#ArtMatters Issue 4 - Fall 2023

UMA RECEIVES I N T E R N AT I O N A L A W A R D

NEW PROGRAM P A RT N E R S H I P S

ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

2022-2023 I M P A C T R E P O RT

A RT

•

E D UC AT ION

•

I NSPI R ATI ON

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W ELLNESS

THE CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE OF WALTON COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

F

all is my favorite season. A ten degree drop in the temperature gets me feeling sentimental, cozy, hopeful, and happy to put on a sweater. Yesterday, I was driving into Seaside on a cool evening to meet an old friend when I felt a pang of nostalgia. I started thinking about my early years here in Walton County, just out of college and beginning my career in the Arts. I was naive, idealistic, tireless and evidently could survive with not much. But I loved and believed in my work and was determined to make Northwest Florida’s first professional theatre company a success.

I then thought about the parallel between my career and the life of this organization I went on to lead and love. The Cultural Arts Alliance began its career over three decades ago the same way most non-profit Arts organizations do - scrappy, passionate, and built with the hands and hearts of those who knew the Arts were critical to a thriving community.

I am proud to say the CAA is stronger than ever, and the pages of our fourth ARTmatters publication serve as the annual impact report to demonstrate our work in and for our community. Along with impact numbers, it tells the stories of new partnerships like that with Emerald Coast Storytellers, new programs and services at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus & Foster Gallery, successes like the fifth Underwater Museum of Art deployment, and touching stories of how the Arts heals as evidenced through our Prison Art Program.

So let me say thank you to those visionary artists and volunteers who built the CAA; and thank you to the artists, volunteers, partners, members, sponsors, staff, and Board who have helped steer the CAA into the future while always valuing its history. Thank you for shaping and sharing the vision for a thriving Walton County in which everyone experiences the power of the Arts. Nothing is more heartwarming than this.

Happy Fall,

Jennifer Steele, Executive Director

30K

THANK YOU for helping us reach our goal of raising $ 30,000 in honor of our 30th Anniversary!

ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

CONTENTS

PAG E 1 7

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Me et t h e CAA Team

2-3

2022-2023 CAA Staff & Board of Directors

By Th e Nu mbers

5 Impact of the Arts in Walton County Volu nt e e r Sp otl ight

7 Pearl Party Member Awards A r t For All

8 Supporting Walton County’s Creative Community I nt rodu ct ion to the A rts

ON THE COVER

11 Your Art Story

M ira ma r Be ac h Creative Camp us

13 NEW Creative Initiatives P rogra m Spotl ight

15 Prison Art Program Expands to include Songwriting Residency

ELENA FILSHTINSKA ‘Celebration’

PAG E 1 9

Feat u re d Cover A rtist

17 Elena Filshtinska

A r t in Pu b lic Sp ac es

19 New UMA Sculptures + Boys & Girls Club Mural T hat ’s a Wrap

21 CAA Summer Events Recap P rogra m Pa rtnership

23 Emerald Coast Storytellers CAA Me mb e r Roster

25 Sustaining Our Creative Community T he Art of Wel l ness

27 The Mentality of Clay by Skip Deems

CulturalArtsAlliance.com/art-matters-blog

U M A R EC E I V ES C O DA AWA R D

CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE OF WALTON COUNTY STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEET THE TEAM C A A S TA F F M E M B E R S

What was the last thing you did that gave you child-like joy?

W h a t ’s y o u r creative muse?

Ziplining in the r a i n f o re s t o f Costa Rica

Tr a v e l

JENNIFER STEELE Executive Director

LEE GREENE

Director of Administration

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

What is your coffee order?

Va n i l l a l a t t e w i t h coconut milk

“ D o n’ t S t o p B e l i e v i n’ ”

by Journey

MELISSA WHEELER Marketing Director

ALLIE ANDERSON Events Director

What is your coffee order?

W h a t ’s y o u r favorite CAA event?

C h a i Te a L a t t e with oat milk

The 30A Songwriters Fe s t i v a l

COURTNEY MALONE Marketing & Program Manager

ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

G A B B Y C A L L A W AY

Membership & Development Manager

CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE OF WALTON COUNTY STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

W h a t ’s y o u r favorite color and why?

What was the first concert you attended?

R e d – I t ’s t h e c o l o r o f l o v e , i t ’s b o l d & b o i s t e ro u s , f u l l o f e n e rg y, courage and a d v e n t u re . I s e e my personality re p re s e n t i n g t h a t .

The Gogos Va c a t i o n To u r (w i t h T h e S t r a y C a t s and Flock of Seagulls )

MICHELLE TOUCHSTONE

PA M S I N G H

Finance Manager

Program Manager

W h a t ’s y o u r favorite CAA event?

