#ArtMatters Issue 6 - Spring/Summer 2024

‘MATAPALO’ BY BRADLEY COPELAND 2024 FEATURED ARTSQUEST ARTIST

SHARE THE SCENIC ROUTE

South Walton has a way of drawing friends together for life. From unique neighborhoods to sugar-white sand and turquoise water, every detail celebrates time well spent.

Find your perfect beach at VisitSouthWalton.com.

ART MONTH PARTNERS

Recommendation for a must-see Art Month event?

Alys Beach’s Digital Graffiti! Hundreds of digital art submissions from around the globe are carefully curated and projected onto the exterior walls of the town, creating an immersive festival for the senses. The featured artists range from local student groups to world-renowned digital creators, and this year will offer increased opportunities for education, including a Curator’s panel discussion on Saturday morning.

Recommendation for a must-see Art Month event?

MEET THE TEAM

2023-2024 CAA STAFF MEMBERS

Dine + Dive! We’re taking it up a notch and you don’t want to miss itfantastic food, incredible wines to taste, Cousin Curtiss on the stage, PLUS it’s your only opportunity to see several of this year’s sculptures before they head to their new underwater home.

What is your favorite ArtsQuest memory?

The Art in Public Spaces activation we produced last year will always be one of my favorite collaborations. We built two plywood walls for ArtsQuest attendees to paint community murals. Witnessing families throughout the weekend participate was a first-hand glimpse into how the Arts have the power to bring so many people together!

MELISSA WHEELER

Marketing & Program Manager

What is your favorite way that the CAA fosters creativity in Walton County?

The CAA has had a wealth of events and experiences throughout our long history. One of my favorites is the Foster Gallery. We started with a small group of artists, and it has given artists the opportunity to display their work and launch their careers. The artist members are a great group of talented individuals!

Recommendation for a must-see Art Month event?

ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is an absolute must-see! I am looking forward to the 36th annual lively celebration of creativity artists and performers bring to the festival while leaving behind a trail of inspiration. ArtsQuest is not just an event, it’s a testament to the profound value of the arts in our area.

Membership & Development Manager

Which Underwater Museum of Art sculpture speaks to you?

Last year, my family and I sponsored the “One Tree” sculpture, and my Dad had the opportunity to witness its deployment. Since it was the inaugural year of the Live Stream, the rest of my family could watch the event live from home. It was an unforgettable experience for all of us!

ALLIE ANDERSON

Which Underwater Museum of Art sculpture speaks to you?

I love them all, but “Ring My Bell” is particularly special to me. I am married to the artist, and the design was inspired by and constructed with our family and lifelong friends.

MICHELLE TOUCHSTONE Finance Manager

PAM SINGH Program Manager

What is your favorite way that the CAA fosters creativity in Walton County?

My favorite way the CAA fosters creativity is through our Healing Arts program which includes the Prison Art program and Sexual Assault Survivors Art Therapy program, those are closest to my heart. The way the CAA generates and recognizes creativity through the various forms of art is spiffing.

What is the best thing about the Walton County creative community?

The Walton County creative community is made up of a tight knit group of artists who value community and collaboration with one another. The community here knows that there is enough success to go around and that success for one artist is success for all artists.

ELISE GILBERT Program Coordinator

BRAD STEELE Maintenance Coordinator

What is your favorite ArtsQuest memory?

15 years of so many ArtsQuest memories. In a nutshell, the amazing artistry, fine folks and the collaborative teamwork of volunteers and the CAA family.

Alexis Miller, President

Allison Wickey, Vice President

Kevin Dooney, Secretary

Tom Watson, Treasurer

Chloe Berkowitz

Russell Carter

Angela Fiorita-Day

Doug Foltz

Jerry Heffel

Mike Kerrigan

Nan Nagy

Jessica Porter

JoAnn Ribaudo

Shawn Tomasello

Karah Fridley-Young

Kara Wootson

Art Month Walton is an initiative of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County with the purpose to bring communities, organizations and businesses together to present quality arts and entertainment to the community. Spanning the month of May, Art Month will feature visual, performing, and literary arts programming in diverse formats and in various venues throughout Walton County.

MAY 2024

ART MONTH WALTON

Various locations throughout Walton County Locals and visitors can activate their imaginations and experience a collaboration of visual, performing and literary arts events presented in diverse formats and various venues throughout Walton County and beyond. Spanning the month of May, Art Month Walton includes events such as the Dine + Dive fundraiser for the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art, ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, Digital Graffiti Festival, Longleaf Writers Conference, Gallery events and so much more! Art Month Walton is an initiative of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County.

