Anna, a Psychologist by profession, says she has spent the last 37 years, curating ‘interior design’ of a psychological and spiritual nature with the many people who walked into her therapy room; a journey that began in London, then Amsterdam, Liberia and finally the USA – Philadelphia, in 2006 before moving to Santa Rosa Beach in 2018. Now Anna enjoys pursuing outward focused interior design, loving the creative process especially when re-using materials or working with broken things. She also continues to explore ways to encourage people in their quest for interior re-design in the second half of life. Anna Balfour Anna, a Psychologist by profession, says she has spent the last 37 years, curating ‘interior design’ of a psychological and spiritual nature with the many people who walked into her therapy room; a journey that began in London, then Amsterdam, Liberia and finally the USA – Philadelphia, in 2006 before moving to Santa Rosa Beach in 2018. Now Anna enjoys pursuing outward focused interior design, loving the creative process especially when re-using materials or working with broken things. She also continues to explore ways to encourage people in their quest for interior re-design in the second half of life. http://potentialdifference.net

At the age of 14, I crossed paths with a photojournalist from my regional newspaper, igniting a passion that would shape my life. Early mornings found me in the darkroom before school, eagerly absorbing every aspect of the craft. By the same year's end, I found myself thrust into the world of photo assignments for a paper boasting a circulation of 30,000 – all at the tender age of 14. In the ensuing years, my commitment to both journalism and another passion led me to a 30-year career with the fire department. Concurrently, I nurtured my photography skills, establishing my own business capturing the essence of weddings, reunions, and various events. As life evolved and family responsibilities burgeoned, I reluctantly parted with much of my equipment. The demand for my services persisted, but the allure of saying "yes" to every request waned with time. Upon retirement from the fire department, I found myself searching for fulfillment. Rekindling my love for photography, I resurrected my equipment and business, specializing in portraiture and events. Yet, deep down, I knew this wasn't my true calling. Now residing in Florida's Panhandle, I've unearthed solace in the pursuit of solitary artistry. Immersed in the serene landscapes, I discover moments of transcendence amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. My joy lies in uncovering and immortalizing these fleeting moments, offering a glimpse into the world as I see it. Today, I embrace photography not as a commercial endeavor, but as a manifestation of my innermost self – a testament to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us all. Corey Landry At the age of 14, I crossed paths with a photojournalist from my regional newspaper, igniting a passion that would shape my life. Early mornings found me in the darkroom before school, eagerly absorbing every aspect of the craft. By the same year's end, I found myself thrust into the world of photo assignments for a paper boasting a circulation of 30,000 – all at the tender age of 14. In the ensuing years, my commitment to both journalism and another passion led me to a 30-year career with the fire department. Concurrently, I nurtured my photography skills, establishing my own business capturing the essence of weddings, reunions, and various events. As life evolved and family responsibilities burgeoned, I reluctantly parted with much of my equipment. The demand for my services persisted, but the allure of saying "yes" to every request waned with time. Upon retirement from the fire department, I found myself searching for fulfillment. Rekindling my love for photography, I resurrected my equipment and business, specializing in portraiture and events. Yet, deep down, I knew this wasn't my true calling. Now residing in Florida's Panhandle, I've unearthed solace in the pursuit of solitary artistry. Immersed in the serene landscapes, I discover moments of transcendence amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. My joy lies in uncovering and immortalizing these fleeting moments, offering a glimpse into the world as I see it. Today, I embrace photography not as a commercial endeavor, but as a manifestation of my innermost self – a testament to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us all. https://www.etsy.com/shop/coreyartpics/?etsrc=sdt

