Appleton Museum of Art

The other day, I spent a fine, enriching day at this art museum. I appeciated its fine panoply of 19^th Century paintings, primarily by French and German Realistic and Naturalistic painters. Painters well-​represented included;William Adolphe Bougereau («Young Sheperdess»), Jules Dupre («Reflections»), Pierre August Cot («All Soul’s Day, Pisa»)Jean Leon Gerome («Odalisque»)Charles Jacque, Adolph Schreyer, John Herring, and American Edwin Weeks («Market Day»), among othersI I also enjoyed its small collection of Old Master paintings, including excellent paintings by Nicolas Maes and Paulus Potter («Cows in Pasture»).I found this art museum to be very aesthetically charming. Considering Ocala is a small city, this art museum was a pleasant surprise

No one would expect to find such an extraordinary art collection in a sleepy town like Ocala. The quality and scope, were it in Tampa, would make this a premier gallery destination. Just wonderful!

What a pleasant surprise! With rain in the forecast, we were looking for something indoors to do on our trip to Orlando and came across the Appleton. The robot exhibit was amazing.

I had the opportunity to attend the advance opening of «Art of the Chopper» this last Wednesday evening at The Appleton Museum, here in Ocala. This exhibition tops the Diana tour that was held here several years ago. It really doesn’t matter if you are a motorcycle enthusiast or not, this one of a kind presentation is for all ages. For those of us over «50» — memories of Peter Fonda & Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider will come to mind. For the «younger» generation — there are 30 sculptures that will be the topic of conversation for quite some time. Originally exhibited at the Clinton Library in Arkansas — Tom Zimberoff has brought more culture to Ocala (thank you, Tom). Biketoberfest (Daytona Beach) starts next weekend and timing is perfect. Many of us that ride will be sharing our experience with others — but again, even if you have never thought of motorcycles as art — this is a must see!

My girlfriend took me here because they were having the exhibit on Princess Diane dresses. Of course first we went through all the Mayan crafts that they had first then went through all the very high class dresses.

What a sweet way to spend a rainy day. Mr. Appelton, I applaud your philanthropy! For $ 25 you can become a member and listen to great music on the first Thursday of the month. It’s still Ocala, but that’s okay. You can «come as you are».