‘Content of Character’ Student and Emerging Artist exhibit closing on July 15

This is the final week to check out the ‘Content of Character’ Student and Emerging Artist exhibit at Ocala City Hall before it closes on Friday, July 15.

The exhibit is a collaboration between the City of Ocala and the Magnolia Art Xchange, and it highlights local artists with varying levels of experience. Their artwork is being displayed on the first and second floor lobbies inside City Hall, which is located at 110 SE Watula Avenue.

The participating artists in the exhibit competed in three divisions according to their respective years of experience, from high school students to artists with multiple years of active experience. During a reception that was held on May 24, this year’s winners were announced:

High School Category

• First Place: “Repression” by Taylor Heflin.
• Second Place: “Glass Frog” by Jasmine Torres.
• Third Place: “Sometimes We Live No Particular Way But Our Own” by Trudie Bergmark.

One to Five Years Active Experience Category

• First Place: “Lemon Head” by Jade Wagoner.
• Second Place: “NEVER Let the Truth ruin a good story” by DJ Reynolds.
• Third Place: “Mending Elements” by Courtney Kravig-McGuire.

Six to Ten Years Active Experience Category

• First Place: “Stained Glass Path” by Jennifer Moore.
• Second Place: “No Fortunate Son” by Leslie Lopez.
• Third Place: “Wild and Free” by Walter Israel.

Best in Show

• “Intertwine” by Alex Estrada.

The prizes for the competition included scholarships to the College of Central Florida (High School Division), a professional artwork scan (first place in each division and Best of Show), an annual membership to the Appleton Museum of Art and Marion Cultural Alliance, and a registration fee waiver for the 2022-23 season of the First Friday Art Walk (all winners).

The exhibit is free and open to the public. In addition to being on display at City Hall, the artwork can also be viewed virtually.

For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts office via phone (352-629-8447) or email (artinfo@ocalafl.org); or visit the City of Ocala Cultural Arts webpage.