Art Galleries

The Galleries of the Historic Thomas Center

The Galleries at the Historic Thomas Center are dedicated to bringing inspiration to both art patrons and artists of the region, with vibrant, challenging exhibitions throughout the year.

Thomas Center Gallery

Formerly the kitchen of the Thomas residence and later the hotel, the Thomas Center Gallery is an intimate and inviting gallery space on the ground floor just off the Spanish Court. In recent years, the Thomas Center Gallery has showcased three national debuts of artists with ties to the local community: sculptor Jesse Aaron, painter Eddy Mumma, and printmaker Louise Leak. Year-round, visitors can expect thought-provoking exhibitions featuring regional, national and international work of excellence.

Exhibitions

The Doris Bardon Gallery

Under the glass atrium ceiling over the Spanish Court, the second floor of the Historic Thomas Center houses The Doris Bardon Gallery. The open space particularly lends itself to exhibitions of large contemporary works which are enhanced by natural light and can be experienced from both close viewing distance and across the majestic open architecture.

In 2018, an endowment gift of $50,000 was made by the Arts Association of Alachua County to the Gainesville Arts & Parks Foundation in honor of the late arts leader Doris Bardon, and the gallery was dedicated The Doris Bardon Gallery in recognition of the generous gift. A woman of passion, intellect and talent, Doris Bardon was an author, musician, hotel and gallery owner, advocate for many causes, and member of many civic boards, a number of which she helped found. Proceeds from The Doris Bardon Endowment will support programming and events of the Thomas Center Galleries.

Each year in late winter, The Doris Bardon Gallery showcases the work of local students through a partnership with the Alachua County Public Schools Visual Arts Program.

Exhibitions