2026 Campaign to Launch A&H’s new Education Studios: From Beautiful Empty Rooms to Full Creative Communities
The new Education Studios are almost complete, and you can be part of this historic expansion!
These Studios are the first major expansion of the Maitland Art Center since lifetime of founder Jules André Smith (1880–1959). Designed by architect Mark Straite to reflect the Art Deco and Mayan Revival style of the National Historic Landmark campus, the two new buildings house ceramics, painting & drawing, printmaking and multi-purpose classrooms, along with an art gallery, surrounded by a cozy breezeway and a sculpture garden. This expansion will allow A&H to modernize and grow its Art School while also restoring the historic Studio Court to its original purpose as working artist spaces. The new Studios will be celebrated with an Open House, then open for Fall Art School classes on September 27.
Your support is needed to transform these beautiful new buildings into working classrooms.
The Education Studios are a $3.5 million project largely funded by the estate of Que Throm & Cicero Greathouse, along with Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. However, we need your help to get to the finishline. Our goal is to raise $250,000 – this includes the purchase of all equipment and furnishings, as well as operational needs.
The Difference You’ll Make
• 300% more students will be able to participate in Art School
• Classes are rooted in the unique history of the Art Center – created as a site to foster artistic experimentation
• These modern, state-of-the-art facilities maintain the intimacy & architectural character of the historic campus
• Gallery space allows student & instructor art to be shown, echoing the site’s original Laboratory Gallery, showcasing the experimental works
• Access to lifelong learning, for young adults to seniors, having a positive effect on physical, mental and social wellbeing
Your support is needed, whether you are…
A current Art School student who wants to give back to the class you love.
A past Art School student who wants to leave a legacy.
A friend of Que & Cicero who would like to honor their memory.
A supporter of Art & History Museums of Maitland’s mission.
Questions? Reach out to: development@artandhistory.org or 407.539.2181 x106
Benefits of Support
If giving $1,000+, your name (or a loved one’s name if giving in honor/memory) will be included on a beautiful display plaque in the breezeway/courtyard between the Studios. All donors will be thanked on our website (unless otherwise requested). Donors of $1,000+ will become members of our exclusive Landmark Society for the year.
Donors as of July 7
$10,000+ Silver Palette Donors:
Marcia Enos
$1,000+ Donors:
Cherie Dacko, in memory of Lorraine Sahler
All Donors:
