WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE David D’Alessandris, “Dream Weaving”, photo courtesy of NOMA Gallery
Paradise Found A new exhibit at the recently renovated NOMA Gallery brings a little island life to Ocala. // B Y K A R I N FA B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y
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n a time when the world was shutting down and staying in because of COVID-19, local artist David D’Alessandris was creating art. Beautiful, colorful, tropical art. He calls them “one liners,” meaning when he put his pen to the paper, he didn’t lift it again until his work was complete. He then went back and added vibrant color to his creations. The result? His Paradise collection. The works will be on display at NOMA (North Magnolia) Gallery through February 27. The gallery, located in the old Coca Cola bottling company building on North Magnolia Avenue, was purchased by David and Lisa Midgett in 2019. The original intent was to open a distillery; however, those plans didn’t pan out for that location. Instead, Lisa saw a greater purpose for the 4,000-square-foot National Historic Registry building. “I’ve always had a passion for the arts,” says Lisa. “I was the THE FACT THAT HE WAS kid who watched the ABLE TO CREATE A VIBRANT, ballet on PBS. As a child my parents took me to COLORFUL, HAPPY SERIES AT plays and museums. I ONE OF THE WORST POINTS don’t ever remember dancing to comedians not loving art.” and more. One major IN OUR GLOBAL LIVES IS SO So, with some help change is that the INSPIRING TO ME. HE FOUND from the City of Ocala, gallery has gone from a this past summer’s Art non-profit that was fully JOY IN THE SITUATION. Castle was born. What funded by the Midgetts’ was originally intended -LISA MIDGETT, GALLERY OWNER private foundation to a to be a short-lived for-profit business. gallery stint for the building has turned into a “It just wasn’t sustainable to remain a nonpermanent arrangement. profit,” says Lisa. “Non-profits are often strictly “We had such a good time with it that we governed, and we want to be able to push the turned it into NOMA,” says Lisa. Of course, if it boundaries at NOMA. But even though we are was going to be a permanent art space some no longer a non-profit ourselves, we will still renovations would need to take place. Aside from be deeply involved in Marion County’s nonthe expected upgrades that go with purchasing profits and will support a new organization each an old building, the cosmetic changes included month. That’s where my heart is.” Upcoming new paint and fixtures that would complement beneficiaries include the PACE Center for Girls future art installations. The facility was also and Marion Cultural Alliance. wired for sound and will soon include a secondOn February 6, NOMA will celebrate its new floor recording studio. Lisa says that all arts are exhibit with an open house celebration. The welcomed and encouraged, from painting and festivities will be tropical-themed and bring a
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David D’Alessandris, Dream Weaving
touch of the islands to Ocala this month, right down to the fruity drinks with umbrellas and island attire. David D’Alessandris will be the featured artist, and other local artists’ works will complement the theme. Lisa says think florals but not your grandma’s florals. “David has had a long, successful career as an artist,” says Lisa. “He is well-known and has exhibited and judged both nationally and internationally. He’s a stickler for quality work. The fact that he was able to create a vibrant, colorful, happy series at one of the worst points in our global lives is so inspiring to me. He found joy in the situation.” And now, NOMA is sharing that work with you. The gallery is open to the public, and admission is free. Paradise // February 6-27, 2021 // ThursdaySaturday, 12-6pm // Available by appointment as well // NOMA Gallery, 939 North Magnolia Avenue, Ocala // nomaocala.com
