Summer Family Art Workshops - Week 6: Recycled Bird Sculptures
2025-07-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
At the Art & History Museums Maitland, kids can stay creative and artistically engaged all summer long on our beautiful and historic campus, just 15 minutes from downtown Orlando! During these FREE hands-on arts and crafts workshops, families can drop-in and create a new art project every week at their own pace.
On July 23, we’re getting ready to say “so-long” to summer vacation as we “fly” into a new school year by creating bird sculptures right in our very own garden. We’ll be kind to the earth too by using recyclable materials in this colorful and creative process art activity, which is also a wonderful for children of all ages and littles too! Families can also visit our “Plein Air” (or outside) Playspace for additional creative art stations each week!
Click here to reserve your spot >>
Summer Family Workshops are generously sponsored by AdventHealth and Massey Services. Our 2024-25 Free Family Programs, including the Workshops, are supported by a grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

Nature meets Pattern Using Collage
2025-07-25 14:00 - 17:00 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the workshop has been rescheduled for Friday, July 25.
Instructor: Njeri Kinuthia
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $35 + $12 material fees
Time: 2-5pm
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
This collage workshop invites you to explore the harmonious blend of natural beauty and pattern. Using a wide variety of patterns, textiles, and nature photographs, we will create unique collages that reflect diverse cultural landscapes and exciting patterns. This hands-on workshop encourages creativity, energetic artistic expression, and storytelling, celebrating the interconnectedness of nature and pattern.
Register Here!

Opening Reception: A Return to Espero
2025-07-25 18:30 - 21:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Celebrate the opening of this exhibition with live music by Shine, food from Kappy’s Subs food truck, a cash bar, and honoring our founder J. André Smith on our beautiful National Historic Landmark campus!

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.

Click here to reserve your FREE tickets >>

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!
Thank you to Red Bud Landscaping for sponsoring this exhibition opening!

Drawing Self-Portraits in Black & White
2025-07-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Maitland Art Center Studio 10, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Gisela Romero
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $150 + $25 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
This workshop invites participants to create expressive black-and-white self-portraits using a combination of drawing techniques. Participants will explore their identities, emotions, and personal narratives through art. Open to all levels! Key Takeaways for Participants:

Learn various black-and-white drawing techniques such as pencil, charcoal, and ink drawing.
Create a self-portrait that reflects their personal identity, mood, or significant emotion.
Explore the power of simplicity and contrast in visual expression.
Gain insight into how art can serve as a medium for self-reflection and personal growth.
Have fun!

Register Here>>

Lego Block Relief Printing
2025-07-26 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: $50 + $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 use Legos as a base to create abstract designs that they will then use a brayer to ink up and do a rubbing with a wooden spoon or run it through the press. For multicolor designs, the instructor will also demonstrate how to create a registration for lining up the print in the same area on the paper.
This workshop is designed to teach participants the basic ideas behind relief printmaking. Using the Legos to “build” your design broadens the audience to those who may not have strong drawing skills or background in the arts but are interested in printmaking. Each participant leaves with prints of their own and new knowledge about relief printmaking. Open to all levels!
Register Here>>

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.
Plan your visit >>
This exhibition is generously supported by a grant from the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation

Last Wednesday at A&H
2025-07-30 17:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-27 17:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-24 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
2025-07-30 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Get your FREE tickets here >>
This A&H curator-guided gallery tour offers a deep dive into the current exhibition A Return to Espero, 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 A Return to Espero:
A Return to Espero unveils the profound metamorphosis of our founder, J. André Smith, whose near-death experience served as a catalyst for artistic reinvention. This exhibition chronicles the profound personal journey underlying the creation of the avant-garde haven of the Research Studio, known today as the Maitland Art Center. On display for the first time publicly is an intimate collection of personal letters exchanged with his dear friend, philanthropist Mary Curtis Bok, many of which were illustrated by Smith himself. These artifacts along with a wide array of his previously unseen art illuminate themes of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of artistic expression. Smith and Bok’s correspondence stands as a testament to their shared vision and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic exploration in Florida.
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.

