Bark & Brushes- VOCAL Mural Project (Artify Ocala X LILAC)

VOCAL does incredible work every day, helping dogs and cats find loving homes and providing low-cost veterinary care to pets throughout our community. Now we’re inviting local artists to help ARTIFY their space, turning bare kennel walls into vibrant, animal-themed murals that celebrate the animals who pass through them. THE OPPORTUNITY Volunteer artists are invited to design and paint an original, animal-themed mural on one of VOCAL’s kennel walls, each measuring 55″ tall by 88″ wide. VOCAL has 30 kennels in need of art — this round, we’re aiming to complete about 20 of them, with more rounds to follow. Design your own animal-themed artwork — style and concept are up to you Each artist is matched to one 55″ x 88″ kennel wall No previous mural experience necessary — all skill levels welcome Paint is provided (donated), but artists are welcome to supply their own if preferred Mural submissions will be juried for approval and inclusion in this project. WHY IT MATTERS This project is about more than paint on a wall. Vibrant, welcoming murals help VOCAL’s mission in several real ways: Warmer, more welcoming kennel spaces help potential adopters feel at ease, encouraging them to linger longer and connect with more animals — which means more adoptions. Colorful, eye-catching art draws additional visitors to the facility who come to see the murals — and often leave having met their new best friend. A more joyful, uplifting environment brings a boost of positivity to the many employees and volunteers who care for the animals every day, making their work more rewarding and less stressful. KEY DATES Oct 11, 2026 Artist submission deadline November 1, 2026 Notification of jury decision sent to artists via email Nov 9–14, 2026 Mural painting week at VOCAL’s shelter Nov 14, 2026 Barks & Brushes — public mural reveal & community event BARKS & BRUSHES: PUBLIC REVEAL EVENT — NOV 14 Join us as we unveil the finished murals to the public! This free community event is the perfect time to see the new art, meet some of VOCAL’s adoptable animals, and join in the fun. Paint-by-numbers community wall — attendees can pitch in and help paint a predetermined design Supply donation drive for VOCAL — bring donations of shelter supplies Every attendee who donates supplies is entered into a raffle for prizes from community sponsors People’s Choice Award — visitors vote for their favorite mural, and the winning muralist receives a cash prize Participating artists will be featured in local media coverage of the event HOW TO APPLY Interested artists should complete the online submission form — including a sample of their design concept (sketch, mock-up, or portfolio image) — by October 11, 2026. Apply here: https://forms.gle/cqL9WLVYCwyxS6fr5 Questions? Email: info@artifyocala.org Phone: (352) 299-5673