CALL TO ARTISTS The CAA is calling all artists who are current members of the Cultural Arts Alliance to submit an application to be considered for the 2021 Fall/Winter Rotation of The Foster Gallery located in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center scheduled to run October 18 - February 6, 2022. Please study the criteria and submit application ONLINE prior to 11 pm on September 24, 2021. ABOUT THE FOSTER GALLERY The Foster Gallery is named for the late Susan Foster, a founder of the Cultural Arts Alliance.  It is an artist collective featuring regional artists and special exhibitions on a quarterly rotating basis.  We host artist receptions and openings, workshops, events, and serve as a community gathering point symbolizing the support the CAA strives to give artists in our community, especially those who are members of the CAA. GALLERY LOCATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION The gallery is located at 495 Grand Boulevard, Suite J-104, Miramar Beach, FL  32550. Hours are daily 12 pm – 7 pm. HOW IT WORKS Ten (10) to fifteen (15) artists will be selected for each rotation. Each artist must commit to one of the following two staffing options. Option 1:  Work a minimum of twelve (12) shifts throughout the rotation. Shifts are approximately seven (7) hours. Schedules will be coordinated by CAA Executive Director and Director of Administration. Shifts may be traded among artists, but CAA management must be notified prior to shift changes. Option 2:  Do a staff buyout of $800, which enables the CAA to cover the cost of staffing your shifts. The artist is not obligated to work any shifts. Option 2 is only available up front as a full buyout. Artists must also be available to attend the rotation opening reception. Artists are encouraged to utilize the gallery for their own special events in order to promote their work. The sales split is 60% artist and 40% CAA. The CAA is responsible for all overhead, including rent, utilities, commissions, marketing, event costs, and insurance of the gallery and its contents. All sales will be processed through the CAA, and artists will receive bi-weekly settlements. Any sales will include a 5% commission to the artist on duty. The gallery features ongoing special exhibitions throughout the year and may also host invitational at the CAA’s discretion. TIMELINE Call to Artists:  September 10 – 24, 2021 Artist notification:  September 30, 2021 Mandatory installation and training:  October 17, 2021 Rotation begins October 18, 2021 Opening reception October 20, 2021 Rotation Ends February 6, 2022 ARTIST CRITERIA Accepted artists MUST meet the following criteria: Artist must be a current member of the CAA. Not a member yet? Join today! Artist must attend mandatory installation and training on specified date. Artist must attend mandatory de-installation on specified date. Artist must be available and physically able to work a minimum number of shifts or do a staff buyout of $800 to cover paid staff, which will be coordinated by CAA Executive Director and Director of Administration. Artist must be available to help with gallery events and receptions (as needed). All exhibited work must be original work created by the applying artist. All exhibited work must be for sale. Prints and giclées are not allowed on the exhibit walls (except photography), but may be for sale in a bin within your exhibit space. Artist must have a minimum of six pieces on exhibit at any given time throughout rotation and must adhere to any rule regarding maximum number of pieces if gallery space is limited. Artist must agree to a 60% artist, 40% CAA split of each sale. Artist must be able to provide a replacement piece within 48 hours after the sale of an exhibited piece. Artist must provide an inventory of art pieces in a digital file that lists Price, Title, Medium, Dimensions and Weight, and whether the piece is framed upon installation. Artist must pay a 10% referral fee to the CAA for any commissions that are generated because of the artist’s participation in the gallery. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application ONLINE before 11 pm September 24,  2021. You will need to set up an account with Submittable if you do not already have one. You only have to set up your account one time, but you will need to submit to artist calls individually.

