Enter the 2026 Raffle
Be a Part of the Horse Fever Legacy
Support the Arts in Ocala/Marion County. Nominate your charity of choice* for their chance to receive 12% of the proceeds.
Get Your Ticket(s) by Visiting MCA @ 23 SW Broadway Street, Ocala, FL 34471
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR HORSE?
Create a show-stopping focal point for your home, farm, or business
Anchor a garden, courtyard, or entryway with iconic public art
Donate Tribute 25 as a legacy piece to add to the City’s or County’s public art collection
NEW: Each $75 ticket purchase will receive a complimentary six-month subscription to the Ocala Gazette (valued at $72) – new subscribers only.
Horse painted by internationally renowned equine artist Sharon Crute.
With the theme of “transition”, I wanted to represent the “Horse Fever” artwork literally by portraying the equine subject as the design. Depictions of narrative and symbols illustrate the creation of the Marion Cultural Alliance and the first “fever” project of 25 years ago as a bold idea. Their ensuing efforts would strengthen the presence of various artistic genres, creating new ones, and transitioning into the thriving art community Ocala is today.
My artwork begins with a nightscape: a full moon on top of the horse’s rump. The left side portrays four riderless horses. The horse below the moon hesitates in the dark, unsure of making an initial move and looking back over its shoulder for reassurance. The second horse stands alert, curiously attentive but cautious. The third horse bravely steps out and is inspired to follow the fourth horse as that horse rears up in joy and fearlessness. The light progresses throughout the horses from darkness into a sunrise of brilliant light.
The right side of the horse pictures a selection of four genres of horsemanship in Marion County. A thoroughbred walks to the track in the dark – representing speed and survival. The western horse is a partnership in a working relationship. The third, a dressage horse, is about refinement and discipline transitioning into beauty and the fourth, a jumper, is fearlessness and successful.
Nestled in the dark hind legs are four nocturnal critters indigenous to Marion County: a raccoon, skunk, armadillo and a rat snake who represents the transition from the year of the snake to the year of the horse.– Sharon Crute, January 2025
Rules & Regulations:
Tickets: $75 each, or buy 5 and get an additional one free. No purchase necessary to enter or win; donation suggested. Mail requests to 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471. Conducted by Marion Cultural Alliance, Inc., 23 SW Broadway Street, Ocala, FL 34471
Drawing: Friday, December 4th, 2026 | 6 PM @ Brick City Center for the Arts
Winner chosen at random; need not be present. Notification via phone/email.
Info & Rules: MCA is a 501(c) charitable organization registered with the Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services (#CH551.) Registration does not imply state endorsement. Donations may be tax-deductible. No paid solicitors engaged.
Support your Favorite Nonprofit!
12% of net proceeds will be donated to the nonprofits* that receives the most nominations.
*Nomination criteria: Must be a nonprofit benefitting the arts, culture, heritage, science, and equine-related
Benefitting MCA, its support of the arts in Ocala, Marion County, and the nonprofit receiving the most nominations.
In Partnership With:
HELP US PAINT “CELEBRATION”!
Marion Cultural Alliance invites you to be part of something lasting.
Join us on May 30th at The Brick from 11am – 3pm for CELEBRATION Community Paint Day—a one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience where YOU help create a permanent public work of art.
This vibrant, large-scale horse sculpture, designed by Maggie Weakley, will come to life through the hands of our community—families, artists, visitors, and supporters—each adding their own brushstroke to a shared vision.
More than just a painting event, CELEBRATION reflects the heart of Marion County—its creativity, diversity, and deep connection to both the arts and equestrian culture. Once complete, the sculpture will remain on display as a lasting landmark and symbol of what we can build together.
Be Part of the Legacy – Each brushstroke becomes part of a permanent public sculpture at The Brick—your participation helps support and sustain the arts in our community.
How It Works:
Take part in our interactive paint-by-numbers experience, designed for all ages and skill levels. You’ll be guided to paint designated sections of the sculpture—no experience needed, just creativity and community spirit!
Contribute to a public art installation Engage in a fun, meaningful experience Leave your mark on a lasting cultural piece
Participation Levels:
Community Contributor — $12
A meaningful entry point to participate, including painting access, a souvenir sticker, and digital donor recognition.
Legacy Painter — $25
Paint your section of the sculpture and take home a collectible merch item, with your name recognized on our digital donor list.
Family Legacy Bundle — $50
Perfect for families! Up to 4 participants can paint together and share in this unforgettable experience.
Masterpiece Sponsor — $100+
Go big with enhanced recognition, preferred painting area (when available), inclusion on the official sculpture plaque, and a souvenir collectible Art Apron!
👉 ADDITIONAL COLORS ARE $5 EACH!
Whether you’re an artist or just looking for a unique way to connect with your community, this is your chance to leave a mark that lasts for years to come.
TICKETS & MORE INFO AVAILABLE AT BRICK CITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS
COMMUNITY PAINTING DAYS:
(Select Wednesdays in June/July)
- May 30, 2026 (11am – 3pm)
- June 10, 2026 (11am – 3pm)
- June 17, 2026 (11am – 3pm)
- June 24, 2026 (11am – 3pm)
- July 1, 2026 (11am – 3pm)
Come paint. Come celebrate. Come be part of the legacy.
Catch the Fever!
This phrase recalls Ocala’s exposure to an epidemic that’s raging around the world – the passion for public art. Starting with 200 cows in Zurich, Switzerland in 1998, this seemingly irresistible urge to place fancifully painted animals on the streets has spread throughout Europe and the U.S. How each city defines itself through this public display is a story that continues to play out all over the country.