Maitland's Attic: A Journey Through A Small City's Past
2023-03-03 11:00 - 2028-03-03 16:00 (America/New_York) | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Avenue, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
This exhibition is an interactive, hands-on exploration into the history of Maitland and its surrounding areas!

There were a lot of things that did not happen in Maitland. There were no great battles fought on the soil, nor was it home to any infamous individuals. The town was not the epicenter of any great social movements, nor was it home to discoveries that would better humankind. Maitland was, and continues to be, a small town, like so many others.

The story of Maitland is a story of seemingly ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times, a place where people made their homes while dramatic events unfolded in other parts of the world. People labored here, raised their families, loved, lost, thought, and created. The objects in the museum’s collection reflect the brightness of these lives against the backdrop of a changing and often troubled world.

Each artifact tells a story specific to a place and time. They are the carriers of the memories of the people who owned them, who felt that they were important enough to their own story to preserve them. Many of them are the prototypes of the objects that we use and hold dear today, objects which will one day carry our own memories forward.
Welcome to Maitland’s Attic, a gathering place of the unique items that tell of Maitland’s past. From the everyday to the downright weird, these objects and their stories open a window onto important moments throughout the history of the town, and the people who called it home.

¡Esta exhibición es interactivo y de primera mano adentro de la historia de Maitland y las áreas cercanas!
En Maitland no ocurrieron muchas cosas. En su suelo no se libraron grandes batallas, ni fue cuna deindividuos infames. No fue el epicentro de grandes movimientos sociales ni de descubrimientosrevolucionarios.
La historia de Maitland es la historia de personas aparentemente corrientes que vivieron tiemposextraordinarios, un lugar donde la gente estableció su hogar mientras se desarrollaban acontecimientosdramáticos en otras partes del mundo. La gente trabajaba aquí, criaba a sus familias, amaba, perdía,pensaba y creaba. Los objetos de la colección del museo reflejan el brillo de estas vidas en el contextode un mundo cambiante y a menudo turbulento.
Cada artefacto cuenta una historia específica de un lugar y una época. En conjunto, son portadores delos recuerdos de las personas que los poseyeron, que consideraron que eran lo bastante importantespara su historia como para conservarlos. Muchos de ellos son prototipos de los objetos que usamos yapreciamos hoy, objetos que un día serán portadores de nuestros propios recuerdos.Bienvenido a Maitland’s Attic, un lugar donde se reúnen objetos únicos que hablan del pasado deMaitland. Desde los más cotidianos hasta los más extraños, estos objetos abren una ventana amomentos importantes de la historia de la ciudad y a las personas que decidieron llamarla su hogar.

A Return to Espero
2025-07-26 11:00 - 2025-10-05 16:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Join us for the opening reception on July 25, 2025 from 6:30-9pm: Meet the curator, enjoy live music by Shine, food truck, and a cash bar all just 15 minutes from downtown Orlando on our beautiful National Historic Landmark campus. Thank you to Red Bud Landscaping for sponsoring this exhibition opening! GET YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE >>

About the Exhibition
For nearly a century, the story of the Maitland Art Center’s founding seemed complete.
Then, the letters surfaced.
Recently discovered in the archives of the Curtis Institute of Music, an extraordinary trove of correspondence between artist J. André Smith and philanthropist Mary Curtis Bok reveals a deeper, more compelling origin, born of a powerful creative alliance and a shared vision for what Central Florida’s art community could become. Illustrated by Smith and brimming with artistic and philosophical exchange, these letters illuminate the origin of the Research Studio as never before. Paired with rarely seen works from Smith’s evolving career, A Return to Espero reframes the birth of the site as a profound creative partnership.
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This exhibition is generously supported by a grant from the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation

