“THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE”: The fast-paced, phonetic musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the newest production from the Hipp Theatre, focuses on an eclectic group of six young people who compete in the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Eight spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. Complete with audience participation and plenty of effortless improv, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” guarantees a one-of-a-kind, musical theater performance that spells F-U-N! Catch a preview show at 7 p.m. May 29-30, then regular-season shows will begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through July 21. The Hippodrome Theatre is located at 25 SE Second Place. Tickets run $10 to $30. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit thehipp.org/the-25th-annual-putnam-county-spelling-bee. Content Advisory: PG-13. Play discusses race, LGBTQ+ themes, and has some profanity and strong language.
JULY 5 THROUGH AUGUST
“UNAPOLOGETIC VOL. 2, THE CENSORSHIP OF BLACKNESS”: The Cotton Club Museum has announced the opening of “Unapologetic Vol. 2, the Censorship of Blackness,” exhibiting the works of artist Yvonne Ferguson. This exhibit is a sequel to her “Unapologetic!” exhibit from 2022. “Unapologetic Vol. 2” explores the censorship in the history of the people of the African diaspora. The exhibit will be at the Cotton Club Museum through the end of August. The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center is an organization dedicated to enriching the experiences of all who wish to grow in knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture of African-derived cultures, highlighting those in Gainesville and North Central Florida. The museum is located at 837 SE Seventh Ave. and is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
JULY 5 THROUGH EARLY 2025
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“VOICES AND VOTES: ALACHUA COUNTY”: The Matheson History Museum is hosting an exhibition titled “Voices and Votes: Alachua County” that focuses on the local history of elections, civil rights and more. Researched and curated by Liam Shanley and Willett Hancock, the local history exhibition will be on display through early 2025. It has been created in partnership with the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections and the League of Women Voters of Alachua County as an addition to an upcoming touring exhibit titled “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America.” For more information, visit mathesonmuseum.org. The Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E. University Ave. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.
JULY 12 THROUGH JULY 14
GFAA ARTIST STUDIO TOUR: Each July, over one weekend, the Gainesville Fine Arts Association (GFAA) showcases working artists in the Gainesville area who open up their studios for the self-guided GFAA Artist Studio Tour. This year’s opportunity to witness art in the making kicks off with a party from 6 to 9 p.m. July 12 at the GFAA Gallery, and continues with the Artist Studio Tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 13 and July 14. The Artist Studio Tour not only offers impromptu demonstrations and examples of the artistic process in various stages, but allows for conversation and learning at each stop about their process, seeing that process in action, and purchasing a wide range of original works of art directly from each artist. The kickoff party will be held at GFAA Gallery, 1314 S. Main St. Many tour artists will be in attendance, and the “Summer Showcase” exhibit will be on display in the gallery featuring a variety of local artists across different mediums. Artist Studio Tour brochures will be available at GFAA Gallery and, during the tour, at every artist studio if you prefer paper maps. Otherwise, use the interactive online map to navigate to each studio. Artist information and an interactive map can be found at gfaastudiotour.org.
ONGOING“WEAVING A COMMUNITY: 30 YEARS OF THE MATHESON HISTORY MUSEUM”: In the late 1980s, Gainesville had a well-documented and researched history, numerous nationally-recognized historical sites, and multiple civic organizations centered around the preservation and proliferation of local history. What it did not have was a centralized place dedicated to that rich local history, where the accumulated knowledge and artifacts of the last two centuries could be housed and protected. This year, the Matheson History Museum will commemorate its 30th anniversary of meeting that need. To celebrate, “Weaving a Community” will take an all-encompassing view of the Matheson's history and its origins. The exhibition reveals the museum's roots through the history of the Matheson family, the American Legion Hall and the wider civil society. It presents its history in an unbroken tapestry, revealing interesting and intertwined threads that tie the museum, the history of Gainesville and the community together. The museum’s hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and is located at 513 E. University Ave. For more information, call 378-2280 or visit mathesonmuseum.org.
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