Skip is a ceramic artist who works out of his studio in Miramar Beach, Fl. Miramar Beach is located in the beautiful Northwest Florida Panhandle. Prior to relocation in Miramar Beach, Skip worked out of the Chastain Arts Center and City Gallery located in Atlanta. Skip has studied under some of the most respected and influential potters in the United States. He regularly attends workshops at many of the renowned art schools in the country. Skip likes to experiment with various glazing and firing techniques such as crystalline, salt, wood, raku and multiple glaze layering. He produces both functional and non functional pottery. Much of Skip’s work is donated to local charity auctions and exhibited in a few select galleries. Due to Skip’s strong feelings about the “Mentality of Clay” he regularly gives talks about the benefits of the wheel for individuals suffering from PTSD, depression and anxiety. In order to share the benefits of the ceramic arts with the Florida Panhandle, Skip has established several ceramic teaching studios and will continue to look for opportunities to bring this healing art to others. Skip Deems Skip is a ceramic artist who works out of his studio in Miramar Beach, Fl. Miramar Beach is located in the beautiful Northwest Florida Panhandle. Prior to relocation in Miramar Beach, Skip worked out of the Chastain Arts Center and City Gallery located in Atlanta. Skip has studied under some of the most respected and influential potters in the United States. He regularly attends workshops at many of the renowned art schools in the country. Skip likes to experiment with various glazing and firing techniques such as crystalline, salt, wood, raku and multiple glaze layering. He produces both functional and non functional pottery. Much of Skip’s work is donated to local charity auctions and exhibited in a few select galleries. Due to Skip’s strong feelings about the “Mentality of Clay” he regularly gives talks about the benefits of the wheel for individuals suffering from PTSD, depression and anxiety. In order to share the benefits of the ceramic arts with the Florida Panhandle, Skip has established several ceramic teaching studios and will continue to look for opportunities to bring this healing art to others. http://skipdeemsceramics.com

The Golden Flight sculpture is inspired by the Golden Spiral. The Golden Spiral is a logarithmic spiral whose growth factor is φ, the golden ratio. The spiral gets wider (or further from its origin) by a factor of φ for every quarter turn it makes. Many objects in nature appear with the golden spiral. Some examples are the shell of a nautilus, the rotations of hurricanes, the growth pattern of leaves on succulents, and the design in which sunflower seeds grow within a sunflower. The main part of the sculpture consists of 10 pieces of stainless steel bands formed into the shape of the Golden Spiral. Once in place, the spirals create the impression of different pieces of nature, from a wave, to shells, and most notably, wings. Download The Golden Flight Rachel Herring Listen to the audio track description. The Golden Flight Rachel Herring 00:00 / 04:05 The Golden Flight sculpture is inspired by the Golden Spiral. The Golden Spiral is a logarithmic spiral whose growth factor is φ, the golden ratio. The spiral gets wider (or further from its origin) by a factor of φ for every quarter turn it makes. Many objects in nature appear with the golden spiral. Some examples are the shell of a nautilus, the rotations of hurricanes, the growth pattern of leaves on succulents, and the design in which sunflower seeds grow within a sunflower. The main part of the sculpture consists of 10 pieces of stainless steel bands formed into the shape of the Golden Spiral. Once in place, the spirals create the impression of different pieces of nature, from a wave, to shells, and most notably, wings. About the artist Rachel Herring has been designing and creating for as long as she can remember. When she was little, she was never without a crayon or marker in her hand. Continuing through school, Rachel took all the art classes she could and created t-shirts and set designs for dances in high school. Knowing she wanted to major in a design field, Rachel graduated with a degree in Interior Design and another in Business Administration from Auburn University. While in school, she learned how to use Adobe Creative Suite, and it ignited a desire to do graphic design. Rachel moved to Birmingham for an internship and remained there after graduation. Still having a major interest in graphic design, she started Herring Design Co. to design custom invitations for people. The business grew by word of mouth, and so did the products she offered. Rachel has always loved working with her hands, so after a kitchen renovation, she had leftover wood that she knew couldn't go to waste. Her first string art creations were made from these pieces. Shortly after, she grew her tool collection, and set her mind to having a career as an artist. Business grew quickly after sharing these pieces, and in addition to art shows, she got her artwork into stores in the area. After seven years in Birmingham, AL, Rachel moved to Santa Rosa Beach, FL. The surroundings at the beach have influenced the subject matter of her artwork from the beautiful blues and greens from the Emerald Coast waters to the spectacular sunsets. Rachel is no stranger to the CAA’s Art in Public Spaces program with two more of her sculptures (The Grayt Pineapple and Flamingle) residing in the Underwater Museum of Art located off the coast of nearby Grayton Beach State Park along Scenic Highway 30A. https://www.herringdesignco.com/ Previous Next 4 5 6 7 8 3 2 1

