Community Calendar

La Grande Illusion is a major exhibition of works by internationally acclaimed artist, Brian Maguire. The exhibition spans two decades of work that spotlights the artist’s lifelong quest to draw attention to global injustices, war, and human rights. One of Ireland's leading cultural figures, Maguire has turned the practice and tradition of painting into acts of visual testimony. Maguire’s paintings are global in scope and are derived from projects undertaken between 2007 and 2024 in Mexico, the Mediterranean, Syria, Sudan, the United States, and the Amazon. Maguire's artworks are painted from direct experience and involve the artist spending extensive time on the ground with the communities that welcome him. The results are, plainly put, paintings that visualize the commonality of human suffering and dramatize the plight of people in need.

A Return to Espero highlights André Smith’s artistic metamorphosis following a near-death experience. The exhibition features personal letters exchanged with philanthropist Mary Curtis Bok, many of which were illustrated by Smith himself. This exhibition chronicles Smith’s personal journey that contributed to the creation of the Research Studio, known as today’s Maitland Art Center. These artifacts, alongside several of his unseen artworks, explore themes of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of art. Bok and Smith’s correspondence reflects a shared vision and commitment to pushing Floridian artistic exploration.

Sam Hamilton/Sam Tam Ham (b. 1984, Auckland, New Zealand/Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa) created Te Moana Meridian as a vessel for proposing a radical new United Nations General Assembly Draft Resolution to formally relocate the prime meridian from Greenwich, London, to Te Moana-Nui-ā-Kiwa/the South Pacific Ocean. Since its inception at an 1884 conference in Washington D.C., the prime meridian has functioned to implicitly serve the ambitions of the British colonial empire. Rather than serving as a "beacon of humanity," the prime meridian today more resembles a bygone imperial relic. As an original operatic performance and five-channel video installation, Te Moana Meridian proposes to elect a new "center of the world" while acknowledging that doing so has the potential to reframe the dynamics of global power.

Encaustic paint, an ancient art medium made from melted wax and pigment, is incredibly versatile. There are so many ways it can be manipulated – painting, layering, embedding, incising, mark-making, and sculpting, just to name a few. Whether this is your first foray into the medium or you’re an experienced encaustic artist, together we will explore the world of encaustics and take your work to the next level! This eight-week course for beginning and advanced students will focus on incising, layering, mark-making, pigment sticks, mixed media collage, mono-types, and 3D works. Come join us for a waxy adventure!

Ages 55+ | Beginner-Intermediate Level

Wednesdays, Sep 10 - Nov 15 | 1:00–4:00 PM (8 classes)
(No class 10/8)

A&H invites lifetime learners like you to discuss fascinating topics anchored in Central Florida history, arts, and culture. 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. The talk situates Smith’s work within the broader context of early 20th-century modernist trends in America and abroad.

Step into the shadows of history as the Richey Suncoast Theatre presents “Ghosts, Legends & Lore: A Haunted History of West Pasco” with historian, genealogist, and author Madonna Wise. This spine-tingling event takes place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM and blends local history with chilling tales from Pasco County’s past.

Known for her deep knowledge of Florida history, Madonna Wise will guide audiences through a journey into the county’s haunted folklore and ghostly legends. Adding to the mystery, paranormal investigator Nicole Ferro will join the program, bringing real-world experience in exploring the unexplained. Together, they will weave fact, folklore, and firsthand accounts into an evening where history meets the supernatural.

Details:
• Event: Ghosts, Legends & Lore: A Haunted History of West Pasco
• Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Venue: Richey Suncoast Theatre
• Location: 6237 Grand Boulevard, New Port Richey, 34652
• Tickets: General Admission $20 (non-members)
$15* for WPHS & RST members (all tickets plus taxes & fees)
https://ci.ovationtix.com/36105/production/1249061?performanceId=11683641
*Promo Codes:
WPHS Members Promo Code: Haunted
RST Members Promo Code: RSTHaunted2025

Relive the timeless magic of Peter, Paul & Mary with the captivating sounds of A Band Called Honalee. This modern-day folk trio brings to life classics such as “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Blowing in the Wind,” and “Puff the Magic Dragon”. Featuring stirring vocal harmonies and musicianship, this show also pays tribute to legends like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, and more.

Go nose to nose with Big John, the World’s Largest Triceratops, in an immersive and playful dinosaur exhibit at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Downtown Tampa. Whether you have a child at home or not, all are welcome to visit this colossal exhibit, 66 million years in the making.

La Grande Illusion is a major exhibition of works by internationally acclaimed artist, Brian Maguire. The exhibition spans two decades of work that spotlights the artist’s lifelong quest to draw attention to global injustices, war, and human rights. One of Ireland's leading cultural figures, Maguire has turned the practice and tradition of painting into acts of visual testimony. Maguire’s paintings are global in scope and are derived from projects undertaken between 2007 and 2024 in Mexico, the Mediterranean, Syria, Sudan, the United States, and the Amazon. Maguire's artworks are painted from direct experience and involve the artist spending extensive time on the ground with the communities that welcome him. The results are, plainly put, paintings that visualize the commonality of human suffering and dramatize the plight of people in need.

A Return to Espero highlights André Smith’s artistic metamorphosis following a near-death experience. The exhibition features personal letters exchanged with philanthropist Mary Curtis Bok, many of which were illustrated by Smith himself. This exhibition chronicles Smith’s personal journey that contributed to the creation of the Research Studio, known as today’s Maitland Art Center. These artifacts, alongside several of his unseen artworks, explore themes of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of art. Bok and Smith’s correspondence reflects a shared vision and commitment to pushing Floridian artistic exploration.