AN AFTERNOON OF ART

Experience our community’s public art in an art-centric location.

// BY MELISSA PETERSON

Created in 2018 to activate and promote the Tuscawilla Art Park, which was built in 2016, the Tuscawilla Art Park Series—formally known as the Spring Art Park Series—introduces di erent forms of art and music through a variety of themes, performances and experiences.

On even-numbered years, the series celebrates the installation of 10 new sculptures from the biennial Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition. On odd-numbered years, the series hosts a fun “state of the public art” event called Art Outside the Lines, which this year, takes place on February 20. Also this year, the series has combined e orts with the After Dark in the Park program to show the biographical lm Frida on March 26, along with a Latin music performance and food as well as a cash bar. The rst event in the series took place in January and o ered a Bluegrass and BBQ theme.

“Activating key public spaces creatively with public art and performance, bringing together residents and visitors in public community spaces and providing an opportunity for local arts organizations to connect and flourish is an important drive for the Cultural Arts and Sciences Divisions,” says Jennifer Normoyle, grants and outreach manager with the City of Ocala’s Recreation and Parks and Cultural Arts departments.

The Art Outside the Lines event is a celebration of the city’s public art. Attendees can experience live musical performances by local musicians Greg Snider Quartet and Caly & Megan, food trucks, a cash bar operated by Marion Bar & Bubbles, as well as artisan vendors and art activities from local nonpro t art organizations, including take-home art kits from the Junior League of Ocala. General admission is complimentary.

According to Jennifer, the City of Ocala strives to bring diverse experiences that introduce musical genres and creative mediums that are di erent to our community, while also recognizing and celebrating our community’s local artists and talent.

“It’s important to o er Ocala residents a ordable experiences and creative spaces where they can feel welcomed and inspired to create and experience di erent forms of art, performance and culture,” she says. “Through creative placemaking, the city cultivates performing arts programs and events [that] support the community’s unique cultural identity and vitality while activating community public spaces.”

Attendees looking for a more in-depth experience can curate their own afternoon by purchasing a $15 Curator Pass, which includes a few extra experiences, such as two city public art tours that present new public art pieces; artthemed experiences, games and prizes; and a free beverage, including beer, wine, mimosa or limeade.

For Jennifer, the main draw of the event comes from not only the actual experience itself but an appreciation of the cultural di erences the series explores.

“The series is so versatile, and I love that,” explains Jennifer. “One concert might be classical violinists; another might be an Ethiopian crooner, and now we’re having Bluegrass and BBQ and a lm about Frida Kahlo. Professionally, that is really interesting and motivating for me, to explore and create di erent ways to utilize the space and o er our community new experiences to socially connect. I always take a moment to enjoy the smiles, dance moves and interaction of attendees because that is what is most gratifying— creating memorable experiences.”

Tuscawilla Art Park Series // Art Outside the Lines, 10am-2pm // February 20 at the Tuscawilla Art Park, 213 NE Fifth St., Ocala // Free general admission // Curator Pass $15, purchase ocalafl.org/artpark // For more information, contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at artinfo@ocalafl.org or (352) 629-8447