ArtsQuest, the 33rd annual fine arts festival produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), is pleased to announce the 2021 Festival’s Featured Artist, Chandler Williams. Chandler was also recently named Visit South Walton’s 2021 Artist of the Year and is the owner of Modus Photography and Modus Gallery in Grayton Beach, Fla. ArtsQuest is a juried show scheduled to take place October 9 & 10, in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. William’s artwork titled "Rising from the ashes" will be the featured image on all ArtsQuest marketing materials. “It’s very exciting to showcase Chandler and his newest work at ArtsQuest,” said Cultural Arts Alliance Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “He has been an important part of the festival and the CAA for many years, and we are thrilled to celebrate his talent, success as Artist of the Year, and contributions to Walton County’s creative community.” Williams is a longtime member of the Cultural Arts Alliance and his wide range of work will be on display at ArtsQuest, including his featured artwork, which will be incorporated into this year’s marketing campaign.“It's an honor to be the featured artist in this year's ArtsQuest,” said Williams. Presented by Grand Boulevard with additional support from Visit South Walton, the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and Emerald Coast Magazine, ArtsQuest will feature over 100 national, regional and local artists in various mediums including, but not limited to, ceramics, glass, oil and acrylics, photography, sculpture, metal and wood. The juried exhibiting artists from around the United States will compete for awards and cash prizes totaling $10,000. The Festival will offer a CAA member artist exhibit, a Walton County student exhibit, ImagiNation featuring the Uniquely Clever Art Bus, and continuous live music and entertainment. A full cash bar will be available throughout the weekend in Grand Park. Usually held over Mother’s Day weekend, this year’s festival was rescheduled to the fall due to the pandemic and will be part of National Arts & Humanities Month which was established in 1993 by Americans for the Arts and is celebrated every October in the United States. It was initiated to encourage Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong habit of participation in the arts and humanities. Volunteers are needed throughout ArtsQuest weekend to work on all aspects of the festival. Those willing to help can sign up at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/volunteer or email gabby@culturalartsalliance.com. ArtsQuest is a rain or shine event. The festival is open to the public, and a $5 admission donation is requested. Visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com for more information about ArtsQuest as well as other events and programs. About Featured Artist Chandler Williams An enthusiastic artist with a keen eye for detail, Chandler Williams has combined his passions -- travel and photography -- into a thrilling career. As a teenager, he realized travel was in his blood after buying a one way bus ticket to live with his sister in New Mexico. Shortly afterward, a sports journalist mentored him in the art of photography and developing film, and so his interest in photography was born. The next few years found Williams, camera in hand, trekking across the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica on the lookout for awesome experiences and, of course, the perfect shot. Chandler is the owner of Modus Photography and Modus Gallery. The gallery exclusively features his work which provides a blend of the local beach communities along Highway 30A and the Gulf Coast, travel landscapes of Florida and lifestyles with domestic and international flair. Visit ModusPhotography.com for more information.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce the local artists recently chosen to exhibit their original work in The Foster Gallery’s Summer Rotation, which runs June 28th through October 17th, 2021 in its Grand Boulevard Town Center location. The public is invited to a reception celebrating both the Summer Rotation and Juried Exhibition artists on Wednesday, July 14th from 5 -7 p.m. Enjoy tasty sips and snacks while perusing all of the beautiful works on display and available for purchase. The selected rotation artists are Melody Bogle, Gayle Campbell, Andrea Chipser, Donnelle Clark, Kim Cleveland, Kim Eifrid, Betsy Latham, Robyn Martins, Mindy McLendon, Jessica Mincy, Mary Redmann, Andrea Scurto, Sherri Springer and Jenna Varney. The gallery is also pleased to feature ceramics by Skip Deems as well as hand-crafted jewelry from local artisans Hardwear Merry and The Salty Sparrow. The CAA is also excited to announce those artists selected for the CAA Member Juried Special Exhibition including Charlotte Arnold, Stephanie Bloyd, Donnelle Clark, Kim Cleveland, Katherine Duda, Ian Fagan, Michael Fagan, Russell R. Ferris, Deborah Flavin, Pamela GaVette, Estelle Grengs, Yhali IIan, Capri Jones, Jason Lindblad, Susan Lucas, Debra Makar, Robyn Martins, Mindy McClendon, Jennifer Michaels, Elizabeth Miles, Paula Mims, Melanie Moore, Linda Moriarity, William Polley, Sherri Springer, Dorothy Starbuck and Joan Vienot. The special exhibition will be featured in The Foster Gallery's Inner Gallery from July 13th - September 9th, 2021. Upon the installation of artwork, award winning pieces will be selected by Leigh P. Westman, Professor of Fine Art at Northwest Florida State College who also served as the exhibition juror. Cash awards will be given for Best in Show ($500), two Awards of Merit ($250), People's Choice ($100), and Honorable Mention ($75). All rotation and special exhibition artists are members of the Cultural Arts Alliance. All works exhibited in the gallery are for sale, and many works are also available for viewing and purchase on the CAA website at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/foster-gallery. Curbside pick-up is available. The Grand Boulevard location is at 495 Grand Boulevard, Suite J104, next to Chico’s and across from Tommy Bahama. Founded in May 2016, The Foster Gallery is an artist collective led by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County that features at least a dozen artists