W h a t ’s a q u o t e you live by?

The 30A Songwriters Fe s t i v a l

“ I f y o u ’ re g o i n g to do something, d o i t r i g h t .”

ELISE GILBERT

BRAD STEELE

Program Coordinator

Maintenance Coordinator

2022-2023

BOARD MEMBERS Alexis Miller, President

Chloe Berkowitz

Nan Nagy

Allison Wickey, Vice President

Russell Carter

JoAnn Ribaudo

Kevin Dooney, Secretary

Doug Foltz

Shawn Tomasello

Jerry Heffel

Kara Wootson

Tom Watson, Treasurer

See My Art St ory O n Pa ge 1 1

*View 2023-2024 Board Members at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/board-of-directors

3

IMPACT NUMBERS

BY THE NUMBERS C A A I M P A C T S TAT I S T I C S

750,000

$

to date granted back out into the community through Art For All Grants

more than

1,680

opportunities for community participation

Creative opportunities for

1,630+ artists annually

ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

IMPACT NUMBERS

Our online artist directory promotes the work of member artists and connects them with the public.

70 art lovers

30%

%

*

*

695

*OF CURRENT MEMBER BASE

100,000+ people served annually

16,250 youth served annually

5

BY THE NUMBERS C A A I M P A C T S TAT I S T I C S

economic impact

9 MILLION+

$

*

171 Full Time Equivalent Jobs * According to Americans for the Arts AEP5 calculator and a study conducted by Visit South Walton.

*

we serve

ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

*A study conducted by Visit South Walton in Jan. 2019

20,800+

38,000+

121,600+

49%

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Nearly 1,000 volunteers are needed each year to help the CAA accomplish our mission. Volunteer opportunities exist in many areas, from administrative to logistics to production and beyond. In addition to CAA’s annual signature events, opportunities exist throughout the year to volunteer your help with initiatives such as Art in Public Spaces, CAA fundraising, publicity, and art workshops.

CulturalArtsAlliance.com/volunteer

VOLUNTEERS WE LOVE

OUR

C U RT I S B ROW N

2022 Volunteer of the Year

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KEVIN & NOREEN DOONEY 2022 Volunteers of a Lifetime

VIVIAN KOMANDO

2022 Arts Educator of the Year

Lee Greene celebrated 15 years of hard work and dedication to the CAA

Photos by Shelly Swanger Photography

A LY S B E A C H

2022 Arts Partner of the Year

7

S U P P O R T I N G W A LT O N C O U N T Y ’ S

CREATIVE COMMUNITY

The CAA provides funding and grants, organizes art workshops and classes, and provides exposure to the arts to local schoolchildren. Through the success of its events, the CAA funds arts education initiatives through its Art for All program, providing grants and scholarships that impact thousands of Pre-K to 12th grade students annually.

Art for All Funding Funding is available for artists, arts organizations, teachers, and students through the CAA’s Art For All Program.

Applying is easy, and awards are distributed throughout the year. CAA has granted half a million dollars back out into the community over the last 30 years!

Workshops The CAA offers over 250 affordable art classes each year for artists of all ages and skill levels. From after-school and summer programs for kids to Oil, Acrylic, Pottery, Fiber and Watercolor classes for adults, the CAA has a class for everyone.

Creative Kids Camp CAA instructors teach the campers how to work with a variety of mediums and use different techniques so each student goes home with a diverse portfolio of work. Daily and full week registration options are available.

Learn more about opportunities, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/artist-resources ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

EDUCATION

When you’re ready to make a difference, we’re ready to help Merrill is proud to support Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County.

Brown, Burns & Associates William L. Burns, IV Senior Financial Advisor 850.269.7015 wburns2@ml.com Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 34990 Emerald Coast Parkway Destin, FL 32541

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. © 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

MAP5448947 Vault-BA1KHK | MLWM-243-AD | 470945PM-0323 | 03/2023

WHAT’S YOUR ART STORY

W HAT ’ S Y O U R

A R T S T O RY ?

Think you’re not creative? You’re selling yourself short!

We believe that everyone is inherently creative. We asked CAA Board Members to share their introduction to the Arts. Follow along for inspiration!

Growing up in the world of dance, the arts have always played a central role in Alexis Miller’s life. After attending the University of Georgia in Athens (a very art heavy town), Alexis moved to Santa Rosa Beach in 2009 and quickly learned the area was rich with culture offerings in all forms of artistic expression. As the Director of Events at Alys Beach, she started attending and volunteering at CAA events and knew she wanted to get involved as a board member. Alexis joined the Board in 2017 and was elected Board President in August 2020. She is also heavily involved with Food for Thought Outreach as well as the Point Washington Medical Clinic. When not volunteering or working, you can find her by any form of water or enjoying time with her friends.

