This traveling exhibit will be on display starting in May at the Hart Memorial Library. Every month the exhibit will go to different branch locations:

World War I: Lessons and Legacies explores “the war to end all wars” and its lasting impact and far-reaching influence on American life. Sparked by the assassination of one man, the war eventually included the forces of the world’s major industrial powers (over 18 countries) and ended with millions dead. Beyond the countries involved and people affected, World War I gave rise to significant and enduring changes in America. Wartime technologies and medical advances resulted in new industries and novel ways to fight disease and treat disability. The roles that women and minorities filled in the war led to the right to vote for women and a raised consciousness of civil rights issues throughout society. From the Great Migration to the 1918 flu pandemic and from the unionization movement to women’s suffrage, World War I led to pivotal changes in America’s culture, technology, economy, and role in the world. It redefined how we saw ourselves as Americans and its legacy continues today.

World War I: Lessons and Legacies is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the National Museum of American History, in cooperation with the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission. It is funded in part by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.

This exhibit is on display Friday, July 19 – Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Artist, Rick de Yampert, statement on the exhibit:

“I transform my extensive collection of crow photographs into surreal and magical landscapes using digital techniques. These images, captured in my Palm Coast, FL backyard, remain true to the natural form of the crows, untouched by Photoshop or AI.”

In his latest work and accompanying book “Crows and Ravens: Mystery, Myth, and Magic of Sacred Corvids,” Rick de Yampert explores the intelligence and spiritual significance of crows and ravens across cultures. His art celebrates these creatures as sacred embodiments of nature, particularly revered in Pagan spirituality.

Discover the rich mythology and spiritual insights surrounding crows and ravens in Rick de Yampert’s book. From ancient traditions to modern practices, learn rituals and meditations to incorporate these mystical birds into your spiritual journey.

Questions or to purchase art contact Rick at sitarick@rickdeyampert.com.

This exhibit is on display Monday, May 27 – Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Osceola County School District graphic design teacher Jenny Mohess hails from Trinidad and Tobago and has lived in Osceola County for over 23 years. She stepped onto Valencia College’s campus in 2000 as an international student. She earned he Associate of Science in Graphics from Valencia College, a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of South Florida, and a master’s degree in art education from Boston University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership. Another milestone for Ms. Mohess was becoming a United States citizen in 2012. These experiences led to a career at Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corp and allowed her to own a design studio. Jenny has also taught at Valencia College for over 15 years and has found a genuine purpose for mentoring future graphic/web designers through the Valencia Graphics Program.

In 2018, she worked on a project to take the graphics program into the Osceola School District and build the program at Tohopekaliga High School—a new STEAM high school with a focus on arts and career and technical education. The program is now the #1 program in the district and won an Adobe World Champion Design Competition in 2022 after four short years of being active. Jenny has made it her mission to live her passion of being a servant leader in her community and will fight for all rights of students despite where they come from. She strongly believes if they work hard, they can achieve anything. 

For more information on the Arts in Public Places Program contact Tre@osceolaarts.org or Marilyn@osceolaarts.org

This exhibit is on display from Monday, May 20 – Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Annie Espejo has always been passionate about art. She finds ways to infuse her creativity into everything she does. Espejo blends her love of writing and poetry with her art, creating pieces that resonate with the viewer. The Annie Espejo “Diversified” exhibition at Poinciana Library represents how art embodies her essence. Espejo has struggled with fitting into a particular style. Her eagerness to explore all artistic styles and mediums has given her a broader outlook on how unique and diverse her work has become. She creates art that speaks to everyone. “I am an Artist for the People, and My Art is Me,” says Espejo. 

For questions please contact tre@osceolaarts.org

This exhibit is on display from Monday, May 13 – Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Deivi Sanchez’s art is deeply introspective, drawing from personal experiences and cultural influences. His work represents life as a connection to the natural world and a reflection on the cycles of growth and change. Sanchez’s work is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, using colors to convey meaning beyond aesthetics. Nostalgia being described as an ally in loneliness, silences, and the artist’s path hints at a longing for the past or a reflection on memories that shape one’s identity. Sanchez paints under black light adding an intriguing layer to his work suggesting that there is more to the art than initially meets the eye. This duality of presentation hints at hidden depths and complexities within the artwork, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface and explore deeper meanings of his creative journey.

For more information contact Tre@osceolaarts.org or zahord86@gmail.com