Marion Cultural Alliance’s Arts Awards, established in 2016, are a highlight of the Annual Applaud the Arts event held each fall. The awards honor individuals or organizations for their positive impact on the arts in our community.
ARTS EDUCATOR AWARD
Recognizes an Ocala Metro arts educator (K-college) who utilizes the arts as a tool for achieving excellence.
SERVICE AWARD
Recognizes an exceptional individual for their dedicated volunteerism in the arts and contribution to the Ocala Metro arts community.
VISION AWARD
Recognizes an individual or an organization in Ocala Metro for their outstanding advocacy of the arts.
AWARD PRESENTATION
The awards were announced at the 17th Annual Applaud the Arts, on October 12, 2024, at The Reilly Arts Center.
ELIGIBILITY
Awards are open to Ocala Metro arts for profit or nonprofit organizations, city, county, schools, arts organization volunteers, and arts enthusiasts in the Ocala Metro
Nominations will be evaluated based on their level of excellence either in education, vision, or service.
Nomination/Application Instructions
The application form and required support materials are Closed.
Selection Process
The MCA Arts Awards Selection committee, chaired by an MCA Board member, will review all applications based on the criteria stated above and completion of the application materials. The committee will make the recommendations for the award recipients to the MCA Board of Directors for approval.
Questions? Please contact Jaye Baillie, MCA Executive Director at 352. 369.1500
ARTS EDUCATOR AWARD
SERVICE AWARD
VISION AWARD
Eight years ago, Marion Cultural Alliance established its Arts Awards to honor individuals or organizations making an impact in our community through the arts. The awards ‘are powered’ by Duke Energy, the sponsor of the awards program.
In Tribute to James Melton
James Melton’s voice captivated audiences wherever he went, from the Ocala High School chorus to the Metropolitan Opera. A leading tenor in the 1930s and ‘40s, he became one of America’s top entertainers and is considered Marion County’s greatest talent. Raised in Citra, Melton achieved Hollywood fame, sang with the top vocal group of the time, The Revelers Quartet, and earned stardom at the Metropolitan Opera.
Melton’s career was a golden era of success, yet few in his hometown are aware of his legacy. He earned two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for radio and one for recording. And now, on Ocala’s Walk of Fame, in front of The Marion Theatre.
Melton passed away at 57, with a funeral attended by 3,500, including many famous figures. His daughter, Margo Nutt, could not attend this evening, but reflected in an interview that it was the funeral, with all those people – all those famous people – paying tribute to my father that brought home how far-reaching was his fame.”
ARTS EDUCATOR AWARD – Recognizes an arts educator who utilizes the arts as a tool for achieving excellence.
Charles Eady
Charles Eady is an artist, author, and educator whose work explores the history of the South, particularly the lives of those living there before the Civil War. Using a distinctive mixed-media approach, Eady incorporates historical documents into his paintings to open dialogues on lesser-known southern history.
A graduate of Claflin University, he won the 2021 ArtFields Grand Prize for his portrait of a girl who wanted to read. His art has been exhibited nationally and internationally. In 2023, Eady had his first solo exhibit at The Appleton Museum of Art where his work is now part of their permanent collection. His pieces often focus on the everyday lives of free Blacks, aiming to teach history and address social issues.
Eady’s recent project is the art installation honoring prominent West Ocala citizens along the Heritage Trail on West Silver Springs Boulevard.
Two of his works will be featured in the juried “Black Creativity” exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago in early 2024. Eady is an incredibly talented artist with a unique voice.
SERVICE AWARD – Recognizes an exceptional individual for their dedicated volunteerism in the arts and contribution to the arts community.
Darian Mosley
Darian Mosley a true champion for the arts through Artify Ocala.
Darian founded Art Army Ocala, now Artify Ocala, and has dedicated over seven years to serving the arts in Marion County. Its mission is to enhance everyday experiences through the addition of art.
Through collaborations with 50+ visual and performing artists and eight local organizations, she has organized nearly 20 events, including this year’s performances at this year’s FAFO, to support local talent and increase visibility. The nonprofit’s mission is to strengthen artistic connections in Ocala and foster a hub for diverse creativity. Artify Ocala explores different mediums and creative opportunities for all through hosting and partnering art events at no cost to the participants.
Supporters say Artify Ocala is noteworthy because it provides opportunities to express and discover artistic expression. Through the variety of performing arts, art partnerships, and even collaborative storytelling the Artify projects help members of our community discover the joy and magic of art in all the forms it takes.
VISION AWARD – Recognizes an individual in Ocala/Marion County for outstanding advocacy of the arts.
Angie Lewis
With her many civic leadership roles, Angie has invested her time, talent, and treasure in ensuring that our community is a vibrant and creative place to live, work, and play.
Angie Lewis has played a vital role in making Ocala/Marion County a vibrant hub for creativity through her leadership roles, including President of the Reilly Arts Center, President of the Marion Cultural Alliance, sponsor of numerous art events, including the most recent Ocala Film Derby. She has also served as a board member of the Ocala Film Foundation and Ocala Main Street.
Angie’s legendary porch parties foster community connections and showcase local artists, and she proudly displays their work at her State Farm office as a part of MCA’s Art in Business initiative.
Natalie McComb, Executive Director of The Reilly Arts Center, praises Angie’s passion, leadership, and philanthropic support, especially during challenging times like the COVID shutdown and subsequent facilities expansions including the new lobby, the NOMA Black Box Theatre, and the Music Conservatory.
Natalie says, “Angie is the person you want in your court, your cheering section, and on your board. Her passion and enthusiasm for the arts is second to none, as evidenced by her long resume serving a variety of arts and cultural organizations throughout our community. We couldn’t think of another arts advocate and leader who deserves this honor more.’
MCA is thrilled to honor Angie Lewis for her exceptional vision and commitment to enriching Ocala’s cultural landscape.
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