SOCIAL SCENE
“25 Years of Creativity: Horse Fever Artists Now”
Horse Fever artist Nancy Ihasz, left, is given a long-stemmed rose by Jaye Baillie, the executive director of the Marion Cultural Alliance, right, as she is honored with other past Horse Fever artists during the 25 Years of Creativity: Horse Fever Artists Now reception at the Brick City Center for the Arts in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
Drive around beautiful Marion County and you will be sure to see a large number of the colorful and creative Horse Fever life-size statues that grace (graze) many public and private properties.
From the original herd to later generations, Horse Fever has become a beloved symbol of community spirit, collaboration and artistic excellence.
On Jan. 9, the Marion Cultural Alliance hosted a reception at its Brick City Center for the Arts headquarters in downtown Ocala for a special exhibition honoring all of the Horse Fever artists through the years.
Following the event, MCA Executive Director Jaye Baillie said via email, “As part of Marion Cultural Alliance’s 25th anniversary, we are proud to present ‘25 Years of Creativity: Horse Fever Artists Now,’ on view through Jan. 31 at the Brick. The exhibit celebrates the artists whose creativity helped shape Horse Fever into one of Ocala’s most beloved public art initiatives.”
And, continuing the tradition of showcasing the amazing Horse Fever artworks all over the county, a new horse is joining the herd.
“At the Opening Reception on Jan. 9, we unveiled “Tribute 25,” a commemorative Horse Fever sculpture created by acclaimed artist Sharon Crute. The piece honors both the legacy of Horse Fever and MCA’s 25 years of service to the arts,” Baillie noted. “’Tribute 25’ will be showcased at locations throughout the community now through the end of November, allowing residents and visitors alike to experience this public artwork in a variety of settings across Marion County.”
And, to make things even more interesting, “Tribute 25” is part of a special anniversary raffle supporting Marion Cultural Alliance’s arts programming. Raffle tickets are $75 each, or five tickets for $375 with one additional ticket free, Baillie explained. The drawing will take place on Dec. 4 to see who gets to take the artistic steed home with them.
“This project highlights how public art can activate our community, attract visitors and celebrate Ocala’s unique cultural identity — while directly supporting local arts initiatives,” Baillie said.
In addition to the exhibition, MCA is planning immersive opportunities, including hands-on experiences that invite the public to participate in the creation of a tribute horse that will symbolize strength, continuity and community.
To learn more, go to mcaocala.org
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