I have always loved color, design, architecture, photography, fashion, cooking, travel and art. Having raised a family of four children and too many English Bulldogs to count, I now realize that the past 30 years have been spent gathering memories and inspiration for my art.   I graduated from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers) and have studied art, design, architecture and photography. Shelley is an award-winning interior and home designer. I am inspired by the artistic techniques of Gary Bodner, Violet Parkhurst and Monet.   Living near the ocean in Santa Rosa Beach has inspired me to use my talents and past experiences to paint. Shades of blue and turquoise, pink sands, and golden sunsets are a part of my everyday life and I want to share them through my art.  I use acrylics, plasters, gel, oil, paper and glaze to bring life to the beauty of the sky, ocean, sand and sunsets along 30A. My faith has allowed my imagination to put these beautiful colors of nature onto canvas or wood.  Each of my paintings include a “hidden truth”- a special message or quote intended for just the right person. Poets and scholars such as Emily Dickinson, Longfellow, Helen Keller and Solomon write these gathered truths.   Mark Twain said it best when he said, “to get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.” Shelley Minchew I have always loved color, design, architecture, photography, fashion, cooking, travel and art. Having raised a family of four children and too many English Bulldogs to count, I now realize that the past 30 years have been spent gathering memories and inspiration for my art. I graduated from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers) and have studied art, design, architecture and photography. Shelley is an award-winning interior and home designer. I am inspired by the artistic techniques of Gary Bodner, Violet Parkhurst and Monet. Living near the ocean in Santa Rosa Beach has inspired me to use my talents and past experiences to paint. Shades of blue and turquoise, pink sands, and golden sunsets are a part of my everyday life and I want to share them through my art. I use acrylics, plasters, gel, oil, paper and glaze to bring life to the beauty of the sky, ocean, sand and sunsets along 30A. My faith has allowed my imagination to put these beautiful colors of nature onto canvas or wood. Each of my paintings include a “hidden truth”- a special message or quote intended for just the right person. Poets and scholars such as Emily Dickinson, Longfellow, Helen Keller and Solomon write these gathered truths. Mark Twain said it best when he said, “to get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.” https://www.minchewdesign.com/

This piece of art represents the life stages and metamorphosis all living things go through. The natural surroundings of Walton County sustain the monarchs and strengthen them for their journey. In turn, they share the secrets of this special place with future generations and the “grandchildren” return. In the same way the monarch is able to survive and thrive in the warm climate and on the indigenous flora of Northwest Florida, so too are the people of the area able to flourish through the education, inspiration, and beauty the arts provide. The grandchildren of future generations, like the monarchs, will have their lives enriched and strengthened. Download The Grandchildren Return Grace Cathey Listen to the audio track description. The Grandchildren Return Grace Cathey 00:00 / 04:31 This piece of art represents the life stages and metamorphosis all living things go through. The natural surroundings of Walton County sustain the monarchs and strengthen them for their journey. In turn, they share the secrets of this special place with future generations and the “grandchildren” return. In the same way the monarch is able to survive and thrive in the warm climate and on the indigenous flora of Northwest Florida, so too are the people of the area able to flourish through the education, inspiration, and beauty the arts provide. The grandchildren of future generations, like the monarchs, will have their lives enriched and strengthened. About the artist Grace Cathey graduated from Haywood Community College's Fiber Arts program. She later completed a continuing education welding course that led her life's work, Metal Art. She is a perfect example of a craftsperson that has embodied the art and the business of selling her craft. Grace chose the unique location of her gallery, inside her husband's 80 year old service station, which is now closed, when she turned the waiting room into an art gallery. Because of this, media often come calling, including Home and Garden TV, Rand McNally Atlas (Editor's Pick) and most recently, Our State magazine. Her work has been shown numerous places including the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and United States Botanical Garden in Washington, DC. Her Four Season's Apple Tree was chosen for Hendersonville, NC Public Art and the NC Arboretum has many of her pieces in their permanent collection. When asked to design an ornament for the White House Christmas tree, she represented North Carolina with our state dog, a Plott Hound and made of metal! She gives back to our community in so many ways - through the giving of her time and art to local fundraisers, and providing leadership to the Waynesville Galley Association and Haywood County Arts Council as she grows her business and mentors and inspires other artists. Grace has been a member of Southern Highlands Craft Guild since 1985 in fiber and now is a member in metal. Grace has gained a national reputation by her drive and desire to grow and be challenged as an artist and she achieves her goals through hard work and the spirit of entrepreneurship. As stated in the April issue of Our State… she is "a whirlwind of a woman." https://gracecathey.com/ Previous Next 4 5 6 7 8 3 2 1

