PHOTOS | Downtown Ocala comes alive during February’s First Friday Art Walk
Experience the vibrant arts, live music, and local creativity at Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk, a must-visit monthly event happening through May in Downtown Ocala.
352todayAlan Youngblood/352todayDaniela Drazan, left, and Daniela Banatova showcase their resin palettes during the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Ocala, FL, on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. The monthly event features local artists, live entertainment, and interactive exhibits through May.
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Downtown Ocala was filled with creativity, music, and community spirit as visitors gathered for the First Friday Art Walk on Feb. 7, 2025.
The event, which runs the first Friday of each month through May, showcased an array of local artists, live entertainment, and interactive exhibits that brought the streets to life.
Visitors soak in the lively atmosphere during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayVisitors take in the vibrant atmosphere during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayVisitors enjoy the lively ambiance of First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
One of the highlights of the evening was a high-energy performance by Becky Baby and her band, who had the crowd moving and singing along. Among those enjoying the music were students from West Port High School, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
West Port High School students enjoy Becky Baby’s performance during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayBecky Baby and her band entertain the crowd during First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayBecky Baby and her band delivered a lively performance at First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayBecky Baby and her band perform during the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Art lovers strolled through the event, admiring handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and other unique works from talented vendors. Levi Cole’s photo collages and Daniela Drazan and Daniela Banatova’s resin palettes were among the standout displays, drawing the attention of curious visitors.
Levi Cole shows his photo collages during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Interactive booths also proved to be a hit, including the Ocala Calligraphy Guild, where Marjorie Bannish and Lisa Iketari created custom calligraphy art for attendees. Over at the Junior League of Ocala’s booth, young visitors like Mari Angel Dajdaj, 12, eagerly worked on decorating Valentine’s Day boxes, while Gwendolyn Scroggie, 7, watched as her artwork was projected onto a 3D box—an experience that delighted both kids and adults.
Marjorie Bannish, left, and Lisa Iketari create calligraphy art for visitors at the Ocala Calligraphy Guild booth during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayMari Angel Dajdaj, 12, decorates a Valentine box at the Junior League of Ocala booth during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayVisitors enjoy The Junior League of Ocala’s Valentine box craft during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayGwendolyn Scroggie, 7, watches as her artwork is projected onto a 3D box during First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Inside Brick City Center for the Arts, guests explored the Arts in Health and Marion Cultural Alliance’s Arts and Health exhibit, a thought-provoking display that connected the power of art with well-being.
Visitors take in the Arts in Health and Marion Cultural Alliance exhibit at Brick City Center for the Arts during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayA visitor explores the Arts in Health exhibit at Brick City Center for the Arts during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayVisitors engage with the Arts in Health and Marion Cultural Alliance exhibit at Brick City Center for the Arts during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayVisitors explore the Arts in Health and Marion Cultural Alliance’s exhibit at Brick City Center for the Arts during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
From handcrafted jewelry to hands-on art experiences, February’s Art Walk had something for everyone.
Visitors browse jewelry displays during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayJewelry draws interest from visitors during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352todayA visitor admires artwork during First Friday Art Walk. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
As the event wrapped up, visitors left with new art pieces, creative inspiration, and excitement for the next First Friday Art Walk, set for March 7.
