Our story
Ten years of MAX
Choose a moment on the line.
About Magnolia Art Xchange
About MAX
MAX is making Ocala an art city: a place known for its working artists, its studios and galleries, and the people who collect what they make. Our flagship program is the art incubator at Union Station.
Our mission
Why MAX exists
The Magnolia Art Xchange will further develop the downtown Ocala cultural campus by providing studios, instructional spaces, and exhibition opportunities for visual artists in a collaborative hub that encourages professional development.
July 2025 – June 2026
The year in numbers
From MAX's annual report and program records. Choose a number for the story behind it.
At your service
The one who sweeps up
The artists do the interesting part. Someone still has to answer the email, unlock the doors and find more folding chairs.
Programs
A year of making things happen
Every exhibition, class, talk and event MAX ran last year, month by month. Choose a kind of program to follow it through the year.
Resident artists
Six studios, six practices
Resident artists are chosen by a jury independent of MAX's board, then interviewed by its selection committee. Each gets a private studio with round-the-clock access for six-month terms, alongside seminars, mentorship and regular exhibitions. Last year the studios were 90% occupied.
Choose an artist to read more.
A growing community
From 7 affiliate artists to 19
The relaunched Affiliate Artist Program gives artists who are not ready for a studio a way in: group exhibitions, events of their own, and classes to teach. In its first year it nearly tripled, and supported three affiliate group exhibitions.
“Over the past year, Magnolia Art Xchange has continued to strengthen and expand its role as a catalyst for artistic growth within our community.”
Governance
The Board of Directors
Volunteers who set MAX's direction, steward its resources, and give their own time to its exhibitions, gallery tours and fundraisers.
Officers
Directors
Advising the board
The Advisory Committee
Artists, arts professionals and community leaders who advise MAX's Board of Directors, lending their experience and perspective to its programs, its partnerships and the direction of the organization.
Accountability
Open books
Magnolia Art Xchange Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows, and MAX sends a receipt for every one.
- EIN
- 47-4614706
- Florida charity registration
- CH55831
- Annual returns (IRS Form 990)
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer · Candid. A copy is also yours for the asking at info@maxocala.org.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (1-800-HELP-FLA / 435-7352) OR VISITING FDACS.gov WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
What's next
Where MAX goes from here
MAX was founded on the belief that Ocala could become a city known for its artists. At Union Station, we turned a historic railway station into a place where artists work, build careers and meet the public. In our next decade we're building on that: stronger programs, more opportunities for artists to show and sell, and the partnerships that will help Ocala's arts community flourish. Every gift helps.