MAY 1

DINE + DIVE

Miramar Beach

The CAA and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) will host the Dine + Dive fundraiser event for the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) from 6 - 9 p.m. in Grand Boulevard Town Center on May 1, 2024. The CAA and SWARA are pleased to expand the event to feature more than a dozen restaurant tasting stations, scores of wine to sample as well as incredible live music. There will be a full cash bar onsite and all event net proceeds will help fund the sixth deployment of sculptures to the UMA in Summer 2024 bringing the total number of art works to 48.

The Underwater Museum of Art is the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the U.S. and is the inaugural 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.

Located in the Gulf of Mexico, off of Walton County, Florida. The museum lies at a depth of 58-feet and at a distance of less than one mile from the shore of Grayton Beach State Park. Each year, a juried selection of sculptural works, drawn from artists throughout the world, is installed in the underwater garden.

The sculptures quickly attract a wide variety of marine life and, over time, metamorphize into a living reef. This eco-tourism attraction not only entices art lovers and divers from around the country and around the globe, it provides a much-needed habitat for local marine life and fisheries as well as providing marine scientists, wildlife management professionals, ecologists, and students, with an opportunity to study marine life and measure the impact of artificial reef systems on the Gulf ecosystem. For more information, visit UMAFL.org.

MAY 3-19

MARY POPPINS

Miramar Beach

Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents Mary Poppins! Sprinkle a spoonful of sugar on your spring with the delightful and enchanting Mary Poppins! This show is “practically perfect in every way” for all ages and feels like a “jolly holiday” with friends and family. Don’t miss this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show that will lift your spirits and leave you feeling like you want to go “fly a kite!”

Performances are Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 19. Consult emeraldcoasttheatre.org/on-stage for show times and to book tickets.

MAY 4 - 5

ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

Miramar Beach

Every May, for more than 35 years, ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival showcases more than 100 local, regional and national fine artists throughout the streets of Grand Boulevard Town Center at Sandestin. The event offers live music, art demonstrations, learning opportunities, great food, student exhibits, and “ImagiNation: where kids rule.” For more information, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

MAY 9

EMERALD COAST STORYTELLERS OPEN MIC NIGHT

Miramar Beach

Join us on Thursday, May 9 for Open Mic Night at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus. Listen along to brave local storytellers as they share their written and spoken tales. As always, doors will open at 5 and stories will begin at 6 PM sharp. For those interested in taking the mic, we ask that you please email emeraldcoaststorytellers@gmail.com to be considered for a reading spot and include your name, genre, a little bit about yourself, and what you plan to present. We’ve had a lot of requests and would like to give everyone a chance to share their stories! If there’s time for extra people, we’ll open the floor before our Featured Storytellers take the stage. For more information and tickets, visit EmeraldCoastStorytellers.com.

MAY 11 - 18

LONGLEAF WRITERS CONFERENCE SEASIDE®

The 12th Annual Longleaf Writers Conference will take place in SEASIDE® May 11 through 18, featuring award-winning, visiting authors Adam Johnson and Maggie Smith with other special guests including literary agents Martha Wydysh, Anjali Singh, and Duvall Osteen. Full conference registrations and a la carte seminars are available, along with options to participate in special events throughout the week, including personal consultations, readings and more. Register and purchase tickets online at LongleafWritersConference.com.

MAY 17-18

DIGITAL GRAFFITI FESTIVAL

Alys Beach

Celebrating its 17th anniversary, Digital Graffiti is a one-of-akind projection art festival where artists use the latest digital technologies to project their original works onto the white walls of Alys Beach. This year’s event takes place Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. Each year, the festival attracts international digital artists, filmmakers, musicians, interactive designers, photographers, VJs, producers, celebrities, agency executives and fans of art, technology and architecture. Visit DigitalGraffiti.com for tickets and details.

MAY 18

SINFONIA GULF COAST PRESENTS

JURASSIC PARK IN CONCERT

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making, bring the entire family to experience Jurassic Park in Concert as never before: projected in HD with Sinfonia Gulf Coast performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. Welcome… to Jurassic Park in Concert! Tickets are $30-$55. Purchase online at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.

