The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, announces the annual exhibition, “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family Holiday Exhibition,” on view through January 6.
This beloved collection adorns the first floor of the museum with themed trees and other holiday décor from the collection of Ocala cardiologist Dr. Paul Urban, his wife, Joyce, and daughters, Katie, Kristie, Kassie and Karlie. In addition to ornately decorated trees, see the architecture, customs and history of Victorian England come alive in the popular miniature Dickens Village. Also on display, an extensive collection of nutcrackers from all around the world features handmade Byers’ Choice caroler dolls.
On the second floor, see trees decorated by community groups and organizations. Participating organizations include: Agapanthus Ocala; Appleton Artspace; Association of Florida Colleges CF Chapter; CF Student Activities Board; NOMA Gallery; Ocala Civic Theatre; TJM Promos; and Urban Family Counseling.
About the Urban Family Collection
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 that were 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 experience the holiday magic she enjoyed 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 once worked as a counselor. In 2012 Joyce opened Urban Counseling where she continues her legacy of helping others.
The Appleton Museum, Artspace and store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, noon-5pm. For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.
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