Amelia Island Plantation Community Association (AIPCA) members filled the Sunset Room in The Oaks Community Center April 27 to hear University of North Florida (UNF) art history professor Dr. Debra Murphy speak about Dutch master Johannes Vermeer, currently the subject of a “once in a lifetime” exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Murphy, the inaugural chair of the Department of Art and Design at UNF, provided insights into Vermeer’s life and art and shared her own experiences visiting the Rijksmuseum exhibit. She has been recognized for outstanding teaching by UNF, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, and the Southeastern College Art Conference.
Among those in the audience at The Oaks was Dr. Kaveri Subrahmanyam, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest of the five colleges that make up the University of North Florida. The college has almost 300 faculty members and 15 academic departments, including the Department of Art, Art History, and Design.
Murphy’s presentation in AIP was held in conjunction with UNF’s community outreach program as part of Thoughtful Thursday, AIPCA Community Life’s ongoing series of engaging, informative presentations for residents.
“It was exciting to have someone of Dr. Murphy’s caliber come speak to our members and an honor to have Dr. Subrahmanyam attend as well,” said AIPCA Executive Director Tim Digby. “We look forward to collaborating again with UNF community outreach to have more outstanding professors share their expertise with our community members.”