The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) and Russell Carter Artist Management (RCAM) are excited to share that the 30A Songwriters Festival Summer Series returns this summer as part of a unique arts and cultural entertainment lineup at The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center. The "Sounds of Summer" event series is scheduled for June 1 - August 10, 2023 with three slots set to feature artists from the popular 30A Songwriters Festival. Enjoy a different children’s play every month from The Seaside REP, a movie night featuring a classic film or a friendly Neighborhood Race with Fleet Feet. The 30A Songwriter’s Festival Showcase will feature nationally known artists like Paul Thorn, Black Opry Revue and Jeffrey Steele. With ample parking, a covered pavilion, and even ceiling fans – the Pavilion at Watersound Town Center is quickly becoming South Walton’s destination for outdoor events. June 1: Cinderella – The REP (children’s play) June 8: Paul Thorn – 30A Songwriters Showcase June 15: Kids Fair & Music June 22: Fleet Feet Neighborhood Run June 29: The Princess Bride – Outdoor Movie Night July 6: Robin Hood – The REP (children’s play) July 13: Black Opry Revue – 30A Songwriters Showcase July 20: Fleet Feet Neighborhood Run July 27: Kids Fair & Music August 3: The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel – The REP (children’s play) August 10: Jeffrey Steele – 30A Songwriters Showcase WHERE: The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center 85 Origins Main Street, Watersound, FL 32461 COST: FREE * FAMILY FRIENDLY * OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WHEN: Thursdays, June 1 – August 10 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Watersound.com

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce the regional artists recently chosen to exhibit their original work in The Foster Gallery’s Summer Rotation, which runs May 23rd through August 11th, 2023 in its Miramar Beach Creative Campus location at 13370 Emerald Coast Parkway (US Highway 98). The public is invited to attend the First Friday Fête on Friday, June 2nd from 5 - 7 p.m. celebrating the selected artists. Enjoy tasty sips and snacks while perusing all of the beautiful works on display and available for purchase. The selected featured artists are Wanda Azzario-Goldberg, Gisselle Barnhart, Dorothea Berkhout, Stephanie Bloyd, Kendall Boggs, Melody Bogle, Patricia Bufkin, Gayle Campbell, Evelyn Curry, Bill Chambers, Donnelle Clark, Kim Cleveland, Skip Deems, Marlene East, Kim Eifrid, Elena Filshtinska, David Hansel, Pamela Hutton, Capri Boyle Jones, Anthony Heinz May, Ruta Kanaporis, Lindsay Keeling, Hattie Kennedy, Linda Kernick, Betsy Latham, Ginger Laughlin, Bonita Loman, Susan Lucas, Joy Luke, Debra Makar, Robyn Martins, Mindy McClendon, Theresia McInnis, Linda Kaye Moriarty, Merry Beth Myrick, John Ottesen, Patti Overholt, Helene Pappas, Mary Redmann, Melissa Rovner, Kathy Schumacher, Pam Singh, Pete Sintes, Linda Stonestreet, Barbara Suhadolnick, Blair Supplee, The Salty Sparrow, Laura Tuvyana, Karen Williams, and Dheron Winfield. All rotation artists are members of the Cultural Arts Alliance. All works exhibited in the gallery are for sale, many works will be online soon for viewing and purchase on the CAA website at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/foster-gallery. The Foster Gallery is located at 13370 Emerald Coast Parkway (US Hwy 98) and is part of the Miramar Beach Creative Campus featuring regional artist rotations on a quarterly basis as well as special exhibitions. The Foster Gallery at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus will also host artist receptions and openings, workshops in J. Leon Studio, events, and serve as a community gathering point symbolizing the support the CAA strives to give artists in our community, including those who are members of the CAA. The gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, including space rental of the Miramar Beach Creative Campus for private events, call 850.842.3051 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

"SOUND OF MUSIC" ARTIST CALL The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is calling artists who are current members of the CAA to submit up to five pieces of art for our ECTC Special Exhibit Featuring The Sound of Music, beginning 5/5/23 and going through 6/30/23. It should showcase what you feel represents the essence of The Sound of Music. (Subjects such as landscapes, nature, birds, children, musical notes or instruments) This call is open to CAA member artists. If you aren't yet a member, please visit our website to join. The submission deadline is April 25, 2023. Click the button below to review the criteria and access the application. "WHAT HOME MEANS TO YOU" ARTIST CALL The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County in collaboration with Charlotte Art League (CAL), Charlotte, North Carolina is calling artists who are current members of the CAA and CAL to submit up to two pieces of art for our ArtXchange Juried Exhibit, theme "What Home Means To You", scheduled for June 15 - July 31, 2023. The submission should showcase what you feel represents your idea of home. The submitted piece(s) must be original, showcase the theme of the exhibit, can be aged or fresh and may utilize a variety of mediums. 2D work must be dry and ready to hang with wire attached for hanging. This call is open to CAA member artists. If you aren't yet a member, please visit our website to join. The submission deadline is May 30, 2023. Please click the button below to review the criteria and access the application. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application ONLINE before the artist call deadline. 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) and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) are proud to reveal the seven new sculpture designs, chosen by jury for permanent exhibition in the fifth installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). The 2023 installation will include the following pieces of sculpture: Quantum Reef by Chris Chubb (Tallahassee, FL), Space Nest by Frank Henderson (Evanston, IL), Welcome Home by Zachery Long (Oklahoma City, OK), Madam Nature by Andrew Luy (Huntsville, AL), Cetacean Remains by Pat Mclain (Stone Mountain, GA), One Tree by Ann Moeller Steverson (Huntsville, AL) Opus by Allison Wickey (Santa Rosa Beach, FL). Named in 2018 by TIME Magazine as one of 100 “World’s Greatest Places,” the UMA is presented as part of CAA’s Art In Public Spaces Program and augments SWARA’s mission of creating marine habitat and expanding fishery populations while providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors in Walton County. UMA sculptures are deployed with SWARA’s existing USACOA and FDEP permitted artificial reef projects that includes nine nearshore reefs located within one nautical mile of the shore in approximately 58 feet of water. The 2023 installation will join the 34 sculptures previously deployed on a one-acre permit patch of seabed off Grayton Beach State Park, further expanding the nation’s first permanent underwater museum. Deployment of the 2023 UMA installation is slated for Summer. Visit UMAFL.org for more information on timeline and events surrounding UMA’s launch. Project and sculpture sponsorships are available. Please contact Gabby Callaway at gabby@culturalartsalliance.com for sponsorship details. 2023 UMA SCULPTURE AND ARTIST DETAILS QUANTUM REEF by Tallahassee, Florida architect Chris Chubb occupies 100 square feet of the 617,500 square MILE Gulf of Mexico. Relatively, this is similar to the infinitesimal size of a single atom compared to a dinner plate. The Quantum Reef invites the viewer to leave the human scale and enter the sub-atomic scale. Analogous to a dynamic atom, Quantum Reef is animated by schools of fish darting through the aluminum ‘shell’ and swirling about the limestone ‘nucleus’. The sculpture is intended to provide needed marine habitat, inspire multidisciplinary work and promote educational initiatives in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). SPACE NEST designer Frank Henderson is based in Evanston, IL. The sculpture is inspired by the beautiful homes of Diatoms, which often use circle packing to generate an ornate organic geometry from silicate. The nest is created by circle-packing various sizes of circles into a dome shape. The resulting form is incredibly strong and resilient while using minimal materials to create maximum size and usable negative space. The title “Space Nest” refers to two things - the modern myth that diatoms are in-fact aliens using their silicate space ships to venture to new lands in the process of panspermia, and the sense of space and openness that this geometric form gives to the nest itself. Its use of negative space adds to a sense of mystery and opportunity that the replicated silicate form provides. Marine life can swim through and around it as part of the artificial reef, to build and grow their own homes in. It serves as a cage of protection from predatory marine life, while offering areas to move through and explore for other marine life and divers visiting the UMA. WELCOME HOME by Oklahoma-based artist Zachery Long is a gesture we are all familiar with and can relate to. The sculpture has a two-fold meaning. Creating these three UMA letters is a thank you to the people making this new habitat a reality. “The Underwater Museum of Art is more important than we all know,” said Long. “It is a positive movement in the right direction leading by example to create net positives for our oceans.” Secondly, Welcome Home is a much needed greeting sign for fish looking to re-home from their previously barren sand flats. Nothing says home like giant barrel sponges, corals, and a welcoming UMA sculpture. Each concrete letter will be evenly spaced to provide passageways for water current and sea life. The concrete barrel sponges are various sizes to provide different types of shelter and living spaces to the differing species. MADAM NATURE artist Andrew Luy has maintained multiple saltwater aquariums, bred seahorses and propagated corals through fragmentation, and has grown phytoplankton, among other ocean life maintenance. With this project he not only wants to create an aesthetically pleasing sculpture, but he also looks to create a sustainable habitat for sea life and corals. The top half will have crevices and holes similar to brain coral skeletons to allow for naturally occurring coral population and for coral plugs to be inserted to allow for any future propagation endeavors. The inner core of the globe will have a network of tunnels & holes, made of limestone and concrete to encourage invertebrates, fish, and other sea life to shelter. He designed the woman’s hair as an homage to the weedy sea dragon along with open areas to provide protective zones and to house long tip and other indigenous anemones to simulate flowing hair. Atlanta-based artist Pat Mclain’s hope for the CETACEAN REMAINS sculpture is for it to be an extremely interactive experience for the diver giving them the