Holly Yocum
Photographer & Artist

For Holly Yocum, inspiration often begins with a bird in the wild, a bloom in her garden, or a beautiful moment waiting to be noticed. Her photography and photographic creations reflect a lifelong love of nature, a curious eye, and a belief that art connects us through the beauty we share.

An Ocala resident for more than 35 years, Holly is a former local banker and educator whose roots run deep in the community. Approximately seven years ago, she turned her longtime passion for birding into a wildlife photography business. Her creative work has since grown to include European travel photography and distinctive collages combining floral imagery and dishes. Every flower featured in her artwork was personally grown in her home garden, bringing something of her own backyard into each creation.

Holly’s work has found a welcoming audience throughout Ocala and beyond. She has participated in the First Friday Downtown Art Walk and presented three-month solo exhibitions in two City of Ocala buildings and SouthState Bank’s gallery. Her photography has also been available through Rainbow Springs State Park’s shop and Mainstreet Bank. For nearly two years, the Appleton Museum of Art’s store carried her photography and photographic creations.

Her connection to nature extends beyond the camera. Holly served for several years as secretary of the Marion County Audubon Society and has earned first-place recognition from the State of Florida Garden Club for her flowers and floral arrangements. Her community service also includes roles on the City of Ocala and Marion County Boards of Adjustment and the board of Marion Art Exchange, an arts incubator housed in downtown Ocala’s converted train station.

At the heart of Holly’s work is a simple, generous philosophy: “Creativity is the best part of living, and joins all our hearts in common.” Through her art, she invites others to discover a piece that brings beauty into their home—or becomes a meaningful gift for someone special.