Ocala Municipal Arts Commission Meeting - February 4, 2026
Ocala Municipal Arts Commission Meeting - February 4, 2026
The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC) met on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered updates on accepted public art, mural completion, and a detailed review of the state license plate fund, along with planning for upcoming grant cycles and the artist roster.
Discussion Items
- Flamingo Sculpture Donation and Relocation: Cultural Arts Coordinator Jamie Antonetti reported that the flamingo sculpture, donated by artist Michael O'Kane, was accepted by city council on January 6, 2026, and installed on Northeast Fifth Street at Watula Avenue. The sculpture was originally part of the seventh biennial October outdoor sculpture competition. No action was required. The sculpture stroll is scheduled for February 21, 2026, with VIP tickets available.
- East Ocala CRA Mural Completion: Antonetti updated that artist Justin Alsedeck completed the mural in January 2026, after the project was approved by OMAC in February 2025 and by an advisory committee in July 2025. The mural is located on Eighth Avenue and features a parking lot view.
- License Plate Fund and FY2026 Grant Funding: Cultural Arts Supervisor Emily Parkman presented the current fund balance of $8,237.65 and an available grant amount of $4,800 for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026). Revenue comes from state license plate sales, estimated at $6,000 annually. Parkman explained the budget process for FY2027, noting that the expense and revenue accounts are separate and that council can approve transfers. Discussion ensued about redesigning the license plate to increase sales, referencing the University of Florida’s recent redesign. Board member Natalie McComb reported a roadblock in identifying the correct state contact; Jean Floten offered to research the process by contacting the University of Florida alumni department or the Florida Arts Alliance. Staff agreed to provide a five-year history of grant applicants to identify repeat versus new applicants. Parkman also noted that brochure promotion for grants has been sidelined but will be reactivated, and that the East Ocala CRA mural grant program is being promoted alongside the North Magnolia and West Ocala CRAs.
- Artist Roster: Antonetti announced that the artist roster for public artists is in progress, with a deadline for artists set for April 27, 2026. Commissioners will review and score applications, with discussion scheduled for June 5, 2026. Accepted artists will be contacted by October 2026. The information page is planned to go live that week.
- Board Comments: Multiple board members reported upcoming cultural events: Symphony Under the Stars (early bird ticketing until March 31); Preservation Hall jazz band concert on February 7; Riley Center’s 10th birthday featuring Sister Hazel on February 28; Film Music Spectacular symphony weekend for Valentine’s; “Reunite the Rivers” art exhibit opening February 7; Galantine’s fundraiser on February 13; Marion All County Choir concert on March 28; Little Shop of Horrors production (sponsored by MCA); and Appleton Museum free first Saturdays. First Friday Art Walk on February 7 and Sculpture Stroll on February 21 were also promoted.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes from December 3, 2025, were approved unanimously.
- The commission accepted updates on the flamingo sculpture, East Ocala CRA mural, and license plate fund status; no formal votes were taken on these items.
- Staff will provide a five-year history of grant applicants and reactivate promotional brochures for grants.
- Jean Floten will research the process for redesigning the state arts license plate.
- The next meeting is scheduled for April 1, 2026.
- Meeting adjourned after board comments.
Meeting Transcript
Yeah. I just had a we had a two hour virtual training. So I was doing that before. I plan. Had to quickly get some stuff done. You had to really think about. No, it was all about generative AI. Yes, good. So it was interesting. Um but it still is one of those things that I'm just trying to pay attention to all the information and all that stuff. It's just gosh, these fakes are so kind of sooner. They're awful. I mean, it's scary. Absolutely. It's terrifying. Like that somebody could just turn around and become a good idea. We're gonna do whatever we want. We're gonna be you. But we're also everything. Oh yeah, it is very concerning. There's something interesting to see where it all goes. I was your name. You know, I got a lot of weekly things. Oh, that's kind of my Amazon challenge. I have to worry about it. Trying to see if am I right? Am I like a hands? Am I doing good? Yeah. But we've got that stuff done. It's four o'clock on the dot. Let's get started with our February O Mac meeting with a call to order by me and roll call, please. Miss Andrews present. Mr. Barboro. Present. Mr. Comas. Here. Miss Floaton. Here. Dr. Hammond. Present. Ms. Human. Miss Hudo, sorry. Present. Miss McComb. Present.
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