Getting in the spirit for a good cause
The “Ghouls for Good” event is described as an otherworldly masquerade where dreams and nightmares collide.
Lisa Irwin, founder of the LILAC Foundation, under which Arts In Health Ocala Metro is organized, speaks during a gala event on March 1, 2024. The foundation is sponsoring the “Ghouls for Good” event and more this month. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
The “Ghouls for Good” fundraiser will support the Marion Cultural Alliance as it closes out its seventh juried art exhibition, “Nocturne: A Show of Good Spirits,” on display at the Brick City Center for the Arts through Oct. 31.
“As the season shifts and the nights grow longer, ‘Nocturne’ invites artists to explore the quiet power of darkness, transformation and inner reflection. This exhibition embraces mood over menace—focusing on the mysterious, the introspective and the beautifully strange,” notes the MCA website.
The “Nocturne” exhibit is sponsored by the LILAC Foundation, which also is hosting the “Ghouls for Good” event, which will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Brick, located at 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala.
“Step into an otherworldly realm where your sweetest dreams shimmer—and your darkest nightmares awaken. Join the LILAC Foundation for an evening of enchantment, fantasy and eerie elegance. Costumes inspired by bedtime stories, dreamscapes or classic night terrors are highly encouraged. Whether you come dressed as a blissful sleeper or something that keeps others awake at night… you’ll be right at home,” notes the promotional materials.
The organizers offer costume inspirations such as otherworldly creatures, twisted fairytales, haunted carnival performers, sleepwalkers and shadow selves and soft-focus beauty with an unsettling edge. There will be a costume contest and the winner will walk away with “a killer prize.”
The evening will include art and music, with haunting decor and light projections by Oniram Productions and DJ Karim. Signature cocktails will include the Tequila Nightmare and Moonlight Muse. Guests can also nosh on light bites and visit a cash bar.
The LILAC (Lisa Irwin Legacy for Arts & Culture) Foundation has three pillars: Arts in Health Ocala Metro, Elevating Futures and Opportunity for All.
Lisa Irwin, founder of the foundation and a longtime supporter of the arts locally, said that she and her colleague Geraldo Rodriguez came up with the “Ghouls for Good” theme, partially inspired by the stunning visuals of the movie “What Dreams May Come” where Robin Williams walks through his deceased wife’s paintings.
“To him, it seemed like a dream until it turned into a nightmare. And the theme also suits both mine and Geraldo’s personalities—he loves spooky stuff and practical jokes whereas I prefer to be in cotton candy filled dreams. And Geraldo came up with the drinks—he is the mixologist of the team. Mojos mobile bar will be serving the drinks for the evening.”
As for the costumes she might expect to see, Irwin said, “I hope they will come as happy dreams or scary nightmares, but most importantly, I hope they come dressed in a fun costume and have a good time but don’t try to scare me too much!”
Leading up to “Ghouls for Good” are two other events sponsored by the LILAC Foundation, in partnership with MCA, which will benefit Arts in Health Ocala Metro. Painting with a Purpose, “a Halloween paint party with Chris Hershberger,” is from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Oct. 11 at the Brick. On Oct. 16, from 5-7 p.m., Natasha Jean-Pierre will lead a “Dreams and Nightmares” creative writing experience at the venue.
“We bring programs into hospitals, schools, senior centers and community spaces, reaching people right where they are. Every art interaction is tracked, so we can show real data that the arts improve health. And it’s important because health isn’t only about medicine—it’s also about hope, creativity and connection, especially when people are navigating illness, loss or stress,” Irwin said about the AIHOM mission.
The Marion Cultural Alliance is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 that was established in 2001 with the Horse Fever public art project. MCA’s mission is to champion, convene and create opportunities for artists and arts organizations.
For tickets to Ghouls for Good, go to zeffy.com/es-US/ticketing/ghouls-for-good-dreamscapes-and-nightmares
For tickets to the painting and writing events, go to ocalametroartscene.com
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