I live on 30A in Blue Mountain Beach and paint in Seacrest Beach. Most of my formal art education took place in Chicago at Columbia College on South Michigan Avenue. After my five years of great times in Chicago I moved back to my hometown, Belleville, IL, a suburb of St. Louis, MO. From Belleville we moved to Santa Rosa Beach in early 2007. We came for the beauty of the beach but are staying for the soul of this unbelievable, haunting , hidden slice of heaven we now call home. Prior to moving to the Emerald Coast, I was a Muralist and Faux Finish painter in the St. Louis area for 7 years. After giving birth to my second child (right after we moved here) I was ready to create again but this time I wanted to paint for ‘myself’ and so I gathered my favorite media from the faux finish days, venetian plaster and glazes and began to experiment on wooden ‘frames’. After about 10 paintings I arrived at the technique I use today, a roughly 13 step, 4 day process involving venetian plaster, acrylic paint, glazes, an orbital sander and a good sense of humor! Finding my stride as an artist has been a long road and the journey has really just begun! I have never been good at expressing my emotions, I guess I never knew how, and I find it so amazing how my emotions have found a healthy stream out of my subconscious in color and shape. I wish everyone could find an occupation that allows them to grow and learn and find purpose in every movement. It is really important to me to talk to the people I come in contact with through my work and let them understand that this isn’t just a job, it is a lifestyle. Allison Wickey I live on 30A in Blue Mountain Beach and paint in Seacrest Beach. Most of my formal art education took place in Chicago at Columbia College on South Michigan Avenue. After my five years of great times in Chicago I moved back to my hometown, Belleville, IL, a suburb of St. Louis, MO. From Belleville we moved to Santa Rosa Beach in early 2007. We came for the beauty of the beach but are staying for the soul of this unbelievable, haunting , hidden slice of heaven we now call home. Prior to moving to the Emerald Coast, I was a Muralist and Faux Finish painter in the St. Louis area for 7 years. After giving birth to my second child (right after we moved here) I was ready to create again but this time I wanted to paint for ‘myself’ and so I gathered my favorite media from the faux finish days, venetian plaster and glazes and began to experiment on wooden ‘frames’. After about 10 paintings I arrived at the technique I use today, a roughly 13 step, 4 day process involving venetian plaster, acrylic paint, glazes, an orbital sander and a good sense of humor! Finding my stride as an artist has been a long road and the journey has really just begun! I have never been good at expressing my emotions, I guess I never knew how, and I find it so amazing how my emotions have found a healthy stream out of my subconscious in color and shape. I wish everyone could find an occupation that allows them to grow and learn and find purpose in every movement. It is really important to me to talk to the people I come in contact with through my work and let them understand that this isn’t just a job, it is a lifestyle. https://www.allisonwickey.com/

