110 SE Watula Avenue  
Ocala, FL 34471  
Ocala  
Municipal Arts Commission  
Minutes  
4:00 PM  
Wednesday, December 4, 2024  
1.  
Call To Order  
a. Roll Call  
Emily Andrews  
Jaye Baillie  
Present:  
Arnold Barbaro  
Pedro "Tito" A. Comas  
Jean Floten  
Brooke Hutto  
Natalie McComb  
Darian Mosley  
David Reutter  
Greg Thompson  
Leslie Hammond  
Excused:  
2.  
3.  
Proof of Publication  
The public notice for the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission Advisory Committee was posted on  
November 21, 2024.  
Approval of Minutes  
October 2, 2024 Minutes  
a.  
Attachments:  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Emily Andrews  
SECONDER: Pedro "Tito" A. Comas  
AYE:  
Andrews, Baillie, Barbaro, Comas, Floten, Hutto, McComb, Mosley,  
Reutter and Thompson  
EXCUSED:  
Hammond  
4.  
Grants/Applications  
Ocala Main Street Grant Application  
a.  
Attachments:  
Cultural Arts Supervisor Emily Parkman provided information on Ocala Main Street  
grant application. It's proposal is to revitalize vacant storefronts in the Downtown and  
Midtown Ocala area with temporary murals by local artists. The project aims to enhance  
visual appeal, reduce crime, and increase foot traffic. The amount being requested is  
$3,500, with $1,000 allocated for identified properties and $2,500 reserved for future  
vacancies.  
Ms. Baillie asked if the funds can be allocated for future projects? Ms. Parkman stated  
no, the City has to ensure the funds are being used towards a project or a program that  
will have results within the fiscal year timeline.  
Ms. Jaye Baillie recused herself from voting because she serves on the Ocala Main Street  
design committee.  
Motion to approve Ocala Main Street Grant Application in the amount of $1,000.00.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Natalie McComb  
SECONDER: Arnold Barbaro  
AYE:  
Andrews, Barbaro, Comas, Floten, Hutto, McComb, Mosley, Reutter  
and Thompson  
RECUSED:  
EXCUSED:  
Baillie  
Hammond  
Strategic Community Alliance - 2024 India Fest Update  
b.  
Attachments:  
Ms. Parkman reviewed the Ocala Metro India Fest final report which was provided by  
Dr. Sehni Meghani. The event was held on October 5, 2024 and the total number of  
attendees was 1,400 (1,000 adults, 400 youth). The event featured 25 volunteers; 90  
diverse participants; 14 performances; 14 artworks; 3 workshops; an Indian fashion  
show; a Saree experience; and a health and wellness component.  
Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC) provided $2,000 which covered venue fees,  
permitting, marketing, and advertising. The event received widespread publicity and was  
well received, particularly the yoga and wellness activities. Photos are available on the  
Strategic Community Alliance website.  
5.  
Project Updates  
Marion Flow - Ground Storage wank tank mural update  
a.  
Attachments:  
Ms. Parkman provided an update on the Marion Flow mural project located at the  
Downtown Ocala market. The site has been cleaned, primed and is now being painted by  
Christian and Jessica Stanley of Stanley Creative. The mural is expected to be completed  
before the new year.  
6.  
Other Business  
Current Balance of License Plate Grant Fund  
a.  
Ms. Parkman reviewed the License Plate grant fund.  
Artist Roster Call 2025  
b.  
Attachments:  
Ms. Parkman provided an update on the Artist Roster Call. OMAC and the City of Ocala  
plan to update the Artist Roster, which includes 209 established artists specializing in  
public art, such as sculptures, murals, installations, and lighting. The roster serves as a  
resource for commissions and artist recommendations. The last open call was in 2022,  
and a 2025 update is proposed to expand the list, incorporating more contemporary and  
digital artists.  
Subcommittees  
c.  
Ms. Parking provided information on the upcoming Subcommittee meetings. December  
11 2024 OMAC Brochure and Marketing Committee and December 13 2024  
Community Foundation Fun - Public Art Maintenance. Both meetings will be held on the  
second floor of the Customer Service Building. Reminders will be sent out.  
OMAC FY2024 Report to Council December 17 Presentation  
d.  
Attachments:  
Ms. Parkman informed the Board members that the 2024 annual report will be presented  
to City Council on December 17th, 2024, at 4 p.m. The report will highlight the awarded  
grants, completed projects, and plans for 2025.  
7.  
8.  
Public Comments  
None  
Staff Comments  
Ms. Parkman stated an in-depth audit for FY2023 was conducted for the State of the Art  
License Plate Fund, ensuring proper use of funds and compliance with reporting standards. The  
audit had no issues, and the current balance is accurate.  
9.  
Board Comments  
The Board discussed the various events being hosted by their organizations.  
10.  
11.  
Next Meeting: February 5, 2025  
Adjournment  
The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.