Letter from the Editor, May 2023

Story by Jodi Anderson

DEAR OCALA,

What anyone who has been in Ocala for the last decade can tell you is that this city has grown by leaps and bounds, especially in the arts. Every month, we highlight an artist or two in our Artist Q&A (page 25). In this issue, Kyle Corley, one half of the band Glizzy Gillespie, talks painting and Zen. The Appleton Staff are back with their monthly interview, this time with Brenda Flynn, a contributor to the Horse Fever project.

We are celebrating the rich arts community with our features, as well. Maestro Matthew Wardell, (page 20) CEO and Artistic Director of the Reilly Arts Center and conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, discusses his struggles with mental health and the importance of empathy. Street photographer Tommy Cuevas (page 7) waxes poetic about his idols and what he loves about film photography. And painter Jessi Miller (page 10) talks about going the traditional route in graphic design, while creating engaging stories through art.

Make sure to check out the Chews Letter department (page 14), where we discuss food as art. Hispanic artist Emmaline Basulto explains how she builds bridges with her catered comfort food.

Finally, get more insight into our subjects with our podcast interviews. Only a fool would miss out!

Happy Spring!