PARADISE FOUND

A new exhibit at the recently renovated NOMA Gallery brings a little island life to Ocala.

// BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

In 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 kid who watched the ballet on PBS. As a child my parents took me to plays and museums. I “THE FACT THAT HE WAS ABLE TO CREATE A VIBRANT, COLORFUL, HAPPY SERIES AT don’t ever remember ONE OF THE WORST POINTS dancing to comedians touch of the islands to Ocala this month, right not loving art.” IN OUR GLOBAL LIVES IS SO and more. One major down to the fruity drinks with umbrellas and So, with some help from the City of Ocala, INSPIRING TO ME. HE FOUND change is that the gallery has gone from a island attire. David D’Alessandris will be the featured artist, and other local artists’ works will this past summer’s Art JOY IN THE SITUATION. non-pro t that was fully complement the theme. Lisa says think orals Castle was born. What funded by the Midgetts’ but not your grandma’s orals. was originally intended -LISA MIDGETT, GALLERY OWNER private foundation to a “David has had a long, successful career to be a short-lived for-pro t business. as an artist,” says Lisa. “He is well-known and gallery stint for the building has turned into a “It just wasn’t sustainable to remain a non- has exhibited and judged both nationally and permanent arrangement. pro t,” says Lisa. “Non-pro ts are often strictly internationally. He’s a stickler for quality work.

“We had such a good time with it that we governed, and we want to be able to push the The fact that he was able to create a vibrant, turned it into NOMA,” says Lisa. Of course, if it boundaries at NOMA. But even though we are colorful, happy series at one of the worst points was going to be a permanent art space some no longer a non-pro t ourselves, we will still in our global lives is so inspiring to me. He found renovations would need to take place. Aside from be deeply involved in Marion County’s non- joy in the situation.” And now, NOMA is sharing the expected upgrades that go with purchasing pro ts and will support a new organization each that work with you. The gallery is open to the an old building, the cosmetic changes included month. That’s where my heart is.” Upcoming public, and admission is free. new paint and xtures that would complement bene ciaries include the PACE Center for Girls future art installations. The facility was also and Marion Cultural Alliance. Paradise // February 6-27, 2021 // Thursdaywired for sound and will soon include a second- On February 6, NOMA will celebrate its new Saturday, 12-6pm // Available by appointment oor recording studio. Lisa says that all arts are exhibit with an open house celebration. The as well // NOMA Gallery, 939 North Magnolia welcomed and encouraged, from painting and festivities will be tropical-themed and bring a Avenue, Ocala // nomaocala.com

David D’Alessandris, Dream Weaving