Alexis Miller

INTRODUCING YOU TO YOUR INNER ARTIST We believe the Arts should be accessible to all, and through technology and innovation, the CAA can break down geographic & accessibility barriers while being a resource to our partners and bringing national attention to our creative community with our new Digital Creative Campus. We are pleased to offer a series of arts related virtual learning opportunities consisting of classes, demonstrations, and other learning events led by creative professionals.

To view learning opportunities, visit DigitalCreativeCampus.com.

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CAA’S MIRAMAR BEACH CREATIVE CAMPUS - THE FOSTER GALLERY

Photo by Lynn Crow Photography

SO MANY REASONS TO STOP BY

Art-O-Logy Events:

Secure your spot to be a part of our monthly Cocktails & Canvases or Cocktails & Clay experience at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus!

Demos are led by CAA Member Artists. The events are open to all levels of learners ages 21 and older. All supplies will be included as well as a fun adult beverage and light bites.

ArtXChange: A series of special exhibitions to showcase artworks of CAA’s member artists in collaboration with outside galleries such as the Charlotte Art League (CAL).

Foster Gallery Friday Fêtes: Meet the artists in our current rotation, as you enjoy light bites while strolling The Foster Gallery to view incredible works on display and available for purchase.

The Gallery is located within the CAA’s Miramar Beach Creative Campus which is also home to J. Leon Studio. In addition to the rotating exhibits and special exhibitions, the Creative Campus offers multi-disciplinary classes, a ceramics studio, youth programs, special events and more in the 5,000 sq. foot space.

ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

We currently have works on display and available for purchase from over 40 regional artists as well as pottery, hand-crafted jewelry, notecards, posters, prints and retail items. The space is also available to rent for private events and workshops. For details, please contact Pam Singh.

You can now view art work online from many of our featured local artists! All works shown are available for purchase.

Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

CulturalArtsAlliance.com/foster-gallery Since Opening The Foster Gallery in 2016

512,000+ Art Sold

$

250

Regional Artists Featured

500+ CHILDREN

Attended Gallery Field Trips

CAA’S MIRAMAR BEACH CREATIVE CAMPUS - THE FOSTER GALLERY

SCAN QR to Check Out Upcoming Events & Classes

23 /24 Season Purchase Your Tickets Today!

The Nutcracker | Nov. 17-19 Mattie Kelly Arts Center

•

• NFBallet.org

Carmina Burana | March 9-10 Mattie Kelly Arts Center Signature Season Media Sponsors:

On the Edge | June 15 Mattie Kelly Arts Center NFB is Sponsored in Part by:

13

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT - PRISON ART PROGRAM

Photos provided by Walton County Correctional Institution

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

PRISON ART PROGRAM Walton County Correctional Institution (WCI) residents participate in a weekly class led by artist and instructor Bradley Copeland who challenges them to let go of any predetermined plan and allow the enjoyment and exploration of the process to guide them.

Throughout the three-month program, the class experiments with a number of activities focused on surrendering control, abandoning preconceived notions of art, and creating without any direction or intention; then they are instructed to find shapes and images within and make something from the nonsensical scribbles, splashes and smears.

“Painting with this method (or lack thereof) shows us the beauty in mistakes and helps us make sense of the mess in front of us,” - Instructor, Bradley Copeland

“Instead of learning how to paint inside the lines, these men have been learning how to see differently. The paintings created in this program left plenty of room for happy accidents and magical messes, reinforcing the idea that all parts of the process are completely essential to the final piece, regardless of how messy, ugly or accidental.”

View pieces from Prison Art Exhibitions & Graduations ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

Original Artwork by Dean Matthews

SCAN to learn more

about CAA’s Prison Art Program

F E AT U R E D C O V E R A R T I S T

E L E NA F I L S H T I NS A

Gull Fantasy

B

orn in Novokuznetsk, Siberia, Russia, and raised in Kharkov, Ukraine, Elena embodies much of that which is classic pre-Soviet Russia and Ukraine in her art. Steeped in the best in classical literature, arts and music, Elena derives her inspiration from nature, music and dance and brings them all to life in her paintings in new, imaginative and magical ways. It has been said that viewing Elena’s art awakens positive emotions.

Elena has been awarded top medals in the juried Germanybased International Competition de Reshelie in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Her paintings have been used for book covers, illustrations for published poetry and children’s books, and music festival advertising posters. After the 2014 competition, she was featured in an article in the JulySeptember 2014 issue of Russians in America magazine, published in New York City.

