ARTS & EVENTS

It is only fitting that the opening exhibition of the Crealde School of Art’s 40th Anniversary season showcases seldom-seen paintings by founder Bill Jenkins. A total of more than 30 paintings, on loan from the University of Central Florida and private collections, have been assembled for the first time, revealing the artistry of Visionary Bill Jenkins: Crealdé Founder, Artist and Philanthropist. Jenkins, who moved to Winter Park following service in Work War II, established Jenkins Construction Company and embraced various civic causes, including founding the nonprofit art school in 1975.

An accomplished painter himself, Jenkins trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Art in Florence, Italy, and later worked with the Veterans Administration to start a rehabilitation program that incorporated art therapy. His vividly colorful works, some of which document his travels in Europe and some of which depict rural life in the Deep South, will be shared between the Alice & William Jenkins Gallery at Crealdé’s main campus (600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park) and the Hannibal Square Heritage Center (600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park). The exhibition runs through Jan. 31 at both venues, and admission is free. Call 407-671-1886 or visit crealde.org for more information.