OCALA, Fla. (June 15, 2020) – The City of Ocala, through its Cultural Arts and Sciences Division, announces the installation of a new public art project throughout downtown. Ocala based artist, Diana Cahal, the creator of the project, will begin installing on June 17. The latest project commissioned by the Division will serve to bring awareness to ten local not-for-profit organizations that have been featured at the City’s Levitt Amp Ocala Music Series. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC) through the State of the Arts license plate fees.
Originally inspired by Atlanta’s Tiny Door Project, “Small Spaces, Big Places” is an outdoor miniature art project focusing on Ocala’s vibrant arts scene and not-for-profit organizations. The artworks are miniature versions of each of the organizations home-bases and they will be displayed in “secret gardens” throughout the downtown area. The placement of the structures will be permanently anchored into the landscaping and will lead viewers on an interactive journey from location to location. The art projects will be on display for the next eight months.
Cahal said, “After my experience with Horse Fever (I painted two Horse Fever horses 2001 and 2011) and Take Me, I’m Yours! (an abandoned art project funded by a Pop-Up! Grant from the City of Ocala and Fine Arts for Ocala), I’ve seen first-hand how outdoor, interactive art projects invigorate our community and foster a sense of belonging and pride in our artful city. These miniatures will enhance our arts climate and bring a unique focus to some of the wonderful art spaces we already have.”
About the Artist
Diane Cahal is originally from Texas where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Photography with a minor in Studio Art from Sam Houston State University. Since moving to Marion County over twenty years ago, she has been a part of the local art scene by participating in numerous group exhibitions, including painting Sunburst and Ocala Luna for MCA’s Horse Fever, and serving on several arts organization’s board of directors, most currently as Magnolia Art Xchange’s Vice President. Diane opened Artistic LunaSea in 2001 and continues to garner international collectors with her Polaroid manipulations, abstract watercolor and acrylic paintings, dioramas and miniatures.
Ocala Cultural Arts
The City of Ocala offers many visual and performing art opportunities in city spaces. Public art is complimentary and is intended for everyone to enjoy. Detailed information about current programming and future projects can be found at www.ocalafl.org/culturalarts. Self-guided public art tours are available at Ocala.oncell.com.