Elena has had solo annual exhibits of her art in numerous galleries and public spaces in Ohio, Florida and Kentucky, including the Gateway Arts Council Gallery, the Ohio State Office Tower Public Lobby, the Copious Restaurant,

the Motorists Insurance Headquarters Gallery, the Bexley Ohio Library on a recurring basis, as well as having had exhibits in the Evangelia Gallery and the Catarina Gallery in Columbus, Ohio, and the Blue Cottage Gallery in Put-InBay, Ohio. Elena’s art is featured in homes and professional, as well as private collections across America and in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Israel, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.

Elena’s works have flourished in various styles and mediums, including oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic. She was first noticed for her use of the colorful and detailed Russian Palekh and Zhostovo styles on trays, plates and boxes.

Elena, who became a United States citizen in 2005, makes her home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida with her husband David Burwell, who has been extremely supportive of her and her son from their first days in the country. She is the proud mother of Illya Filshtinskiy, an accomplished pianist and graduate of The Juilliard School and with advanced music degrees from The Manhattan School of Music and the Mannes School of Music. Elena, also a fine pianist, teaches piano lessons, as well as teaching art classes in her home when she is not busy with brush in hand.

To learn more about CAA Member Artists, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/artist-member-directory ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

Unity

ON THE COVER - FEATURED ARTIST

Elena’s canvases speak by color and bring her fresh point of view to life.

Her paintings give breath to a feeling of movement, emotion and expression.

17

ART IN PUBLIC SPACES PROGRAM

ART IN

PUBLIC SPACES Six New Sculptures Added to Nation’s First Underwater Museum of Art It may have been a cloudy and rainy day, but the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) deployment team was all smiles last week as six new sculptures were added to the nation’s first permanent Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park in South Walton, Fla. Named by TIME Magazine as one of 100 “World’s Greatest Places,” the UMA is the first presentation of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA)’s Art In Public Spaces Program and is produced in collaboration with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA). The purpose of the UMA is to create art that becomes marine habitat, expanding fishery populations and providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors in South Walton.

The 2023 installation includes: Quantum Reef by Chris Chubb (Tallahassee, FL), Space Nest by Frank Henderson (Evanston, IL), Welcome Home by Zachery Long (Oklahoma City, OK), Cetacean Remains by Pat Mclain (Stone Mountain, GA), One Tree by Ann Moeller Steverson (Huntsville, AL) Opus by Allison Wickey (Santa Rosa Beach, FL).

On July 13th, more than 75 onlookers, including several of the artists and project partners, were on site to view the historic deployment.

New this year, the team was able to livestream all of the action to the UMA website and is still available for viewing at umafl.org.

Opus by Allison Wickey ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

Photo by Spring Run Media

Individual sculptures are sponsored by the Ellis Family, Hilton Sandestin Golf Beach Resort & Spa, Merrill Lynch - Brown, Burns and Associates, Morning Star Foundation, and the St. Joe Community Foundation.

“The UMA installation is always awe inspiring and this year was no exception. The collaboration amongst all of the groups and individuals who make the deployment happen annually is incredible, ‘’ said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “As the UMA continues to expand, the CAA is grateful for the excitement and dedication of the artists, fabricators, deployment team and partners. We are so proud to work alongside project co-founders Allison Wickey and SWARA to build this unique environment for creativity and education.”

“This year’s UMA deployment was one for the books,” says SWARA President and Dive30A owner Walt Hartley.

“These six new sculptures will truly enrich the personality and character of the Museum. It was also our very first time livestreaming the full deployment online so folks all around the world were able to watch! ‘Cetacean Remains’ is definitely going to become a diver’s favorite with its fantastic swim-through. Fish began to congregate around all the sculptures almost immediately. ‘If you build it, they will come!’ With 40 total sculptures now, the Underwater Museum of Art is really coming into its own, and it’s been nothing short of inspirational to watch it grow over the years. None of this would be possible without the continued support from our community, the WalterMarine/ Reefmaker Crew, and our collaborative partnership with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Big thanks to all involved! We can’t wait to do it again next year!”

ART IN PUBLIC SPACES PROGRAM

UMA Receives CODAaward The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) in partnership with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) is proud to announce that the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) recently received the 2023 CODAaward for Collaboration of the Year!

CODAawards: Collaboration of Design + Art recognizes outstanding projects that integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural, or public spaces. The 11th annual international design competition recently announced winners across 10 categories, as well as 2 People’s Choice Award winners and a new Collaboration Award. This year’s 411 submissions came from 24 countries around the globe, celebrating innovation and artistic excellence.

Museum, seeing all these amazing works of art and the thriving marine ecosystem they’ve become, is truly inspirational. But what’s left the deepest impression is the collective passion, creativity, determination, and teamwork that have built the UMA since the start,” said SWARA President Walt Hartley. “SWARA is proud and grateful to work in partnership with the CAA, our community, and our supporters to Create Living Reefs for Generations.