on a seasonally rotating basis, along with special exhibits and invitationals throughout the year. Named for the late Susan Foster, a founder of the Cultural Arts Alliance and one of the area’s first professional artists and gallery owners, The Foster Gallery also symbolizes the support the CAA strives to provide for artists in our community. The gallery is open daily from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. For more information, call 850.837.3037 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is calling all artists who are current members of the CAA to submit a maximum of two pieces to be considered for the annual CAA Member Juried Exhibition. The pieces will be juried and selected for inclusion in the show which will be exhibited and for sale in The Foster Gallery's Inner Gallery from July 13 - September 9, 2021. Artwork will be judged upon installation, and cash awards will be given for Best in Show ($500), two Awards of Merit ($250), People's Choice ($100), and Honorable Mention ($75). An opening event to unveil the artwork and announce awards will be held Wednesday, July 14th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the Foster Gallery located at 495 Grand Boulevard, Suite J104 in Grand Boulevard's Town Center. The event will also celebrate the quarterly rotation artists selected for the July - October rotation. Live music, food and beverages will be provided. 2D & 3D works are eligible for consideration and may include Paintings (Oils, Acrylics, Pastels, Mixed Media), Photography, Works on Paper, Sculpture, Glass, Ceramics, Woodwork & Metalworks, Fiber, and more. The submitted piece(s) must be original and have been created within the last 3 years. 2D work must be dry and ready to hang with wire attached for hanging on July 12th. CRITERIA: If submissions do not meet the following criteria, they will not be accepted and considered for the show. This call is open to CAA members only. If not a current member, click the link below to join. ↓ A non-refundable show fee of $20 is required and allows up to a maximum of 2 entries per artist to be considered for the show. All exhibited work must be original within the last 3 years. No print reproductions accepted (except photography). Artwork must be appropriate to the general public and family-friendly. 2D Work: Dimensions (Height + Width) may not exceed 50” including frames. If paintings are not framed, edges must be properly finished with no visible staples. 2D Work must be properly mounted with D Rings and wired. NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS. 3D Work: Sculptures, Ceramics, Woodworks and Metalworks must fit an 18” x 18” pedestal or if free-standing not take up more than 4 sq. ft. Sales: It is not mandatory that work must be for sale, however, if the piece is for sale, the artist agrees to a 60% Artist / 40% CAA split. Artwork must remain intact for the duration of the show. TIMELINE: Call to artists June 8 - 28, 2021 Artist notification July 1, 2021 Drop off of Art July 12, 2021 Show begins July 13, 2021 Reception Wednesday, July 15, 2021 Show ends September 9, 2021 Mandatory Pickup of Art September 10, 2021 Not a member yet? Join the CAA Today! HOW TO APPLY: Submissions will be accepted online only through Submittable.com. Artists must register for a free account through Submittable (one-time only) and then can easily submit to all CAA special exhibitions.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) invites visual artists of all disciplines to apply to participate in the juried 33rd Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival happening October 9 & 10, 2021 in south Walton County, Florida as part of National Arts & Humanities Month. Usually held over Mother’s Day weekend, this year’s festival was rescheduled in the fall due to the pandemic. National Arts & Humanities Month was established in 1993 by Americans for the Arts and is celebrated every October in the United States. It was initiated to encourage Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong habit of participation in the arts and humanities. ArtsQuest will take place in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard, which is also home to other large-scale events including the 30A Songwriters Festival and the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. Located along the Scenic Highway 98 corridor, Grand Boulevard is easily accessible from regional drive and fly markets, including Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Mobile, Pensacola and Tallahassee. The Town Center also offers upscale shopping, restaurants and three on-site hotels. Artists may apply in the categories of Mixed Media, Oils, Acrylics, Works on Paper, Fiber, Glass, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelry, Pastels, and more and will be juried by art industry professionals. The jury fee is $45 and booth fees start at $325. The final application deadline is August 6, 2021. APPLY TO THE EVENT AT: Zapplication.org Highlights of ArtsQuest include: Limited to 200 juried artists Attendance of 5,000 quality art buyers Program listing with artist contact info and links on website Artist Gallery Exceptional artist hospitality $10,000 in cash prizes Easy, convenient Friday load-in Drive to your booth for load in/load out Free artist parking onsite Corner and double booth options Booth sitters Overnight security Indoor restroom facilities Live music and entertainment Food vendors & full cash bar, along with existing restaurants in Grand Boulevard Grand Boulevard and the surrounding area offer affordable accommodations, including hotels, camping and condo and home rentals. Limited discounted hotel accommodations will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. ArtsQuest is a beloved event that attracts repeat local and visiting art collectors. Artist amenities and staff/volunteer attention to details and artists' needs are considered exceptional. Awards are given based on the Judges’ evaluation and scoring of each artist’s body of work as displayed in the booth. ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is a Cultural Arts Alliance signature event that fulfills our mission to bring high-quality artistic experiences to the community. Call the CAA office at 850-622-5970 for details.