Bloom in Abstraction – Painting Abstract Flowers
2025-08-02 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: $75 + $10 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this workshop dives into techniques for transforming vibrant blooms into stunning works of abstract art.
You will learn how to simplify the essence of flowers into dynamic shapes and bold colors.
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with your very own abstract floral masterpiece and the confidence to let your imagination guide your art. All materials will be provided—just bring your enthusiasm!
Register Here!

Automatic Drawing
2025-08-09 11:00 - 14:00 | Maitland Art Center Studio 10, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Ryan Price
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $60 + $5 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
No drawing experience is required! Open to all levels. Automatic drawing is a technique named by and used frequently by the Surrealists, which involves the artist directly and randomly moving the pen or drawing tool with no preconceived image or plan. This technique is similar to what writers termed “Stream of consciousness” writing, where, through a mental shift, drawing automatically allows participants to let their subconscious flow through their hands. Participants will be encouraged to draw their hearts’ content out and learn to unshackle themselves from hesitation caused by the anxiety of being confronted by a blank sheet. Students will create many drawings using many different materials to get them out of their heads and out of their comfort zones. Students will learn about processes like automatism, frottage, and responsive drawing. The drawing doesn’t ever have to be quote-on-quote finished, it can be left as a single deposit of personal memory there is no right or wrong way to practice automatic drawing.
Register Here!

Homeschool Day
2025-08-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Register Here!
For more information, email JCohen@artandhistory.org for details.
Your homeschool students (grades K – 5) are invited to step back into time as they explore communications technology and the history of the telephone at A&H’s Telephone Museum. In our interactive guided tour, children can try their hand at working the switching station, hands-on displays and discover the story of the Winter Park Telephone Company, founded in Maitland Florida by Carl Galloway.
If you have any questions about our Homeschool Day, please feel free to contact our education team at education@artandhistory.org.

Little Creatives & Me
2025-08-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-17 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.

Kitchen Lithography Printing
2025-08-23 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!
Register Here!

Artist Talk: The History of Modernism
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
During this artist talk, Curator of Collections Katie Benson will explore the history of modernism and André Smith’s contributions to the movement as an artist, architect, and founder of the Research Studio. It situates Smith’s work within the broader context of early 20th-century modernist trends in America and abroad.
Grab your FREE tickets here >>
For more information about our current exhibition A Return to Espero featuring the unseen art of J. André Smith:
A Return to Espero unveils the profound metamorphosis of our founder, J. André Smith, whose near-death experience served as a catalyst for artistic reinvention. This exhibition chronicles the profound personal journey underlying the creation of the avant-garde haven of the Research Studio, known today as the Maitland Art Center. On display for the first time publicly is an intimate collection of personal letters exchanged with his dear friend, philanthropist Mary Curtis Bok, many of which were illustrated by Smith himself. These artifacts along with a wide array of his previously unseen art illuminate themes of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of artistic expression. Smith and Bok’s correspondence stands as a testament to their shared vision and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic exploration in Florida.
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.

Homeschool Day at the Telephone Museum
2025-08-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
For more information & to register:
Click Here!
Homeschool students (K–5) are invited to explore the history of communication at A&H’s Telephone Museum! During a guided, hands-on tour, kids will operate a switching station and learn about the Winter Park Telephone Company, founded by Carl Galloway. After the tour, join our education team to combine art and technology! Students will learn about lines and space, then create 3D sculptures using vintage telephone wires to take home.

The sculpture activity is for students only, but adult chaperones are welcome to assist their children.

If you have any questions about our Homeschool Day, please feel free to contact our education team at education@artandhistory.org.

