Locala, June 2022, Ocala, FL by Lisa Anderson Media, LLC

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ALESSANDRO WRIGHT

The Art of the Bard: Graphic Novelist is Influenced by Music & Family

BAILEY VAUGHN

Life’s Choreography: Ballet Dancer Spins with Bar & Bubbles

CATHERINE SEARS

A Happily Full Plate: Equine Therapy Instructor Sees Only Ability

Volume 02, Issue No. 1 • JUNE 2022

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ART DEPARTMENT media manager JOSHUA JACOBS stock photography service DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM stock photography service PEXELS.COM

EDITORIAL contributing writers APPLETON MUSEUM TEAM MEMBERS contributing writer DR. MANAL FAKHOURY contributing writer CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

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© Lisa Anderson Media, LLC and Locala™. All rights reserved. Online: ISSN 2771-1056, Print: ISSN 2771-1048, June 2022, Volume 02, Issue Number 01. Locala™ is a monthly publication, which is published by Lisa Anderson Media, LLC, 2320 NE 2nd Street, Unit 5, Ocala, FL 34470. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For reprint or reuse permission, email info@localamag.com. Cover price for sale distribution is $5.84. Proudly printed at First Impressions Printing, 1827 SW 27th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S LETTER FOR THE PUBLISHER

Dear Ocala Special Letter Written by Lauren Debick

BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS

The Art of the Bard: Graphic Novelist Is Influenced by Music & Family

F R O M T H E PA D D O C K

A Happily Full Plate: Equine Therapy Instructor Sees Only Ability

FROM THE EXPERTS

Get Started with Cosplay

Set the Tone: Maintaining a Positive Mindset in Hard Times

THE CHEWS LETTER

ON THE COVER

Life’s Choreography: Ballet Dancer Spins with Bar & Bubbles

ARTIST CORNER

Couch Sessions: 2022 Series • June Artist Q&A

Other Free Persons: Difficult Narratives of the South

NERDS WELCOME

Weird is Cool: Insomniac Theatre Board Member Nurtures Diverse Artists

Creating Legends: D&D Dungeon Master Strives for Inclusivity

Into the Deep: The Nerd King’s Keep

F E AT U R E

Comics & Games: You’re Invited to Sit Down & Stay Awhile

GIVERTORIAL

The Florida Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation

Local Illustrator Uplifts the Community through Freelance & FAFO

19 localamag.com

LETTER FOR THE PUBLISHER

LISA ANDERSON Story by L AUREN DEBICK

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Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

LETTER FOR THE PUBLISHER DEAR OCALA,

Sometimes you meet someone you just know was supposed to come into your life at the right moment. Lisa Anderson is one of those people. I first noticed Lisa when, on Instagram, she posted, “Raise Your Hand If Your Purpose Is To Empower Other Women.” I recall literally putting my hand in the air. I started following Lisa on social, after that, and felt inspired and excited about the content she was sharing. I remember being at an event where I first saw her in person. I was nervous to talk to her, because to me, she was (and still is) a strong, driven, compassionate, and passionate woman who is dedicated to telling not only her story, but the stories of others. It is through these stories that we are connected. As Locala magazine celebrates its one-year anniversary, I can’t help but think how it is no coincidence that the traditional gift celebrating one year is that of paper, because for the publisher of Locala, there is no greater joy than smelling the pages of a new book (or freshly printed magazine). I admire Lisa and her courage to start a new publication, during a pandemic, when such messages and stories were sorely needed. Locala was created by Lisa at that time, because she was witnessing real challenges throughout the community and wanted to create a space where “everybody’s voice was heard.” Lisa stresses that “parts of our stories are connected with people in ways that we never expected, and when you pull on one thread, you are affecting someone you may have never met or ever will meet.” I am in awe of Lisa’s ability to tell stories we otherwise may not have heard, all while encouraging people, in Lisa’s words, to “take off their mask” and show their authentic self. In her own choice to “unmask,” Lisa has shared that the last 365 days have been full of high points and not-so-high points. Some of the highlights for Lisa include how many lives and stories have affected her, while positively impacting others. Another high point has been paving the road between the business side of things and the social side. “Helping the business community connect to the social aspect was unintended, but it has also been both surprising and exciting.” While the year was full of exciting firsts, I appreciate Lisa’s honesty in what kind of challenges small business owners face. “All small business owners have a business face we put on. We want to seem as professional and successful as possible, but owning a small business is a rollercoaster ride.” As any small business owner knows, the line between work and home is significantly blurred, and Lisa is transparent when it comes to how important it is to ask for help. “Business owners, you have to let somebody in, take off that mask, let people in and see what it is like. Being open and honest helps the community support you a little bit more.” Lisa has learned a lot over the last year. Not only has she learned how important it is to ask for help when

you need it, but she has also learned about herself, how to recharge after “situational extroverting,” and where future growth opportunities may be. The plan is to continue building a strong foundation for Locala within our community and see where it leads to next. While the one-year anniversary gift of paper signifies new beginnings, it also encompasses the notion that the threads within paper symbolize strength and connectivity. This falls in line with the purpose of Locala. “Our stories connect us. They remind us of our humanity. We are weak and strong,

hopeless and hopeful, ashamed and shameless, and we are capable of both love and hate,” says Lisa. “We are here together, and ultimately, we all share one story, the human story.” I would encourage everyone who is interested in helping Locala grow to subscribe, post a review, follow them on social media, or consider supporting in different ways. I commend Lisa for the hard work she has put in over the past year and am excited to see what comes next. Most Sincerely, Lauren

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The Florida Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY TRIP GREEN (L: TRIP, JET, SUZANNE)

