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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.
Rebecca Kemp,Administrative Coordinator
Molly Huffman, Social Media Coordinator
Mimi Gavigan, Vice-President
Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County | Annual Report 2020-21
Brad Steele, Maintenance
Brian Salter, Treasurer
Michelle Touchstone, Finance Coordinator
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gabby Callaway, Volunteer & Program Manager
2020-21 Staff Members
learned much about the strength and resilience of the CAA in its 28th year of life and my 13th year as its director. appreciated more than ever the talent, brilliance and commitment of our staff, board, volunteers, and partners. Everyone worked tirelessly to ensure the CAA didn’t merely survive the pandemic but that it was absolutely necessary to the relief and recovery of our artistic community. We used the pause of normal activity as an opportunity to reimagine our purpose, our methods, and our programs and services.
Leading a non-profit Arts organization is generally challenging. Leading it through a pandemic is terrifying and exhausting and unnerving and also full of discovery.
JoAnn Ribaudo
Nan Nagy
Alexis Miller President, CAA Board of Directors
Alexis Miller, President
Lee Greene, Director of Administration Melissa Wheeler, Marketing Director
Kevin Dooney, Secretary
Lisa Harrison
What a wild last two years it has been for the CAA! We have continued to pivot in an effort to connect with the community in ways that were outside the box as we committed to enriching the lives of locals and visitors alike through different forms of art, no matter the circumstances. I’m so proud to be part of this organization, not just as a member myself, but also to have Alys Beach become a more integral part of the organization and give back to the arts in many different facets. Being the Board President has been a dream fulfilled and I look forward to continuing to foster creativity for all ages through the CAA and all that they do.
Ed Walborsky
Jennifer Smith, Events Manager
Jennifer Steele, Executive Director
Shawn Tomasello
Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Annual Report 2020-21
Gratefully, Jennifer Steele | Executive Director
Sincerely,
Much was lost during the pandemic - social norms, sanity, loved ones. But much was also gained. We found togetherness despite distance. We found creativity despite a lack of in-person programs, and we found renewed pride in our work despite it looking and feeling different than usual.
The CAA began humbly through the persistence of a few who wanted to make Walton County a better and more creative place. Decades later, we may be more sophisticated but we still carry that scrappy determination with us. We continue doing the work with the belief that the Arts have the power to get us through our darkest, most challenging days, months, and years, and with the knowledge that we will be stronger, better, and wiser when we get to the other side. Thanks to you for helping to see us through this past year. “The best way out is always through.”
With encouragement from our members, our town, and the creative community as a whole, the CAA has been able to stay active and relevant through the pandemic and has come out on top, continuing the efforts of our mission. The CAA staff found ways to transform events during a time of physical distancing, create incredible art spaces, and provide a light for our area through the arts during a time when we all found ourselves needing a creative outlet. If you see one of their smiling faces, please give them a round of applause for all they have overcome and created despite the challenges presented. am excited to see what the future holds for the CAA and our community as a whole. We can only do what we do with your continued support and we thank you for your encouragement and contributions over the past two years! We challenge you to spread the word on becoming a CAA member so others can experience and enjoy all the good the CAA has to offer.
Alexis Miller
Shelby Schuler
Dear Friends,
Hello Friends & Members of the CAA
have always appreciated the line in Robert Frost’s poem A Servant to Servants, “...I can see no way out but through.” have uttered (or muttered) it to myself and others countless times in the past 20+ years, but it has been especially relevant as of late.
Steve Gudewicz
Russell Carter
Doug Foltz
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
2020-21 Board Members
Donna Gibson Cindy Graham Christopher Greene Steve Gudewicz Christine Haddican Sherry Hall
Steve Spencer
Debra Nelson Linda Obrzut April RuthSofiaOliverioPapagnoParker
John & Kathy Barlow Ron & RaNae Birkey
Champion
PamelaJustinAnnGroveRussellIanRobertaEmilyKimMarleneKatherineJudyMelissaCristinaDavisDewarDudaEastEifridEllisEvansFaganFerrisFisherP.ForbushGaffreyGaVette
Nannette Ream
Non-Profit
Jan BeckyStankoSteele Joy Steele Erika ZandraNitaTerriMarshaMaryKellyPatriciaBarbaraStoyerSuhadolnikB.SyfrettThomasTommasTisdaleWestbrookWilkinsonWolfgram
Mattie Kelly Arts FoundationRosemaryTheFoundationREPTheatreBeach
Go to the Beach | Christie’s International Real IndigoEstateGroup at Morgan Stanley Pleat & Perry
Sustainer
Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County | Annual Report 2020-21Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Annual Report 2020-21 THANK YOU THANK YOU
Gaile Alexander Jane A. Arnett
Visit Florida
The Arts light up your brain and the CAA gives you the switch. As the creative core of Walton County, the Cultural Arts Alliance offers support, connection and access opportunities for all forms of art, every variety of maker, all levels of learners, and especially, art lovers. Through sponsorship, performance,and educational programs, the organization directly connects the people of Walton County with the broader view, the critical exploration, and the answers only the Arts have the power to provide.
