Art for all
The annual Ocala Arts Festival again excels.
Justin Alsedek, an Ocala artist with Gypsea Arts, right, talks with Wendy Taylor, left, about his self-portrait titled “Me, Myself and Oh…” at his booth during the FAFO Ocala Arts Festival in downtown Ocala, Fla. on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
This year’s Ocala Arts Festival offered “chamber of commerce” blue skies and fair winds for most of both days. The event, which saw more than 140 exhibitor booths sprawled all around downtown Ocala, took place Oct. 25 and 26.
Organized by Fine Arts For Ocala, the nonprofit’s many volunteers could be seen all over the area in their orange shirts and vests. The annual arts event is a key FAFO initiative, along with the beloved Symphony Under the Stars tradition that takes place each Mother’s Day.
In addition to all the creative arts on display, the festival included live entertainment, children’s art and activities at Citizens’ Circle and downtown eateries and vendors offering lots of tasty foods and tempting beverages.
The event also is a reunion of sorts, with many people running into friends old and new, former colleagues and even extended family members. And dogs — lots and lots of canines of all sizes, shapes and colors, some walking, some being carried and others riding in style in strollers.
This year’s featured artist was Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong. The winners of the judged competition included Eitharong earning a $2,500 Award of Excellence, along with the same for Joyce Slate.
Those receiving $1,000 Awards of Distinction were Michael Steddum, William Kidd Clay, David Burton, Olga Nenazhivina, Chris Matias, Beth Garcia and Rita Holanda.
Earning Awards of Merit and $500 were Jeff Ripple, Galina Kostanda-Lambert, Susan Currier, Rob Sowers, Sandra Matasick, Taymon Loringsmith, Kate Meyer Fitzpatrick, Micah Mullen, Karin Villaroman and Ryan Michael Kelly.
Emerging Artist Best in Show honors went to Robert Varis.
Best in Show honors, along with $5,000, went to sculptor David Figueroa.
To learn more, go to fafo.org
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