The CODAworx ‘Collaboration of the Year’ award is a true honor, and a real testament to the UMA’s continued growth and success. Credit is also due to the tremendous marine life populating the UMA site -- even underwater, the collaboration continues!”

Allison Wickey and Jennifer Steele with CODAworx CEO, Toni Sikes

This year, a new award was added for the first time.

Titled the Collaboration of the Year Award, this honor goes to the project that demonstrates the importance of the collaborative process among creative teams, commissioners, and industry resources. Toni Sikes, CEO of CODAworx states that “The Collaboration of the Year Award recognizes the collective imagination of many professionals who work together to create spaces that are transformed through artwork. The end result is pure magic.”

“It is an honor that CODAworx created a category that represents the heart and soul of the Underwater Museum of Art and recognizes its true collaborative nature,” said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “The CAA is grateful to work alongside co-founders Allison Wickey and SWARA, Walton County, The Reefmaker, and our supportive partners to bring the UMA to life and ensure its long term success. It would not happen without each partner’s diligence, creative spirit, technical knowledge and passion for the project.”

“The experience of swimming through the Underwater

Information on the 2023 CODAawards is available on CODAworx.com.

NEW NEW MURAL Installed at the

PROGRAM

PARTNERSHIP

Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast to expand its Youth Arts Education program for club members and produce a high-quality mural that will serve as a source of inspiration and education to club visitors and participants.

The new 20’ x 20’ (approximate) mural installation is featured on the blue architectural wall at the entrance of the South Walton club on Boys & Girls Club Way near the Coastal Branch Library and South Walton High School. The art work focuses on the theme “Great Futures Start Here” and was created by local artist Morgan Summers.

The mural is a new addition to the CAA’s growing Art in Public Spaces program which also includes the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art and the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail as well as planned installations at the upcoming U.S. Highway 98 Pedestrian Underpass.

SCAN to apply for CAA’s Online Artist Directories 19

T hat’s a Wrap ON CAA SUMMER EVENTS

2023 Under The Sea UMA Fundraiser Party photos by Lynn Crow Photography

5th Annual Under the Sea Fundraiser Event May 11, 2023 • Grand Boulevard

The CAA and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) hosted the fifth annual Under the Sea fundraiser event for the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) featuring The Cleverlys.

The UMA is the first presentation of the CAA’s ‘Art in Public Spaces’ program and augments SWARA’s mission of creating marine habitat and expanding fishery populations while providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors in South Walton.

Several of the sculpture designs selected by jury for permanent exhibition in the fifth installation of the UMA were on display at the fundraiser and throughout the weekend during the ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival before they made the journey to Orange Beach, AL to prepare for their deployment into the Gulf in a one-acre permit patch of seabed off Grayton Beach State Park. All event net proceeds benefited the Underwater Museum of Art. With the six sculptures deployed July 2023, the UMA is now home to 40 original artworks 58 ft below the sea off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park.

ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

Many thanks to our Under The Sea Sponsors and Event Partners including: Visit South Walton, Grand Blvd. Town Center, Florida Arts & Culture, Morning Star Foundation, Merrill Lynch - Brown, Burns & Associates, Latitude Margaritaville, Seaside Yacht Club, First National Bank, SWARA, Stinky’s Fish Camp, Bijoux, Black Bear Bread Co., Grayton Beach Catering, Grayton Corner Cafe, North Beach Social, Marrow Chefs, Mozey’s, and Swiftly Catered

EVENTS RECAP

The 35th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival May 13 & 14, 2023 • Grand Boulevard

The 35th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival showcased more than 150 local, regional and national fine artists in the North Park at Grand Boulevard Town Center at Sandestin. The event featured live performances, Art On Demand live learning sessions, great food, art demonstrations, student exhibits, and “ImagiNation: where kids rule.”

Many thanks to our Under The Sea Sponsors and Event Partners including: Visit South Walton, Grand Blvd. Town Center, Florida Arts & Culture, The Alys Foundation, Morning Star Foundation, Merrill Lynch - Brown, Burns & Associates, Latitude Margaritaville, Seaside Yacht Club, First National Bank, Courtyard by Marriott at Grand Blvd., and Emerald Coast Magazine.

2023 ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival photos by Lynn Crow Photography

The 30A Songwriters Festival Sounds Like Summer Series June 8, July 13 & August 10, 2023 • Watersound® Town Center

The 30A Songwriters Festival Sounds Like Summer Series featured free live performances from Paul Thorn, Black Opry Revue and Jeffrey Steele as part of the unique arts and cultural entertainment lineup at The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center.