Girl Scout Day with the Girl Scouts of Citrus
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Program Level: All registered Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Adults. All Girl Scouts must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone who is attending must be registered for the event.
Program Fees: $15 for girls, $3 for adults
Girl Program fee includes: Program & tour, Art and History Museums of Maitland patch, and Outdoor Art badge.
Adult Program fee includes: Tour
Registration Deadline: August 31st, 2025, at 11:59 PM or when program is full
Register Here!
Calling all Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors! You’re invited to step into the fantastical world of artist, master printmaker, and architect Jules André Smith at the Art and History Museums in Maitland. Become inspired on a mini-tour of our historic grounds where you’ll see some of Andre’s 2500 concrete etchings adorned on the buildings, doorways, walkways, and gardens. Our tour ends in our main garden, surrounded by a dozen artist studios that Andre built nearly 100 years ago, designed especially for visiting artists to live and work together in this creative and magical space.
Outside in our garden, you’ll learn about the fine art of printmaking. You’ll discover the tools to create a Collagraph print, and then create your own work of art inspired by our beautiful garden or André’s etchings. Young printmaker apprentices will be able to explore collage materials, make a plate, ink a plate, and pull a print!
All Girl Scouts attending will receive an exclusive fun patch and complete the requirements for the Girl Scouts Outdoor Art badge at your level!

Digital Painting for Adults
2025-09-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Maitland Art Center Studio 10, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Ynon Mabat
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $140
This is a workshop for adults who want to learn about digital painting. This workshop is the basic level and will provide a solid foundation for the medium of digital painting. This workshop is appropriate for adults with drawing, painting, and collaging experience who want to add an extra spin to their creations or those interested in learning a new encompassing media. It is also a great medium to use for those with limited drawing and painting hand capabilities. No previous experience is required. This workshop will have a limited space for four participants. All the necessary equipment will be provided. We will use a free version of the Sketchbook App in the workshop. Through exercises, participants will learn the basics of digital art, vocabulary, and the use of tools. Students will be exposed to the many possibilities and techniques this medium allows, and can be adapted and enjoyed by older adults with limited computer understanding.
Register Here!

Child Figure & Portrait in Watercolor
2025-09-06 10:00 - 16:00 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Tony Armendariz
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $300 + Supply List
Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7 | This is a 2-day workshop.
This workshop, designed for all levels, will feature a quick and approachable way to paint the child figure and portrait with easy drawing and a minimal palette. Techniques utilizing layered painting methods will be the focus. Takeaways for students include one-on-one instruction, a final class critique and having two separate paintings to take home. Reference photos will be supplied in advance, or students may work from their own photographs.
Register Here!

Bookbinding: Japanese Stitching
2025-09-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Maitland Art Center Studio 10, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Ryan Price
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
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 sketchbook 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 stitching on computer paper before proceeding to work on their books. Learn about Japanese stitching for bookbinding, and leave with your handmade sketchbook or journal! Open to all levels!
Register Here!

Stories in Stone: A Walking Tour of the Maitland Art Center
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-25 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-04 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.
Click here to reserve your tickets>>
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+

Click here to reserve your tickets>>

Oil Painting 101
2025-09-20 13:00 - 17:00 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Luca Molnar
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $200 + Supply list
Saturday & Sunday, September 20 and September 21 | This is a 2-day workshop
Join us for an engaging and hands-on workshop designed specifically for those interested in exploring the vibrant world of oil painting! Whether you’re a complete beginner with no painting experience or someone with a bit of background in drawing or painting looking to expand your skills, this class is perfect for you.
In this workshop, we’ll cover essential tools and techniques tailored to oil painting, ensuring you feel confident and inspired to create beautiful artwork in your own home. Throughout the session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of color theory through interactive exercises, enabling you to understand and apply these concepts effectively in your paintings.
We’ll also work with a simple still life, allowing you to practice your skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to unleash your creativity and gain the confidence you need to work with oil paints. Sign up today and embark on a rewarding artistic journey!
Register Here>>

A&H Book Club
2025-09-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Maitland Art Center Studio 10, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Make new friends at the A&H Members-Only Book Club! Join A&H Director of Development Jessi VanPelt every other month to share your opinions on fascinating topics in the realms of art and history on our beautiful campus. At the end of each meeting, we’ll vote on what book to read together next. We will meet in Studio 10.
September’s Book: TBD
Book Club meetings are just $5 (which includes refreshments). Space is limited so you must register in advance.
This event is for A&H members only. If you’re not a current A&H member, you must join or renew before Book Club date.
Register now >>
If you have any questions or need to verify your membership status, contact Jessi at jvanpelt@artandhistory.org.

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.
Register Here>>

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.
Register Here!
