‘Art, music and energy’
The Ocala Arts Festival returns to the downtown area Oct. 25 and 26.
William Kidd of St. Petersburg sits in his booth with his colorful clay artworks during the Ocala Arts Festival in downtown Ocala on Oct. 27, 2024. This year’s event will take place Oct. 25 and 26. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
On Oct. 25 and 26, the streets all around downtown Ocala will again be filled with amazing works of art, live entertainment, yummy eats and drinks, and thousands of attendees.
The annual Ocala Arts Festival, organized by Fine Arts For Ocala, is a beloved tradition that draws artists and visitors from near and far. This year’s co-chairs are Ryan Neumann and Teddy Sykes. The judges are Sara Garzón, Robin Perry Dana and Catherine Bergmann.
According to FAFO’s administrative coordinator, Amy Casaletto, the works of 149 artists will be on display. The featured artist is Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong, who recently had an exhibition at the Appleton Museum of Art.
According to his website, Eitharong “began his artistic journey with meticulous photo-realistic pencil drawings, capturing the essence of his subjects with precision. Over time, his creative vision expanded, leading him to explore the vibrant possibilities of mixed media. Today, Tony is celebrated for his innovative acrylic abstract art on watercolor paper, a medium that allows him to express complex emotions and ideas through bold colors and fluid shapes. His work, a testament to his self-taught mastery, is cherished in both public and private collections across the globe.”
Eitharong’s vibrant works are large, ranging from 3-foot by 5-foot to 6-foot by 8-foot.
When reached by phone on Tuesday, Eitharong said he will be bringing more than 20 pieces of art to the Ocala show.
His longtime collaborator and partner, Mary Anne James, noted that his bright and bold works are “based on color theory.”
“And he just got a commission from the Orlando International Airport to do three large pieces for the new C terminal,” she said.
David Reutter is the registrar at the Appleton Museum of Art and a member of the FAFO board of directors.
“Every year, Fine Arts For Ocala chooses an artist to feature on posters, billboards and press. Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong was an obvious choice as someone who has been a participant and frequent award-winner at our show for decades. Also, this year Tony had a 50-year retrospective at the Appleton Museum of Art, which was sponsored by Fine Arts For Ocala. His recent paintings, explosive abstract arrangements of color, convey the vibrant and diverse attitude we strive for at the festival,” Reutter said.
A smaller rendition of “Patchwork” by Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong will be raffled off during the Ocala Arts Festival with proceeds to benefit a school arts program. [Photo courtesy of the artist]
“This was completely Tony’s idea, and he wanted a way to give back to the Ocala community that has supported him over the years. The painting will be at the FAFO info booth throughout the festival weekend, with the drawing happening at the end of the weekend. At Tony’s suggestion, 100% of the funds raised will go to a Marion County school elementary art program. We have not yet determined which school will receive the money or how many schools will benefit. This will be determined by how much we raise (how many schools we can award) and the school will be determined randomly,” Reutter explained.
James said that Eitharong’s “purpose in life is to make people happy.”
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away,” he said.
In addition to the fine art on display, “the festival will again showcase artwork from elementary, middle and high school students as part of our youth artist exhibits, highlighting the incredible talent developing right here in our community,” Casaletto said.
“We’re also proud to continue our Emerging Artist Award, which recognizes and supports up-and-coming artists who are taking the next step in their creative careers. These features are a vital part of FAFO’s mission to promote the fine arts and encourage artists of all ages and experience levels,” she said.
The festival will showcase a lineup of student performance groups at Citizens’ Circle both days, plus live local entertainment on the downtown square featuring Cheyla, Becky Baby Band, Rachel Zirkle and Feverdreams. More than a dozen food/beverage trucks will offer a wide variety of options.
If you’ve been in the downtown area lately, you may have noted construction of a new hotel and a second city parking garage.
“Fortunately, the current construction won’t affect the event zone or activities for the festival. However, it may impact parking and general traffic flow downtown, as the closures will increase detours in the area. We’re already looking forward to next year — as once construction is complete, we plan to extend the festival footprint to connect both parking garages and the new hotel,” Casaletto shared.
“The board of Fine Arts For Ocala is thrilled to bring the 58th annual Ocala Arts Festival to downtown Ocala,” said FAFO President Emily Andrews. “We love that the Ocala Arts Festival not only showcases amazing artists but also supports our downtown businesses. With the open-container policy in place again this year, guests 21+ years old may enjoy a beverage from a local bar or restaurant as they experience all the art, music and energy that make this weekend so special. We hope you join us for one of Ocala’s premier art events of the year.”
“It’s important that FAFO continue this tradition because it brings our community together through the shared experience of art, creativity and culture. The Ocala Arts Festival has become a cherished part of our city’s identity — celebrating artists, inspiring students, supporting local businesses and enriching the quality of life for everyone who attends,” Casaletto offered. “By continuing this tradition, FAFO not only honors its long history of promoting the fine arts but also ensures that future generations have opportunities to engage with and appreciate the arts in meaningful ways.”
For all the details, including information about the raffle for the Eitharong painting, go to fafo.org
“Scarlet Symphony,” by Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong, is one of three pieces going into the C Terminal at the Orlando International Airport. [Photo courtesy of the artist]
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