First Friday Art kicks off in downtown Ocala

Raegan McGarity of Jacksonville, 5, gets a ride from her stepfather, Jeff Lundy, as they look over some of the art work on display during the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Ocala on Friday, Dec. 4. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Ken DeMoliner sets up some his art work near Marion Theatre during the First Friday Art last week. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Art lovers converged on downtown Ocala last Friday for the First Friday Art Walk, an event that will continue from 6-9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month through May.

December’s event will feature the following activities:

Hands-on art activities and demonstrations for all ages provided by local non-profit arts and cultural organizations, local artists selling their works throughout downtown and participating businesses with extended hours.

21 artists throughout the downtown area, including My Uncle’s Friend playing ambient music

Art organization booths will be located around the Downtown Square and Marion Theatre

Live musical performances will return to the Downtown Square, featuring Becky Sinn

Raegan McGarity of Jacksonville, 5, gets a ride from her stepfather, Jeff Lundy, as they look over some of the art work on display during the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Ocala on Friday, Dec. 4. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Hands-on art activities, which are provided by the participating community arts organizations, will be a one-use, make and take item. Sanitation protocols will be in place at each art station, and each activity provided will be health and safety conscious.

The City of Ocala has taken the following safety measures and precautions due to the COVID-19 outbreak:

• Implementation of a sanitizing station at the Information Booth (Downtown Square)
• Digital Art Walk map available by QR code
• Artist and organization locations will be properly social distanced
• Provide signage to communicate safety measures throughout downtown

Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth, maintain proper social distancing of six feet, frequently sanitize their hands, and utilize cashless transactions where applicable.

Participating artists and organizations will be encouraged to wear face coverings, sanitize their booth frequently, provide hand sanitizer, provide cashless transactions (i.e. Venmo, Square, etc.), and practice social distancing at their booths.

In the event of inclement weather, the First Friday Art Walk will move to the Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St.

For more information, contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Department at 352-629-8447 or artwalk@ocalafl.org; or visit www.ocalafl.org/artwalk.

Becky Sinn performs during the First Friday Art Walk last week. The event runs from 6-9 p.m. every Friday through May in downtown Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]