Stories in Stone: A Walking Tour of the Maitland Art Center
2025-11-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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>>

A&H Book Club
2025-11-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 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.
November’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.

Creating a Pop Art Portrait
2025-11-18 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
Have you ever wanted to make your own unique Pop Art? Join us for a vibrant 3-hour workshop designed for art enthusiasts of all skill levels! Explore the captivating realm of pop art and draw inspiration from legendary artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll learn essential drawing techniques such as creating bold outlines, applying flat colors, and mastering the iconic Ben-Day dot patterns. Making it easy for everyone to participate. This is not just a class; it’s an opportunity to unleash your creativity, express yourself, and connect with fellow art lovers. Whether you’re looking to enhance your artistic skills or simply have fun, this workshop is the perfect way to dive into the exciting world of pop art! Come ready to create and be inspired!
Register Here!

Little Creatives & Me
2025-11-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-17 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.

Free Winter Family Day
2025-12-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
For More Information and To Register:
Register Here!
Bring your whole family to welcome a new season at our Winter Family Day, including a winter-themed Family Art Workshop!
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 winter then by sculpting our own mini winter wonderlands on our National Historic Landmark Campus!
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!

Winter Family Day is free of charge and sponsored by Massey Services. 2025-26 Free Family Programs at A&H are generously supported by a grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

Intro to Digital Painting for Adults
2025-12-06 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
Unleash your creativity in our exciting introductory workshop! Whether you’re a passionate artist looking to expand your repertoire or a curious beginner eager to dive into a new art form, this engaging session is perfect for you. In just one afternoon, you’ll explore foundational concepts and essential techniques that will open up a world of possibilities in this medium. Imagine experimenting with colors, textures, and shapes as you discover the magic of this art form.
Designed for everyone, this workshop invites those with experience in drawing, painting, and collaging to elevate their skills while also welcoming individuals who might feel a bit unsure about their drawing abilities. You’ll be guided through fun activities that encourage personal expression, inspire creativity, and build confidence. By the end of the session, you’ll have a better grasp of how to add this dynamic medium to your artistic toolbox. And if you find yourself hungry for more, we offer an exciting 6-week class in digital painting for those ready to take their skills to the next level! All the necessary equipment will be provided. Students will be using a free version of the Sketchbook App. Class size is limited to 4 people.
For more information, please email mabatart@gmail.com
Register Here!

First Saturdays Open Studios
2025-12-06 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-03 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-07 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!

Art Journaling
2025-12-07 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: $40 + $10 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Art journaling is great for stress relief and healing. It is a way of creatively expressing your emotions on the page with no rules or expectations. In this class, a wide variety of expressive materials will be provided, and you will be guided through a reflective art journaling activity. At the end of the workshop, we will share our creations & discuss them as a group. All levels of experience are encouraged. You may bring your journal/sketchbook if you have one; otherwise, paper will be provided.
Register Here!

Stories in Stone: A Walking Tour of the Maitland Art Center
2026-01-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-07 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; recommended for ages 13+

Click here to reserve your tickets>>

Homeschool Day at the Waterhouse Residence and Carpentry Shop Museums
2026-01-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
For more information & to Register:
Click Here!
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.

Bloom in Abstraction
2026-01-10 09:30 - 12:00 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Monica Diaz
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
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!

Kitchen Lithography Printing
2026-01-11 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 + $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 it into the place. They can begin the inking to the 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 a print. Open to all levels!
Register Here!

A&H Book Club
2026-01-18 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.
January’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.

Little Creatives & Me
2026-01-21 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.
2025-26 Free Family Programs at A&H are generously supported by a grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

Opening Reception: The Situated Body
2026-01-23 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 Jacobo Alonso, with music by DJ Spreadsheets, food from La Patrona Tacos & Birria House food truck, and a cash bar on our beautiful National Historic Landmark campus!

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!

About the Exhibition
From soot on paper to felt, The Situated Body, an exhibition of the work of Mexican sculptor Jacobo Alonso, redefines the classical depictions of the human form through contemporary materials. Alonso transforms traditional drawing and sculptural practices into expressive and tactile abstractions, all referencing the configuration and movement of the human form. Inspired by both pre-Columbian traditions and the Art Center’s Mayan Revival architecture, his work, some created during his 2025 residency at A&H, challenges assumptions about form, identity, and materiality.
Alonso stated, “Each body possesses its own geography and undergoes numerous inevitable mutations that reveal the genealogy of its image and form. It is a territory inherent to the individual, tracing the constellation of their identity yet always appealing to an inherent instability”.
This exhibition is the first time that Alonso’s “fumage” works of soot on paper will be shown alongside his vibrant sculptural works of reconfigured felt.

