OCALA, Fla. (Jan 5, 2022) – The City of Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division is pleased to announce artist Cosby Hayes has begun work on the west and south-facing walls of the E. D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St.
The City of Ocala’s Cultural Arts and Sciences Division, along with Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO), Racial Equity and Cultural Harmony (REACH), and the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission hosted community meetings to discuss the mural’s subject matter in September and October. Artist Cosby Hayes attended the meetings to collect the community input that developed into the mural concept. Journalist, Cynthia Graham, a collaborative artist on the project, also participated in the meetings and is documenting the entire process. The result will be an educational brochure that will meet Florida State teaching standards and be distributed to Marion County Public Schools, as a tool to further available curriculum, at the completion of the project.
Hayes finds inspiration for his work in the social, economic, and political issues that shape the world. His work focuses on unity and the collective strength we have when we come together for a common cause. His work has taken him to Argentina for the Meeting of Styles, an international network of artists and supporters of mural creation events. Hayes has also been commissioned by city governments, non-profits, and businesses to bring color and energy to walls across his of Tallahassee. He works as a community organizer and activist and he is constantly creating new works with his partner and collaborator, Sarah Painter.
Cynthia Wilson-Graham is a professional photographer, educator, and author. She attended the College of Central Florida with a major in public relations and human services for her associates degree and continued at St. Leo College for her bachelor’s. She then earned her master’s degree in education from Ashford University. After 25 years as an early childhood educator, she moved full-time to as the Chief Executive Officer of H. H. Photography & Design Publishing, which she’d established in 2000. Originally from Spartanburg, SC, she has been a resident of Ocala for the last 34 years.
The City of Ocala offers many visual 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.
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Department at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org.