“It’s funny how God sort of speaks to you. Sometimes, I wish he’d leave me alone,” Trip Green says with a smile. “When [Jet] was 18 months old, we noticed his balance was off,” Trip remembers, thinking back to 2008. “Within 36 hours we find out my kid has a brain tumor, it’s probably cancerous, the odds of him surviving it are less than 10 percent, and even if he does survive, he’s going to have all these problems because the recognized standard of care for treating it was nasty.” GOD’S ANGEL ON EARTH Trip and his wife Suzanne were faced with a parent’s worst nightmare. After noticing the balance problem, they took Jet to his pediatrician. It was presumed the balance issue was being caused by cold symptoms affecting the inner ear, but the pediatrician ordered an MRI at UF Health Shands Hospital to rule out any other causes. “Within an hour they were like, ‘Your kid has a big brain tumor, and you need to be admitted, because he needs to have surgery to have it removed.’ Talk about the rug being pulled out beneath you,” recalls Trip. A few hours later, they met Dr. Amy Smith, a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist with specialized training in pediatric neuro-oncology. With her recommendation, Trip and Suzanne opted for a newer treatment regimen, which offered a better quality of life. “Medicine is very experimental,” Trip explains. “They try different things to improve things, and the accepted method of treatment changes over time as advances are made. That’s what clinical trials are for.” Thanks to the skill of the neurosurgeons, Jet did not suffer any mental setbacks or other complications as a result of the tumor’s removal. The Greens proceeded with the recommended treatment from Dr. Amy; even though it was still a challenging process, Jet’s cancer went into remission. “It was hard. It was difficult, very difficult. My wife was very much on the front lines of the day-to-day of our kid being sick. So, I was at home working and feeling completely helpless. There was nothing I could do, and I don’t handle that well.”

In 2010, the Greens formed The Florida Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation as a way to raise awareness and give back. “One of the things we realized during that 13 months was that only four percent of federal money Congress allocates to cancer research goes to research for kids with cancer. That’s it. I couldn’t believe it.” Dr. Smith moved to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, and the foundation has raised about a quarter of a million dollars to help further her ability to help more children like Jet. This is done with an annual fishing tournament called the Kids Against Cancer Saltwater Tournament, and this year it will be held on Father’s Day, June 18th in Crystal River.

GIVING BACK It was 13 long months of treatment followed by regular MRI appointments that continue on an annual basis. “While all of that was going on initially, I said a prayer and made a promise to God if we could get through it, I would do everything I could to try and fight back, and I have.”

LEARN MORE If you would like to learn more about the Greens’ story, how you can donate, participate, or become a business sponsor, please visit their website at childrensbraintumorfoundation.com or follow them on Facebook @FloridaChildrensBrainTumorFoundation.

GIV ERTORIA L S P ONSO RE D BY IN VICTUS RE AL E STATE , L LC & LO CAL A™

BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS

The Art of the Bard GRAPHIC NOVELIST IS INFLUENCED BY MUSIC & FAMILY

FOR THE LOVE OF ART

“My maternal grandfather was an artist. He did a lot of oil paintings. I think he did that later on in his life in his retirement, but he taught me. I still have the first painting that I did. An oil painting. It’s just, like, an eggplant and tomatoes from ‘94 or something.” When Alessandro was eight, his grandfather enrolled him in summer art classes at a community college.

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DRAWING FROM LIFE “The graphic novels began, or at least the idea of it, began back in ‘08 or ‘09—right after high school. Me and my buddies would play D&D with my dad. He would run the game. My friend would take down notes, and I would use those for

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lthough he was born in Hialeah, Florida, Alessandro Wright spoke only Spanish until the age of six. “I remember my dad telling me a story that my mother was crying to him one day, because she couldn’t talk with me. She didn’t speak Spanish,” but everyone else in Alessandro’s life did. That changed when the family moved to Ocala, and his dad transferred to the newly-built Home Depot on State Highway 200. “I have mostly forgotten [how to speak] it. I can order food and count to ten, but that’s about it.”

Photo by Lisa Anderson

ALESSANDRO WRIGHT

“My father could draw, as well. He specifically did one-line drawings, where he put the pen down and just did the entire thing in one. It never left the paper the whole time. I can’t even wrap my head around it. We have very different mindsets, though. He’s a mathematical genius and knows eight different languages fluently. I didn’t get any of that,” he says with a chuckle. Alessandro has built his style from playing Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and from life itself. “I take my influences from absolutely everything. I don’t follow any trend or wave, simply because I don’t have the attention span for it. “Every single piece of art that I do has a song attached to it. I listen to mostly everything, but 51 percent of that is going to be heavy metal or rock.”

Artwork by Alessandro Wright, “Titane of Fire Walks,” Music inspiration for this piece: “Million Years” by Nico Vega

Story by LISA ANDERSON

BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS

story outlines,” explains Alessandro, regarding his graphic novel series Bard, now containing about 28 stories. “It’s a fantasy world with a lot of scientific backing. It’s just a giant sandbox of a world that I’m trying to create with religion, with politics, and stuff like that.” When he isn’t working on the series, Alessandro is spending time with his wife and their three children or creating commissioned pieces, such as pet portraits. “It keeps bread on the table, but I am very thankful for my wife Rachel. She’s an amazing stylist. You know, that’s where I came from. I was a stylist for ten years, and that was supposed to be a stepping stone into this. I did it for a long time, and I was good at it, but it was never what I wanted. I was always in the back room drawing.” With Rachel’s encouragement and blessing, Alessandro stepped into the roles of full-time artist

and stay-at-home dad. “My third son was born and this time I was with him [at home], and it was magic! If anybody is able to just be home with their kid in those first couple of years, it’s awesome! You’ll never let it go! I appreciate what Rachel is. Without her help, I couldn’t do this.” Alessandro’s first foray into digital artwork began when his wife gifted him an iPad that had

Procreate pre-installed. Now, he can create beautiful, detailed work, like his neon-infused pieces for Bard. As he steps out of the box with his artwork and graphic novels, it’s easy to tell that his favorite roles are that of father and husband.