Kara Wootson
Visit South Walton Business BFC Management
The Salty Sparrow Think It Wear It Express
Andrea Chipser Donnelle Clark Sonja M. Clements
Artist
Visionary Business Grand Boulevard
OUR MEMBERS OUR MEMBERS
Jennifer & Royce Smith
Julie Getchell
Melissa Squires Nikki KimberlyAnnetteStaaksTauntonTipton
Gina ConstanceCelesteSchellhaseShippSpencer
Jason Lindblad Mark Little Susan Lucas Joy Luke John Maher Debra Makar Jeff RobynMargarettenMartins
Mimi & Mike Gavigan
Deborah & Patrick Flavin Doug & Alicia Foltz Theresia McInnis Ginger Sinton Marc Strauss & Sarah NathanDonnaRobertRileySwainhartTaggartYoakum
Friend + Family
Patti MeganLeighSarahGwynevieveOverholtOwensPagePattersonPatterson
Laurel Murley
Colby Shaw Emerald Coast Theatre
Kimberly Cleveland Teresa Cline
Alejandra Vega-Williford Joan Vienot
Ed TomWalborskySuzanne Watson Christopher Zimmer
WoodturningEmeraldCompanyCoastGuild
Paul DeborahDavidHintonHolemanHollis
Lisa Harrison Reedy & PJ Hickey Kim Lepley Cherie Lindley Ivan Medanic Kim & Keen Polakoff
Artist + Family
Jane & Steve Denton
Kurt & Barbara Tape Gay Wolff
Bobby & Brenda Nylen Kate Painter & Joe Alpers Karen Phillips Nancy & Jim Purkis Christine Reese-Day & Robert JenniferDayRowe & Eddie Hatfield
Betty & Fred Anderson
Mindy McClendon Beth RhondaMcCurdyMcEnany
JennaValentinoVarney
Erin Lindsay Clayton Phil & Janice May
Nan Nagy & Ken Kato
Steve & Holly Hilliard Joyce & Barry Hogue Payson & Steve Howard Cole & Craig Jennings Shannon Kramolis Janet & Dave Kresser Buz & Susan Livingston Nina
Susan Cole Bradley Copeland Betty Cork Christopher Cox Beth
Sandra Horne Yhali CelesteCapriIvanVelyndaIllanJaffeJazayeriBoyleJonesPappasJones
ShannonBillDrakeMcCaslin-Horn&JenniferMartin&KathyMcMullenMetz
Christi & Cliff Sheffield Lea & Tim Shuba
Jennifer Anderson Katlyn Arnold Susan RosaPatriciaJ.D.LucindaKathleenStephanieMargaretBentonBiggsBloydBroaderickBunnCantuChampChavez
Lynette Moody Melanie Moore Linda JohnnyMoriartyMutina
VISION
Lawrence & Jennifer LielaniMintmanMorgan
Karen & Mark Edwards
Steve Wagner Julia JacquelineWallaceWard
Susan Foster Circle
Anna & Doug Balfour
Donna Taggart Larry & Debbie Taylor Russell & Jill Todd Ann CharlesWard& Jacqueline Wheeler Larry & BobMikeWilliamsonJamieWright&Glascock Friend
Cheryl Gray Sheila Grimes Jenna Guerra Tim Harbeson Julie MarieHarveyHealey
Thomas & Staci Dabson
William Polley Linda Quinlan
Betsy Weaver
MISSION
Melanie Cain Pam Cain Susanne Carnill Joe Colantuono
Natalie Hayes Denice Knicos Ellen Levinton Sherry Londe Sharon Long Tracy RobertDeniseLouthainMackMackey
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Stacey Petrucci Jeanie Posey Donna Powers Mike JeanineSerenaPattiS.LaurieRagsdaleL.ReichenbachThomasRickmanRobarRobinsonRousso
Debbie & David Smith Connie & Joby Soileau
Patron
Kay MartyLeonRichouxF.RuizSchmidt
Ann Welch Carla RobinAllisonWertheimerWickeyWiesneth
Brian & Kelly Anderson Dennis & Nancy Atchison
The vision of the CAA is to be the catalyst for Walton County’s growth as a destination for cultural and artistic excellence through which lives are enriched, economy is stimulated and community is strengthened.
