PRCA News

The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department is pleased to announce a special tribute concert Sat. Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Thomas Center to mark the 45th anniversary of the release of Carole King’s landmark, multi-award winning “Tapestry” album. “Carole King’s Tapestry... Rewoven” will feature some of Gainesville’s finest musicians including Cathy DeWitt, Mike Boulware, Janet Rucker, Don David, Heather Hall, Maggie Rucker, Carolina Boulware and Ben Grier, along with bassist Ron Thomas, drummer Rob Rothschild and other special guests. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door the day of the show - cash or check only, please.

The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department was honored to accept the contribution of “The Thomas Center Quilt,” a “slice quilt” depicting the exterior of the Historic Thomas Center in 12 custom designed panels from members of the Fiber Art Bee, part of the Quilters of Alachua County Day Guild. The quilt is now on display in the Mary F. Prosen Conference Room on the Mezzanine level of the Thomas Center which overlooks the Spanish Court.

The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA) is proud to announce Ironwood Golf Course has retained its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Interim Golf Course Manager Jeff Cardozo led the effort to maintain sanctuary status on this course. Ironwood Golf Course was first designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 1999, and continues to be one of 897 courses in the world to currently be designated as such.

The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department is pleased to announce that the Historic Thomas Center has been once again selected as a 2016 winner of WeddingWire.com’s Couples’ Choice Award.

For two weekends each year, the clear blast of trumpets mingles with the laughter of children as the kingdom of Hoggetowne opens its gates. Performers in period garb sing and dance in the streets, while knights joust on horseback and magicians captivate the crowds. Tucked away in the enchanted forest of the Alachua County Fairgrounds in Gainesville, Florida, this medieval marketplace will come to life Jan. 30-31 and Feb. 5-7.

This week, phase two of the 352Walls public art project kicks off with the creation of a large-scale mural by the famous duo of artists, Interesni Kazki, who hail from the Ukraine. It will be located on the side of the Market Street Pub building at Southwest First Avenue and Southwest First Street. The artists are expected paint outside for at least 10 days, starting Wednesday, Jan. 13. The public is encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity, visit the site and witness the live creation of the latest 352wall and the masterful work process of this world-renowned duo in the urban art scene

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, in cooperation with Shakerag Culture Center, Inc., is pleased to announce a special, free Jewel Box Concert at the Historic Thomas Center, Friday, Jan.15 at 7:30 p.m., featuring the award-winning Elio’s Quartet playing selections from their newly released CD “Pathway.” This concert follows the 5:30 p.m. opening reception for the Thomas Center Galleries’ new exhibition Anima Unveiled: The Self by Emanuel Torres Pérez.

The newly formed Gainesville Arts & Parks (GAP) Foundation, Inc. is hosting its community launch Friday, Jan. 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the Historic Thomas Center, which is located at 302 NE Sixth Ave. The event will showcase some of the best arts, parks and programs the city has to offer. The GAP Foundation will also start the year with a new member on its board of directors, Angela Pate.