MAY 26

SINFONIA GOES POPS AT ALYS BEACH

Alys Beach

Celebrate the Memorial Day holiday weekend in Alys Beach at the Sinfonia Goes Pops concert on Sunday, May 26 at 7:30PM. Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra will bring the classic sounds of Memphis alive with Symphonic Soul at this FREE family-friendly music spectacular. Bring blankets or low back chairs and grab a spot on the amphitheater lawn.

Alys Beach Amphitheatre is located on Scenic 30A just across from the Gulf of Mexico in South Walton’s Alys Beach, Florida. The amphitheater is a beautiful green park where families will often gather for live music, outdoor movies, annual celebrations, children’s activities and other fun events. For more information visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or AlysBeach.com.

MAY 30

AFTER HOURS WRITING AT THE BAYOU ARTS CENTER WITH EMERALD COAST STORYTELLERS

Come experience the more intimate side of Emerald Coast Storytellers: face to face, pen to paper, fingers to keys.No matter where you are on your own writing journey, this event is for you. We’ll be at the Cultural Arts Alliance’s Bayou Arts Center armed with our pens, journals, and laptops, and ready to talk shop and get to work on our works in progress. Or something brand new! The evening will begin with a brief discussion followed by breakout time to work on individual projects or an optional writing prompt. Learn more and RSVP at EmeraldCoastStorytellers.com.

For Art Month activities and events schedule visit

CulturalArtsAlliance.com/art-month

CELEBRATES ITS 36th YEAR

The ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is a multifaceted cultural event, featuring work by over 100 national and local artists exhibiting and selling their work in Grand Boulevard Town Center May 4th and 5th. Mediums include Ceramics, Sculpture, Glass, Oils, Acrylics, Mixed Media, Photography, Sculpture, Metal and Wood, Jewelry, Works on Paper, and more. These exhibiting artists from around the United States will compete for awards and cash prizes totaling $10,000 that will be decided by distinguished guest judges including Olga Guy, Watercolor Artist; Kim Griffin White, Gallery 850 Owner; and Holly Hanessian, Artist and Professor at Florida State University (FSU).

The Festival will offer art demonstrations, a CAA member gallery featuring many artists from The Foster Gallery, a Walton County student exhibit, a special exhibit from the CAA’s Prison Art program, continuous live music and entertainment, and “ImagiNation: where kids rule.” Continuing this year is the popular Art on Demand Live series featuring educational sessions throughout the weekend with local artists. Interested participants may register for these sessions on the Cultural Arts Alliance website in advance of the event. A full cash bar will be available throughout the weekend in Grand Park.

For more information visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/arts-quest

To view Artists, Music Schedule, and all ArtsQuest info!

ART MONTH AUCTION

Browse and bid on lots including a 30A vacation package from Oversee, event tickets, original art from local artists, handcrafted jewelry, 30A Company gift basket, Chartered Dive Trip, YOLO e-bike rental, Studio 30A yoga sessions, unique experiences and more!

Text “2024ArtMonth” to 76278 to register.

2024ARTMONTH.GIVESMART.COM

The auction is open for anyone to participate. Bidding begins on Wednesday, May 1 and the auction will close on Sunday, May 5 at 3 PM CST during ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival where items will be available to view in person.

THE CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE OF WALTON COUNTY MAKES AN ONGOING EFFORT TO ENSURE ALL ITS PROGRAMS ARE COMPLIANT WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF OUR ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE USING ADA SELF-EVALUATION, CHECKLISTS, AND GUIDELINES, THE CAA IS FOCUSED ON MAKING ITS PROGRAMS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE TO ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE.

PLEASE CALL 850-622-5970 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST ACCOMMODATION.

ImagiNation Where Kids Rule!

At ArtsQuest, kids can let their creative minds run wild in ImagiNation, the place where kids rule!

Kids of all ages and experience levels can participate in lots of artistic activities to inspire and engage your emerging artists all weekend long!

ArtsQuest Judges

OLGA GUY

Olga Guy is a watercolor artist specializing in nature-themed subjects. The vibrant colors in her semi-spontaneous paintings contribute to her distinctly unique style.

Olga’s artwork has been showcased in various exhibits across the State of Florida, displayed in most county art venues. Notably, her watercolor pieces, “Tropical Aquarium,” “Clown Fish,” and “Sea Turtle,” secured 1st place at the Bay County Fair Art Show in 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Olga has been an influential teacher, offering watercolor classes for both adults and children at the Panama City Center for the Arts. From 2017 to 2021, she successfully ran an after-school arts program at her private studio, fostering creativity in the younger generation. In 2021, she decided to take a break from teaching to focus on her new venture as a pet portrait artist.

