Ocala Metro Art Scene

02/28/2025

🎨 The Ocala art scene is buzzing this Saturday, March 1st! Explore Free First Saturday at the Appleton Museum from 10 am–5 pm, with family-friendly artmaking, free admission, and a talk at 11 am by MAX’s resident artists featured in “To the MAX.” Celebrate MAX's 10-year anniversary with an inspiring evening alumni showcase that journeys through artistic evolution. Finally, swing by 8th Ave. Gallery for a sneak peek of the Battle of the Brushes artists—it's your chance to meet the contenders behind the creativity. Make it an art-filled day! 🌟🖌️

02/20/2025

Are you hosting an amazing art-related event? Whether it's a jam session, exhibit, historical tour, or theatre program, promote your event on our website FOR FREE! 🎉

Take this opportunity to showcase our local talent and reach a wider audience! Register and share your event at https://ocalametroartscene.com/

02/19/2025

Discover exciting events happening in Marion County! From FREE events to a spectacular show at the Ocala Civic Theatre and creative workshops that spark joy, there's something for everyone! Explore local fun—check our website for all the details!

02/13/2025

🎨 Calling all local artists!✨ Exciting news! Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX) is on the lookout for their next Resident Artist! 🖌️ This is YOUR chance to secure a dedicated studio in a vibrant & creative community. Gain invaluable skills, experience, and networking opportunities to elevate your art career!

🗓️ Application Deadline: February 29th
📅 Residency Starts: April 1st

👉 Learn more & apply here: https://www.maxocala.org/resident-artists.html

Plus, don’t miss out on "The Art of Business" series at MAX—sign up for one class or the whole series and elevate your creative journey! 💡✨ Let’s create, connect, and thrive together!

👉 Learn more & apply here: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/event_step1/MjI2MDQy

02/12/2025

🎨💘 Need a date idea for Valentine’s weekend? Don’t just swipe right—swipe into the vibrant Ocala Art Scene! From toe-tapping concerts to brunches that'll make your heart skip a beat, there's something for everyone! 🌟💕Visit our website for more details.

02/06/2025

Ohhhhh! Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants... The Musical is coming to the Ocala Civic Theatre 😀 Auditions are February 10-11

Auditions for "The SpongeBob Musical" are on Monday, February 10, and Tuesday, February 11. All auditioners are now required to audition with the audition cut (song) of the characters for which they are auditioning.

For the audition cuts and more details, visit https://ocalametroartscene.com/event/the-spongebob-musical-auditions/

12/19/2024

THE NOT SO SOLO SHOW — B.L.U.E. - Saturday, December 21st from 6-10 pm at the Shapot Art Studio and Gallery!

Malcolm Omari Davis and Jordan Shapot present “Becoming Legendary Underneath Expectations,” a multifaceted art exhibition that delves into the profound depths of the color blue. Exploring themes of collaboration and triumph over adversity, B.L.U.E. celebrates the spirit of excelling past naysayers and overcoming self-doubt. Selected distinguished artists will contribute unique piece that embodies the resilience and unity reflected in the serene yet powerful hue of blue.

Enjoy an evening of: live music, artist talks, curator presentations, food + drinks, art, and entertainment.
A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Magnolia Art Exchange

12/12/2024

Call to artists! Check out all the open calls on https://www.ocalametroartscene.com/categories/open-calls-for-artists/

Get ready to shine in 2025 with THREE incredible opportunities to showcase your talent! Whether you're a painter, sculptor, or digital creator, we want you to be part of this thriving creative community.

Here are the current opportunities:
📖Artify Ocala's Storytelling Knights Exhibition- This exhibition offers a platform for artists to explore the realms of fantasy, where creativity knows no bounds and storytelling comes alive through visual art. Deadline to submit is December 22!
🛍️The Shop Spring 2025 Consignment- MCA's Gallery Shop's latest selection of local fine arts & crafts - Deadline to submit is January 13!
🖼️❤️‍🩹Arts and Health Exhibition- Marion Cultural Alliance, in partnership with Arts in Health Ocala Metro, is excited to announce a call for art for our upcoming exhibition focused on the theme of health and wellbeing.

👉We invite local artists working in ANY medium to submit entries that fit the theme within these open calls. All entries are reviewed by MCA's Gallery Committee via ArtCall only. There's no fee to enter any of these, but artists must be an active MCA member to participate. Not a member yet? Join online today at mcaocala.org!

To read each call's details, guidelines and to submit your art, please visit mcaocala.org/calls-to-artists, and select the entry link for the call you wish to submit to. For specific questions or concerns, contact us at [email protected]

12/11/2024

Ready to unleash your creativity this December? Join the fabulous Denaya Wilkerson at MAX for yoga & dance sessions that will get you moving and grooving! 💃🧘‍♀️ And don’t miss her Monday pine needle basket weaving class in the Shores – art meets nature! Dive into fun, connect with local talent, and embrace adventure!

12/06/2024

🎨🔥 The deadline is NEAR for the ultimate showdown: Battle of the Brushes Round 4! 🌟 Will YOU be one of the 9 fierce competitors creating LIVE art on a massive 4ft x 4ft canvas? Round 3 Champion, Mel Fiorentino, will return to defend her title against last year's people’s choice German Lemus, gallery’s choice Jordan Shapot and nine (9) other Artists (could be you!). On March 22, 2025 at 8th Ave. Gallery, painting will begin promptly at 1:30pm following the opening ceremony and brushes will stop at 8:30pm. Three (3) Judges will then select a winner and the final people’s choice votes will be cast and tallied.