Exploring Patterns in Tile
2025-09-27 09:30 - 13:30 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Luca Molnar
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $150 + $80 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Join us for an exciting and creative workshop where you’ll have the opportunity to design your very own mosaic piece using vibrant linear glass mosaic tiles! In this hands-on session, you’ll explore a diverse color palette and draw inspiration from both historic and contemporary patterns sourced from various artistic sources.
Throughout the workshop, you’ll learn the essential techniques of hand-laying and grouting as you create a stunning 12” x 12” mosaic piece. With expert guidance, you’ll not only gain valuable skills in pattern design but also unleash your creativity and personal style.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your mosaic skills, this workshop is the perfect platform to experiment and develop your artistic voice. By the end of the session, you’ll have a beautiful piece to take home and the knowledge to continue your mosaic journey beyond the workshop.
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Still Life Flowers & Fruits in Pastels
2025-10-03 09:30 - 15:30 | Maitland Art Center Studio 10, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Nicora Gangi
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $195 + Supply List
Friday and Saturday, October 3 + 4 | This is a 2-day workshop
Pastel painting is all about vibrant colors, and in this workshop, you’ll explore several techniques to create a stunning still life featuring flowers and fruits. You will learn the Broken Color technique, which involves using similar hues to make your pastel paintings more captivating. Additionally, you’ll be taught essential shading techniques such as hatching, feathering, and scumbling. As you master these skills, you’ll develop a greater awareness of color through various applications. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have completed a beautiful, color-rich pastel painting of your floral and fruit still life.
The workshop will include thorough demonstrations and ample feedback to help you gain confidence in using these new techniques while refining your existing skills. This class is suitable for everyone, from first-time users to those with more advanced experience in pastel painting.
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Stories in Stone: A Walking Tour of the Maitland Art Center
2025-10-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Step behind the gates of the Maitland Art Center and into a world shaped by vision, imagination, and legacy.
This one-hour guided tour takes you through the gardens and courtyards of a campus like no other—founded in the 1930s by American artist and architect J. André Smith as a haven for modern experimentation and creative freedom.
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Experience the Tour
As your guide leads you through the campus, you’ll trace the story of Smith’s life—from his childhood in Hong Kong to his service in World War I to the founding of the Maitland Art Center, which he called “Espero,” a Spanish word for hope. These experiences—and his Episcopal faith—influenced the extraordinary design of the campus: a blend of Mayan Revival architecture with embedded Christian symbolism and East Asian motifs. The result is a surreal, immersive environment—at once spiritual, exotic, and modern—where over 2,500 carvings, sculptures, and reliefs adorn nearly every surface.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the community of artists who lived and worked here between the 1930s and 1950s—names like Milton Avery, Ralston Crawford, and Doris Lee—and how this hidden Florida enclave became one of the state’s most forward-thinking creative centers.

Included with the Tour

Maitland Art Center Gallery
Maitland History Museum
Telephone Museum

Tickets

$4-$6 (includes 3 museums & grounds)
Free for members
Suitable for all ages; reccomended for ages 13+

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Free Fall Family Day
2025-10-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
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Bring your whole family to say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn at our Fall Family Day!
As the new season unfolds, the fall days, touched by less sunlight, wake up new colors in nature! When the green in leaves begins to fade, new colors like red, yellow, orange and fuchsias are revealed! The warm glow of sunlight and rich palette of colors make for a truly beautiful season!
A&H’s Maitland Art Center was originally built in 1937 as an artists’ colony and named the Research Studio. Our founder, artist J. Andre’ Smith, had a dream that all artists creating in this space would experiment with art, and we can’t think of a more fun way to celebrate fall by playing with the colors and golden light of the season!
Fall Family Day is free of charge and sponsored by Massey Services. 2024-25 Free Family Programs at A&H are generously supported by a grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

Vintage Paper Mache Jack-o-Lanterns
2025-10-04 11:00 - 13:00 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Abbey Kish
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $65 + $15 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Saturday and Sunday, October 4 + 5 | This is a 2-day workshop.
Celebrate Halloween by bringing a vintage aesthetic to life with our paper mache Jack-o-Lantern workshop! On the first day, participants will plan their Jack-o-Lantern’s facial expression and sculpt using paper clay. The second day will be dedicated to adding paint and finishing touches. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience level!
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First Saturdays Open Studios
2025-10-04 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-01 11:00 - 16:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Connect with our Studio Resident Artists and see what pieces they’re currently working on!
On the first Saturday of every month from 11am–4pm, all of our Studio Artists will open their doors and welcome you into their creative spaces. This is your chance to connect directly with the artists, explore their works-in-progress, and ask questions about their practice.
Bonus: Enjoy FREE admission to our museums on these days!
This new program comes directly from your feedback asking for more predictable opportunities to engage with our artists and community.
Grab your FREE tickets here!
Plus, receive a 10% discount when you sign up for a membership during First Saturday events!

