Ocala has announced the installation of a new public art project throughout the downtown area.
The city’s Cultural Arts and Sciences Division has commissioned Ocala-based artist Diana Cahal, creator of the project, to begin installation. The project will serve to bring awareness to 10 local not-for-profit organizations that have been featured at the city’s Levitt Amp Ocala Music Series. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission through the State of the Arts license plate fees.
Originally inspired by Atlanta’s Tiny Door Project, “Small Spaces, Big Places” is an outdoor miniature art project focusing on Ocala’s vibrant arts scene and not-for-profit organizations. The artworks are miniature versions of each of the organizations’ home-bases and they will be displayed in “secret gardens” throughout the downtown area.
The placement of the structures will be permanently anchored into the landscaping and will lead viewers on an interactive journey from location to location. The art projects will be on display for the next eight months.
Cahal painted two Horse Fever horses in 2001 and 2011 and participated in “Take Me, I’m Yours!,” an abandoned art project funded by a Pop-Up! Grant from the City of Ocala and Fine Arts for Ocala.
“I’ve seen first-hand how outdoor, interactive art projects invigorate our community and foster a sense of belonging and pride in our artful city,” she said. “These miniatures will enhance our arts climate and bring a unique focus to some of the wonderful art spaces we already have.”
Cahal is originally from Texas, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Photography with a minor in Studio Art from Sam Houston State University. Since moving to Marion County more than 20 years ago, she has been a part of the local art scene by participating in numerous group exhibitions, including painting Sunburst and Ocala Luna for MCA’s Horse Fever, and serving on several arts organization’s board of directors, most currently as Magnolia Art Xchange’s vice president.
Cahal opened Artistic LunaSea in 2001 and continues to garner international collectors with her Polaroid manipulations, abstract watercolor and acrylic paintings, dioramas and miniatures.
The City of Ocala offers many visual and performing art opportunities in city spaces. Public art is complimentary and is intended for everyone to enjoy. Detailed information about current programming and future projects can be found at www.ocalafl.org/culturalarts. Self-guided public art tours are available at Ocala.oncell.com.