New pictorial book, ‘Ocala— The Art of Community,’ showcases area’s lifestyle and arts scene

By Jaye Baillie Executive Director, the Marion Cultural Alliance

The lifestyle and art of

Ocala is the focus of a 225-page coffee-table book recently published and now available for purchase at the Brick City Center for the Arts at 23 SW Broadway Street, Ocala, the home of the Marian Cultural Alliance (MCA).

Through new photography, “Ocala—The Art of Community” is a visual journey into both the dynamic visual and performing arts scene that has blossomed in the community over the last decade and a view of how the city lives, works, and plays.

We wanted to show what makes us such a special place, and this is an exciting way to do it. The book covers every aspect of life—our neighborhoods, our schools, our growth, and special events—and the arts that envelop us in so many wonderful ways.

MCA teamed with the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership. Kevin Sheilley, CEO, notes that, “Ocala—The Art of Community” “is a significant and artistic publishing achievement. The book will also serve as an exceptional marketing tool, allowing us to continue to attract the type of economic growth that has provided Ocala its unique lifestyle.”

MCA turned to Riverbend Books of Georgia to develop “Ocala—The Art of Community.” It is not unknown territory for Riverbend, which first published a stunning photography book on Ocala and Marion County more than 17 years ago. At over 400 pages, that book sold out in mere weeks.

Limited copies of the new book are available for $48.95, with a 10% discount for a purchase of 10 or more books.

For more information call MCA at (352) 369 1500 or email jaye.baillie@ mcaocala.com

McDonald, director of Ocala’s Project Hope, a nonprofit that helps shepherd homeless women and their children to self-sufficiency, was in the audience for the live production in October and said she was so moved she had some of the women of Project Hope also watch the show. The nonprofit leader has been invited back to speak during a talk back at the end of the live reveal of the video and 10 percent of the evening’s fundraising for UP will go to Project Hope.

The online theater opens 30 minutes before the event. All audience members are invited to stay for a “cast party” following the show to hear McDonald speak of the work she is doing locally to help vulnerable women and children. A donation of any amount will secure access to the event and a link will be emailed 24 hours before the show.

Go to unboxed.productions to make a donation. For more information, email kimlynette@ aol.com or call (352) 875-5484.

NATIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL PROFESSIONALS AND PROGRAMS

Throughout July, Marion County Parks & Recreation is showcasing programs and facilities promoting health and wellness, environmental resilience, and economic impact through themed social media posts and activities at county parks and recreational facilities.

According to the news release, parks and recreation professionals provide vital services for our communities, from protecting open spaces and natural resources to helping fight obesity and providing activities and resources for all people. Parks and Recreation Month encourages everyone to reflect on the exponential value park and recreation facilities bring to communities while celebrating the more than 160,000 professionals nationwide who maintain our country’s local, state, and community parks.

To learn more about this month’s programming, or to find a park, contact Marion County Parks & Recreation at (352) 671-8560 or parks@marionfl.org or find them on Facebook.