CALL TO ARTISTS The CAA is calling all artists who are current members of the Cultural Arts Alliance to submit an application to be considered for the 2021 Summer Rotation of The Foster Gallery located in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center scheduled to run June 28 - October 17, 2021. Please study the criteria and submit application ONLINE prior to 11 pm on June 13, 2021. ABOUT THE FOSTER GALLERY The Foster Gallery is named for the late Susan Foster, a founder of the Cultural Arts Alliance.  It is an artist collective featuring regional artists and special exhibitions on a quarterly rotating basis.  We host artist receptions and openings, workshops, events, and serve as a community gathering point symbolizing the support the CAA strives to give artists in our community, especially those who are members of the CAA. GALLERY LOCATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION The gallery is located at 495 Grand Boulevard, Suite J-104, Miramar Beach, FL  32550. Hours are daily 12 pm – 7 pm. HOW IT WORKS Ten (10) to fifteen (15) artists will be selected for each rotation. Each artist must commit to one of the following two staffing options. Option 1:  Work a minimum of twelve (12) shifts throughout the rotation. Shifts are approximately seven (7) hours. Schedules will be coordinated by CAA Executive Director and Director of Administration. Shifts may be traded among artists, but CAA management must be notified prior to shift changes. Option 2:  Do a staff buyout of $800, which enables the CAA to cover the cost of staffing your shifts. The artist is not obligated to work any shifts. Option 2 is only available up front as a full buyout. Artists must also be available to attend the rotation opening reception. Artists are encouraged to utilize the gallery for their own special events in order to promote their work. The sales split is 60% artist and 40% CAA. The CAA is responsible for all overhead, including rent, utilities, commissions, marketing, event costs, and insurance of the gallery and its contents. All sales will be processed through the CAA, and artists will receive bi-weekly settlements. Any sales will include a 5% commission to the artist on duty. The gallery features ongoing special exhibitions throughout the year and may also host invitational at the CAA’s discretion. TIMELINE Call to Artists:  May 27 – June 13, 2021 Artist notification:  June 18, 2021 Mandatory installation and training:  June 27, 2021 Rotation begins June 28, 2021 Opening reception TBA Rotation Ends October 17, 2021 ARTIST CRITERIA Accepted artists MUST meet the following criteria: Artist must be a current member of the CAA. Not a member yet? Join today! Artist must attend mandatory installation and training on specified date. Artist must attend mandatory de-installation on specified date. Artist must be available and physically able to work a minimum number of shifts or do a staff buyout of $800 to cover paid staff, which will be coordinated by CAA Executive Director and Director of Administration. Artist must be available to help with gallery events and receptions (as needed). All exhibited work must be original work created by the applying artist. All exhibited work must be for sale. Prints and giclées are not allowed on the exhibit walls (except photography), but may be for sale in a bin within your exhibit space. Artist must have a minimum of six pieces on exhibit at any given time throughout rotation and must adhere to any rule regarding maximum number of pieces if gallery space is limited. Artist must agree to a 60% artist, 40% CAA split of each sale. Artist must be able to provide a replacement piece within 48 hours after the sale of an exhibited piece. Artist must provide an inventory of art pieces in a digital file that lists Price, Title, Medium, Dimensions and Weight, and whether the piece is framed upon installation. Artist must pay a 10% referral fee to the CAA for any commissions that are generated because of the artist’s participation in the gallery. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application ONLINE before 11 pm June 13,  2021. You will need to set up an account with Submittable if you do not already have one. You only have to set up your account one time, but you will need to submit to artist calls individually.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) has been approved for a $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support Technological Improvements for New Product and Audience Development and Artist Employment Opportunities. The CAA’s project is among the more than 1,100 projects across America totaling nearly $27 million that were selected during this second round of Grants for Arts Projects fiscal year 2021 funding. “As the country and the arts sector begin to imagine returning to a post-pandemic world, the National Endowment for the Arts is proud to announce funding that will help arts organizations such as the Cultural Arts Alliance re-engage fully with partners and audiences,” said NEA Acting Chairman Ann Eilers. “Although the arts have sustained many during the pandemic, the chance to gather with one another and share arts experiences is its own necessity and pleasure.” “Knowing the CAA’s events would be among the last to fully reopen forced us to develop new ways in which to make the Arts accessible to all,“ said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “In order to continue to provide programs, artist opportunities and exposure, develop new audiences, and diversify revenue streams, we created Art on Demand, a virtual learning and entertainment program that enabled us to remain relevant and necessary while keeping our audience and staff safe. This support from the NEA will allow us to continue offering these programs even as we begin to see our audience again in person.” Since April 2020, the CAA has produced more than two dozen Art on Demand episodes in our studio and within the community, highlighting the following types of creators/disciplines: music and visual arts for children, public art, architecture, culinary arts, plein air painting, figure drawing, floral design, gallery tours, jewelry design, and furniture building. To date, the Art on Demand program has garnered more than 450,000 views. The CAA will build upon this roster, making strides in diversifying its offerings and providing online arts education for students of all ages and learning levels. For more information on the projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news. To learn more about and become a member of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

