2024 Resident Artists
Kendra Brazzel
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Kendra Brazzel's artistic journey began in 2020 when she relocated from California to Tampa, Florida, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by the abstract work of Ocala artist Seth Benzel, Kendra explored painting with acrylics and thread on canvas, eventually developing her unique style with watercolor and intricate threadwork on fabric and paper.
Her work quickly attracted attention, earning her "Best in Show" honors at her first gallery exhibition. In 2023, Kendra joined Magnolia Art Xchange as an Artist in Residence, where she continued to refine her practice. That same year, she won another "Best in Show" award at the Ocala Arts Festival. By 2024, Kendra became represented by NOMA Gallery and held her first solo exhibition at MAX. She looks forward to upcoming shows, including exhibitions at Ocala City Hall and another solo show at MAX in 2025. You can view and purchase Kendra's work at https://www.kendrabrazzel.art/ and https://nomaocala.com/ |
Joan Elizabeth
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Joan has been drawing since early childhood and in grade school found art class to be a very meditative safe space amidst the chaos of public school. She earned her BFA in Visual Arts from The University of Florida in 2008 and suffered immediate burnout after graduating which lasted through the majority of her 20s.
She began exploring other outlets for her creativity, discovering a passion for performing. She has acted in numerous plays and musicals, done stand-up, emceed burlesque shows, and recited her own poetry at spoken word events. It was through these outlets as well as her regular yoga and meditation practice that Joan was able to begin letting go of her perfectionism and deeply ingrained belief that she was not and would never be a legitimate artist. During the pandemic she began drawing again, developing her own experimental and abstract illustrative style with the use of markers and stencils that visually reflects breaking free from the mental and emotional blocks that keep us from living our most authentic, joyful selves. As an artist and actor, Joan continues to work through these long held intrusive thoughts in order to keep creating and flowing, focusing on the process as opposed to the product. |
Rod Acosta
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Rodney Acosta Graduated from the San Juan School of Fine Arts (Escuela de Artes Plasticas), obtaining a bachelor's in visual arts. Continuing his education at Rollings College Florida, he has been drawing and painting since he was 14. Since then, he has produced and exhibited his art in one medium or another in Florida and the Caribbean.
His exhibitions, to name a few, were shown three times at the annual biennial of "Cartel la Puntilla San Juan." In 1993, Rod moved to Florida and shortly after participated in O.V.A.L. Orlando, Volunteer Artist League and had a solo exhibition at Cafe Tutu Tango Orlando, Borders bookstore, D.A.A.S. Coop, Arts for Act Gallery, Sydney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers among others. In 2021, Rod was commissioned to paint two mural panels at the Caloosahatchee Marina in downtown Fort Myers. He has taught individual art classes occasionally and participated in and won at least three art contests. Rod recently moved to Marion County and has participated in local collective exhibitions at Noma Gallery and Marion Cultural Alliance; he is currently one of the resident artists at The Magnolia Arts Exchange, where he works on his new pieces at "Acosta Studio 6 ". Acosta's works are primarily mixed media in canvas or wood board; he has also produced several sculptures in steel and wood. His technique consists of extreme light contrasts, heavy textures, scratching over layers of oil, and aiding found objects and textiles. |
Sarah Lajealle
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Sarah Lajealle, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, studied English and History at Purdue University before earning a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University. As a self-taught artist and mother of three, Sarah sees her children’s lives as reflections of her own journey, where the future shines light on the past.
Her work is guided by Divine Design—an exploration of what makes us mortal in this world and timeless in God’s eyes. Through her art, Sarah aims to illustrate God’s vision, believing that each of us is crafted uniquely, one of a kind by His design. |
Z Reyes
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Z is a vibrant and introspective artist whose journey through diverse creative mediums has shaped her distinctive style, marked by layered transparency and depth. Growing up in a small town and attending a magnet high school with a strong art program, she discovered early on her passion for the arts. This led her to experiment widely—from sidewalk chalk art to henna body designs and performing arts, and later pursuing an independent path after college.
Describing herself as a "terminal daydreamer," Z’s artistic expression draws from her love of humanity as her primary muse. Her pieces explore intricate, often hidden details beyond the limits of ordinary perception. Z’s goal is to foster empathy and validate shared emotions, bridging gaps in understanding and reassuring viewers that they are never alone in life’s moments. Through her art, Z invites others into a space of connection and self-reflection, where each piece becomes a shared experience and an opportunity for mutual understanding. |
Tyrek Studivant
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Tyrek Studivant is a self-taught artist whose work spans charcoal, oil, acrylic, wood carving, mosaics, and ceramics. Inspired by his faith and family, Tyrek creates to honor the Creator and explore the beauty of life, particularly through the lens of fatherhood. Working primarily in charcoal with delicate oil glazes, each piece is an expression of gratitude and reverence.
His process, often beginning with pencil—a nostalgic nod to childhood moments spent drawing with his father—blends classical techniques with personal expression. Influenced by masters like Bouguereau, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and contemporary artists such as Paper Frank and Horitomo, Tyrek’s work combines tradition with a unique, heartfelt style. His art reflects his gratitude for life’s blessings, aiming to offer a glimpse of heaven on earth. Follow him on Instagram: @ty_vinci. |