In 2021, the Bay Arts Alliance recognized Olga’s work, selecting her painting “Bird of Paradise” for the prestigious “Welcome Wall Mural Project.” Now, her creation stands among eight paintings by some of the county’s most talented artists.

Throughout her art career, Olga has volunteered for several art organizations in Bay County. Currently, she dedicates her time to crafting exquisite paintings in her private studio and remains actively involved in supporting and organizing activities to promote local art and artists in Bay County.

HOLLY HANESSIAN

Hanessian is a Professor of Art at Florida State University where she is the area head of ceramics and was the Past President of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA.) She is a member of the international academy of ceramics, Socially Engaged Craft Collective, ArtAxis, and AccessCeramics.

KIM GRIFFIN WHITE

Kim Griffin White is a lifelong artist with over four decades of professional experience in graphic design and branding. She has managed both independent and commissioned projects and campaigns from concept through completion for educational, medical, and nonprofits and private corporations including several Fortune 500 companies. Her longest running client for both graphic design and fine art is The Carter Center in Atlanta, in which the International Guinea Worm Eradication sculpture award that she designed and produced is on permanent display. Her current interests range from graphic art to fine art and in remaining involved in the local community.

For her oil portraits, Kim challenges her skills and intuition to capture the likeness and spirit of the sitter. “Painting keeps my attention, it’s a constant source of motivation. For me, painting is elusive far more than any other art form”.

Kim and her husband Mark White are both professionals who make art, travel, and garden. They own the historic Gallery of Art in downtown Panama City, Florida.

over the years CELEBRATING CREATIVITY

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

THE VILLAGE OF BAYTOWNE WHARF

GRAND BOULEVARD

Bradley Copeland is a prolific 26 year-old artist living in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Bradley’s passion for art has existed for as long as she can remember.

After moving to Florida’s panhandle in 2020, her passion transformed into her career. She has since participated in numerous solo and group shows as well as other festivals and events. Her story and artwork have been featured in many different publications, including the cover story of Emerald Coast Magazine. And last year, she was awarded South Walton’s Artist of the Year Award.

Bradley considers art to be her religion, her compass, and her greatest love. Her passion for creativity evolved into a need to share its healing abilities with others, and with the help of the CAA, a brand new prison art program was born. Above everything previously described, her most rewarding accomplishment is teaching this type of creativity every week to the residents of Walton Correctional Institution.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Really from everything in and around me. I am constantly trying to better understand myself and the universe and my place in it and making art helps me make sense of all of these things.

Can you describe your creative process?

Most of my pieces start with play and experimentation. I freely make an ugly mess with no real goal or intention in mind, just journaling, doodling, playing. Things eventually begin to reveal themselves to me, either on the canvas or in my mind’s eye, and I allow the painting to dictate the journey. I try to totally surrender to the process and refrain from involving any of my own judgements or expectations. Playing with the paint and embracing a child-like state of mind is so essential to my process. I believe that messes and mistakes are actually magic, and recognizing this in my rut helps me do the same in my daily life.

How long does it generally take for you to complete a piece? Anywhere from a few minutes to several years. I usually work on multiple things at once, and sometimes I start and finish a painting in one sitting, others I may step away from for months at a time or sporadically work on it over a long period of time.

What does being the Featured Artist for the 36th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival mean to you?

I am just so honored!! ArtsQuest has been a very special event to me for as long as I have lived here and known about it. It’s been a pleasure and privilege to participate for the past two years, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be this year’s featured artist. I am so grateful to be part of a community that fosters so much passion and creativity.

Bradley with art students at Walton County Correctional Institution

Cracks In The Pavement

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce the regional artists recently chosen to exhibit their original work in The Foster Gallery’s Spring Rotation, which runs February 21st through June 22, 2024 in its Miramar Beach Creative Campus location.