I paint watercolors in bright colors that give the feel of the emerald waters and white sands of Walton County beaches. My work can be found at the Studio Gallery in Grayton. Elizabeth Cork I paint watercolors in bright colors that give the feel of the emerald waters and white sands of Walton County beaches. My work can be found at the Studio Gallery in Grayton. http://bettycork.com

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”~Vincent Van Gogh 
 I started out my creative journey in the early 90’s when I was working as a mental health counselor. I took a job working on Saturdays at a bead shop which led to a small business teaching jewelry making and selling my jewelry pieces. Oh, how I loved working with semi-precious gemstones and manipulating sterling silver wire. I still will occasionally make jewelry today. The natural progression of creating led to drawing, painting, working with clay, and any other type of medium that I could get my hands on. I decided a long time ago that I’ve never met a medium that I didn’t like. A good friend of mine, who is a high school art teacher, suggested some years back that I try art journaling. She insisted that the more that I “play” in my art journal without worrying about mistakes, the deeper that my creativity will grow. What I’ve discovered about myself is that I love layers, texture, and trying new things that I’ve never seen before. The best part of being an artist is that there are no rules other than being authentic and true to yourself. I love to work with wood, acrylic and oil paint, vintage paper, beads and wire, oyster shells, resin, clay, decorative napkins, alcohol ink/sprays and liquid gold leaf. I live in Blue Mountain Beach with my husband and rescue standard poodle named Seymour. Beth McCurdy What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”~Vincent Van Gogh 
 I started out my creative journey in the early 90’s when I was working as a mental health counselor. I took a job working on Saturdays at a bead shop which led to a small business teaching jewelry making and selling my jewelry pieces. Oh, how I loved working with semi-precious gemstones and manipulating sterling silver wire. I still will occasionally make jewelry today. The natural progression of creating led to drawing, painting, working with clay, and any other type of medium that I could get my hands on. I decided a long time ago that I’ve never met a medium that I didn’t like. A good friend of mine, who is a high school art teacher, suggested some years back that I try art journaling. She insisted that the more that I “play” in my art journal without worrying about mistakes, the deeper that my creativity will grow. What I’ve discovered about myself is that I love layers, texture, and trying new things that I’ve never seen before. The best part of being an artist is that there are no rules other than being authentic and true to yourself. I love to work with wood, acrylic and oil paint, vintage paper, beads and wire, oyster shells, resin, clay, decorative napkins, alcohol ink/sprays and liquid gold leaf. I live in Blue Mountain Beach with my husband and rescue standard poodle named Seymour.

Committee Opportunities The CAA has many opportunities to serve in an advisory role. For additional information or to apply for a committee seat, please contact us directly. Advocacy Committee works with CAA lead staff person to build relationships with local, state and national organizations including governmental groups, arts agencies, and other key stakeholders to help ensure the arts are supported at the state level and funding is restored in the legislative budget. Art for All Grants Committee works with CAA lead staff person to evaluate quarterly applications and decide award amounts for Teacher Mini Grants, Need-based Student Scholarships, Starving Artist Awards, College Scholarships, and Grants to Organizations (available to non-profit arts organizations serving Walton County, Florida in the area of arts education). Events and Programs Committee works with CAA lead staff person to coordinate artist programs, special events, member and volunteer parties, and organization fundraisers, including the Tour of Homes. Finance Committee works with CAA lead staff person to draft annual budget and present to board for approval. Manages finances throughout the fiscal year. *Interested applicants must be a current Board of Directors member in good standing to serve on this committee. Nominating Committee works directly with Executive Director to receive nominations for new members of the Board of Directors. The committee reviews applications and makes recommendations to the full Board. *Interested applicants must be a current Board of Directors member in good standing to serve on this committee. Membership Committee works with CAA lead staff person to develop strategies to grow and sustain membership. Sponsorship and Fundraising Committee works with CAA lead staff person to evaluate, strategize and plan all aspects of fundraising, including sponsorships, planned giving, auctions, and development campaigns. The group also executes all elements of an auction including, but not limited to, acquisition of auction items, creation of process, and volunteer staffing for large-scale events such as 30A Songwriters Festival and the ‘Under the Sea’ fundraiser. Visual Arts Advisory committee works with CAA lead staff person to facilitate special exhibits at The Foster Gallery and Art in Public Spaces. Workshops Committee works with CAA lead staff person to identify, coordinate, and administer workshops at the Bayou Arts Center, Foster Gallery, and throughout the community.