ability to swim through the piece like a tunnel. When he first heard of the museum his mind thought of something that would naturally be found on the ocean floor. Something that seemed prehistoric but was supposed to be there. Doing a simple segment of the body like the rib cage is a great stand alone piece but could also grow with additions to the skeleton frame over time. ONE TREE is an 8' tall by 9' wide by 9' deep concrete sculpture depicting two trees grown together over time with their roots entwined from artist Ann Moeller Steverson. The fantastical branches of the trees feature four seasons, from blossoms to fruit, falling leaves, and the adornment of icicles. From the right angle, viewers would see the suggestion of a heart shape between the trunk and branches. The roots, in the style of a banyan tree, would have deep grooves that provide a perfect breeding ground/habitat for fish, algae, coral, and other marine life. The canopy of the trees would also provide an additional surface area, attraction, and shelter. The design of "One Tree" is an evolution of a painted commission that captured the hearts and imaginations of romantics worldwide and extends its story to the underwater world of Grayton Beach State Park. The painting was a gift from a husband to his wife, inspired by this expert from Captain Corelli's Mandolin. "Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. .... Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground, And when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches, They find that they are one tree and not two.” The piece offers a unique enchanting destination for couples who wish to have their underwater nuptials beside it or just meet up under its branches OPUS is the second sculpture to be installed at the UMA for Santa Rosa Beach, Florida-based artist Allison Wickey who is also a founding partner of the project. The octopus is the ultimate mystery, embodying all that the sea symbolizes in one creature. Not only are they intriguing, but they are also elegant and mesmerizing to watch. They are known to 'play' with other species, walk on two legs and befriend humans. Although they have been portrayed as scary or dangerous they are actually peacemakers in her opinion. They seem to have a silly sense of humor while also being highly intelligent and can change itself via color or shape to work its way out of bad situations. The combination of beauty, brilliance and resilience is an enviable trait and the octopus has it all. Allison thinks the octopus is a good symbol for the times, as we learn to work our way out of new and strange issues in current society while retaining a sense of humor. View all seven designs in the Underwater Museum of Art 2023 gallery.

Art Month Walton County, an initiative led by the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County and sponsored in part by Visit South Walton, will provide a full month of creative offerings in May, including the “Under The Sea” fundraiser for the Underwater Museum of Art, 35th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, Longleaf Writers Conference, Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, The Sound of Music at Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Open Mic Night with Emerald Coast Storytellers, Sinfonia Goes Pop in Alys Beach, events at The Foster Gallery, and more. All happenings take place in Walton County and are part of the Art Month mission to bring together communities, organizations and businesses to present quality and diverse arts entertainment. The Foster Gallery, which is the CAA’s professional artist collective showcasing over a 30 rotating regional artists, special exhibitions and featured guests, will host the Foster Gallery Fête on Friday, May 5 from 5 - 7 p.m. in the Miramar Beach Creative Campus located at 13370 Emerald Coast Parkway (Hwy 98) in Miramar Beach. The gallery will feature the work of the Spring Rotation artists, in addition to a special Up for Interpretation Abstract Exhibition. Meet the artists and enjoy live music, art demos, giveaways, complimentary light bites, beer & wine while strolling through the gallery, which is full of art works available for purchase. May 5 is also the opening night of The Sound of Music presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company. Don’t miss the world’s most beloved musical based on the true story of the Von Trapp family. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and the title number “The Sound of Music,” this is one inspiring musical that brings joy to audiences of all ages. For tickets and more information regarding performance dates and times, visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org. Join us Thursday, May 11 in Grand Boulevard’s Grand Park for the ‘Under the Sea’ fundraiser in support of the fifth installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), the nation’s first permanent artificial reef sculpture park created by the CAA and South Walton Artificial Reef Association. Doors open at 6 p.m. and guests are invited to view several of the UMA sculptures, enjoy a full cash bar with specialty cocktails, meet and greet with the artists, and taste featured items from popular area restaurants and celebrated Chefs including Bijoux, Black Bear Bread Co., Grayton Beach Catering, Grayton Corner Cafe, North Beach Social, Marrow Chefs, Mozey’s, Swiftly Catered, and Stinky’s Fish Camp. Enjoy live musical entertainment from opening act Stormfolk followed by headliners, The Cleverlys! The Cleverlys are a one-of-a-kind comedy/music blend. They tour