The selected featured artists are Wanda Azzario-Goldberg, Carol Babington, Pam Barnard, Dorothea Berkhout, Stephanie Bloyd, Melody Bogle, Kathleen Broderick, Gayle Campbell, Bill Chambers, Kim Cleveland, Renee Cohn, Marlene East, Kim Eifrid, Elena Filshtinska, Capri Jones, Nicole Hemmerly, Brett Hewitt, Linda Kernick, Sue Carol Knight, Bonita Loman, Susan Lucas, Janis Mars Wunderlich, Robyn Martins, Natalie Maxted, Mindy McClendon, Sherri McKendree, Theresia McInnis, Lennon Michalski, Lynnette Moody, Jenny Nix, Patti Overholt, Michelle Puckett, Mary Redmann, Kaitlyn Roig, Andi Scruto, Nicolaus Seegel, Kristine Senft, Blair Supplee, Laura Tuvyana, and Karen Williams.

All rotation artists are members of the Cultural Arts Alliance. All works exhibited in the gallery are for sale, many works will also be online soon for viewing and purchase on the CAA website at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/foster-gallery.

NEW at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus

We believe in the magic of clay. Our studio is a haven for creativity, a space where imagination takes shape, and where every piece tells a story. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned potter we offer a spectrum of classes tailored to your skill level. We’re also excited to announce new services including outside firing options available when clay is purchased from us and an Open Studio group of likeminded ceramics enthusiasts who share a love for the handmade and the beautiful.

The Foster Gallery is located at 13370 Emerald Coast Parkway (US Hwy 98) and is part of the Miramar Beach Creative Campus featuring regional artist rotations on a quarterly basis as well as special exhibitions. The Foster Gallery at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus will also host artist receptions and openings, workshops in J. Leon Studio, events, and serve as a community gathering point symbolizing the support the CAA strives to give artists in our community, including those who are members of the CAA.

Open Tuesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, including class schedule, ceramics services and space rental for private events, call (850) 842-3051.

‘Safe Haven’ by Janis Mars Wunderlich

WHAT’S YOUR ART STORY?

We believe that everyone is inherently creative. We asked CAA Program Manager, Pam Singh to share her introduction to the Arts. PamSingh

I always loved art as a kid and often found myself surrounded with paints and brushes at the tender age of 5. I was inspired by my uncle, who is a commercial artist, and enjoyed painting more than I enjoyed playing with other kids or toys. As I grew older, my passion for art turned into my passion for clothes which led me to be a Fashion Designer. I had no intentions to pursue something in visual arts as a part of my career. Years later, I was busy as a Fashion Designer and meeting my goals there, painting or arts wasn’t even on my radar anymore.

In March of 2020 when the pandemic hit, I was able to reconnect with my first love of Art. Being stuck at home, I was deep cleaning my garage one day when I came across a box full of art supplies I bought when I moved to the US in 2008. On my first visit to a popular arts and craft store I thought, “Oh these art supplies are on sale and I might use them someday!”... guess what? I never used them and they got stowed away over the years in a deep corner of my garage which I found after 12 years. Luckily they had not gone bad!

At first, I was taken aback and intimidated with my own thought, “Why had I not painted for so many years?!” And that was it, I started painting right at that moment, it was my very first painting after 12 years of not touching my brushes.

It took me about 4 hours to finish this painting and I just casually posted it on my personal Facebook page that night which instantly gained a lot of attention and a friend ended up buying it the next day. The thought of someone buying my painting didn’t even cross my mind until then, but I was overjoyed when I was paid. It wasn’t a lot of money for an original 18X24 canvas painting, BUT HEY, I HAD MADE A SALE!!!

And nothing beats the happiness of working with colors and when money comes from unexpected resources. Right at that moment, something inside me knew this was it, this was going to be my side hustle which was letting me express, de-stress, giving me tremendous joy, freedom to create /paint whatever and however I want and pay some of my bills too. Since then, there is no looking back.

Fast forward to today, I have immersed myself into art in all its forms including painting, dancing, designing, pottery and art therapy. It has proven to be the biggest happiness in my life. I have been blessed with an incredible transformation and redirection of my life through arts and the opportunities it brought are rewarding in every step. I am thrilled to be a part of the CAA as their Program Manager where I am able to share my knowledge and experience with a community of art loving souls through visual arts, education, outreach and healing through arts.

Healing through the Arts

MEDICAL CLINIC

The CAA is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts project award of $20,000.

This grant will support public art and arts education at the Point Washington Medical Clinic. In total, the NEA will award 958 Grants for Arts Projects awards totaling more than $27.1 million that were announced as part of its first round of fiscal year 2024 grants.

“The NEA is delighted to announce this grant to the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), which is helping contribute to the strength and well-being of the arts sector and local community,” said National Endowment for the Arts Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD.