LEARN MORE

patreon.com/iskanderstudios Etsy: Iskanderstudios IG: @iskanderstudios

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ourheartsalign.org | ourheartsalign@gmail.com

NERDS WELCOME

Weird Is Cool

INSOMNIAC THEATRE BOARD MEMBER NURTURES DIVERSE ARTISTS

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NERDS WELCOME

JOAN ELIZABETH Story by JODI ANDERSON

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Photo by LISA ANDERSON

NERDS WELCOME

oan Elizabeth is an artist, a fitness and yoga instructor, and a board member of the Insomniac Theatre. “I didn’t see arts and theater as a thing you could do as a job. I didn’t grow up in an arts family.” Now, her mission is to nurture the burgeoning art scene in Ocala. Born in Ocala, she began her journey towards art at Osceola Middle School. “I think that’s a really formative time as a kid. And it’s a time where you’re either in the cool clique, or you’re not. I feel really blessed, in retrospect,” Joan reflects, “not to have been one of the ‘cool kids.’ I didn’t think those kids were cool; I thought the weird kids were cool.” She was drawn to people who had diverse interests, even those that were different from hers; she saw those kids as open, accepting, and fun. As her school didn’t have theater, she herself “gravitated towards visual arts— drawing, painting, that sort of thing.” Joan got her first taste for drama in her freshmen year at Forest High School, when she took it as an elective. She thought it was fun, but she put it on the back burner until her senior year, when she enrolled in advanced drama. “I did it because I wanted to get over my fear of being on stage,” she states. “That was the sole reason I did it.” She also met kids who were, like her, “kinda weird.” When she graduated and headed to Gainesville for college, she didn’t have art or theater in her sights. “At the time, Ocala didn’t seem like a budding arts community, like it does now. We just didn’t have the resources. The internet wasn’t really a thing, either,” recalls Joan. “I didn’t realize you could have a career in the arts or work towards a career in the arts.” Despite all of this, she graduated with a degree in visual arts.

Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t, especially yourself. Don’t listen to any of that negative talk. Ever. — Joan Elizabeth

FINDING THE INSOMNIAC

Joan was at a bit of a loss upon her return to Ocala, until she found out her friend and former schoolmate Chad Taylor had rented the old bank building on the Square as a home for Insomniac Theatre. She desperately wanted to be a part of it, even if she had to scrub floors and clean toilets just to hang out. Chad put her to work making art. She eventually got involved on stage during a series of one-act plays and helped behind the scenes in other productions, along with continuing to act. The Rocky Horror Show changed her perspective on herself and her pathway in theater. “My friend Sully Bernard [who was cast as Dr. Frankenfurter] said, ‘I really want to audition, and you have to come with me.’” Joan was terrified of singing but really wanted to play Magenta. The director coaxed her into singing a few bars, and she got the part! “That was one of the scariest experiences of my life, the first night I had to do that,” she laughs. “That’s what I love about it. It challenges me.”

FROM ACTOR TO DIRECTOR

Chad soon approached Joan with another proposal: A burlesque show needed an assistant director. She wasn’t quite sure what burlesque was, but she had seen Gypsy. “It’s kind of like stripping but with feathers.” She was wrong. “I saw it was so much more,” says Joan. “It was comedy. It was skits.” She also emceed the show. “It was very empowering.” Stepping into the leadership role was a learning curve, another challenge that she faced head on. Insomniac Theatre borrowed the concept of shadowcasts from The Rocky Horror Picture Show and applied them to beloved classics like Jurassic Park and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, for which Joan was the assistant director and director, respectively. Recently, she came full-circle and directed The Rocky Horror Picture Show

shadowcast. She thought she had moved on, but “I was like, ‘Yeah, I gotta do this. This is part of who I am.’”

ART AND THE FUTURE

Joan currently works full-time as a fitness and yoga instructor but still does art on the side, usually for herself or for gifts. “If something in me wants to create a piece of art for someone, I just do it. They receive it how they receive it.” She likes drawing in graphite and ink and has started working with markers. “I used to be more monochromatic, with the drama of shading, but now I really like to splash things with color.” Through her position on the Board of the Insomniac Theatre, Joan wants to make a colorful splash in the up-andcoming Ocala art scene. Her primary goal is to help build up the arts community by nurturing young, diverse artists, who “maybe don’t have an outlet and helping them get the resources that they need.” She also wants to bring back burlesque and has been working with troupes to bring them to Ocala for workshops and performances. Joan doesn’t have time for her critics, but she does have advice for budding artists: “Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t, especially yourself. Don’t listen to any of that negative talk. Ever.”

LEARN MORE

insomniactheatre.org

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NERDS WELCOME

Creating Legends D&D DUNGEON MASTER STRIVES FOR INCLUSIVITY

BILL CALVO Story by JODI ANDERSON

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Photo by LISA ANDERSON

NERDS WELCOME

You would be surprised at how many people treat D&D like they’re out of shape going to the gym. — Bill Calvo

ill Calvo is many things—business owner, insurance agent, bodybuilder, husband, father—but above all, he is a nerd. “I guess I always have a little trouble connecting with people. I’m very much in my head,” he muses. “I feel like these shared hobbies are a way you can kinda connect with somebody without necessarily having all that time to develop a relationship.” And yet, Bill’s talent lies in drawing people in, making that connection, and helping them solve a problem or create a story. Bill was born in Ft. Lauderdale and moved around, until his family settled in Ocala when he was 6 and his younger brothers were 3 and 1. Every day, his dad would ask if he could read yet. Bill says, “I think he wanted me to read so I could read The Hobbit,” with which the elder Calvo was obsessed. His mother finally interceded and said he should start with something he could and wanted to read. When Bill got home from school, he found a Spiderman comic on his bed. “And that was kinda my ‘in.’ To this day, Spiderman is like my apex. I’m always into it. I can always pick up a comic. I can always jump back in.”

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS

“My thing right now is like the nerdiest thing in the world,” laughs Bill, “which is Dungeons and Dragons [D&D]. I like it because it’s one of the times where I can be unrestrictedly creative, and I really enjoy it. I really like bringing people in. You get to use your brain. You can use your imagination.” He points out that making friends as an adult is difficult, but D&D “gives you something to do with your friend group that’s not sitting around watching a movie or talking about work.” Bill started playing D&D only about eight years ago; he now almost exclusively runs games as the Dungeon Master (DM). D&D offers myriad worlds and adventures that are overlaid on its framework and which follow certain rules. But Bill is not one to stick to a prefabricated adventure, which he acknowledges is fine but seems too much like homework to him. “I just have the instinct to run things, probably my obsessive desire to be in control.” He starts with the idea of a town or setting and seeds the story with a problem. “You create as you go. Eventually, I get obsessed and make maps. My players and I have a wiki now.”

