Art Galleries & Art Scene
From the world-class Appleton Museum to First Friday Art Walks and hands-on studios — explore Ocala's vibrant and growing creative community.
Galleries, Studios & Creative Spaces
Appleton Museum of Art
World-class art museum with European, American, Asian, and contemporary collections housed in a stunning marble building. Free first Saturdays.
View DetailsBrick City Center for the Arts
Downtown gallery showcasing rotating exhibits from local and regional artists. Features a gift shop with handmade artisan crafts and hosts monthly art openings.
View DetailsArtSpace at the Appleton
Hands-on art studio connected to the Appleton Museum offering painting, pottery, drawing, and mixed media classes for adults and children.
View DetailsGallery East
Fine art gallery in the Ocala area featuring works from established Florida artists. Paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media on display and for sale.
View DetailsReilly Arts Center
Performing and visual arts center hosting concerts, theater productions, comedy shows, and art exhibitions in a beautifully restored historic venue.
View DetailsAR Workshop Ocala
Hands-on DIY workshop where you create custom home decor, wood signs, canvas art, and more. Great for date nights, girls' nights, and private parties.
View DetailsArt Events & Recurring Shows
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Ocala comes alive with gallery openings, live music, food vendors, and art demonstrations. Free and family-friendly.
Appleton Free First Saturday
Free admission to the Appleton Museum of Art with guided tours, family activities, and special programming.
Ocala Arts Festival
Multi-day outdoor arts festival featuring hundreds of artists, live entertainment, food, and demonstrations in downtown Ocala.
Brick City Art Shows
Rotating gallery exhibitions with opening receptions featuring local and regional artists at Brick City Center for the Arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ocala have an art scene?
Yes, Ocala has a thriving and growing art scene. The city is home to the Appleton Museum of Art (with world-class collections), Brick City Center for the Arts, multiple private galleries, the monthly First Friday Art Walk, and a strong community of local artists, potters, painters, and sculptors. Downtown Ocala has become an arts hub with studios, galleries, and regular cultural events.
What is the First Friday Art Walk in Ocala?
The First Friday Art Walk is a free monthly event held on the first Friday of each month in downtown Ocala. Galleries and businesses stay open late, showcasing local art, live music, food vendors, and art demonstrations. It typically runs from 6 PM to 9 PM and is one of the most popular community events in Marion County.
Where can I take art classes in Ocala?
Art classes in Ocala are available at ArtSpace at the Appleton Museum (painting, pottery, drawing for all ages), AR Workshop Ocala (DIY home decor and crafts), Brick City Center for the Arts (workshops and demonstrations), and several private studios offering specialized instruction in mediums like watercolor, oil painting, ceramics, and photography.
Is the Appleton Museum of Art free?
The Appleton Museum of Art offers free admission on the first Saturday of every month ("Free First Saturday"). Regular admission is approximately $5-10 depending on age. The museum features European, American, Asian, and contemporary art in a beautiful marble building on the campus of the College of Central Florida.
Are there art galleries in downtown Ocala?
Yes, downtown Ocala has several art galleries and creative spaces including Brick City Center for the Arts, various small galleries along Broadway and Fort King Street, and rotating pop-up exhibitions. Many downtown businesses also display and sell work by local artists. The First Friday Art Walk is the best time to experience the downtown gallery scene.