Participating artists include Francisco Adaro, Melody Bogle, Lynn Crow, Doug Foltz, Justin Gaffrey, Anthony Heinz-May, Ashley Longshore, Mindy McClendon, Bailey Miller, Sarah Page, Nicolaus Seegel, Dorothy Starbuck, Allison Wickey, Arix Zalace and Jamie Zimchek.

“We are pleased to be able to support this community and help create an environment where all people have the opportunity to live artful lives.”

- National Endowment for the Arts Chair, Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD.

As part of its mission to foster the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the Arts in Walton County, the CAA establishes program partnerships with mission-aligned nonprofit and forprofit organizations in support of its vision for a thriving Walton County in which everyone can experience the power of the Arts. In this spirit, the partnership between the PWMC and the CAA’s Art in Public Spaces program serves to enhance the interior beauty of the clinic’s new facility by bringing in 2D and 3D installations including works from local artists, large scale murals and an exterior sculpture crafted with oak material from the surrounding natural landscape.

The collaboration will grow to include rotating exhibitions, arts education, and interactive art activities for children and adults.

Learn more about the PWMC at thepwmc.org

Photos by Lynn Crow Photography

2024 PINNACLE AWARDS

On Monday, March 4 Jennifer Steele was named a 2024 Pinnacle Award Winner at the Pinnacle Awards event at the WaterColor LakeHouse. The awards spotlight leading women in business who hold themselves to high standards and contribute to the betterment of the community.

A total of 13 outstanding women from an 18-county region of Northwest Florida are selected from nominations and honored at the annual Pinnacle Awards, presented by 850 — The Business Magazine of Northwest Florida. Winners will range in professional backgrounds, from nonprofits, the technology sector, health, development, law, economic development, finance and more!

McKenzie Burleigh, Associate Publisher of 850 Business Magazine, distributed awards to fellow Pinnacle Awards Winners; DeeDee Davis, Rhea Goff, Lori Kain, Leslie PowellBoudreaux, Cissy Proctor, Kelly Reeser, Sharon Robinson, Heather Ruiz, Aimee Nicole Sachs, Sue Semrau, Susan Skelton, Jennifer Steele, and Chelsea Workman.

To learn more about the 2024 Honorees, visit 850businessmagazine.com/category/pinnacle-awardsclass-of-2024

Photo courtesy of Mike Fender

WHAT’S YOUR ART STORY?

We believe that everyone is inherently creative. We asked CAA Member Artist, Susan Snyder to share her introduction to the Arts.

It was a birthday gift from my husband - a pottery class. A type of class I had been waiting decades to take – “Intro to the Wheel at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus”. I was beyond excited to simply get a chance to try to throw pottery on a wheel, something I had been mesmerized by as a child. I consider myself to be fairly crafty, dabbling in a variety of creative endeavors – mosaics, painting, jewelry, needlework, refinishing furniture, papercrafts and more, but not pottery. The class was as inspiring as I had imagined. My instructor was Jessica, and we were able to experience the full process of throwing, trimming and glazing. Afterwards, I stopped by to pick up my finished pieces and Jessica casually mentioned “You know you can come to the open studio and get a chance to do whatever you like.” My thought was “What?! Really???”.

I recall feeling like a kid in a candy store in Pottery Open Studio. I could try making whatever I wanted, with whatever kind of clay, using an assortment of tools and a collection of different glazing options. The best part was the people. Pottery Open Studio is filled with talented artistic people, all willing to share ideas, solve problems, and to celebrate the joy of creating. It’s this environment that makes the studio special, and it’s all because it has been cultivated by the studio manager (my teacher) Jessica. Over the past year I’ve had the opportunity to create pottery and work alongside some wonderfully talented people, an opportunity which exists because of the CAA.

Selling my pottery had never really crossed my mind, or perhaps if it had – the idea seemed too terrifying to consider. Then, once again, there was a CAA opportunity just too good to pass up. A Holiday Market held at the MBCC. If I were ever going to try to sell my pottery, this was my chance - a familiar and friendly environment, and to sell alongside some of my fellow Open Studio family as well as other CAA artists. So, I did it! A year of my life laid out on the table in front of me for prospective buyers to evaluate. Despite how stomach turning the idea originally was, I enjoyed the experience and even sold some pieces!