All 2025-26 free programs at A&H are supported by a grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

The Situated Body: Reconfiguring the Symbolic
2026-01-24 11:00 - 2026-04-05 16:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
About the Exhibition
From soot on paper to felt, The Situated Body, an exhibition of the work of Mexican sculptor Jacobo Alonso, redefines the classical depictions of the human form through contemporary materials. Alonso transforms traditional drawing and sculptural practices into expressive and tactile abstractions, all referencing the configuration and movement of the human form. Inspired by both pre-Columbian traditions and the Art Center’s Mayan Revival architecture, his work, some created during his 2025 residency at A&H, challenges assumptions about form, identity, and materiality.
Alonso stated, “Each body possesses its own geography and undergoes numerous inevitable mutations that reveal the genealogy of its image and form. It is a territory inherent to the individual, tracing the constellation of their identity yet always appealing to an inherent instability”.
This exhibition is the first time that Alonso’s “fumage” works of soot on paper will be shown alongside his vibrant sculptural works of reconfigured felt.
Plan your visit >>

All 2025-26 free programs at A&H are supported by a grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

Last Wednesday at A&H
2026-01-28 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>>

All 2025-26 free programs at A&H are supported by a grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

Free Curator Tour
2026-01-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Join Chief Curator Dan L. Hess on a guided tour of The Situated Body: Reconfiguring the Symbolic by Jacobo Alonso
Get your FREE tickets here >>

This A&H curator-guided gallery tour offers a deep dive into the current exhibition The Situated Body: Reconfiguring the Symbolic, 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 The Situated Body: Reconfiguring the Symbolic:
From soot on paper to felt, The Situated Body, an exhibition of the work of Mexican sculptor Jacobo Alonso, redefines the classical depictions of the human form through contemporary materials. Alonso transforms traditional drawing and sculptural practices into expressive and tactile abstractions, all referencing the configuration and movement of the human form. Inspired by both pre-Columbian traditions and the Art Center’s Mayan Revival architecture, his work, some created during his 2025 residency at A&H, challenges assumptions about form, identity, and materiality.
This exhibition is the first time that Alonso’s “fumage” works of soot on paper will be shown alongside his vibrant sculptural works of reconfigured felt.
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.

Early Spring Family Day
2026-02-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Register Here!
Celebrate the first signs of spring with a family art workshop and craft stations, face painting, scavenger hunt and free museum admission!
Spring is beginning to bloom all around our campus! Families are invited to celebrate the first signs of a new season at our Early SpringFamily Day + Family Art Workshop, where children will hand-build their own clay pinch pots, and then embellish them with wonderful tiny treasures from our garden, like pressed flowers and leaves, mini stones and even bitty sea shells! Our pinch pots are inspired by A & H’s founding artist, J. André Smith, who was a sculpture artist, and they’ll be ready to take home after the workshop!
More information here!

Early Spring Family Day is sponsored by Massey Services. All 2025-26 free programs at A&H are supported by a grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

Made With Love - DIY Papermaking
2026-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Abbey Kish
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $45 + $10 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Get ready for Valentine’s Day by making your own paper to use as valentines, cards, notes, or anything else your heart desires! We will be creating beautifully textured handmade paper with personalized inclusions for Valentine’s Day. This is a great class to take with a loved one and learn a new, fun & easy craft. You will take home multiple pieces of handmade paper at the end of the workshop to use in any way you like. Great for all levels.
Register Here!

Watercolor Valentine's Day Cards
2026-02-12 18:00 - 21:00 | The Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Dr., Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
Instructor: Jami Akins
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $75 + $15 material fees
Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the day of the workshop.
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Join us for a fun, one-day workshop where you can hand-paint and decorate a set of unique Valentine’s Day cards. Spend a creative day with us and craft your own unique, hand-decorated cards. Explore different artistic mediums like watercolors, pens, and markers as you design up to 10 personalized cards. No experience is necessary—just bring your creativity, and we’ll provide all the supplies.
Register Here!

Homeschool Day at A&H: Architecture Tour & Outdoor Sketching in the Garden
2026-02-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Art & History Museums – Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751, United States
