FAFO's History

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F.A.F.O. was started in 1966 with a group of community members who wanted to bring art to Marion County. It was incorporated in 1972 and, since then, its board has been bringing the Ocala Arts Festival to our community each year. It added the Symphony Under The Stars in 1988. Through the years, FAFO has also supported art education through scholarships and various community programs. It has also supported local art-based organizations in Ocala.

History Highlights

• Organized by John Wulbern of Monroe and Chambliss Bank, (then Barnett Bank and currently Bank of America), and Samelia King of the Ocala Junior Woman’s Club.
• The first show was held in the bank parking lot and had $3000 in prize money.
• About 200 artists at the first show.
• Since the show was so successful they formed a fund raising group called “Fine Arts for Ocala.”
• The yearly art show continued and successfully drew artists and patrons.
• Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State in 1972.
• Purpose: Promote and encourage appreciation of the Fine Arts in the community; to promote means and opportunities for the education of the public with respect to the Fine Arts and to promote, encourage and advance the common interest of the public, artist and patrons in the community.
• First officers included: President Jack Clark, Secretary Margaret Watt, Treasurer Samelia King
• First Auction Party held at the Ramada Inn to raise money for the art show. Ticket price was $10.00 per couple and the profit was $7,190.00.
• 1973 the board expanded to 13 members. Board members: Jack and Dorothy Clark, John Wulburn, Samelia King, John McKeever, Michael Berryhill, R.V. Rickenbach, Margaret Watts, Jack Winterbotham, Ed Franklin, Hal Reid, Betty Rickenbach, Sue Hill
• To celebrate the incorporation of the board the first Annual FAFO Dinner was established.
• Art Show was named “Images in Art”
• In 1974, the first Children’s Art Show was incorporated with the Art Show.
• Students were awarded ribbons for their artwork
• FAFO established the “Purchase” award. The FAFO President chooses a piece of artwork from a participating artist to hang in the FAFO office and sold at the Annual Auction Party.
• 1975 FAFO partnered with the Ocala Junior Women’s Club to open “The Gallery”
• Grand opening was held at 10 NE 1st Street on May 29, 1975. (Concord Square)
• Series of parties were held at members’ homes for a nominal admission price to continue to raise funds for the art show.
• Board members grew to 20 active members
• The board now has 25 members.