The Historic Thomas Center

12/09/2024

11/15/2024

We would like to congratulate our long-term partner in creating amazing art in the City of Gainesville and at the Historic Thomas Center Galleries, Mr. Randy Baptista for being a recipient for the National Medal of Arts presented by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

"Randy was honored for "focusing the lens on human nature. Born in Tampa, Florida, to Italian and Cuban immigrants and raised on both sides of the Straits of Florida, Randy Batista is known as the people’s photographer. With the camera as his sixth sense of deep empathy, he captures people’s pain and challenges us to respect their inherent dignity." White House Statement

Randy has photographed many of our award- winning exhibitions such at "Into the Woods and Out of the Woods," which opened in 2022 and exhibited his works in galleries throughout the City of Gainesville and the University of Florida.

Congratulations Randy!

10/26/2024

We had a wonderful time at our GNV Arts Network meeting yesterday!

Thank you Jessica Hurov and Liz Reyes, from Visit Gainesville/Alachua County Tourism office. The information provided on marketing, branding and grant opportunities is invaluable. The arts group had many questions.

Jernie, a local artist and an artist with Shands Arts in Medicine led attendees in a fun music circle.

Our reception was generously provided by Linda Blondheim.

10/02/2024

A very special thank you to The Thomas Center Associates for installing our the new lighting.

Our period rooms are lovely!

09/25/2024

We had a wonderful time hosting UF Museum Co-Director Dr. Porcia Moore and the UF Museum Studies students. We are looking forward to working with the students on future projects.

09/25/2024

09/25/2024

We were thrilled to host Dr. Porcia Moore, Co-Director of UF Museum Studies Department and museum students here at the Thomas Center yesterday. We look forward to working with the Dr. Moore and her students on future projects history projects on the Historic Thomas Center.

09/20/2024

The works of the late Jessie James Aaron now on display in the Doris Bardon Mezzanine Gallery.

The City of Gainesville currently owns a permanent art collection. This fall, we are pleased to showcase the work of folk artist, the late Jessie Aaron from the Jessie Aaron collection.

We invite you to stop by and see this creative work of art of a man whose work was discovered late in life.

Curated by Anne Gilroy and Angela DeCarlis.

Here is a video clip from our 2016 exhibition "Tree of Life."

Tree of Life: The Work of Jesse Aaron on exhibit at the Thomas Center Gallery located in Gainesville's historic Thomas Center features the sculptural artwork...

09/04/2024

Your guide to what's happening in City of Gainesville - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA). Something for everyone!

Want to know what's going on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA)? What exciting programming can you, your family or friends sign up for? Then take a look at the PRCA Fall/Winter Seasonal Guide!

It includes everything from sports to nature to cultural programming, pool hours, rental facilities and more!!

gainesvillefl.gov/guide

09/04/2024

Want to know what's going on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA)? What exciting programming can you, your family or friends sign up for? Then take a look at the PRCA Fall/Winter Seasonal Guide!

It includes everything from sports to nature to cultural programming, pool hours, rental facilities and more!!

gainesvillefl.gov/guide

08/20/2024

Santa Fe Jr. College: Educational Facility

In 1968, the Thomas family decided to sell their property. The new owners leased the buildings and grounds to Santa Fe Junior College for seven years.

To learn more of the history of the Historic Thomas Center, schedule your docent tour or use our self-guided tour.

08/04/2024

Thomas Hall, one of the oldest buildings at the University of Florida was named after our founder Major William R. Thomas, after he donated 517 acres to bring the University of Florida to Gainesville instead of Lake City.

To learn more about Major Thomas and his influence in Gainesville, schedule a tour with our docent, through Thomas Center Associates