Don’t miss out— for more information and to apply by the DEADLINE, Sunday, December 8th, 2024 (by midnight) visit https://battleofthebrushes4.artcall.org/

11/29/2024

🎶✨ This holiday season, let the magic of music fill the air! Gather your loved ones and embark on a festive concert adventure that will jingle your joy! From cheerful carols to rocking rhythms, each note is a memory waiting to be made. Who are you bringing along for this merry ride?

For more details or to see what else is happening in town, visit our website at https://www.ocalametroartscene.com/

11/27/2024

Join from Dec. 5-12, for an open painting party led by the talented ! All supplies & instruction are included for just $75 ($40 for kids). Create a masterpiece to keep or gift this holiday season! 🎁 Spots are limited—email [email protected] to reserve your spot!

11/27/2024

🗣️ Call to Florida artists and vendors! Ocala Cultural Arts invites you to the second annual OTrak Chalk Walk on January 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Along the OTrak leading to Tuscawilla Art Park, watch professional and student artists create stunning chalk art inspired by Florida’s “Natural Wonders, Great and Small.” Attendees can enjoy live music, local artisans, food trucks, and interactive family-friendly art activities in the park.

🚨The DEADLINE to apply is Sunday, December 1st !

If you’re interested in participating, visit our website (link in bio) or http://www.ocalafl.gov/artpark

11/20/2024

Kick off the holiday magic this weekend at the Magnolia Art Xchange! Enjoy the Winter Collaborative Show that will feature MAX’s six talented Resident Artists, and their new residents Tyrek Studivant and Zee Reyes. This exhibition is curated by Sarah Lajealle will be filled with festive, whimsical holiday themes that are sure to enchant and inspire. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a variety of artworks and creative styles while mingling with our community of artists.

11/19/2024

An amazing opportunity for a local photographer! See the details below👇

The Magnolia Art Xchange is seeking a skilled photographer to join our creative community and help us professionally photograph artwork on a monthly basis. If you have an eye for detail and a passion...

11/12/2024

Celebrate the arts with MCA with their 17th annual Applaud the Arts: Surrealist Ball, this Thursday, November 14, at the NOMA Black Box! The doors open at 5:43, where guests will enjoy an amazing Surreal-themed spread by La Casella (Hello, Bird Nests with Golden Chocolate Eggs 🐣🍫), live entertainment by Artify Ocala, and beats by DJWON6. They will announce the 2024-2025 Cultural Grants recipients! They are giving away a whopping $60,000 to 11 incredible arts organizations!

There will be a People’s Choice award for the best costume and Ocala Magazine will be there to feature the best dressed in a fashion spread! Get your tickets: onecau.se/applaudthearts

10/30/2024

Get a sneak peek and learn more about the upcoming show!

Join us before the show on opening night of "The Glass Menagerie" for DRINKS WITH THE DIRECTOR!

Hosted by OCT Executive & Artistic Director Greg Thompson and OCT audience favorite Scott Fitzgerald, this lively cocktail hour is a (spoiler-free!) sneak peek at the show you’re just about to see. You’ll meet the directors and designers whose collective creative vision has brought "The Glass Menagerie" to life, with opportunities for Q&A. Enjoy complimentary light hors d’oeuvres and a private bar with drinks for sale.

This intimate interlude is held from 6-7 p.m. in Studio A before the curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Come celebrate with us and say cheers to the excitement of opening night!

Admission is free to DRINKS WITH THE DIRECTOR. RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/27eHimiDka

10/25/2024

CALL TO ARTISTS!! DEADLINE QUICKLY APPROACHING!

The Shapot Art Gallery invites artists to submit their work for HOME, an upcoming exhibition that explores the meaning of "home." Whether it’s a physical space, an emotional refuge, or a memory that holds significance, we encourage artists to share their personal interpretations of what home means to them. This is an opportunity to showcase diverse perspectives and expressions of comfort, belonging, and identity. Let your creativity flow and help us celebrate the many layers of "home" in this unique show.

Submissions are now open! You have until midnight NOVEMBER 2nd to submit your work: https://forms.gle/j7ZcREGzDa78dMMq6

Interested in submitting?
All submissions must adhere to the following rules:
*Artwork must relate to the show theme "home". Some ideas might include local landmarks, a fond memory, or someone you love
*Artists are allowed to submit only 1 artwork each
*Artwork may not exceed 48" height
*All mediums will be considered
*You must submit your art through the Google form (link above) by Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 11:59 PM EST. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
*In addition to the Google form, you must email high quality photographs of your art to [email protected] by Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 11:59 PM EST
*All submitting artists will be notified of acceptance by Monday, November 4th, 2024
*Artwork being mailed needs to be able to be easily repackaged in the case of it not selling during the exhibit. Shipped artwork must be received by Wednesday, November 6th. Artist is responsible for all shipping costs.
*Accepted artists will need to deliver their artwork to Shapot Art Gallery (2318 NE 8th Rd., Ocala, FL 34470) on Wednesday, November 6th, 10 AM - 9 PM