The CAA is proud to announce the special exhibition “Con-scious Expressions: An Insider’s Perspective” is now on display at Perla Baking Co. in downtown DeFuniak Springs through May 31st. The public is invited to a closing reception celebrating the exhibit on Friday, May 28th from 4:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. “Con-scious Expressions” was made possible through a new partnership with Restorative Justice volunteers Libby Fisher and Erica Averion and the Walton Correctional Institution (WCI) and features original work created by residents of three dorms within WCI. The title of the exhibit was submitted by WCI resident Michael George who states, “I chose this title because I truly believe that our prisons house many talented men and women. However, most of the media coverage of prisons and prisoners will never show that. Many of us are just broken individuals who made a poor choice in a moment of weakness. Our art creations are conscious expressions of our joy, pain, despair, and hope. The exhibit will hopefully give those who see it a glimpse of our humanity as well as an appreciation of our creativity.” "This art exhibit was born organically from friendships among Walton County women. CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele mentioned to CAA board member Mimi Gavigan her goal to create a jail/prison art outreach program,” said Restorative Justice volunteer Libby Fisher. “Mimi knew of the volunteer work that Erica and I were doing, and so we met, brainstormed and developed the idea of the art exhibit. The administration at Walton Correctional Institute - the Florida state prison in DeFuniak Springs - was enthusiastic and supportive. We hope to show the public the talent and humanity of people in prison." The DeFuniak Springs exhibition is happening in coordination with Perla Baking Co. and Anne Hunter of Anne Hunter Galleries who curates exhibits at Perla. “Perla is an exceptionally beautiful art exhibition space in Walton County, made possible by Dan and Sally Bailey,” said Anne Hunter. “I’m thrilled to support the Cultural Arts Alliance in showcasing the poignant work of these very talented artists in our county seat, DeFuniak Springs.” The exhibit can be viewed in person at Perla through May 31st as well as online at CulturalArtsAlliance.com. It will then move to the reception area at Walton Correctional Institution to be seen by the inmates’ families and visitors. Following the May 28th closing reception, guests can continue their downtown DeFuniak Springs experience with live music by The Wortheys at ‘Music On Main’ located on Baldwin Avenue in the historic Florida Chautauqua Theatre. Music on Main tickets are available at fcweb.org/musiconmain.

Art Month South Walton, an initiative led by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and sponsored in part by Visit South Walton, is a month-long celebration of the Arts featuring events and programs presented in locations throughout Walton County. This year’s planned activities include the inaugural South Walton Street Art Festival, Digital Graffiti Drive Thru at Alys Beach, Arts Night in DeFuniak Springs, a 5th Birthday Party for The Foster Gallery, Music on Main, a Sip & Stroll at J.Leon Gallery, an online Art & More Auction benefiting the CAA, theatre performances at ECTC, and more. All events are part of the Art Month initiative to bring together Walton County’s communities, organizations and businesses to present quality and diverse arts entertainment. For details on each event, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com. On Friday, May 1st at 7:30pm, The Rep Theatre in Seaside, FL will feature singer-songwriter duo My One and Only as part of its LIVE AT THE REP series. With their polar-opposite musical backgrounds, Kassie and Benjamin meld old-school country, singer-songwriter, and alternative folk-rock into a sound that can only be described as “Southern-Soul and Curious-Grit”. Presented the “Discovery Award” by acclaimed music critic Robert K. Oermann (Nashville’s Music Row Magazine), My One And Only declares performance as their love-share to the world. Tickets can be purchased at LovetheRep.com. Downtown Arts Night will take place Saturday, May 1st from 4:00 - 8:00 pm on Baldwin Avenue in DeFuniak Springs. Arts Night is an annual event that brings an evening of Art, Food, Music, & Fun to the charming downtown of DeFuniak Springs. Arts Night showcases dozens of local artists and crafters and will feature live music by Mike Whitty and the Sand Ole Opry and the Forrest Williams Band. Come experience great art, great music, plenty of food and drink, and a fun night for all! On Monday, May 3rd the CAA will debut its Art + More Auction featuring original artwork by some of your favorite artists, food and beverage experiences, overnight stays, spa packages, and more. The auction will run through May 9th and proceeds support the CAA and local artists. Browse and bid at 2021ArtMonth.givesmart.com The new Street Art Festival is planned for Friday, May 7th from 3:00 - 8:00 pm; Saturday, May 8th, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, and Sunday, May 9th 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Artists, families, friends and school groups will be creating works or art using only chalk and their imaginations. Awards will be announced Sunday at 5:00pm. Continuous live