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“Gladys Shafran Kashdin’s Garden of Ideas ” is on view now at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida. Blending organic elements of nature with other recurring themes from throughout her life, Kashdin (1921–2014) created an opus of expressive art, complemented by a legacy of thoughtful philanthropy.

Born in Ohio in 1921 and raised during the Great Depression, Kashdin learned early about hard work and self-reliance. Rigorous study culminated in a Ph.D. in Humanities and Aesthetics and a career teaching at the University of South Florida. In her personal work, she explored depictions of plant life and natural formations, seamlessly infusing these images with ideas of spirituality, mythology and womanhood. Using mixed media, abstract techniques and skillful expression, she blended the natural world through the lens of her personal aesthetic.

Kashdin’s impact and accomplishments extend far beyond her own creations. While in Tampa, she was a key figure in the creation of the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). A cornerstone figure in Florida’s art community, her collaboration with Kenneth Colen in the formation of the Appleton’s Ina Gotler-Colen and Gladys Shafran Kashdin Endowed Fund for Florida Artists has significantly aided in the institution’s ability to acquire works by Florida artists.

Featuring five paintings and nearly a dozen prints, “Gladys Shafran Kashdin’s Garden of Ideas” is on view through Aug. 23 in the museum’s second-floor Preview Gallery.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. For more information, call 352-291-4455, or visit AppletonMuseum.org.