Maitland Art Center and Museum
Jules Andre Smith (1880-1959) was a visionary.
An architect, with a degree from Cornell University, Smith was most interested in different art forms.
Etching became his art form of choice, winning a prestigious Gold Medal at the 1915 San Francisco Exhibition.
In addition to his etching successes, Smith became renowned in oils, watercolors, inks, sculpture and printmaking.
World War I was a busy and educational time for Smith.
Chosen as one of only eight artists assigned to capture the work and life of the American Expeditionary Force, Smith traveled with the Army Camouflage section documenting the trials and horrors of that conflict.
The Research Center
In 1937, Smith gave us all an incredible gift by founding the Research Center.
This novel place, now called the Maitland Art Center encourages artists to explore new directions and keep art fresh and alive.
- Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
- City of Orlando Public Arts
- Cornell Fine Arts Museum
- Harry P. Leu Gardens
- Holocaust Memorial Center
- Hurston Museum
- Kissimmee Air Museum
- Maitland Art Center and Museum
- Mennello Museum
- Morse Museum Of American Art
- Museum of Military History
- Orlando Fire Museum
- Orlando Science Center
- Osceola Pioneer Museum
- Outdoor Urban Art Museum Orlando Planned
- Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
- Wells'Built Museum of African American History
- Winter Garden Heritage Museum
Drawing on his architectural background, Smith both designed and carved the walls in Mayan and Aztec motifs, intermingled with traditional floral and garden scenes.
The result is nothing less than stunning.
Today, the Maitland Art Center is a busy place for resident and student artists.
A stop on numerous traveling exhibitions, Maitland proudly showcases certain works on a permanent basis.
Look for Smith’s art to be prominently displayed.
The Artists-in-Action program is a center stone for community art classes and support for new talent.
Expanded to several buildings, the center houses several unique museums.
Story of Maitland
The Maitland Historical Museum tells the story of Maitland, Florida through different exhibitions.
Maitland on the Move tells the story of Maitland’s growth and development, with emphasis on the natural surroundings, culture and education.
Destination Maitland champions the railroad and how the city flourished when becoming a regular railroad stop more than a century ago.
The We Make History Community Gallery is a marvelous place or oral stories, reminding us history is continual, not just some bygone era.
The Telephone Museum takes us back to 1910, when the Winter Park Telephone Company was started.
Enterprising Carl Galloway figured out a way to improve his grocery business; he installed public phones in the homes of his better customers.
Their ability to phone in grocery orders – no doubt with all the neighbors listening – saved customers time and increased Galloway’s grocery orders.
This fun museum displays telephone technology from beginning to today.
Serene Settings
Because of its serene and beautiful setting, events are a big business at the Maitland Art Center and Museum.
The Main Garden, with reflecting pond and fountains is formal, immaculate and perfect for gatherings of all types: weddings, reunions, company parties and more.
The Germaine Marvel Building is a smaller venue designated for company meetings, and smaller parties.
The Chapel and Mayan Courtyard is a wedding destination place.
The Chapel is small and intimate, but features ornate sculptures and distinctive carved floors. A small, pristine reflecting pond is the site for vows.
Larger weddings or receptions are best in the Mayan Courtyard.
This outdoor garden room, with impeccable landscaping is both romantic and ornate. An event held here is one to be cherished.
The Maitland Art Center and Museum has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982.
It is a happy, upbeat, progressive place.
Proudly supported and treasured by the community, its work should continue for decades to come.