music and family lawn games will be featured in Grand Park, and a full cash bar will be available so guests can enjoy refreshments as they stroll the streets of Grand Boulevard to watch the progress of each mural from beginning to end. J.Leon Gallery + Studio will host a Sip ‘N Stroll on Friday, May 7th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm debuting the gallery’s newest featured artists. Attendees will have the first chance to meet the artists and purchase their work. In addition, artist Kathy Schumacher and her daughter Krista Schumacher will reveal their one-of-a-kind mother/daughter painting. Only collaborating on one piece a year, this reveal is one you don't want to miss! More information can be found at jleongallery.com. Main Street DeFuniak Springs, in partnership with Visit South Walton will continue its “Music on Main” concert series throughout Art Month. Taking place every Friday in May from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, guests are invited to enjoy a listening room experience at the historic Florida Chautauqua Theatre, located at 840 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida, 32435. The concerts are a continuation of the non-profits inaugural series held this past February. Doors open at 6:00 pm for cocktail hour. Guests can grab a bite to eat before the concert at one of the downtown restaurants or from the food truck setup in front of the theatre. The lineup of musical acts includes regional artists and bands, including Anthony Peebles Trio (May 7), West Hine (May 14), Longleaf Drive (May 21), and The Wortheys (May 28). Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children and are available at fcweb.org/musiconmain. Ticket prices increase $5 on the day of the show. The 8th Annual Longleaf Writers Conference will take place in Seaside, FL May 10th through 17th, featuring award-winning, visiting authors and other special guests, including Elizabeth Stuckey-French (The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady, The First Paper Girl in Red Oak) and Snowden Wright (American Pop, Play Pretty Blues). Full conference registrations and a la carte in-person and remote seminars are available, along with options to participate in special events throughout the week, including personal consultations, and readings. Register and purchase tickets online at LongleafWritersConference.com. Digital Graffiti is a one-of-a-kind 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 reimagined event will be an immersive drive-thru experience taking place Wednesday, May 12th through Saturday, May 15th. 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. On Saturday, May 15th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, The Shard Shop in Grayton Beach will host a special Art Month event called "Western Lake Confetti Class.” Guests will enjoy refreshments, an art raffle, live music, and an opportunity to create a stunning piece of art using repurposed glass! Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance. Visit shardshop.com/Grayton for details. Friday, May 14th is the opening night of Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s Theatre for Young Audiences production of Treasure Island. Stow away on the Hispaniola with Long John Silver and the crew as they hunt for hidden treasure on a remote Island. Our young hero Emily finds mutiny, treason, and double dealings around every corner in this reinvented classic tale that promises twists at every turn. For tickets and more information regarding performance dates and times, visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org. The Foster Gallery, which is the CAA’s professional artist collective showcasing over a dozen rotating regional artists, special exhibitions and featured guests, will celebrate five years in business with a birthday party on Wednesday, May 26th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm in the gallery located at 495 Grand Boulevard, Suite J104 (next to Chicos). Guests can meet the artists, purchase one-of-a-kind artwork, and enjoy live music, food, champagne, and birthday cake! The Cultural Arts Alliance will host a celebration of its “Con-scious Expressions: An Insider’s Perspective” exhibit at Perla Baking Company in DeFuniak Springs on Friday, May 28th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. The exhibit features original artwork created by residents of three dorms in the Walton Correctional Institution. See this powerful and emotional work, hear live music, enjoy refreshments, and then stroll down the street for a Music on Main performance by The Wortheys. Art Month is made possible with support from Visit South Walton, Grand Boulevard, Florida Department of State; Division of Cultural Affairs, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Alys Foundation, Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Blick Art Materials, Emerald Coast Magazine, and 30a.com. Additional event sponsors are listed on individual event websites. For more information about Art Month and the Cultural Arts Alliance, please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/art-month. ART MONTH SCHEDULE MAY 1 ARTS NIGHT IN DEFUNIAK SPRINGS Baldwin Avenue, Downtown; DeFuniak Springs 4:00 - 8:00 pm LIVE AT THE REP Featuring My One and Only 216 Quincy Circle, Seaside, FL 7:30pm MAY 3 ART & MORE AUCTION GOES LIVE Browse and bid at 2021ArtMonth.givesmart.com Auction closes on Sunday, May 9 at 5:00 pm MAY 4 JR. COMPANY & THESPIAN SHOWCASE 560 Grand Boulevard, Upstairs; Miramar Beach 7:00 pm MAY 7 SOUTH WALTON STREET ART FESTIVAL Grand Boulevard Town Center; Miramar Beach 3:00 - 8:00 pm SIP & STROLL J. Leon Gallery, 13370 Hwy 98; Miramar Beach 5:00 - 7:00 pm MUSIC ON MAIN Featuring Anthony Peebles Chautauqua Theatre, 840 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs 6:00 - 9:00 pm MAY 8 - 9 SOUTH WALTON STREET ART FESTIVAL Grand Boulevard Town Center; Miramar Beach 10:00 am - 6:00 pm MAY 10 – 17 LONGLEAF WRITERS CONFERENCE Academic