Many thanks to our Event Partner Wateround® Town Center.

Photography provided by The St. Joe Company

21

NEW

PROGRAM

PARTNERSHIP

Storytellers

discover, foster, and reignite creativity

E

merald Coast Storytellers (ECS) emerged from a profound love for storytelling and a vision to infuse the richness of big-city culture into our idyllic beachside

community. As a local writers group, ECS has not only established itself as a hub

for literary enthusiasts but has also garnered recognition for hosting distinguished guests on its captivating stage, including New York Times bestselling authors, a Grammy-award-winning music producer, and the likes of Prudence Farrow Bruns, muse for the Beatles’ iconic song “Dear Prudence.”

A proud partner of the CAA, ECS takes pride in its mission to cultivate a haven for creativity that transcends the page and resonates in the hearts of both locals and visitors. The group’s commitment is realized through an array of curated events that revolve around the written and spoken word: Embarking on a journey that spans venues across South Walton and beyond, the monthly Open Mic Nights stand as a testament to ECS’s dedication to fostering a vibrant literary community. These nights have grown to become a beloved fixture, inviting wordsmiths of all levels to share their stories in an atmosphere of camaraderie.

ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP - EMERALD COAST STORYTELLERS

CAA Executive Director, Jennifer Steele was the Featured Storyteller at the July Open Mic Night.

Photo by Brenna Kneiss

Stay updated on all things Storytellers by following @emeraldcoaststorytellers on social media and explore the exciting developments to come at emeraldcoaststorytellers.com.

For those traversing diverse stages of their own writing journey, the After-Hours Writing Nights extend an invitation for an evening that’s centered on connection, accountability, and mutual support.

ECS’s innovative spirit shines brightly through its pioneering concept of Story-Pairing Dinners, gatherings that celebrate the timeless art of storytelling and the act of sharing a meal, two age-old traditions that have perpetually united humankind. This convergence of nourishment for the soul and the palate encapsulates the essence of their approach.

As Emerald Coast Storytellers embarks on its second year, the outpouring of community support and the burgeoning local talent leave them humbled and inspired.

The anticipation mounts as they prepare to spotlight more gifted writers and storytellers in the forthcoming chapter of their journey. With an ever-expanding repertoire that includes their podcast, membership program, retreats, and other enriching experiences, ECS eagerly embraces the horizons that await.

23

CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE MEMBER ROSTER

MEMBER ROSTER

*

T H A N K Y O U F O R S U S TA I N I N G O U R C R E AT I V E C O M M U N I T Y *Current Member Roster from Sept 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023

SUSAN FOSTER CIRCLE

Erin Lindsay Clayton Jalyn Henton & Tanisha Carino Jane & Steve Denton Brandi L. Fowler JoAnn Ribaudo & Kajsa Larsson Phill & Janice May David & Joy Willey

SUSTAINER

Charlie & Liz Garner Jerry & Sonja Heffel Ken Kato & Nan Nagy Nanette Ream Lynne & Steve, Dylan & Sarah, & Emily Spencer Ed Walborsky Tom & Suzanne Watson

PATRON

John & Jeni Burns Sheryl Brown Miriam & James Dillon Ken Elsberry Mimi & Mike Gavigan Denise & Kevin Greene Amanda Hanisch Ben Harrison Reedy & PJ Hickey Keesha & Tom Kerins Kim Lepley Nanette Ream Dee Sakach Lea Shuba Robert M Slaven Kitty Taylor Larry & Jamie Williamson Kurtis & Gay Wolff Brenda Ziegler

CHAMPION

Mimi & Mike Gavigan Chuck & Elizabeth Harmon Billy & Pam Howard Sarah Mowell Nanette Ream

FRIEND & FAMILY

Nancy Abraham Trena & Patrick Alexander Kelly & Brian Anderson Zack & Melinda Azar Carla Barrie Dayle Binder Mark Callaway Anna Creek

Linda Cunningham Christine Reese-Day & Bob Day Sandra Dean Karen & Mark Edwards Wheeler Family Mike Wright & Bob Glascock Amanda Hanisch Nate & Jennifer Hansford Jerry Hawken Steve & Sydney Hiatt Don Hudson Carla Koepke Bob & Deb Krall Shannon Kramolis Janet & Dave Kresser Vicki Lee Heidi Maier Drake & Jennifer Martin Daphne Martin Kristen Miller Candy & David Miller Daniel & Robbie Randolph Scott & Jean Rude Lisa Schaaf Cliff & Christi Sheffield Dina Shoults Lea Shuba Melissa & Walt Simpson Ryan & Paulina Snow Kim Snow Donna Taggart Ed & Vanessa Whiston Patricia Witbeck Scott Wright

