For a local artist, their work tells their own version of a story.
To get their names and stories out there, artists tend to look for upcoming art festivals and other opportunities to share their work.
Those on the hunt should save the date and information for these upcoming art shows and submission opportunities.
Buy New Art For The House At Marion County Gift Shop Finding fine art for galleries and shows can be a difficult process that involves many people.
Since opening it’s doors in 2001, the Brick City Center for the Arts has been the staple location for Marion County artists to showcase their art. The gallery is ran by the Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), a nonprofit supporting the arts in Marion County.
The gallery also has a gift shop, The Shop at Brick, where guests can purchase small pieces including original paintings, photographs, jewelry, notecards and more. The MCA operates from the art center and gallery gift shop at the Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. in Ocala.
Looking to fill the gift shop to start the Spring 2025 art season, which runs from January to April, the MCA held a “Call To Artist” art submission. New work is added to the gallery gift shop every 90 days.
Around 85 new pieces from 25 local artists were selected be added for the upcoming season.
Ashley Justiniano, chief arts officer, said there were more than 150 art submissions with a lot containing a spring theme and colorful art. Each artist can submit up to 10 pieces for consideration.
“That’s what makes it more difficult to narrow it down,” Justiniano said. “We don’t have that much space and we like to keep it fair for everyone.”
Artists who submit work must adhere to the guidelines of being an active MCA artist member and submitting artwork that is no bigger than 20 inches and gallery ready.
Commission for the art is split between the gallery and the artist, with 70% for artists and 30% going to the MCA to support future events.
Arts and Health Exhibition lead by Marion Cultural Alliance
Art can reflect and be used to communicate about different topics including health and wellness.
The Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) partnered with the Arts in Health Ocala Metro (AIHOM) to host an exhibition focused on health and well being. The exhibit will feature work from 20 or more artists and be open from Feb. 7 to Feb. 28 at the Brick City Center for the Arts.
The exhibit is sponsored by The LILIAC Foundation, an Ocala based non-profit supporting arts and culture.
“This is the first partnership we are holding with the foundation honoring arts and health,” Justiniano said. “We are hoping to spread the word.”
Submissions for the show could be in any medium with submissions having been accepted through Jan. 26. Applicants will be notified through email by Jan. 31.
The MCA Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The gallery also is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
For more information about the gallery or the upcoming “Call To Artist,” visit mcaocala.org or call 352-369-1500.
Understand Human Connection for “Earth Stewards” show
Art shows can be a way for artists and curators to share a message with the general public.
Enthusiasts can learn how humans create connections with the Earth during the “Earth Stewards,” art exhibition in April that is hosted by the Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St. in Leesburg.
The gallery is holding a “Call To Artist” to find artwork of any medium for the exhibition that is being curated by Claire Simpson, assistant director of the gallery.
Artwork will be selected by theme interpretation and art quality.
“I always hope the audience will come away from our gallery with a positive experience and appreciation for the artwork on display, but with this particular show the theme emphasizes that people are a part of nature,” Simpson said. “Perhaps they’ll notice a new connection to nature they haven’t considered before, or feel a sense of guardianship and love for the Earth that we are all a part of.”
Submissions for the show are due on March 1 and have to be emailed to claire@leesburgarts.com. The exhibit will open its display on April 11.
For more information about the event, visit leesburgarts.com or call 352-365-0232.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