That’s my story: a class, studio time, and then a market – all because of the CAA. I’m not sure where I will go from here, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience. I keep a sign on my shelf in the studio which reads “Be brave enough to be bad at something new.” I hope CAA opportunities will continue to help many others find courage to pursue their own creative adventures. Who knows where they will take you?

Susan Snyder

PUBLIC SPACES ART IN

Underwater Museum Of Art Prepares for Sixth Installation

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) recently revealed the six new sculpture designs, chosen by jury for permanent exhibition in the sixth installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA).

The 2024 installation will include the following pieces of sculpture: Ring My Bell by Bradley Touchstone (Santa Rosa Beach, FL), Sunken Spores by Ashley Rivers (Gulfport, FL), Bubby Barnacles by Donna Conklin King (East Orange, NJ), Poseidon’s Throne by Nathan Hoffman (Highlandville, MO), Sea How We Flow by Elise Gilbert (Santa Rosa Beach, FL), Deep Sea Three by Matthew Gemmell and David Showalter (Baltimore, MD), and Reef Goddess by Raine Bedsole (Santa Rosa Beach, FL).

Named in 2018 by TIME Magazine as one of 100 “World’s Greatest Places,” the UMA is presented as part of 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. The UMA recently received the 2023 CODAaward for Collaboration of the Year.

UMA sculptures are deployed with SWARA’s existing USACOA and FDEP permitted artificial reef projects that includes nine nearshore reefs located within one nautical mile of the shore in approximately 58 feet of water. The 2024 installation will join the 40 sculptures previously deployed on a one-acre permit patch of seabed off Grayton Beach State Park, further expanding the nation’s first permanent underwater museum.

Deployment of the 2024 UMA installation is slated for Summer with support from Visit South Walton. Visit UMAFL. org for more information on timeline and events surrounding UMA’s launch.

Project and sculpture sponsorships are available. Please contact Gabby Callaway at gabby@culturalartsalliance.com.

Ring My Bell by Bradley Touchstone Sponsored by Touchstone Architecture and Laurel Machine & Foundry

Sunken Spores by Ashley Rivers Sponsored by The Ellis Family Bubbly Barnacles by Donna Conklin King Sponsored by Seagrove Village Market Café

Poseidon’s Throne by Nathan Hoffman Sponsored by Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Sea How We Flow by Elise Gilbert Deep Sea Three by Matthew Gemmell and David Showalter

Reef Goddess by Raine Bedsole Sponsored by St. Joe Community Foundation

Growing Public Art Collection

New Murals Installed Throughout South Walton

Thanks to a grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation there is a new 11’ x 30’ (approximate) mural featured on the south facing wall on the back of The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center serving as a backdrop for events and gatherings. The art work evokes movement and play and was created by local artist Sarah Page. The mural is an addition to the CAA’s growing Art in Public Spaces program which also includes the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art, the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail, art works throughout Walton County as well as planned installations at the upcoming U.S. Highway 98 Pedestrian Underpass.

Further complementing the CAA’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Walton County, the South Walton club is the recipient of a second large scale mural housed in an interior hallway. The art work, donated by the Watersound Inn, is by renowned Southern artist duo Patterson & Barnes whose compositions incorporate the use of many mediums including acrylic, watercolor, India ink, collage and constructions. The CAA and Boys & Girls Club wish to thank the St. Joe Company, Watersound Inn and Blue Water Property Management for their sponsorship of this project.

Left: The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center mural painted by Sarah Page

Right: Patterson & Barnes mixed media mural installed at South Walton Boys & Girls Club

That’s a Wrap!

January 12-15, 2024

More than 6000 music lovers come together over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in January to attend the 30A Songwriters Festival. This unique event, coproduced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Russell Carter Artist Management, is a four-day music extravaganza featuring over 175 artists performing original songs in various genres ranging from country to Americana and folk as well as blues and soul in over 30 dedicated listening rooms along South Walton’s scenic Highway 30A and beyond.

The Festival brings together nearly every South Walton community and many businesses to showcase our home as a destination not only for its beautiful beaches but also for its creative excellence, which is the purpose of the Cultural Arts Alliance.

100% of the festival’s net proceeds benefit the CAA allowing us to continue to be a champion for the arts in Walton County.