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

Despite being a nerdy kid in high school, Bill followed in his father’s footsteps and attended The Citadel, a military college in Charleston, South Carolina. “I used to be the kind of person, when things got tough, [who would] find excuses to get out of it.” He credits the success of his insurance business to his experiences at The Citadel. “I got into the business I’m in because someone told me that you get into it, it sucks, you work real hard, you build your base, and then eventually it becomes easy.” He learned that grind in college. “It provided things that I would need, in terms of discipline.” Now, his business is right where he wants it to be. He can work nearly as little or as much as he wants to, depending on his goals. “I don’t find insurance that interesting,” Bill admits. “I find helping my clients to be amazing.” But his success means he has the flexibility to spend more time with his (also nerdy) wife Candice and their two children. He creates D&D adventures in his spare time.

INVITING PEOPLE IN

“I really, really like helping people take a step into something,” says Bill. “You would be surprised at how many people treat D&D like they’re out of shape going to the gym.” He will sit down with a new player and give the basics to create a character,

so they don’t get overwhelmed. Then, he’ll walk them through a scenario—a mini adventure. Suddenly, “They’re engaging with what I put in front of them and making it theirs.” Bill notes that there is a lot of toxic gatekeeping in the D&D world, whose adherents are still mostly men. “A lot of the nerds were bullied, and they don’t realize that they’re just mirroring that behavior in another way, especially to women.” D&D can’t be easily defined, says Bill, because it’s what players make of it. “At the end of the day, it’s a bunch of people sitting around a table, maybe with a fake map [and] with a sheet of paper with stats saying, ‘I cast a spell. I slash you with my sword.’” He’s encouraged by what he sees as a trend that began when Stan Lee’s characters were addressing civil rights issues that were prevalent in the Sixties. “What I would like to see—and I think we are seeing—is more people being open to more experiences and sharing these spaces with each other and having this back-and-forth.” He himself makes it a point to invite women to play. And, he says, this is what nerd culture has always been: “creating legends together.”

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NERDS WELCOME

MARK SYKUTA 16

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NERDS WELCOME

Into the Deep THE NERD KING’S KEEP Story & Photo by LISA ANDERSON

“I

lived in the deep, dark woods of West Virginia. Not a fun place for a longhaired metal kid,” Mark Sykuta, co-owner of The Keep, begins. “It was a cool, beautiful place up there. I love visiting it. I met a lot of good people.” The tall, rectangular building gives the illusion of a castle, a keep. “It symbolizes a little fantasy, a little metal, our D&D roots. We do try to keep the culture, such that an older person can come in that doesn’t care about those things and still have a good time. It’s a laidback place. We also want to make it known that if you’re a tattooed metalhead, come on in. We’ll treat you with respect. We treat anyone with respect.” Step into this keep filled with wine and cheese platters, and you’ll hear soundtracks of 1980s dark wave, goth music, local musicians, and conversations ranging from unique cooking styles to easy-to-understand wine introductions. If you’re not a chatty person, that’s okay; find a dark corner—there are plenty—and

They call him the king of nerds. It’s such a deep, deep hobby, and I love it. — Mark Sykuta

listen to some local musicians. Even better, head in on goth night. “I was always attracted to things that were different. I appreciate music more so for the fact that someone’s making it, because they love to make it. I was in bands growing up. I met some awesome people.” Mark’s love for music may partially explain why he and his wife Megan, a co-owner, are such big supporters of the music community. As a child, Mark also enjoyed playing D&D and reading comics, although admittedly, he’s let the latter go. “I still appreciate comics. I go see all the movies,” he clarifies. Mark may have spent much of his youth in the deep, dark woods of West Virginia, but his step-father’s work would eventually bring their family to Marion County to take advantage of The Villages’ boom. “I actually went to college for computer science, and [when] I got out of college in 2003 or 2004, I was working for [The Villages] Daily Sun. It was cool. I got into designing graphics, the newspaper layout, and all that stuff. I just wasn’t making a log of money at the time. So, I picked up a job at a restaurant waiting tables, and I realized I was making a lot more money.” He continued in the industry, working his way from server to bartender, and eventually, manager in a period of 10 years. That’s why stepping into the role of co-owner at The Keep has come so naturally. “I feel like we’ve positively influenced Ocala culture since we’ve been there. If that’s my contribution, I’m so happy about that.”

NIGHT OFF

On his night off, Mark will be found playing a long-standing game at a friend’s house. “It’s social gaming—tabletop—where I build these models for Warhammer, and I paint them. We all do it. There’s a game that’s been going for 40 years. The rules always update. There’s so much lore behind it. It’s insane. My poor wife is like, ‘If I have to

hear about [it] one more time, I’m going to freak out.’ Because when we guys get together, we love talking about it. “[The game] is from England. It’s a modelbuilding game that you build within this universe that they’ve written. They’ve written thousands of books. There’s hundreds of different chapters. You pick one that fits your personality. You build these out of plastic or resin, and then you paint them. All the armies have a life of their own. It’s just a great game. I think it’s the best game. Henry Cavill would agree (the actor that’s Superman and the Witcher). He mentions it at every possible interview he can. They call him the king of nerds. It’s such a deep, deep hobby, and I love it.” When you have hobbies that let you escape the world of small business, no matter how much you enjoy it, there is a sense of release. “We do that every Monday. It’s nice to have time to do that.” If you are into Warhammer, want to dip your toes into goth, or just want a comfortable place to chill out, stop in at The Keep and say hello to Mark.

