Ocala Municipal Arts Commission Meeting - August 5, 2026

The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC) held its regular meeting on August 5, 2026, at 9:15 AM. The meeting included election of officers, approval of minutes, consideration of two grant applications, acceptance of a donated public art bench, and extensive discussion on the public artist roster selection process. All motions passed unanimously.

Election of Officers

• Chair: Jay Bailey was nominated and re-elected by acclamation for a 12-month term. Bailey accepted, noting she had served two prior terms.
• Vice Chair: Darien Mosley was nominated and elected by acclamation. Mosley acknowledged past attendance challenges due to work travel but indicated that after September only two trips remain.

Approval of Minutes

• The minutes from the June 25, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously after a motion by Greg Thompson, seconded by Dr. Hammond. All members present voted in favor.

Grants and Applications

• Battle of the Drums, Art, Rap and Dance (BDARD) – $2,000

  • Applicant Sean Thomas (Sean T Music Global) presented the program for youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of Citrus and Marion County, involving bucket drums, dance, and lyric writing.
  • Staff recommended approval. The grant had been tabled earlier because the applicant was not present, but he arrived later.
  • Discussion noted the project timeline began August 4, 2026, and the applicant stated he would self-fund supplies until the grant is disbursed.
  • A motion to approve was made and seconded; all members voted aye. Motion carried.
  • The project is expected to benefit over 200 students across three clubs.

• Face Today Salon & Spa Outdoor Mural – $2,000

  • Applicant Justin Alsedeck presented a mural concept (57' x 24') for the east exterior wall of the salon, visible from the new parking garage.
  • The mural design features Florida native elements (oak tree, sun, cows, native plants).
  • Staff recommended approval. Commissioners requested a written agreement from the property owner (Bryce Peak) to ensure the mural remains public art.
  • Discussion included the need for nighttime lighting; the applicant indicated solar lighting could be added.
  • Motion to approve staff recommendation passed unanimously.

Project Updates

• Pioneer Garden Club Bench Donation
  • Presentation by Jamie Antonetti on a steel bench sculpture titled "Zebra Longwing" (10' x 11', valued at $7,000) by artist Richard Herzog.
  • The bench will be placed at Tuscawilla Art Park, near the Pioneer Garden Club's existing garden.
  • The Garden Club also pledged $200 per year for 10 years for maintenance.
  • Staff recommended acceptance, which requires final approval by Ocala City Council (two resolutions: one for the bench, one for the maintenance funds).
  • Commissioners expressed appreciation for the historical connection and suggested adding a QR code for historical information.
  • Motion to accept the donation passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Public Artist Roster Applications
  • Commissioners discussed the scoring process for 50 artists reviewed so far (out of ~300 applicants).
  • Key points included clarifying that the roster is for large-scale public art projects (budgets potentially up to $100,000), not small indoor works.
  • Commissioners acknowledged that their initial scores were based on different understandings and agreed to re-evaluate scores individually with the new criteria.
  • A subgroup of approximately 10 artists with significant score discrepancies were reviewed live; for several, the commission decided to let the scores stand or to re-evaluate (e.g., Yomar Casanova, Armando).
  • The commission decided to schedule an additional meeting in approximately three weeks (likely early September) to continue reviewing the remaining artists.
  • All scores must be finalized by October 7, 2026 (the next regular OMAC meeting).

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Approval of June 25, 2026 minutes (unanimous).
  • Approval of BDARD grant ($2,000) (unanimous).
  • Approval of Face Today mural grant ($2,000) (unanimous).
  • Acceptance of Pioneer Garden Club bench donation (unanimous).
• Directives:
  • Staff to provide a list of artists requiring re-evaluation to commissioners.
  • Staff to arrange an additional meeting in three weeks (date TBD) for continued roster review.
  • Staff to investigate video recording requirements for alternative meeting locations (due to elevator renovations starting September 16).
• Financial Update:
  • OMAC grant fund balance before meeting: $10,537.65. After approvals of two $2,000 grants, available funds: $6,537.65 (though only $800 was noted as available after approvals – likely a transcription error; staff indicated $4,800 available initially, then $2,800 after first grant, then $800 after second grant).

Other Business

• City Hall first-floor renovations will affect elevator access starting September 16, 2026; commissioners were asked to notify staff if they require elevator access.
• Upcoming events promoted: Ocala Civic Theatre's production of "Rent" (opening soon); $20,000 NEA grant received; Adult Spelling Bee on September 9; Veterans Resource Center podcast studio available for arts promotion; Marion County Public Schools fine arts Instagram page; and the FAFO festival (October 24-25).

No public comments were made.