and will be featured through March 22 at City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free and open to the public. Details at ocalafl.org/culturalarts or 629-8447.
Kerry and Betty Davis didn’t set out to become art collectors, much less amass a significant and renowned anthology of African American works by a diverse array of artists and sculptors. But their decades-long labor of love has yielded one of the most comprehensive and eclectic libraries of such unique works, 62 of which will be on display at the Appleton Museum of Art in “Memories and Inspiration,” which runs from Saturday to March 28.
Built over 35 years, the Davis Collection boasts works by African American artists from the modern to the classical, with paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures reflecting a breadth of nearly a century of different styles and mediums. Kerry, a retired Atlanta postman who also serves as a church deacon, and Betty, a television producer and director, began the collection for the most relatable of reasons: They simply wanted to decorate their home with interesting things. It became a lifetime’s work together.
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Equine Art: Artist Michael Brennan’s horse-related works will be featured at the Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala, beginning Feb. 5 and remaining throughout the month. An opening reception with the artist will be held Feb. 5 from 5-6 p.m. at The Brick. Light refreshments will be served. Visit mcaocala.com or call 369-1500.
First Friday Art Walk: Join community and friends for the downtown Ocala First Friday Art Walk Feb. 5 from 6-9 p.m. Various artists and performers will sell arts and high crafts with booths on the downtown square; discounts are available at retailers and restaurants. Call 620-8383 or visit ocalafl.org.