The Marion Cultural Alliance’s first juried show explores what brings people pleasure.
As a young girl, one of life’s little pleasures for Jaye Baillie was shopping with her mother at The Hub department store in downtown Ocala. Now, that historic venue houses the Brick City Center for the Arts, home of the Marion Cultural Alliance, of which Baillie is now executive director.
The alliance, organized in 2001 and based at the center since 2005, is this year hosting its first juried fine arts show, Pleasures. Submitted artworks will be evaluated by a committee for inclusion in the show, and accepted entries will be judged by David D’Alessandris. The works will be on exhibit Sept. 6th-28th. An opening reception at 5pm Sept. 6th will feature the artists and show juror David D’Alessandris.
“The theme was intentionally broad—what brings you pleasure,” Baillie says. “The goal is to have an outstanding showcase of art.”
“We have had lots of chatter from artists about it,” says Ashley Justiniano, MCA’s gallery and events manager. “So far, we have received landscapes, sculptures, photographs and paintings.”
D’Alessandris is a noted artist whose award-winning works have been featured in group and solo exhibits and international juried shows. When he judges and juries exhibits, there are three basic criteria he looks for.
“First, materials/execution; how the artist uses their materials, do they understand their genre and is it done to the best of their ability as an artist,” he explains.
“Secondly, I look at standards. Is the piece professional? Does it convey a story? Is it clean/crisp and gallery ready? Lastly, I look for originality. I can tell a copy a mile away…so I look for uniqueness, a freshness, a bold interpretation of the theme, a great use of color and materials.”
Pleasures is sponsored by the David and Lisa Midgett Foundation. A number of awards and prizes will be presented during the opening reception, which coincides with a new First Friday Art Walk season. All of the art in Pleasures will be for sale.
“This is a really creative town, and this show is right up our mission, to champion, convene and create opportunities for artists,” says Baillie. “It’s eclectic, and we are really excited.”
Learn more about the Marion Cultural Alliance at Brick City Center for the Arts by visiting the gallery at 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala. Find the alliance at www.mcaocala.com and on Facebook. Find D’Alessandris at www.david-d-art.com