Village and other locations in Seaside, FL MAY 12 - 15 DIGITAL GRAFFITI Alys Beach 8:00 pm MAY 14 MUSIC ON MAIN Featuring West Hine Chautauqua Theatre, 840 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs 6:00 - 9:00 pm MAY 14-16 TREASURE ISLAND, THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES 560 Grand Boulevard, Upstairs; Miramar Beach May 14 - 15, 7:00 pm and May 16, 2:00 pm MAY 15 WESTERN LAKE CONFETTI CLASS AT THE SHARD SHOP 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach 1:00 - 3:00 pm MAY 20-23 TREASURE ISLAND, THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES 560 Grand Boulevard, Upstairs; Miramar Beach May 20 - 22, 7:00 pm and May 23, 2:00 pm MAY 21 MUSIC ON MAIN Featuring Longleaf Drive Chautauqua Theatre, 840 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs 6:00 - 9:00 pm MAY 22 LIVE PAINTING & MEET + GREET AT JUSTIN GAFFREY GALLERY 21 Blue Gulf Drive, Blue Mountain Beach 7:00 - 9:00 pm MAY 26 FOSTER GALLERY 5th BIRTHDAY PARTY 495 Grand Boulevard, Ste. J 104; Miramar Beach 5:00 - 7:00 pm MAY 28 CON-SCIOUS EXPRESSIONS: AN INSIDER’S PERSPECTIVE EXHIBIT RECEPTION Perla Baking Co., Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs 4:00 - 7:00 pm MUSIC ON MAIN Featuring The Wortheys Chautauqua Theatre, 840 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs 6:00 - 9:00 pm

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) joins Scenic Walton, Visit South Walton, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners, and the Florida Department of Transportation in inviting the public to the official groundbreaking of the U.S. Hwy. 98 pedestrian underpass at Inlet Beach this Friday. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners will present the official groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, March 26th at 3:00pm. Local restaurants Shades Bar & Grill and The Donut Hole will provide refreshments. Attendees should park and gather at Shades at the corner of Scenic Hwy. 30A and U.S. Hwy. 98. The Scenic Walton organization worked tirelessly over the last several years to coordinate the effort to make this important safety improvement happen, and the CAA is proud to be a partner in the creation of a public art project to be incorporated into the underpass. This $5.6 million project will be the first pedestrian and cyclist underpass to be constructed in the county and will be located at the corners of U.S. Highways 98 and 30A, both designated scenic corridors. The public art component will be part of the CAA's Art in Public Spaces program and feature original artwork, including murals, and permanent sculptures installed at each of the underpass entrances. The public art component is part of the greater project that will frame the east end of Walton County at the high-traffic corner of U.S. Hwy. 98 and County Hwy. 30A. It will include two mid-sized sculptures installed next to each tunnel entrance and murals created on the tunnel’s interior walls. Lighting will be stylistically installed on the ceiling, and the floor will remain unobstructed for clear and safe passage. The tunnel will measure 12 ft wide x 8 ft high x 136 ft long. A national RFQ will go out in April 2021 with finalists chosen in July and commissions selected in August. Concepts will be reviewed and chosen by a panel of representatives from the creative, public and private sectors, and the community at large. Two artists/teams will create and install the sculptures, and one artist/team will create the interior murals with collaboration by local students through the CAA’s ongoing partnership with the Walton County School District. The overall project outcome will be a safe, practical, and necessary crossing that also provides enhancement to the surrounding area through indigenous landscaping and beautiful, engaging, and thought-provoking artwork. Artistically and conceptually, and in recognition of this underpass being the first in the area, the theme of the art installations will be “connectivity” and “relationship” - among and between humans and connection with our built environment through creativity. The artwork will be installed in Spring 2022. The project will be a continuation of existing or developing public art projects located in the adjacent communities, including the CAA’s Monarch Art Trail along South Watersound Parkway, the Rosemary Beach Sculpture Exhibition, Alys Beach's permanent sculpture collection, and future public art installations at Watersound Origins. The underpass will be an obvious thoroughfare, but it will also add value to the practical environment and become an experience for those who live, work and vacation in our community. For more information about the public art project, email Jennifer@culturalartsalliance.com. For more information on the U.S. Hwy. 98 Underpass, contact info@scenicwalton.org.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is excited to announce its newest signature event, The South Walton Street Art Festival (SWSAF), will join this year’s Art Month South Walton schedule of May events. Artists, families, friends and school groups are invited to participate in this three-day festival that will take place in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center throughout Mother’s Day weekend, May 7th - 9th. “Due to the great volunteer needs and logistical challenges of producing ArtsQuest, we made the decision to move that event to the fall when we believe a fine arts show of its size and caliber can be more safely produced,” said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “Fortunately, our partners at Grand Boulevard embraced the idea of presenting a new, smaller, socially distanced event that can celebrate the Arts and safely bring people together to create outdoors, and we are looking forward to adding another signature event to their Coastal Culture calendar.” The South Walton Street Art Festival calls artists of all levels and ages to be a part of the event by creating temporary street murals using only