SR. FRIEND & FAMILY

Debbie & Rich Adams Mark & Leslie Allen Betty & Fred Anderson Dennis & Nancy Atchison Dorothea Berhout Ron & NaNae Birkey Magan Bissonnette Pat & Cindi Bowman Debbie Brennan Mr. & Mrs. Bill Burnett Alice & Richard Butela Larry Byars & Carol Byars Ken & Kim Carney Sallie Chester Joyce Clark Eric & Jennifer Clauson Joe Colantuono Tess Cox Julie Ann & Kendall Coyne Christine Reese-Day & Bob Day Kimberly Loebel Ellison

Janet Fortier John & Patti Gary Sallie Chester & James Grimm Joe & Sandy Gulak Bill & Velina Hartmann Bill & Monica Hartmann Karen Hassler Carol Hebron Steve & Sydney Hiatt Pat & Nancy Hickman Stephen & Holly Hiliard Barry & Joyce Hogue Cole Jennings Patti Johnson Frank & Barbara Kenney Keesha & Tom Kerins Buz & Susan Livingston Patirck & Ann Lyons Bill & Renee McCalmont Mike & Sherri McCarty Bill & Kathy McMullen Mark Messerly Jamie Milton Lawrence & Jennifer Mintman Jenny Mitchell Walter & Diane Neuman Lynn Nickell Mike & Kiki Nixon Scott & Leslie Provow Jim & Nancy Purkis Daniel & Robbie Randolph Brad & Kim Riegel Jennifer Rowe John Youngbeck & Ann Scott Dr. Judith A LaMarche & Dr. Robert D Stainback Becky Steele Cheryl & Don Taddia Larry & Debbie Taylor Debra Taylor Bonnie & David Thornton Bonnie Thornton Shelly Webb Diane Weickenand Joe Williams Tim & Anne Williams Jerry & Heidi Williams Kurtis & Gay Wolff KJ Simon & Bob Woodley Steve Wooten

FRIEND

Jay Alexander Jennifer Bacani Janis Biggers Cindy Braaten Robert Burns

Beth A. Burnside, Ph.D. Jancy Cecil Jennifer Cedarleaf Nancy Coleal Johnny Crawford Leslie Elizabeth Dagastino Karen Dewing Liz Drogos Chris Fields Janet Fortier Nina Freeman Leslie Griffin Chandra Hammond Sarah Hanley Chris Heaton Mary Heineman Dianne Howerton Randy Hunter William Hurst Christine Klas Lesa Klein Kelly Kramer Joseph Lashley Anna Lawson Bonita Loman Laura McCarty Mary Ellen McDonald Maggi Morgenlaender Paula Mueller Laura Mutter April Oliverio Bonnie Pastuszek Deborah Rejent Jocelyn Richardson Sarah Rolfes Liz Rowland Deirdre Sanborn Jane Savage Tonya D. Savage Jerrod Schonfeld Shelby Schuler Lorenda Smith Robert Stalder Kelley Stobaugh Troy Stone Judith Taylor Robert Touchette Terri Valentine Joy Vota Melissa Wheeler Zandra Wolfgram

SR. FRIEND

Alecia Adair-Foltz Sylvia O. Alf Dana Allen Tamara Annalora

CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE MEMBER ROSTER

SR. FRIEND CONTD

Debby Baker Sarah Baker Samira Baker Rebecca Baker Robin Beans Marissa Benton Delanne Bernier Janis Biggers Lydia Bors-Koefoed Gayle Bowen Mary Breshike Melissa W Buckenr Marie Buretta John Burns Kimberly Burton Mary Butler Debra C. Callaway Kathleen Walker Cameron Leura Canary Lorraine Caposole Jennifer Cedarleaf Joyce Clark Mary Sue Clark Tom Clark Cindy Cole Susan Cole Vera Comar Cathy Cunningham Joe R. Cunningham Kim Saunders Dague Elle Dannecker DeWayne Davis Jeanne Dean Karen C Dewing AaRon Diamond Lynne Dougherty Jillian Doyle Nancy Ellis Elizabeth A Fanton Pamela Curran Flow Roland L. Freeman Jacque Fudge David Garr Pamela GaVette Alisa Ghazvini

Catherine Gibbs Donna Gibson Karla Gillan Cindy Graham Jill Grimes Ginger Halbfoster Kerry Harrison Kristina Hasser Natalie Hayes Nancy Hayes Elisabeth Herndon Betty Hetherwick Reedy & PJ Hickey Beth Hitchcock Karen Holland Kathryn Honea Pamela Hundley Pam Hutton Crystal Iversen Richard Jaffe Art Jenkins Cole Jennings Thomas Jung Nelson Kilpatrick Andy Kilpatrick Jan Kubacki Denny Knicos Vance Lavelle John Lebowitz Helga Letourneau Steven Lipton Sharon Long Janet Lowe Bob Mackey Debra Makar Sherri Marsteller Cynthia McBrayer Robert McCullar, CPA Brian McGinnis Joey McKenna Josann McKenna Mary Beth Mendoza Elizabeth Messer Barbara Morano Cyn Morris Carol Murphy

