‘Olympus Odyssey’
The annual Applaud the Arts soiree was carried out this year with a Greek mythology theme.
Stevie Bryant, left, of Artify Ocala, portrays a living statue as she poses with Monica Garces, right, during the Marion Cultural Alliance’s 18th annual Applaud The Arts Olympus Odyssey at the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala on Nov. 15, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
The Marion Cultural Alliance has gotten really good at producing stunning Applaud the Arts events, as might be expected when numerous artists and patrons of the arts put their creative minds to work.
The 18th annual Applaud the Arts event, which took place Nov. 15 at the Appleton Museum of Art, was no exception as it perfectly executed the theme of “Olympus Odyssey” and with guests going all-out with inventive costumes.
According to Britannica.com, Mount Olympus was regarded as the abode of the gods and the site of the throne of Zeus. Greek mythology involves stories of gods, heroes, monsters and rituals of the ancient Greeks and Classical antiquity. The myths and legends helped determine social and moral values and deeply influenced ancient art and literature. Greek mythology has subsequently had extensive influence on the arts and literature of Western civilization.
The Marion Cultural Alliance, which was founded in 2001, supports the arts, expands artistic opportunities and advocates for the creative community. According to Executive Director Jaye Baillie, more than 200 artists, arts and business leaders, and patrons gathered for the immersive Greek-themed experience on Saturday.
“Guests were encouraged to come in costume, contributing to the evening’s festive atmosphere. The event opened with performances by Artify Ocala and featured living statues, an aerialist, a courtyard transformed with a Parthenon installation and projections depicting ancient Greece — all designed to bring the theme to life,” Baillie noted via email.
In addition to providing an amazing artistic experience, the event also served to recognize individuals who positively impact arts and culture and to award grants to some local organizations. This year’s honorees and grantees are:
ARTS EDUCATOR AWARD: Dani Moreno-Fuentes
The award recognizes an arts educator who uses the arts as a tool to achieve excellence. Moreno-Fuentes, the arts education director at the Ocala Civic Theatre, has an ability to connect with students, creating a community where all are welcomed, encouraged and celebrated for their unique gifts, the news release noted.
“A powerful example is the story of Walter Oathout, who recently played Gary the Snail in ‘The SpongeBob Musical.’ Diagnosed with autism at age 3, Walter was not expected to become verbal. Through his involvement with Ocala Civic Theatre’s Academy — and with Dani’s gentle coaching — Walter discovered his voice. As Dani says, ‘Meeting students where they are and building on their abilities is fundamental.’ Walter’s mother expressed her gratitude: ‘You don’t even know the gift you’ve given me and Walter,’” the release stated.
SERVICE AWARD: Scott Jacob
This award recognizes an individual for dedicated volunteerism and meaningful contributions to the arts community. Jacob is one of Marion County’s most devoted and active volunteers. His commitment spans many organizations, including Marion Cultural Alliance, the Appleton Museum of Art, Silver Springs State Park, the Silver River Museum and the Ocala Civic Theatre. His impact is both wide-reaching and deeply felt. He and his wife, Danuta, also spread holiday joy as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, reading to children, posing for photos and bringing cheer throughout the season, according to the release.
VISION AWARD: Guy Marwick
The award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding advocacy for the arts locally. Marwick, an educator, environmentalist and founder of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, had a vision to create a place where students and families could experience Florida’s natural and cultural history. Through his leadership and collaboration with Marion County Public Schools, the museum has become one of our community’s greatest educational and cultural assets. As a Felburn Foundation board member and former executive director, he championed numerous local projects supporting the arts, including the films ‘Tales My Father Told’ and ‘The Silver Springs Story’ by Mark and Mary Emery, the Fort King National Historic Landmark, the Silver River Museum and the annual Springs Festival, the release explained.
2025–2026 CULTURAL GRANT RECIPIENTS:
Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band: Concert Series — $2,000
Appleton Museum of Art: United Way Community Partnership Schools Initiative at College Park & East Marion Elementary — $4,000
Reilly Arts Center: Preservation Hall Jazz Band — $2,000
Ocala Symphony Orchestra: Music Box Series — $1,000
Ocala Civic Theatre: Puppetry at Ocala Civic Theatre — $4,000
Marion All-County Choir: High School Choral Festival — $4,000
Silver River Museum: Ocali Country Days — $4,000
Public Education Foundation of Marion County: Ocala Film Derby — $3,000
Dance Alive: Outreach to Underserved Communities — $3,000
Art in Health Ocala Metro: Super Art Series — $3,000
With the award of $30,000 during this year’s event, MCA has granted more than $615,000 since its inception in 2001 to support more than 40 arts and cultural organizations.
To learn more, go to mcaocala.org
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