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Recognizing Vision, Arts Education, and Service Since 2016
Established in 2016 by the Marion Cultural Alliance Board of Directors, the MCA Arts Awards honor individuals and organizations whose leadership, creativity, and commitment have shaped and strengthened Ocala/Marion County’s arts and cultural community.
Presented annually at Applaud the Arts, these awards recognize excellence in Vision, Arts Education, and Service, with additional honors conferred in select years. Since their inception, the awards have been proudly powered by Duke Energy, whose continued support underscores a shared commitment to the arts.
Impact of the MCA Arts Awards
Over the past decade, the MCA Arts Awards have celebrated more than 40 visionary leaders, educators, and dedicated advocates whose collective impact extends far beyond individual achievement.
These honorees have:
- Expanded access to the arts for thousands of residents, including students, seniors, veterans, and underserved populations
- Elevated arts education across Marion County schools, inspiring the next generation of artists and creative thinkers
- Strengthened cultural institutions and programming, from grassroots initiatives to major community organizations
- Advanced public art, placemaking, and cultural tourism, contributing to the region’s economic vitality and sense of place
- Demonstrated resilience and leadership, particularly during times of challenge such as the COVID-19 pandemic
Together, these individuals and organizations represent the very best of what the arts make possible—connection, creativity, and community. Their work continues to shape a vibrant cultural landscape for Ocala/Marion County and beyond.
ARTS Awards Sponsored by:
The Marion Cultural Alliance Arts Legacy Wall
Honoring the individuals who have shaped Ocala/Marion County’s Cultural Background
Vision: Recognizes an individual or organization in Ocala/Marion County whose outstanding advocacy advances the arts and inspires a stronger cultural community.
Arts Education Award: Recognizes an arts educator (K–college) who utilizes the arts as a tool for achieving excellence and inspiring student success.
Service Award: Honors an individual whose sustained volunteerism and commitment have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the arts in Ocala/Marion County.
2025
- Vision: Guy Marwick
- Arts Education: Dani Fuentes-Moreno
- Service: Scott Jacob
2024
- Vision: Angie Lewis
- Arts Education: Charles Eady
- Service: Darian Mosley
Special Tribute: James Melton (renowned tenor of the 1930s–40s, raised in Citra, Florida)
2023
- Vision: Margaret Watts, Artist
- Arts Education: Tyrus Clutter, College of Central Florida
- Service: Dr. Leslie Hammond, Volunteer Juror
2022
- Vision: Jessica McCune, Longtime Arts Advocate
- Arts Education: Brittany Schofield, Howard Middle School
- Service: Dr. Joanne Cornell Ohlman, Arts for All @ Fort King Presbyterian
2021
- Vision: Ken Colen, On Top of the World Communities
- Arts Education: Brooke Hutto, Harbour View Elementary School
- Service: The Leppert Family, Ocala Civic Theatre
Spirit Award: Gerald Ergle (for service to MCA and the Horse Fever public art projects)
2020
- Vision: Jennifer Murty, Ocala Style Magazine
- Arts Education: Dean Marino, West Port High School
- Service: Les Muncaster, Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band
Spirit Award: Matt and Pamela Wardell (for arts leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic)
2019
- Vision: Olivia Ortiz, Couch Sessions
- Arts Education: Suzanne Schmitting, Music Educator, Maplewood Elementary
- Service: Jim Ross, Ocala Civic Theatre
2018
- Vision: Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO)
- Arts Education: Jessica Mongerio, All County Choir
- Service: Jessica McCune, Ocala Storytellers
2017
- Vision: Jen Normoyle, City of Ocala (for securing the first Levitt Grant)
- Arts Education: Jo Crowder, MCPS Fine Arts Coordinator
- Service: David D’Alessandris, Community Arts Volunteer
Lifetime Achievement Award (First Conferred): Mary Britt, Ocala Civic Theatre
2016 – Inaugural Awards
- Vision: John Zobler, City Manager, City of Ocala
- Arts Education: Jayne Ellspermann, former Principal, West Port High School
- Service: Rusty Belote, Volunteer, Ocala Civic Theatre