Kevin Murphy Sandra NashCooper Rachel Neumann Marie Odom Rosalyn O’Grady Cheryle Olson Tonya Pippin Kimberly Podoll Jan Poling William D. Polley Cynthia Porte Jeanie Posey Patsy Powell Donna Powers Scott Provow Marcie Rudd Kim Salesses Gail Samuels Christina Scharff Julie Selleck Melany Shaffer Donna Sheley Celeste Shipp Jim Simpson Pete Sintes Tammy Smitherman Susan Snyder Constance Spencer Jan Stanko Becky Steele Heidi Stenhammer Linda Stewart Christel Styranovski Mary Swift Lenore Taffel Mercie Taylor Colleen Taylor Alexis Tibbetts Lee Tidwell Marsha Tisdale David C Turner Meghann VanderBaan Janet Wallace Deb Wegent Ann Welch Leslie Wells

Carla Wertheimer Scott White Anne Williams Paul Willms Kathryn C Wimmert Mary Wooten Amanda Wright Sandy Wyatt Gaye Yaksich Mary Ellen Young Linda Zombres

VISIONARY BUSINESS The 30A Company Think It Wear It Express

BUSINESS

Melissa Adams Allyson Longshore/Metamorph Blooms Vincent Davis The Owen Group Design Firm The Studio Gallery The Blue Giraffe Gene Howard Tinsley Hutson-Wiley Florence Rogers Interiors Atkins & Associates Attorney-at-Law LLC Marlene East Glass Art, LLC Linda Miller Real Estate Pleat & Perry, PA Central Square Records Grayton Corner Cafe & Wine Shop The Shard Shop The Salty Sparrow Salon Twist Julia Vijacka Gay Wolff

NON PROFIT

Emerald Coast Woodturning Guild Marlene East Glass Art, LLC Melissa Bartlett Rosemary Beach Foundation

*View CAA Artist Members at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/artist-member-directory

As a non-profit membership organization, the CAA relies on member support to fund children’s art education, student scholarships, and arts grants and to provide cultural enrichment to our growing community through ongoing cultural events and programs.

By becoming a member, you’re supporting local artists and fostering creative opportunities for Walton County.

CulturalArtsAlliance.com/Join

Scan To Join The CAA

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The Mentality

of Clay

by Skip Deems

“Working with clay on the wheel stirs mental, emotional and touch brain functions. It’s a full-on experience.”

ART MATTERS - ISSUE 4 - FALL 2023

THE ART OF WELLNESS

M

y first exposure to art was painting with watercolors.

When I began painting, I felt mentally connected to others with shared interests. This new medium also allowed me to express deep feelings that I did not often have words for but were very cathartic for me to convey in a new way. I learned that art provides an avenue to communicate an inner state that builds self-esteem and allows us to create relationships with other artists as well as our communities.

One morning during an art class, I was ruminating on some significant life changes.

Not able to focus on the task at hand, I wandered into the clay studio at the facility. I grabbed a ball of clay and sat down at a pottery wheel. Sprinkling a small amount of water on the clay, I depressed the pedal and immediately started to feel the smooth, tactile effects of the clay in my hands. A calming feeling slowly spread from my hands to my arms, and finally my brain. My troubles seemed to lift with the low hum of the wheel and the silky texture of the clay.

This defining moment hooked me to the art form of pottery.

When I began my journey into clay working, I was fortunate to have a wonderful mentor who shared the following insight with me: “Working with clay on the wheel stirs mental, emotional and touch brain functions. It’s a full-on experience.”

The medical community is now recognizing the transformable potential of art. Many mental health treatment programs are including art therapy in their curriculums. Artistic creation has powerful healing effects and working with clay is a leading and recognized medium to aid in these recoveries. Over the years, I have seen firsthand the therapeutic benefits that working with clay can provide to individuals suffering from addiction, depression, anxiety and PTSD. Individuals seeking relief from daily stress can also benefit from this wonderful medium.

The Cultural Arts Alliance currently offers ceramic classes at their Miramar Beach Creative Campus and their Bayou Arts Center. I have had the privilege of working with the CAA and tireless individual donors to establish these pottery studios. Stop by one of their locations and experience for yourself the mentally calming effects of working with clay.

View upcoming workshops & classes at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events

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