LEARN MORE

thekeepdowntown.com

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Trip Green, Esq. U.S. Army Vet • Offices Ocala

F R O M T H E PA D D O C K

A Happily Full Plate EQUINE THERAPY INSTRUCTOR SEES ONLY ABILITY

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F R O M T H E PA D D O C K

CATHERINE SEARS Story by CYNTHIA MCFARL AND

Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

s long as Catherine Sears can remember, her life has revolved around horses, so it was a surprise to no one when she made it her career. However, she’s chosen work that has her coloring outside the lines—and loving every minute. Raised on a Marion County farm, Catherine is a third-generation equine enthusiast and professional. She credits much of what she’s learned about horses to her father, Bobby Sears, a trainer in multiple disciplines and a farrier. Catherine got her first horse—a Welsh pony named Misty—before she was 2. She learned to ride both English and Western and worked as an assistant trainer with her father.

DISCOVERING EQUINE THERAPY

Catherine started teaching riding lessons at the age of 14, which is when she first realized that riding could be therapeutic. “Our farm had a boarder with cerebral palsy; we would put her up on a horse for therapy,” she recalls. “You could see the difference in her and how she communicated after a ride; she was feeling stimulated and feeling the joy. That really struck a chord in me of wanting to pursue equine therapy.”

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Showing since she was a young girl, Catherine found the most joy in speed events—barrel racing and pole bending. Her family also had a string of Thoroughbreds, and she was still a teenager when she began accompanying them to the racetrack. “I had my groom and hotwalker licenses by the age of 16,” she says. “We took our horses to

F R O M T H E PA D D O C K

race at Suffolk Downs, Rockingham Park, and Tampa Bay Downs.” Catherine has been a certified apprentice farrier for 22 years. It’s challenging work in a field that doesn’t boast many women. “It’s a good workout; I don’t have to go to the gym,” says Catherine who does both trimming and shoeing.

STARTING AT MTRA

Since 1983, Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) has served physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged clients, helping them to build independence and confidence through horseback riding. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, MTRA is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) Premier Accredited Center. “I saw a future in equine therapy and how the need for it has expanded. And I became a PATH certified instructor in 2008,” says Catherine. She started at MTRA as an instructor in 2016 and was promoted to program director and equine director in 2018. MTRA services about 120 client riders each week, from children to adults, in a variety of therapeutic riding programs and has a waiting list of over 100. “We have 20 horses and a variety of breeds. We have a little bit of everything. Every one of these horses has a special place in my heart, and each one has special qualities that help them serve their purpose,” notes Catherine. “You’ll see certain riders bond with a particular horse, and it’s magic. The equines empower them; these horses are miracle workers. I’ve seen clients, who won’t speak on their own, speak when they’re sitting on the horse,” says Catherine passionately. “This is a form of therapy that doesn’t really feel like therapy,” she adds. “We don’t see a rider’s disability. We see their ability and help them achieve the goals they are capable of.” Although it’s not unusual for her to put in 50 or more hours a week, Catherine loves working with the clients, volunteers, and independent contractor instructors at MTRA. “It’s a mission. We all work together and take care of each other,” she says. “My motto is ‘never stop learning.’ There’s always something you can learn, and you’re cutting yourself short if you think you’re done learning!”

MUSICAL ARTISTRY

It’s not unusual for the client riders at MTRA to be serenaded with encouragement, as they work with the horses. In addition to her extensive equine skills, Catherine is a talented country singer and independent artist, whose songs are playing worldwide. In 2011, she released the album, “Life’s Amazing Ride,” which she recorded in Nashville at Beaird Music and in Ocala at Signature Sound Studio. Catherine wrote all the songs herself; the inspirational lyrics tell stories of hope and faith. Her father—also a singer songwriter—sings backup on the album. Her song

“Let Fate Dance” made it to #4 on the charts in Italy. In 2013, she won best live performance from the Independent Country Music Association (ICoMA). “I love writing songs, and I’m not giving up on the dream of music. I’m looking to put out an album based on horses and healing, and I’m hoping to put out a gospel album with gospel favorites and songs I’ve written,” says Catherine. “You have to choose your direction. I felt

the need to do equine therapy, so the music is second to that. If I was signed to a label, I wouldn’t be able to serve the people here at MTRA. When God gives you a talent and you use it, that doesn’t mean you have to be on tour,” she smiles. Catherine Sears admits her plate is very full, but she sees it as happily full. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

LEARN MORE OR VOLUNTEER mtraocala.org

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FROM THE EXPERTS

Get Started WITH COSPLAY Story by CYNTHIA MCFARL AND

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FROM THE EXPERTS

REACH OUT

“One of the biggest resources I’ve found helpful is reaching out to other cosplayers who’ve done that costume,” states Shane, a social media influencer. Etsy, eBay, Instagram, and TikTok are good starting points. Look up a character’s hashtag to find other people cosplaying that character. “TikTok is an excellent resource, because it’s one of the biggest social media apps out there. You’ll see videos of people in their costumes,” Shane says. “People post progress pictures so you can get ideas and resources. This gives you ideas for materials that might work best for you.”

SHOP READY-MADE

There’s nothing wrong with buying a ready-made costume. “You can do a lot with a costume from Spirit Halloween,” explains Amanda. “There’s never any shame in altering something to make it more comfortable or more to your liking.” “It’s so much easier when you’re getting started to look for a pre-made costume and alter it yourself,” adds Shane.

GET CREATIVE

“Look in your own closet first,” suggests Amanda, adding that thrift stores are one of the cheapest options when buying clothing and accessories. “Amazon is also a good spot for wigs and usually has recommended items for characters,” she notes.

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THINK 3-D

A wealth of great props can be made via 3-D printing, which has totally changed the cosplay game, allowing people to print props they previously had to make from clay or foam. This also makes props like armor and weapons more durable and lightweight. “There are a lot of 3-D print shops on Etsy and Instagram,” says Shane. “Sometimes you can buy the 3-D file for what you want and then get it printed.”

REMEMBER RULES

Keep safety in mind when creating your costume. “Every convention’s website usually has a section on cosplay rules and prop policies, so check this out beforehand,” advises Shane. “There’s usually a prop check area when you enter a convention.”