Miami raised, Tulane educated and SoWal inspired, Jeff Margaretten has been a 30A Local since 2001, nurturing Margaretten Architectural, a multi-disciplinary practice skilled in both residential and commercial design. From high-end residences to office, retail and restaurants, we bring our unique brand of customer-based design philosophies to life by focusing on usability, space efficiency and aesthetic quality. People love to ask, ‘What style of architect are you, traditional, modern, beachy?”. Jeff’s reply is always the same. “I am your style. Margaretten Architectural is here to be the conduit for your dreams to become reality. This is about you – creating your reality, designing your experience.” Jeff also has a well-known alter-ego – a private Sushi Chef for Hire along the Emerald Coast. Fueled by a love for the delicious art of sushi, SushiByJeff.com has been hosting private Sushi Parties in vacation homes, corporate offices and for local events, since 2010. “Food should be eaten first with the eyes,” says Jeff, “then the mouth gets it turn.” Edible Art is a passion – for it touches all the senses. And in the comfort of your own home, it is a luxury to be experienced. Jeff Margaretten Miami raised, Tulane educated and SoWal inspired, Jeff Margaretten has been a 30A Local since 2001, nurturing Margaretten Architectural, a multi-disciplinary practice skilled in both residential and commercial design. From high-end residences to office, retail and restaurants, we bring our unique brand of customer-based design philosophies to life by focusing on usability, space efficiency and aesthetic quality. People love to ask, ‘What style of architect are you, traditional, modern, beachy?”. Jeff’s reply is always the same. “I am your style. Margaretten Architectural is here to be the conduit for your dreams to become reality. This is about you – creating your reality, designing your experience.” Jeff also has a well-known alter-ego – a private Sushi Chef for Hire along the Emerald Coast. Fueled by a love for the delicious art of sushi, SushiByJeff.com has been hosting private Sushi Parties in vacation homes, corporate offices and for local events, since 2010. “Food should be eaten first with the eyes,” says Jeff, “then the mouth gets it turn.” Edible Art is a passion – for it touches all the senses. And in the comfort of your own home, it is a luxury to be experienced. http://margaretten.net

My name is Kate, I am a fashion designer and artist.From a young age, I have been passionate about art and fashion. Initially, I pursued a career as a ballet dancer while creating costumes and drawing. After graduating from the University of Cultural and Art, I decided to follow my dream of becoming a Fashion designer.I then had the opportunity to work in Dubai as a ballet dance teacher, which sparked a new wave of creativity and led me to create numerous sketches. "Another culture and different people inspire me a lot. My art is not just a beautiful landscape or people; it is a message to the people. I don't like to explain what my drawing is about. I prefer to make people think and hear their opinions, which inspires my new art pieces." Kate Beliaeva My name is Kate, I am a fashion designer and artist.From a young age, I have been passionate about art and fashion. Initially, I pursued a career as a ballet dancer while creating costumes and drawing. After graduating from the University of Cultural and Art, I decided to follow my dream of becoming a Fashion designer.I then had the opportunity to work in Dubai as a ballet dance teacher, which sparked a new wave of creativity and led me to create numerous sketches. "Another culture and different people inspire me a lot. My art is not just a beautiful landscape or people; it is a message to the people. I don't like to explain what my drawing is about. I prefer to make people think and hear their opinions, which inspires my new art pieces." http://https://katedesignerdancer.wixsite.com/my-site