Photo by Emily Ellis

Photo by Bryan Lasky

Photo by Shelly Swanger

Photo by Matthew Christopher

February 10-11, 2024

The CAA’s highly anticipated annual Valentine Tour of Homes is known for showcasing stunning interiors, architecturally acclaimed homes and picturesque settings bringing inspiration to tour goers’ winter weekend at the beach. Guests take a self-guided tour of a variety of spaces throughout South Walton. The 2024 event featured private homes located on Eastern Lake in Seagrove Beach and in historic Point Washington, along with three residences in the New Urbanist town of SEASIDE®.

New features this year, including The Court, Seaside’s luxury, boutique hotel and the newly opened Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC). Through its Art in Public Spaces program, the CAA has proudly partnered with PWMC to enhance the interior beauty of the 4,700 sq. ft. building with hand-painted murals, a collection of works from local artists as well as a sculpture in the meditation garden.

All net proceeds benefit the CAA’s Art For All Program, which provides support to Walton County schools, teachers, students, artists and arts organizations to further arts education in the community.

Photos by Lynn Crow Photography

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ARTS EDUCATION

The CAA has developed a Youth Arts Education program to be integrated into the programming already offered to K-12 students at Boys & Girls Walton County clubs, including both the South Walton and DeFuniak Springs clubs. Weekly offerings for each location focus on a curriculum to foster youth creativity with projects like an ‘All About Me’ Self Portrait, a Flutterby Children’s Arts Festival exhibit, recycled material art, Picasso collages and so much more.

Visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/art-matters-blog to learn more.

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.

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS & TEACHER MINI GRANTS AVAILABLE! FOR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Apply by May 15

2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

GRAND BOULEVARD FARMERS’ MARKET

Every Saturday in Grand Park 9am–1pm

30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

January 12–15

Benefiting The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County

CARNIVALE DOG PARADE ON NORTH LAWN

February 8 from 3:30pm–5:30pm

Benefiting Dog-Harmony

THE CONCERT TRUCK

March 10–17

Presented by Sinfonia Gulf Coast & Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation

DOGGIE EGGSTRAVAGANZA

March 29 from 5:30pm–7:30pm

Benefiting Dog-Harmony

SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

April 25–28

Benefiting Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

UNDERWATER MUSEUM OF ART DINE + DIVE

May 1 from 6pm–9pm

A Fine Food, Wine and Art Experience. Cultural Arts Alliance’s fundraising event benefiting the Underwater Museum of Art and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association

ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

May 4–5

An official South Walton Art Week event benefiting the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County

BROADWAY ON THE BOULEVARD –OH WHAT A NIGHT!

Every Thursday at 7:30pm

May 23–August 8 (except July 4)

Presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company

SUMMER LAWN GAMES

Every day in Grand Park

May 25–August 10 from 5pm–8:30pm

FALL LAWN GAMES

Fridays & Saturdays in Grand Park

August 16–October 26 from 5pm–8:30pm

Some exclusions for events may occur

BENEFIT CONCERT IN THE PARK FEATURING THE TIP TOPS

October 4 from 5:30pm–8:30pm

Family-friendly dance party benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network

DINO-LIGHT LIGHTWIRE THEATER

October 5 at 7:30pm

Presented by Northwest Florida Ballet

BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST WINNER’S SOIRÉE

October 10 from 6pm–9pm

Benefiting charity organization to be announced, based on reader’s choice voting

BARKTOBERFEST

October 25 from 4:30pm–6:30pm

Benefiting Dog-Harmony

HALLOWEEN ON THE BOOLEVARD

October 31 from 4pm–6pm

Stroll the Boulevard for complimentary treats from stores and restaurants!

30A BBQ FESTIVAL

November 8 from 5:30pm–8:30pm

Benefiting The Sonder Project

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY PARADE & CELEBRATION

November 22 at 5pm

FESTIVAL OF TREES IN GRAND PARK

December 3–December 25

Benefiting a dozen local charities, Festival of Trees kicks off on Dec. 3rd from 4pm–6pm and the trees remain on display through Christmas.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & SHOPABOUT

December 7 from 12pm–5pm

COASTAL WHITE CHRISTMAS MUSICAL REVUE BY EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY & PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUS

Fridays & Saturdays in Grand Park

December 6–21 from 5pm–8pm

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES

Fridays & Saturdays in Grand Park

December 6–28 from 5pm–8pm

These events are presented as part of the Coastal Culture Calendar of Events made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program. For a full listing of events and additional details, please scan the QR code or visit

GRANDBOULEVARD.COM/EVENTS