Local artists, art patrons, business leaders, art organization executive leaders, and arts enthusiasts gathered at the Appleton Museum of Art on Saturday night for Marion Cultural Alliance’s 16th annual Applaud the Arts event.
Over 225 guests were in attendance under the lights in the Appleton Museum of Art’s courtyard on Saturday, October 14, and they were treated to an immersive light show designed to transport them to Paris while enjoying French-themed appetizers and libations.
“Applaud the Arts is MCA’s signature events each year,” stated Dr. Saul Reyes, Marion Cultural Alliance’s Chairman. “True to MCA’s mission, the event provides a stage where we champion, convene, and create opportunities for our community to experience and celebrate the impact of the arts in our hometown.”
During this year’s event, MCA presented the following Art Awards in recognition of three individuals who are propelling the arts forward in Ocala/Marion County:
- Service Award – Dr. Leslie Hammond was recognized for her years as an active member of the arts community. MCA highlighted her volunteer work and her service as an art exhibit juror, a board member of the Magnolia Art Xchange, and a mentor to many artists.
- Arts Education Award – Professor Tyrus Clutter (College of Central Florida) was recognized for his emphasis of the arts as a tool for achieving educational excellence.
- Vision Award – Margaret “Peggy” Watts” was recognized for her vision, leadership, and support of the arts in the local community.
In addition to the above awards, MCA and the National Endowment for the Arts also awarded a total of $80,000 in cultural grants to the following arts nonprofit organizations:
- Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band – $5,000 for the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band’s 34th season.
- Appleton Museum of Art – $6,500 for Free First Fridays at the museum.
- Reilly Arts Center – $8,000 for the 2023-2024 season of the Reilly Noir Series.
- Ocala Symphony Orchestra – $10,000 for the 2024 Young Artists Competition and Concert featuring the winners of the competition.
- Ocala Civic Theatre – $10,000 for the Ratttlebox at The Reilly.
- Historic Ocala Preservations Society – $2,500 for a wireless headset communication system.
- Marion Theatre – $8,000 for the Classics and Cocktails Series.
- Dance Alive – $10,000 for Dance Alive performances and outreach in Marion County.
- Marion All County Choir – $5,000 for the choir’s All-County Secondary Choral Festival.
- Florida Defenders of the Environment – $7,500 for the “Oklawaha: Tales My Father Told” documentary.
- Boys and Girls Club – $7,500 for a mural.
“These awards, established in 2001, are the cornerstone of MCA’s mission to create opportunities for the arts. Since its inception, $445,000 has been placed in the hands of the community’s nonprofit art organizations – funding equipment, master performers, student art opportunities, and more,” stated Trish Kilgore, MCA board member and the 2023 grant selection committee chair.
“With this year’s award, we top $525,000 in direct support to more than 40 arts organizations,” added Kilgore.
For more information, visit the Marion Cultural Alliance website or follow them on Facebook.