For Immediate Release
4/1/2024
For more than seven years, Artify Ocala (formerly known as Art Army Ocala) has served the greater Marion County community in collaboration with more than 50 visual artists and performing artists from multiple disciplines. By partnering with eight local organizations and agencies, we’ve organized nearly 20 events providing opportunities to local artists and maximizing their exposure. Our mission is to deepen our connection to Ocala, strengthen our relationships in the community, and become a hub for diverse creativity to thrive.
Our Partnerships in the Community
We’re proud to work in Marion County through direct partnerships with the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks, the Cultural Arts Department, as well as the Marion County Library System.
We're also aligned with private organizations such as the Marion Cultural Alliance and the Magnolia Art Xchange.
We also work with a growing number of local galleries including NOMA Gallery, Shapot Gallery, 8th Avenue Gallery, and are enhancing those collaborative efforts through involvement with Ocala Studio and Gallery Tours.
Who Do We Work With?
As part of our mission to support the exposure of existing artists and encourage the growth of up-and-coming creators, Artify Ocala is proud to have worked with many local artists including names like :
Mel Fiorentino (Owner of NOMA Gallery, Professional Artist, and instructor)
Amanda Lyon (Multi-Media Artist and Gallery Curator)
Justin Alsedek (Multi award-winning professional artist and gallery manager at 8th Avenue Gallery)
Jordan Shapot (award-winning professional artist, gallery owner Shapot Gallery, and exhibit curator)
Casey Delaney (international performance artist classically trained circus performer and contortionist),
Joan McDonald (visual artist, performing artist, and comedian with numerous theatre roles)
We would also love.to work with You! If you are interested in learning about partnerships and volunteer opportunities reach us at: info@artifyocala.org
What Do We Do?
Artify Ocala is proud to provide the arts community with exciting events. We’ve partnered with 8th Avenue Gallery for the second year in a row to make the Battle of the Brushes the biggest event in the fundraiser’s history. This annual event awarded a combined $3,500 in cash prizes to competing artists and provided multiple paid opportunities for local musicians. More than $1,000 was raised for each beneficiary, including the Marion Cultural Alliance and Magnolia Art Xchange.
Through Brick City Glam, Artify Ocala has provided paid opportunities to more than 30 performers and supported and encouraged those exploring the Performing Arts through the Dazzling Daycamp Workshop.
Storytelling Knights makes table top role-playing games accessible and fun for players of all experience levels and ages. this free series takes collaborative storytelling and creative expression to new heights with a high-energy and welcoming environment.
Artify Ocala is Evolving
Art Army Ocala (now known as Artify Ocala) is further evolving to adopt an identity that more closely aligns with our direct mission in the Ocala community. That mission is to provide more opportunities for a larger and more diverse population that allows creatives to discover their inner artist and share their expression in a free and safe environment while enriching the experiences of all community members through art.
We have adopted a more targeted approach to reaching out goals and meeting these needs within the Ocala Metro and Greater Marion county areas. To strengthen this forward momentum, we have appointed a new Director to our Board as well. We welcomed James Darst III to our team in February!
Upcoming Artify Ocala Events
For the most up to date information on all of our events and outreach efforts, follow us on social media and visit our website:
On April 5th, Artify Ocala is partnering with Marion Cultural Alliance on an incredible art augmentation for the Upcycled 2: From Waste to Wonder exhibit. The greater Ocala Community is invited to experience a unique and exciting fashion show featuring articles of clothing designed with upcycled, recycled, and reused or repurposed items. The gallery will open to the general public from 6-7:30 pm during First Friday Art Walk festivities. This exhibit will be displayed from April 5 – 27, 2024 at The Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala.
On April 20th Artify Ocala is partnering with the Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at Earth Fest, celebrating Arbor Day at Tuscawilla Park. Storytelling Knights storytellers will weave an enchanting narrative enhanced by live painters telling the tales of some select long-standing trees in the park in a multi-media experience.
Later this summer, Artify Ocala will host the city's first-ever Burlesque Festival on June 23rd at the Marion Theater, more details to be announced in late April.
In partnership with the Reilly Center, Artify Ocala will host an Adult Spelling Bee to benefit the Marion Literacy Council. Details about the spelling bee in August are to be announced in coming weeks.
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