pastel chalk and their imaginations. The socially distanced festival will also feature live music by regional singer-songwriters and musicians, lawn games, a full cash bar, and all the retail and restaurant offerings for which Grand Boulevard is already known. The entire event will be free and open to the public. Participants can apply in one of three categories: Artist, School Team, or Friends & Family Team; there are a limited number of squares available so applications will be accepted and approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Friends & Family team registration is $150, and all Friends & Family teams will be eligible for a $250 People’s Choice award. School teams will not have a registration fee but will be eligible for awards, including Best in Show: High School, Best in Show: Middle School, and Best in Show: Elementary School. Each winning school will receive a $500 grant for their school’s visual arts department. Artist applicants who are approved will receive a stipend of $200 upon completion of their work and be eligible for awards, including Best in Show ($500), 2nd place ($400), 3rd place ($300), and People’s Choice ($250). Artist square sponsorships are available for $400, and Artists who apply with a secured artist square sponsor will be automatically accepted into the festival. Sponsors receive recognition on site, online and through social media. All participants will be supplied with pastel chalk and have the full weekend to create their street mural, including Friday, May 7th, 3:00pm - 8:00pm; Saturday, May 8th, 10:00am - 6:00pm, and Sunday, May 9th, 10:00am - 6:00pm. Awards will be announced Sunday at 6:00pm. Continuous live music and family lawn games will be featured in Grand Park, and a full cash bar will be available so guests can sip and stroll the streets of Grand Boulevard to watch the progress of each mural from beginning to end. "We love partnering with the CAA for innovative events that support our art community and artists,” said Stacey Brady, Director of Marketing and Communication for Grand Boulevard. “This new street art festival will feature artists creating their art in real time and attendees can watch and enjoy their artistic processes. We are excited about restarting our outdoor events in a safe and mindful manner." The CAA and Grand Boulevard will take every precaution to keep artists, participants, volunteers, staff, and attendees safe throughout the weekend. Masks will be strongly encouraged for the health of everyone involved, and complimentary hand sanitizer and masks will be available to all attendees. Anyone who is ill should stay home. The deadline for registration and application is April 19th and applications are available at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/streetartfestival. Businesses interested in sponsoring an artist square or the event can sign up directly on the CAA website and email Jennifer@culturalartsalliance.com with any questions. Art Month is a month-long celebration of the Arts featuring events and programs presented in locations throughout Walton County, including an online Art & More Auction benefiting the CAA, Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, Arts Night in DeFuniak Springs, Music on Main, performances by the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, and more. Art Month and the South Walton Street Art Festival are produced with support from Visit South Walton, Grand Boulevard, and Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce the 19 local artists recently chosen to exhibit their original work in The Foster Gallery’s Spring rotation, which runs March 8th through June 27th, 2021 in its Grand Boulevard location. The selected artists are Melody Bogle, Gayle Campbell, Jose Cantu, Andrea Chipser, Donnelle Clark, Kim Cleveland, Kim Eifrid, Pamela GaVette, Linda Kernick, Betsy Latham, Mindy McClendon, Sherri Springer, William Polley, Mary Redmann, Kathleen Schumacher, and Jenna Varney. The gallery is also pleased to feature ceramics from Skip Deems as well as hand-crafted jewelry from local artisans Hardwear Merry and The Salty Sparrow. All artists are members of the Cultural Arts Alliance, and each will exhibit and sell their work in their own section of the gallery. Many works are also available for viewing and purchase on the CAA website at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/foster-gallery. Curbside pick-up is available. The Grand Boulevard location is at 495 Grand Boulevard, Suite J104, next to Chico’s and across from Tommy Bahama. The public is welcomed to a come-and-go “open house” on Wednesday, April 14th from 5 -7 p.m. The CAA is also excited to debut a new mural next door to the Gallery. The mural is part of the CAA’s Art in Public Spaces program which also includes the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art and a regional billboard art project. Produced in partnership with Grand Boulevard Town Center, the mural was conceived and created by local artist Sarah Page. The design was inspired by our beautiful coastal surroundings as well as Amanda Gorman’s moving ‘The Hill We Climb’ poem, which includes the line, “For there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” Additional murals will be added in Grand Boulevard and throughout Walton County in 2021. Founded in May 2016, The Foster Gallery is an artist collective led by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County that features at least a dozen artists on a seasonally rotating basis, along with special exhibits and invitationals throughout the year. Named for the late Susan Foster, a founder of the Cultural Arts Alliance and one of the area’s first professional artists and gallery owners, The Foster Gallery also symbolizes the support the CAA strives to provide for artists in our community. The gallery is open daily from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. For more information, call 850.837.3037 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.