Homeschool Day with A&H & Maitland Library: Tours, Historic Homes & Art
2025-10-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
For more information & to Register:
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Spark a lifelong love of art and history when you step into the past with the Art & History Museums of Maitland! Explore our National Historic Landmark campus, delve into Victorian architecture at the Waterhouse Residence Museum, and discover communication technology at our Telephone Museum. After each tour, students will enjoy hands-on art workshops, including printmaking, outdoor sketching, 3D sculpture crafting, and architecture design. Join us just 15 minutes from downtown Orlando for a creative learning experience for your entire family!
If you have any questions about our Homeschool Day, please feel free to contact our education team at education@artandhistory.org.

Kitchen Lithography Printing
2025-10-11 11:00 - 14:00 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Ryan Price
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $60 + $10 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Participants will be using household items to learn how to make lithography prints. Each participant will receive a sheet of aluminum foil mounted to a wooden board and a Sharpie to draw images on. Once students have finalized their image, they will use Coca-Cola to “etch” the plate, rinse with water, dry, and apply canola oil, then buff into the place. They can begin the inking to plate, run it through the press or create a rubbing with a wooden spoon. This workshop will provide participants with an idea of how the process of lithography works with a low-stakes and low-cost approach. Each person leaves with a new skill and prints. Open to all levels!
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Little Creatives & Me
2025-10-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Songs, stories and art time, especially for babies and toddlers and their very special person.
Join us in the main garden on the historic grounds of the Art & History Museums. We’ll have a themed circle and story time plus an art activity especially for littles! A snack will be provided too. Recommend age: under 3, and their very special person (parent, grandparent, caregiver). Older siblings are always welcome!
Space is limited and registration will close 2 days before the program date. Pre-registration is required >> email Jcohen@artandhistory.org
Please arrive about 5 minutes early to give yourself time to park and walk over to the main garden. We will begin promptly at 10 am. If you’d like, please bring a picnic blanket for your family.
This program is brought to you free of charge by the Art & History Museums of Maitland.
2024-25 Free Family Programs at A&H are generously supported by a grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

Opening Reception: Pangarap: Espero Reimagined
2025-10-17 18:30 - 21:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Celebrate the opening of Pangarap, our newest exhibition, featuring art by Isobel Francisco, with live music by Don Soledad, a food truck, and a cash bar on our beautiful National Historic Landmark campus!

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Admission, to this event is FREE! However, donations of any size are gratefully accepted with your order or at the event, in order to support our many free community programs!

About the Exhibition
Pangarap: Espero Reimagined transforms The Maitland Art Center gallery into a canvas of speculative storytelling under Filipino artist Isobel Francisco’s guidance. Drawing inspiration from Jules André Smith’s pivotal decision to establish an artist colony in Florida, Francisco envisions an alternate reality where Smith’s path leads instead to 1937 Philippines. Through a collection of fictional artifacts, iconographies, and artworks, the exhibition invites viewers to ponder the intriguing parallels and contrasts between this imagined scenario and the museum’s own rich history. Pangarap, which means dream or vision in Filipino, will offer a compelling alternate reality, inviting audiences to ponder the impact of one artist’s decision on the cultural landscape of 1937 Philippines and beyond. Plan your visit >>

This exhibition is generously supported by a grant from the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation

Pet Portraits
2025-10-18 09:30 - 12:00 | Maitland Art Center Studio 10, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Monica Diaz
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $65 + $10 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Have you ever dreamed of transforming your pet’s beauty into a stunning work of art? Join us for a delightful workshop that welcomes everyone, regardless of skill level, and lets your creativity shine as you paint a captivating portrait of your furry friend. Simply bring a printed copy of your favorite photo, and you’ll depart with a beautiful acrylic masterpiece on an 11 x 14 canvas, lovingly crafted by you. Unleash your artistic spirit and create a cherished keepsake that celebrates the bond you share with your pet!
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Pangarap: Espero Reimagined
2025-10-18 11:00 - 2026-01-04 16:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Pangarap: Espero Reimagined transforms The Maitland Art Center gallery into a canvas of speculative storytelling under Filipino artist Isobel Francisco’s guidance. Drawing inspiration from Jules André Smith’s pivotal decision to establish an artist colony in Florida, Francisco envisions an alternate reality where Smith’s path leads instead to 1937 Philippines. Through a collection of fictional artifacts, iconographies, and artworks, the exhibition invites viewers to ponder the intriguing parallels and contrasts between this imagined scenario and the museum’s own rich history. Pangarap, which means dream or vision in Filipino, will offer a compelling alternate reality, inviting audiences to ponder the impact of one artist’s decision on the cultural landscape of 1937 Philippines and beyond. Plan your visit >>
Click here to see photos of the opening reception>>
This exhibition is generously supported by a grant from the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation

Last Wednesday at A&H
2025-10-29 17:30 - 20:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Enjoy free gallery admission, grab a drink from our cash bar, and discover the beauty of our main garden after hours every Last Wednesday of the month. Jumpstart conversations with free tours of our current gallery exhibitions by our Chief Curator or a free lecture by a visiting expert in art or history every month from 6-7pm! Find your creative community every Last Wednesday at the Art & History Museums of Maitland.
Click here to reserve your spot>>

This program is supported by the Rotary Club of of Orange County East – Winter Park.

Free Gallery Tour
2025-10-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
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This A&H curator-guided gallery tour offers a deep dive into the current exhibition Pangarap: Espero Reimagined, from its conception through creation to the decisions that determine its presentation. We’ll begin the evening with a 45-minute tour led by our Chief Curator Dan L. Hess followed by conversation with complimentary food for the rest of the evening! Bring a friend, a date, or come by yourself to make new friends who share your interest in the arts.
For more information about our current exhibition Pangarap: Espero Reimagined :
Pangarap: Espero Reimagined transforms The Maitland Art Center gallery into a canvas of speculative storytelling under Filipino artist Isobel Francisco’s guidance. Drawing inspiration from Jules André Smith’s pivotal decision to establish an artist colony in Florida, Francisco envisions an alternate reality where Smith’s path leads instead to 1937 Philippines. Through a collection of fictional artifacts, iconographies, and artworks, the exhibition invites viewers to ponder the intriguing parallels and contrasts between this imagined scenario and the museum’s own rich history. Pangarap, which means dream or vision in Filipino, will offer a compelling alternate reality, inviting audiences to ponder the impact of one artist’s decision on the cultural landscape of 1937 Philippines and beyond.
This evening event is presented during our monthly Last Wednesday hours, when we open our gallery free of charge with a cash bar from 5:30-8pm. Learn more here.