Photo by luislouro/DepositPhotos.com

onning costumes and accessories to represent a pop culture character— cosplaying—has become hugely popular. People who do this regularly are called cosplayers, and they tend to focus on large events like conventions. For those new to the game, two veteran cosplayers share helpful tips for getting started. “There are no rules to cosplay; you can dress up however and as whatever you want. Not everyone has access to the same skill sets or money, so if you’re happy with it, wear it!” encourages Amanda Guenther of Orlando, a hobby cosplayer, who attends several events a year. “Cosplay is meant to be fun; that’s where the play aspect comes in,” says Shane Morris of Ocala, who has cosplayed about 50 characters since 2016.

FROM THE EXPERTS

Set the Tone MAINTAINING A POSITIVE MINDSET IN HARD TIMES Story by DR. MANAL FAKHOURY

during times that could go either way.

Photo by Rawpixel/DepositPhotos.com

•

Photo submitted by Dr. Manal Fakhoury

BE MINDFUL

indset is key for a leader—especially in the midst of a global pandemic and an international escalation. Leadership is about posture, grace, and setting the tone for the whole. Leaders, today, can set the tone of panic or peace within their environment by their actions, words, and mindset. Even if no global things were happening, this statement would be true. Let’s look at this in another way. Let’s say you are the General Manager of your organization and you get news that could be either a good thing or a bad thing, but you are not sure yet. Scenario 1 You could call a meeting and start to panic, fear, and worry about your key leaders, and they would do the same for their team members. Thus, the ball of angst is in motion. The staff starts rewriting their résumés, just in case. Your leaders call the local headhunter and ask what else is in the marketplace right now. You stress out, making your blood pressure rise, and your tone and words are sharper. Your family gets less of you, because you are emotionally tied up. Your social media becomes more critical in tone or stops altogether. You expect your team to do long hours and put in more work to impress senior management or the board. Everyone is stressed.

Scenario 2 You could call an allmember meeting and be calm in your delivery of what could or couldn’t be the case. You ask your team’s opinion. You reassure them that things are going to be alright, and you are in this together. You and your team attend a local art project or meditation session or hang out outside of work, like you normally do. You maintain your regular hours. You encourage everyone to do good self-care. Your social media efforts are valuable and make your customers/clients feel appreciated. You launch a community care project to pull the team together. These are great things to do

Most leaders can and should work on being mindful and having a positive mindset. Your reactions to “news,” changes, or the unknown will flow more gracefully when you are mindful of how you are feeling, reacting, and being. Remember, people follow amazing leaders for who they are being, rather than for their long list of accomplishments. You get to set the tone, pace, message, and morale of your team. Lead in love.

ABOUT DR. MANAL FAKHOURY For the past 35 years, Manal has been making a difference in Ocala with hard work, generosity, and outstanding leadership. Visit: myfli.com or vestechpartners.com

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Comics

Games

You’re Invited To Sit Down & Stay Awhile Story by LISA ANDERSON

Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

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ichael and Kelly Medeiros believe in staying relevant and creating a welcoming environment in their business: a comic book and game store. Bearded Browncoat Comics & Games has two locations: Ocala and Belleview (the newest store). “Our store is multifacitated. We obviously do comics, but we do video games, board games, toys, and action figures—pretty much anything that encompasses pop culture, we’re dabbling in it at the very least,” says Michael.

A RETAIL ROMANCE

“We used to work together. We both come from Walmart, and we both worked there for about 15 years,” explains Kelly. The couple has been married for almost five years, and they have a blended family of three children: two boys and a girl—16, 9, and 4 “going on 50,” laughs Michael. “My daughter basically runs the house, I do whatever she

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tells me to do.” “When we get the rare day off together, when we don’t have kids or have to go work, or I don’t have school, we like to go to Universal,” says Kelly. “We’re pass holders, so we like to do that just so we can have some time together. We don’t have to talk about business, kids, or life constantly.” If Universal isn’t an option, the couple enjoys sneaking out of the house for an evening walk. “For me, part of decompressing is being

able to talk about work to a point,” states Michael. “The fact that we have similar backgrounds, we know what a retailer goes through. We know when we come home what the day has been like. It’s easier to come home and kind of alleviate that stress, knowing that the other person understands. Sometimes, it’s hard. Retail families are kind of tough.” “I really think our customers like to see it’s a family-owned business, too,” Kelly chimes in. “Because [Michael’s] mom

comes out and helps a couple days a week, and his brother runs our store in Belleview. So, there’s almost always some part of our family in the building.” Michael left his managerial position at Walmart to open the store, while Kelly remained at her manger position in human resources for a time. However, when she did leave the corporate world, Kelly didn’t jump right into the fire. She stayed home to help her son with school and then enrolled in school herself. She is currently working on her degree in education for grades K-3.

THE BEAUTY OF GAMES

While Michael is considered, “for lack of a better term,” the face, Kelly handles things behind the scenes. From social media to paperwork, Kelly also brings in specialty items such as Loungefly and pop-culture jewelry items. “I love the people,” says Michael. “I love the merchandising, too. That’s fun for me, but I most enjoy

the interactions with customers. I’ll have 10 to 15 minute conversations with customers and talk about things that they’re interested in. A lot of people I see regularly; those people are usually handshake customers. “I love talking to people about things that they’re into, because I don’t necessarily know about certain things. We’re learning so much about anime and manga. I had somebody ask me the other day about a certain manga thing I didn’t even know existed. I’m like, ‘Let me go find out about this.’ We see it at the shows. We see people cosplaying. So, learning through our customers and our interactions with our customers is really how we thrive, I think. That’s what makes us different. We genuinely listen and learn from those interactions.” Michael was into retro games, such as Nintendo, when he was younger, but he has a growing appreciation for the new

tabletop games. “The beautiful thing about the tabletop game is if you get into, there’s also a whole other level of it with the hobbying. You have to build the models and paint them, if you want to. I love games, but I enjoy, when I have time, to sit down and paint for an hour. I’m not great, but it’s soothing. Even if it doesn’t look great, you’re doing a thing for yourself, and you have a reward at the end.” Michael and Kelly enjoy having game nights with their own kids when they get a chance. They also focus on the kids’ individual interests and family vacations. The Ocala store recently went through a much-needed renovation, and Michael and Kelly added a third game room. They encourage their customers—well, anyone really—to “come in and enjoy the atmosphere.”

