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Marion Cultural Alliance

June

2025

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Updates from MCA

A Message from Jaye Baillie APR, MCA Executive Director

🍋☀️ MCA's Summer Block pARTy: A Taste of the Amalfi Coast! ☀️🍋

Get ready to be transported to the sun-drenched shores of southern Italy! Join Marion Cultural Alliance for our Summer Block pARTy VIP Reception on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5–7 PM at The Brick City Center for the Arts — and this year, we’re bringing the Amalfi Coast to Ocala!

Picture this: lemon-inspired cocktails, zesty summer tapas, and vibrant music filling the air as you stroll among more than 75 original 12x12 works of art created by our talented local and regional artists. This year's exhibit celebrates all things Summer — from bold colors and playful patterns to the creative energy that makes the season unforgettable.

🎨 Enjoy:

Lemon-themed refreshments & signature beverages 🍋
Stunning art blocks that reflect summer’s spirit
Photo ops perfect for your next sunny selfie
An interactive art experience
The chance to mingle with the artists behind the magic

VIP ticket prices are $50 for members (non-MCA members $55). Funds raised benefit Marion Cultural Alliance, its programs, and initiatives to support local artists, arts organizations, and arts educators in Marion County.

🌟 VIP Experience: One ticket = one original painting! VIP guests will be entered into an exciting art drawing. As names are drawn, guests will get to choose their favorite artwork to take home — a truly unique opportunity to collect a one-of-a-kind piece!

🎉 Remaining blocks will be available and on display in the gallery through June 21, but the party starts June 6 — and themed attire (think Amalfi-chic: breezy linens, citrus prints, and coastal glam) is highly encouraged!

☀️All MCA members are invited to join the festivities (tickets are not required to attend the party). Don’t miss this unforgettable night of art, flavor, and Summer vibes — only at MCA’s Summer Block pARTy! Tickets are limited. Secure yours now and be part of the art!

Questions? Contact MCA at gallery@mcaocala.org or call 352-369-1500.

The MCA Cultural Grants Season is Underway!

Ocala/Marion County arts, culture, or historic nonprofit organizations are awarded grants to enhance, expand, or support their artistic or cultural endeavors.

Cultural Grants are available for all artistic disciplines, including: music, theater, dance, visual arts, cinema, literary arts, folk arts, and photography. Historical and scientific museums may also apply. Deadline to apply is July 18, 2025 b 5pm. Click Here to Learn More!

A Message from Ashley Justiniano, Chief Arts Officer

🎨✨ Sip, Shop & Support Local Art at MCA’s Annual yART Sale VIP Party! ✨🎨

Mark your calendars and raise a glass to creativity! 🍷 Join MCA for our much-anticipated VIP Pre-Sale "SIP & SHOP" Party on Tuesday, July 1, from 5–7 PM at The Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala.

This exclusive evening kicks off our annual yART Sale — where art meets community in the most unforgettable way.

🖼️ What to Expect:

🎶 Live music to set the vibe

🍸 Complimentary sips

🛍️ A curated local Artists’ Market full of unique, affordable finds

🎨 First dibs on one-of-a-kind artworks

Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the art scene, this is your chance to discover hidden gems and support Marion County’s incredible creative talent.

This VIP celebration is more than just a shopping event — it’s a celebration of the arts, community, and the joy of finding that perfect piece that speaks to you.

🌟 Special thanks to our event sponsor, REVIVAL — a fresh new monthly pop-up by Brick City Market, bringing you a curated mix of vintage, handmade, and one-of-a-kind home goods you won't find anywhere else!

💛 Don’t miss this chance to sip, shop, and support local — all in one inspiring evening. See you at The Brick!

Get Tickets for Sip & Shop

HEY MCA ARTISTS!

Are you looking to sell / get rid of older items that have been in your inventory for ages while supporting the ARTS in Ocala? Or just looking for a time & place to sell your artwork while sippin' bubbly? Then, this is your chance!

JOIN US!

Friday, July 1 | 5 - 7pm

at The Brick's Courtyard

during the opening VIP reception of Art in the Attic 2025,

MCA's annual y-ART sale!

For the sixth year, MCA will be hosting an Artists Pop-Up Market in the Courtyard during the opening night of our annual fundraiser. This event brings in the crowds each year, with art enthusiasts looking to start or expand their art collection at great prices! This year, guests will enjoy live music, while shopping for the best deals & enjoying unlimited bubbly in the gallery.

We currently have available space for up to 8 artists in The Courtyard selling their older original art works, prints, sketches, doodles, stickers, crafts, failed attempts - anything you want to get rid of from your inventory at affordable prices for our VIP guests to take advantage of. Just bring your set up & your artworks, we'll take care of the sales! Split is 70/30% with MCA.

ONLY 8 SPOTS AVAILABLE! RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Simply read and fill out the Registration Form, and send a signed copy to GALLERY@mcaocala.com along with images of your work.

Registration Form

New Volunteer Opportunities!

Summer is a busy season at The Brick, and we would love some extra help! If you enjoy being surrounded by art and uniquely creative people, then MCA is just the place to be!

Visit our website at mcaocala.org/volunteer to browse our current opportunities and sign up for your shift of choice! Contact Jonia for any questions.

Thank You to Our Gallery Sponsors!

Check Out What's Happening at The Brick

Did you know that MCA supports local artists and nonprofit arts organizations with direct funding?

Check out the Grant Opportunities section on our website to find out more and apply today!

Cultural Grants season (for local non-profits) concludes on July 15! Click here to learn more.

A new Open Call is now available for MCA artists ages 55+ for the 10th annual 'Art of Aging' exhibition in August 2025, an annual pARTnership with Marion Senior Services. For more info and to apply, please visit our website and check out the "Open Calls" section.

Check out our new selection for The Shop's SUMMER 2025 curated collection! This year's Summer collection includes unique hand-made jewelry, home decor, original paintings, sculptures, home-made candles, glass art, notecards, journals and more! Stop by during gallery hours and support local art!

Visit our Website for More

Explore Local Artistry through OMAS!

Ocala Metro Art Scene

Ocala Metro Art Scene is a comprehensive online resource for Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and local Events in Marion County, FL. Find descriptions, dates, times and locations for free events, theatre, music, dance, concerts, art exhibits, museums, film, lectures, workshops, kid-friendly events, special events and more.

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