Brenda Ziegler
Linda RobertKaitlynBetsyKirstenKernickKozaLathamLamulleLeeper
Miriam Dillon Tracy Figueredo Tom Giddens
Save the Closet (Katherine WatercrestPinson)Senior Living
Cindi & Patrick Bowman Kelly & Billy Buzzett Larry & Carol Byars Cindy Cole Debbie & Tom Daily Sandra J. Dean Kevin & Noreen Dooney Russ Gilbert Amy SandraGrassmann&Joseph Gulak
Don DavidRolandLindaPamelaAdamTinaDavidJeanneCulverDeanFarleyFaulknerFisherFlowFrakesFreemanGarr
Joey JenniferCindyMcKennaMeadowsMichaels
Elizabeth Miles Bailey Miller Paula Mima Shelley Minchew Jessica Mincy
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is a Local Arts Agency that supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education.
Chris Manion Robert McCullar Marilyn Melton Keith & Melissa Miller
The Blue Giraffe Callaway & Company LLC Central Square Records Fusion Art Glass & Fine Jewelry
Andrea Scurto Colby Shaw Peter SherriLizaRandySintesSkallaSnyderSpringer
Bruce J Baker Sarah Baker Clyde MaryMarianneRobertMelissaLydiaDaveJanisMarissaBenfordBentonBiggersBoltonBors-KoefoedBucknerBucknerBurbachButler
WE FOSTER CREATIVITY
As we begin a new decade, the Cultural Arts Alliance continues to recognize the importance of supporting, stimulating and encouraging the arts to thrive in our community. In fact, it’s been our passion from the very start. Over twenty-five years ago a group of artists, community volunteers and art lovers organized the first Flutterby Arts Festival in order to energize and inspire the arts in Walton County. Over the years this founding vision has grown into the Art For All Program, allowing the CAA to offer funding through grants for artists, arts organizations, teachers and students.
Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County | Annual Report 2020-21Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Annual Report 2020-21 FINANCIALS
Types of Grants Available: Artist Education Grants, Teacher Mini Grants, Student Scholarships, Need-Based Youth Scholarships & Grants to Arts Organizations, Northwest Florida State College Scholarships.
Even in the midst of a pandemic, these individuals showed their dedication time and time again through their involvement and leadership as volunteers. The CAA is so grateful to Donnelle, Kara, Doug and the hundreds of other volunteers who help us ensure that #ArtMatters in Walton County. Alys Foundation its program created to pandemic.
support of the Art on Demand
— THE CAA 2020 ARTS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR WE OUR VOLUNTEERS CAA BY THE NUMBERS 2020 VOLUNTEER 2020 VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR VISITORSWEBSITE 69,393VIEWSYOUTUBE 3,089 EMAIL OPEN RATE DIGITAL REACH: FANSFACEBOOK 32,127 FOLLOWERSINSTAGRAM 14,765 FOLLOWERSTWITTER 5,976 CAA MEMBERS: 773 ARTISTS: FRIENDS:ORGS:12422627ART FOR ALL IMPACT: 10,261YOUTH 140ADULTS 22 % CAA 20%UNIVERSAL 4.5% CLICK TO OPEN CAA MEMBERS:773 *Represents grants awarded September - December 2021; $100,000 total ERFA giving from May -December 2020 ART PARTNER OF THE YEAR “A big thank you for all those involved with CAA! Your generosity is appreciated more than you will ever know!” — KRISTIN FLIEHMAN MELD Pre-K Teacher, Freeport Elementary School THANK YOU ART FOR ALL $51,943IMPACT: “Mrs. Rhea is not only an incredible art teachershe is a precious advocate for the students at ECMS. Her encouragement, inspiration, and care for her students is stellar.” — LIZA SNYDER JENNIFER RHEA JENNIFER RHEA Emerald Coast Middle School $851,484EXPENSES:$1,102,799REVENUE:
ART FOR ALL Thank you to the
This unwavering support of the arts has brought our community together by invigorating tourism, improving our quality of life and strengthening local businesses. As we look to the future, the CAA will continue to be a catalyst in Walton County for cultural and artistic excellence. With your help that future looks very bright.
The CAA has funding available for artists, arts organizations, teachers, and students through our Art For All Program. Applying is easy, and awards are distributed throughout the year. Visit our website to review the guidelines and find out if you are eligible to get your class, project or education funded.
for
make the Arts accessible during the
Opened in 2016, The Foster Gallery is a visual arts collective and high-end retail gallery that features rotating artists and special exhibitions. Named for the late Susan Foster, a founding member of the CAA, photographer, and one of Walton County’s first gallery owners, The Foster Gallery’s name also symbolizes the support the CAA strives to provide to artists in our community. Although the gallery experienced a brief shutdown due to the pandemic, it was open throughout the 2020-21 fiscal year with the addition of curbside pick-up and online purchase options.