LEARN MORE

Facebook: @beardedbrowncoat

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MUSIC Classes

GROUP CLASSES | PRIVATE LESSONS All ages and skill levels Summer and Fall classes Fun and affordable Scholarships available Accessible programming

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352.351.1606 | Reilly Arts Center | 500 NE 9th Street Ocala, FL 34470

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THE CHEWS LETTER

Life’s Choreography

Bailey Vaughn pictured with owner, Kim Fanucci

BALLET DANCER SPINS WITH BAR & BUBBLES

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THE CHEWS LETTER

BAILEY VAUGHN Story by LISA ANDERSON

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Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

THE CHEWS LETTER

“Y

ou know all those billboards of The Nutcracker? That was me!” exclaims Bailey Vaughn, manager for Marion Mobile Bar and Bubbles. “I have always been a dancer. I have a degree in dance for choreography. Once you can choreograph human bodies, you can pretty much put together anything. So, I think that’s how I naturally ended up in this role with the Mobile Bar and with Kim. I like to solve problems, and I like to tell people what to do,” she says with a smirk. Kim Fanucci purchased Marion Mobile Bar and Bubbles at the end of 2021, and Bailey came on board at the same time. “I’m super passionate about Ocala,” says 25-year-old Bailey. “I’m super passionate about all the moving parts, and with the Mobile Bar, there’s so many moving parts.”

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Bailey grew up in Dunnellon but considers Ocala to be her home away from home. “If you wanted to do anything, you’d venture into Ocala. I think it’s really special, because I think that I have a really different outlook on the world than most people, having grown up in this area where there wasn’t much. “My dad owned an art gallery in Dunnellon. We were in [Ocala] all of the time [and] involved in the arts. I think growing up here makes you value community. That’s something I want to really resonate with the work that I do with the bar. I don’t think there’s anything that says ‘Ocala’ more than a horse trailer bar. I get thrilled about finding ways to integrate us into the community.”

LEARNING AND PASSION

“Kim and I have been figuring things out. It’s really great working with her and under her, because she also has another very successful business in town. It’s amazing how she did that herself, not to mention raising four children by herself at the same time. How do you do that? It’s not like she’s a tycoon, either. She’s a great person, too. She’s really a great employer and business owner. I really appreciate working with her and how she looks at and does things. That’s something I really like to model when conducting the [bar] business.”

Bailey is the main point of contact for their clients, and she gets to help create drinks and even hand paint the menus. The latter is one of her favorites, because she customizes the menus to fit the personalities of the clients. “It’s my version of a well-wish,” she explains. A trained doula, Bailey uses these skills and her choreography training to create a calm, well-orchestrated environment for their clients. “I want Marion Mobile Bar and Bubbles to be something that is a fixture. I want community events to happen, and I want everyone to expect to find us there. I just want it to be an expectation that we will be there.”

LEARN MORE

barandbubbles.com

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2022 Series

sponsor

PASSPORTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE! Get VIP access to all four shows, meet-and-greet with the artists before each show and receve Couch Session Bucks as a voucher to purchase an artist piece.

2022 Schedule & Featured Artists June

03 July

08 August

05 September

Scott & Kimber Davis Ryan Neumann Nate Mercado Aaron Thomas Macey Mac Jessica Carter Jeff Jarrett Melissa Ann Taricic

Visit couchsessionsocala.com to purchase your passport or individual show tickets.

PHOTO (R) BY MEAGAN GUMPERT • PHOTO (L) BY JOSHUA JACOBS

Local Illustrator Uplif ts the Community Through Freelance & FAFO

he lights dim, Olivia Ortiz introduces the artists for the evening, the music begins to play, and Maggie Weakley begins to paint with the audience watching through the framed piece of glass that is her canvas for the night. “Usually when you paint on glass, you paint from the bottom up. This way you have to paint details first. It’s very different. You really have to pre-plan a lot,” explains Maggie, describing the art piece she created at the August 2019 Couch Sessions. Maggie had wanted to give the audience a different view. “As an illustrator, you’re always solving problems. I don’t consider myself a fine artist. I consider myself, always, as an illustrator. I thought, ‘What if I paint backwards on glass?’ I did animation for a little while, too, and so you have to paint backwards in animation.” The choice paid off, and the audience watched as Maggie disappeared behind an underwater scene of koi. THE ILLUSTRATOR’S JOURNEY Born in New Jersey, raised in Spain and Orlando, Florida, Maggie headed off to art school in Columbus, Ohio, where she became best friends with her now husband Kent. She moved to Kansas City, after college, to become the art director for Hallmark’s Shoebox division from 1990 to 1993. “It was such an amazing experience working there. The reason I left was because I got married,” she chuckles.

Maggie joined her new husband in Ohio. He had built a flourishing business, Blue Sky Graphic Communication, and Maggie added her talents to the mix. The couple knew they wanted to return to Florida, eventually, to be near Maggie’s family. They purchased their dream farm in 1994 but waited to officially move until 1998. Maggie started an acrylic collection of pet portraits called Maggie’s Angels. She painted over 500 pet portraits in 20 years, before she decided to take a break and expand her skills to fluid acrylics and resin. Although she continues to freelance, in 2014, Maggie joined Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) as the Administrative Coordinator. “I love FAFO. I really do. It’s a great organization. We do two events a year, and we do them really well.” FAFO is most famous for the Ocala Arts Festival, which celebrates its 55th anniversary on October 22nd and 23rd. Their annual Mother’s Day celebration, Symphony Under the Stars, took place on May 8th. “The reason FAFO is so successful is literally everything we make, we give it back to the arts in our community.” Maggie wants to support freelance artists in their business of art, a mission that she shares with FAFO and Couch Sessions. LEARN MORE MaggieWeakley.com | FAFO.org | couchsessionsocala.com

