The North Magnolia (NOMA) Gallery has made a mission of uniting local artists and the community through a series of events at the historic Coca-Cola building.
The NOMA Gallery, which is the brainchild of David and Lisa Midgett, is located at 939 North Magnolia Avenue, in the building that formerly housed the Coca-Cola bottling plant built in 1939. That venue was most recently operated as the Grand Pointe Ocala, playing host to events and parties for local residents.
The venue has been completely renovated and restored and, through the Midgett Foundation’s two local philanthropists, has become a springboard for local artists and art initiatives into the community.
“The arts ennoble and inspire us, bring us together, and spark innovation. And communities that support the arts are more engaged, cohesive and vibrant. Community support of the arts fosters creativity, goodness, and beauty. It brings us together, builds bridges, and reinforces our values,” reads a mission statement from David and Lisa Midgett on the NOMA Gallery website.
The gallery, which has featured a variety of exhibits and pop-up art shows for group and solo work, is currently housing an “Alone Together” exhibit to feature artists who would were honored in years past at the Fine Arts for Ocala Festival, which was cancelled as a result of the coronavirus. Works from the Best-In-Show and Featured Artists from the last five art festivals comprise the exhibit, including works from Michael Brennan, Richard and Susan Currier, and Tony Eitharong, among others.
The “Alone Together” exhibit runs through Saturday, October 31 and is currently open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Later this month, local artist Jordan Shapot will host a show highlighting some of his work and delving into his professional background, studio practices, and artistic passion as a local painter. Shapot will provide a lecture and showcase some of his original artwork, as well as providing helpful tips for aspiring artists and answering questions. The Art and Life (So Far) of Jordan Shapot art show will take place on Friday, October 30, starting at 12 p.m.
The gallery is also accepting entries for its next show, “Seasons of Change,” which will begin next month with an opening reception on Sunday, November 8 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on that show, visit the NOMA Gallery “Seasons of Change” show event page.
For more information on the gallery, the events, and other art initiatives in the city of Ocala, visit the NOMA Gallery Ocala website.