Presenting Sponsor: Visit South Walton
Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Annual Report 2020-21
PROGRAMSCONNECT& EVENTS
Photo Credit: Artist Submitted
Presenting Sponsor: Visit South Walton
Underwater Museum of Art Deployment
FestivalSongwritersVirtual
The Underwater Museum of Art, a collaboration between the CAA and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association, is the nation’s first permanent underwater museum of sculpture that acts as an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico. The third deployment was originally scheduled for Summer 2020, but due to the pandemic, it actually took place February 3, 2021. On a chilly morning, Walter Marine added eight original sculptures into the Underwater Museum of Art bringing the installation to 25 original sculptures, with about eight boats of onlookers, including sponsors and artists.
OPEN DAILY IN GRAND BOULEVARD TOWN CENTER
The Foster Gallery
Photo Credit: We Create Lift
Photo Credit: Lynn Crow Photography
MAY 2021
Digital Graffiti (pictured) is part of CAA’s Art Month South Walton Initiative
FEBUARY 2021
JANUARY 2021 30A
Art SouthMonthWalton
January 2021 was very quiet in Walton County without thousands of musicians and music lovers descending on Scenic Hwy. 30A during MLK, Jr. weekend. However, the CAA and Russell Carter Artist Management produced a threenight virtual festival that featured pre-recorded performances by some of the Festival’s most beloved artists, including Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Brandi Carlile, The War & Treaty, Roseanne Cash & John Leventhal, Shawn Mullins, Birds of Chicago, Graham Nash, Susanna Hoffs, and dozens more. It was a bittersweet weekend of virtual shows, and it made us all even more excited to return in person in 2022.
Presenting Sponsor: Visit South Walton
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 South Walton. Spanning the month of May, Art Month South Walton includes Under the Sea , a fundraiser for the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art, ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, Digital Graffiti Festival, Longleaf Writers Conference and the Northwest Florida Theatre Festival . Art Month South Walton is an initiative of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County.
ConversationsCommunity
Presenting Sponsors: Grand Boulevard Town Center & Visit South Walton
EVENTS THAT DID NOT TAKE PLACE IN-PERSON DUE TO PANDEMIC RESPONSE
MAY 202120212020
INTRODUCED IN 2020-21
Artist Credit: Sarah Page
In July 2020, the Cultural Arts Alliance partnered with the Committee for Justice, Equality and Fairness to present a series of online community conversations surrounding racial, social and civic issues in Walton County. These community conversations were hosted online by the CAA via the Zoom platform and included discussion among panelists and featured guests/ experts in their field followed by a question and answer session between attendees and the panel.
Art on Demand is a virtual series launched by the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) in April 2020 in response to the Governor’s stay-at-home order as a way to offer opportunities for connection and creativity. Art on Demand events consist of artist workshops and studio tours, mixology sessions for at-home cocktails, floral design workshops, architecture and landscape tours, visual art demos and classes, wine tastings and education and more. The CAA was fortunate to partner with Alys Beach, The 30A Company and Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture to produce 46 episodes airing between June 2020 and December 2021. With viewership over 500,000 we look forward to evolving the series into a virtual learning hub in 2022. All previous Art on Demand episodes are free and viewable on the CAA’s website.
The Prison Art Program began in 2020 through CAA’s collaboration with Walton Correctional Institution (WCI) and Restorative Justice volunteers Libby Fisher and Erica Averion. Phase one of the program included participation by men in three dorms who created work for an online exhibit called “Con-scious Expressions: An Insider’s Perspective,” which was also exhibited in public and at WCI.
Art On Demand
KidsCreativeCamp WorkshopsIn-Person
Art In Public Spaces
South Walton Street Art Festival
Photo Credit: Lynn Crow Photography
The CAA’s AIPS program integrates a wide range of public art both above and below sea level. 2020-21 projects included the third installation of the Underwater Museum of Art, a new collaboration with the St. Joe Community Foundation to create the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail, planning for public art at the county’s first pedestrian underpass at U.S. Hwy 98 at Inlet Beach, and mural commissions in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center.
MAY 7-9, 2021
The South Walton Street Art Festival is a new CAA Signature Event making its debut in 2021! The festival took place over Mother’s Day weekend, May 7-9, in Grand Boulevard Town Center and featured dozens of visual artists and students creating works of art using only pastel chalk and their imagination.
Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County | Annual Report 2020-21 CONNECTCONNECT
NEW PROGRAMS & EVENTS