S P ONS ORED BY LO CAL A IN CO N J UNCTIO N W ITH CO UCH SE SSIO N S

NOMA NOMA NOMA Gallery Gallery Gallery presents: presents: presents: NOMA NOMA NOMA Gallery Gallery Gallery presents: presents: presents: NOMA NOMA NOMA NOMA NOMA Gallery Gallery Gallery Gallery Gallery presents: presents: presents: presents: presents:

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NOMA NOMA NOMA Gallery Gallery Gallery NOMA NOMA NOMA Gallery Gallery Gallery 939 939939 NNMagnolia Magnolia N Magnolia Avenue Avenue Avenue 939 939 939 NNMagnolia Magnolia N Magnolia Avenue Avenue Avenue NOMA NOMA NOMA NOMA NOMA Gallery Gallery Gallery Gallery Gallery Ocala, Ocala, Ocala, FL FL34475 FL 34475 34475 Ocala, Ocala, Ocala, FL FL 34475 FL 34475 34475 939 939 939 939 N 939 NN Magnolia N Magnolia Magnolia N Magnolia Magnolia Avenue Avenue Avenue Avenue Avenue Ocala, Ocala, Ocala, Ocala, Ocala, FL FL FL FL 34475 34475 FL 34475 34475 34475

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ARTIST CORNER

Couch Sessions 2022 SERIES • JUNE ARTIST Q&A

JUNE 3

Scott & Kimber Davis • Ryan Neumann

JULY 8

Nate Mercado • Aaron Thomas

AUGUST 5

Macey Mac • Jessica Carter

SEPTEMBER 2

Jeff Jarrett • Melissa Ann Taricic www.couchsessionsocala.com

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ARTIST CORNER

THE KIMBER DAVIS BAND, KIMBER & SCOTT DAVIS will always get that point across!

What type of an artist are you? Musicians What types of art and culture do you like to consume? All types! Is there a connection between your message and the way you make your art? Our message through music is to feel and experience life to its fullest. Playing upbeat music with a high energy feel-good vibe and lots of good-natured fun

How do you define success as an artist or person? What do you hope to accomplish? We both find that making others see the joy in life as being an accomplishment. Having people laugh and dance is the most satisfying thing that comes from good music. How can we support you? The Kimber Davis Band can be found on Facebook.

Photos by Scott Davis & Bill Davis

What are you besides an artist? How do you define your role in life? We are parents first and foremost. And we love to contribute to this great community any way we can.

RYAN ANDREW NEUMANN

What types of art and culture do you like to consume? I enjoy art and culture from all over the world in various styles and mediums. I grew up in a wildly multicultural environment, and this greatly influenced my taste and openness. Is there a connection between your message and the way you make your art? I use art as a vehicle for personal development for myself and others. The message is clear: Grow your own wings! This is meant to encourage people to make their own way and invent ways to see the beauty through the chaos of this world. Self-education and a lifelong love for learning are the keys to creating an enjoyable life.

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What are you besides an artist? How do you define your role in life? There is nothing besides art, but I am a lot of things. I am a husband, musician, student, amateur local art historian, art collector, and more. In all reality, the coolest thing I get to be in this life is Uncle Ry! How do you define success as an artist or person? What do you hope to accomplish? Success is subjective and constantly in flux. For me, success means creating an enjoyable life.

How can we support you? Instagram: @originallocalartist

Photo by Katrina Neumann

What type of an artist are you? I am an award-winning painter and resident artist at the Magnolia Art Xchange, working primarily in acrylics and dealing with the comparative mythology of art history.

ARTIST CORNER

Other Free Persons DIFFICULT NARRATIVES OF THE SOUTH Story & Photo by VANESSA SCOTT

Are there artists who inspire you when creating? While I was in college, I was drawn to Impressionism and the Cubist style of Picasso. Then, I stumbled upon a book about JeanMichel Basquiat. I was immediately inspired.

CHARLES EADY

harles Eady is a contemporary artist and author who uses art to engage viewers to take a deeper look into the narratives about the South. Born in South Carolina, he currently lives in Ocala, where he teaches art at Belleview High School. His painting “American Jockey” is part of the permanent collection of the Appleton Museum of Art, where he will be doing a solo exhibition in 2023. Vanessa Scott chatted with Eady about his art. Where do you look for inspiration for the subject of your paintings? The Department of South Carolina Archives has been the source of my subject matter. The first census of St. John’s Parish in Berkeley County appears regularly on my paintings in different forms. It was the first document I discovered with free Blacks. There is a column near the end with “All other free persons” that lists Eady. Seeing my surname made it surreal. Could you talk me through the process of one of your paintings from conception to completion? The concept begins with a document. I first sketch the portrait on the canvas. I create the underpainting for the faces in oils [in warm colors]. Next, I work on building layers. I have a trilogy strategy of including a person, at least one silk-screened document, and maybe cotton.

What do you find are the past and present difficulties of being an artist? I look to present the truth. It’s sometimes difficult to present some of the truths I find in my research. However, I made a commitment early in my research that I wouldn’t leave out difficult topics. What do you do if you hit an artistic block? After I started researching about free Blacks, all my artistic blocks vanished. In fact, it’s been more about me trying to keep up with the painting. There are so many paintings I’m ready to begin. What do you get from making art? The concept of a painting will exist in my mind, then it becomes a process of making it exist. When I’m working on art it has a way of elevating my mental state. When it’s finished, I feel it remarkable that I

painted something unique in the world. What do you get from having your art seen? Although history cannot physically change, my art presents an opportunity for viewers to change what they thought about the South and take a deeper look into [its] narratives. I aim for viewers to find freedom through knowledge.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Vanessa Scott is Museum Specialist at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida. Growing up in South Africa, Italy, and England, Scott has international art and theatre backgrounds. She holds degrees in Theatre and Performance, as well as Photography. Joining the Appleton in 2018, she is the developer, designer, and content creator of the Appleton’s free mobile app, which won the Gold Medal Award at the 2020 Southeastern Museums Conference.

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Locala, June 2022, Ocala, FL

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