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As the nation’s 250th anniversary approaches, the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, will offer free admission throughout the month of July in celebration. Visitors can enjoy the museum’s Artspace and permanent collection, as well as special exhibitions, including “My Country, ’Tis of Thee: Celebrating American Art and Design.”

“American art tells the story of who we are, where we have been, and how we see ourselves,” said Victoria Billig, Appleton assistant director. “We invite visitors to spend time with the works featured in “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” and reflect on the many ways artists have interpreted the American experience.”

Free admission provides an opportunity for first-time and returning visitors alike to not only explore the museum’s galleries, but also participate in educational programming. On July 24 at 1 p.m., enjoy a free talk in the auditorium by Dr. Keri Watson: “Picturing Paradise: From John James Audubon to the Florida Highwaymen.” The Florida landscape has provided aesthetic inspiration to artists for centuries. Titian Ramsay Peale and John James Audubon came in search of native flora and fauna, followed by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Martin Johnson Heade, George Inness, Winslow Homer and Henry Ossawa Tanner, who were lured by its natural beauty and warm climate. Through their stories and artwork, this presentation offers an engaging overview of Florida’s landscape painting tradition. This talk is free to attend; no reservation needed. Auditorium seating is limited to 250 on a first-come, first-served basis.

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. For more information, call 352-291-4455, or visit .