Cyanotype Printing
2025-11-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Maitland Art Center Studio 10, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Abbey Kish
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $50 + $15 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Cyanotype printing is the earliest form of photographic printing invented in the 1800’s. Using a simple chemical solution & sunlight, cyanotypes are a brilliant blue where light hits and white where the light is obscured. Enjoy a bit of the magic, science, history, and art in creating these beautiful blueprints. We will be printing on paper but cyanotypes can also be printed on fabric if you wish to bring a cotton/linen t-shirt, tote bag, or other such items. You may also bring items for printing such as jewelry, trinkets, small toys, or anything with an interesting silhouette.
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Bookbinding: Japanese Stitching
2025-11-08 11:00 - 14:00 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Ryan Price
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $80 + $20 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Participants will learn how to make a Japanese-style book. They will learn how to organize the materials needed for the sketch book by sizing the paper and making the cover. The instructor will also be demonstrating how to thread the needle and how to stitch the pattern on an example book. After the demonstration, participants will practice their own stitching on computer paper before proceeding to work on their own books. Learn about Japanese stitching for bookbinding, and leave with your own handmade sketchbook or journal! Open to all levels!
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Silk Painted Scarves Galore
2025-11-11 10:00 - 15:30 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Peggy Wertheim
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $125 + $30 material fee
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Discover, create, and explore the exciting techniques of Silk Painting. Everyone is successful! No experience necessary. Designs Provided. Students will learn resist application, color blending and salt techniques. You will create a Long Silk Scarf as a wearable or wall hanging. Design ideas and an extensive handout packet for you. Fun, easy, creative art form! A $30 materials fee is paid directly to the teaching artist on the day of the workshop.
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Drawing a Surrealist Dreamscape
2025-11-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Maitland Art Center Studio 10, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Gisela Romero
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $80 + Supply List
Join us for a captivating 3-hour workshop open to all skill levels, where you’ll explore essential drawing techniques to create imaginative surrealist artworks. Dive into the captivating world of surrealism as you examine iconic artists like Salvador Dalí and Remedios Varo, gaining insight into how they transformed dreams into visual art.
Through playful methods like Exquisite Corpse and automatic drawing, you’ll unleash your creativity while learning to merge bizarre elements, such as a clock with wings or figures morphing into flowers, into your pieces. Guided exercises will inspire you to develop your personal surrealist landscape, focusing on combining elements, manipulating scale, and exploring unconventional textures and colors.
By the end of our time together, you’ll leave with your own surrealist masterpiece and newfound skills to continue your artistic journey. Come ready to unleash your imagination and create unique artwork!
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A Taste of Marbling on Paper and Glass Baubles
2025-11-12 10:00 - 13:00 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Peggy Wertheim
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $110 + $30 material fee
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Marbling will inspire you with instant gratification and success! Peggy teaches Traditional Marbling using acrylic paints floating on carrageenan. You will create several 9”x12” marbled papers and also four Marbled Glass Baubles/Ornaments. A $30 materials fee is paid directly to the teaching artist the day of the workshop. Bring your love of art & your curiosity – everything else is included.
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Autumn Reflections in Watercolors
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:30 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Jami Akins
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $150 + Supply list
Thursday, November 13 and 20 | This is a 2-day workshop
Join us for an enchanting two-day watercolor class, perfectly timed for the beautiful fall season! We embark on a creative journey to paint a vibrant forest alive with the warm golds, fiery reds, and deep oranges that define this magical time of year.
As we gather around, you’ll learn how to translate the breathtaking colors of fall onto paper. We will explore a variety of techniques designed to help you blend colors seamlessly, create stunning contrasts of light and shadow, and master the art of soft reflections on a serene lake. With each stroke of your brush, you’ll not only bring the picturesque landscape to life but also deepen your understanding of watercolor as a medium.
We’ll begin with a light sketch of shapes to set up the drawing, use masking fluid to block out white spaces, and then work on layering paint to create our landscape. This class caters to everyone—from curious beginners who have never picked up a brush to seasoned artists looking to refine their skills. You will leave with a beautiful piece of art that embodies the spirit of fall, along with newfound techniques that will inspire your future creations. Let’s celebrate the beauty of nature together and harness the joy of painting this autumn!
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Homeschool Day at A&H: Architecture Tour & Printmaking Workshop
2025-11-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States

Fall Studio Show 2025
2025-11-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Join us for a cozy, FREE celebratory evening filled with local art, live music, and creative inspiration in our gardens.
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A Cozy Evening in the Garden
Enjoy the lush, beautiful surroundings while you relax with friends, family, or even new acquaintances from the creative community. Our Main Garden will come alive with live music by Shine, setting the perfect mood for a laid-back evening.

Explore our Art Studios

Discover our Artist’s-in-Action’s latest works
One-on-one chats with artists and instructors
Shop for unique gifts and handmade art in the museum store

Bring your own picnic food and blankets, or simply enjoy the atmosphere with a drink in hand:

Cash bar with beer, wine, and mixed drinks
Lawn seating and open space to relax and connect

With a cash bar offering beer, wine, and mixed drinks, you’re welcome to bring your own picnic foods and blankets, making our studio show the perfect opportunity to unwind, mingle, and experience the vibrant artistic energy of Central Florida.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a creative family outing, or just hoping to meet fellow art lovers, this free fall event has something for everyone.

This is our gift to the community—and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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