nationally, performing at music venues, PAC’S, and some of the nation’s largest festivals like Stagecoach, Telluride, CMA Music Fest and even The Grand Ole Opry. General admission tickets are $60 in advance and $75 at the door (if available). Tickets are on sale now at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. To learn more about UMA, visit UMAFL.org. The Emerald Coast Storytellers join the Art Month lineup this year on May 11 with an Open Mic Night at Distillery 98. Listen along to brave local storytellers as they share their written and spoken tales. Doors will open at 5 and stories will begin at 6 p.m. sharp. For more information and tickets, visit EmeraldCoastStorytellers.com. The 35th annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival will fill Grand Boulevard’s Town Center with over 120 exhibiting artists over Mother’s Day weekend. Produced by the CAA and presented by Grand Boulevard and Visit South Walton, ArtsQuest includes a CAA Member Artist Gallery, student exhibitions, live art demonstrations, a special exhibit from the CAA’s Prison Art Program, Art on Demand LIVE workshops, continuous live music, delicious food and beverage options, ImagiNation: where kids rule, and an exhibition of two of the newest Underwater Museum of Art sculptures. Back by popular demand this year at ArtsQuest, the CAA is excited to bring its virtual Art on Demand series to the event. Art on Demand LIVE interactive one-two hour workshops, presented by The Alys Foundation, are scheduled throughout the festival weekend and include some of our most watched and best-loved instructors. Participants can take a painting session with local artists Justin Gaffrey and Justin Gaffrey, Jr., and more. Workshops are ticketed separately and registration is available at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. ArtsQuest is a rain or shine event open to the public Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. A $5 - $10 donation per person is requested at the gate. A list of artists, the entertainment schedule and other details will be available online at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/arts-quest. ArtsQuest and Under the Sea are supported by Grand Blvd. Town Center, Visit South Walton, Merrill Lynch, Morning Star Foundation, Florida Arts & Culture, First National Bank, Latitude Margaritaville, Seaside Yacht Club and Emerald Coast Magazine. The 11th Annual Longleaf Writers Conference will take place in Seaside, Fla and in other venues May 13 through 20, featuring award-winning, visiting authors Rebecca Makkai and Kwame Dawes with other special guests including literary agents Alex Glass and Jade Wong-Baxter. Full conference registrations and a la carte seminars are available, along with options to participate in special events throughout the week, including personal consultations, readings and more. Register and purchase tickets online at LongleafWritersConference.com. Come experience the more intimate side of Emerald Coast Storytellers: face to face, pen to paper, fingers to keys on Thursday, May 18. No matter where you are on your own writing journey, this event is open to all. We'll be upstairs at Distillery 98 armed with our pens, journals, and laptops, and ready to talk shop and get to work. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a brief discussion followed by breakout time to work on individual projects or an optional writing prompt. The event is free to attend, but rsvp’s are encouraged. For more information, visit EmeraldCoastStorytellers.com. Celebrating its 16th anniversary, 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 event takes place Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20. 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. Join Sinfonia Gulf Coast on Sunday, May 28 from 6 – 9:30 p.m. in Alys Beach for the popular Sinfonia Goes Pop event. Enjoy an evening featuring powerhouse vocalist and recording artist Morgan James with guest Ryan Shaw bring the classic sounds of Memphis alive with Symphonic Soul as Sinfonia Gulf Coast performs a free concert in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. The “doors” open at 6 p.m., and the music will begin at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. Remember to bring blankets or low back chairs for comfortable seating. For more information visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org. Art Month Walton sponsors include Visit South Walton, Grand Boulevard Town Center, Florida Arts & Culture, Merrill Lynch, Morning Star Foundation, The Alys Foundation and Zehnder Communications. Additional event sponsors are listed on individual event websites. For more information on all Art Month events, please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/art-month. ART MONTH WALTON SCHEDULE MAY 5 FOSTER GALLERY FÊTE AT MIRAMAR BEACH CREATIVE CAMPUS 13370 U.S. HWY 98, Miramar Beach 5 - 7 p.m. MAY 5 - 14 THE SOUND OF MUSIC Emerald Coast Theatre Company 560 Grand Boulevard, Upstairs, Miramar Beach MAY 11 EMERALD COAST STORYTELLERS OPEN MIC NIGHT Distillery 98, 835 Serenoa Rd, Santa Rosa Beach 5 - 8 p.m. MAY 11 ‘UNDER THE SEA’ FUNDRAISER WITH THE CLEVERLYS BENEFITING THE UNDERWATER MUSEUM OF ART Grand Park, 600 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach 6 - 9 p.m. MAY 13 - 14 35th ANNUAL ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Town Center in Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach Saturday, May 13: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 14: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. MAY 13 – 20 LONGLEAF WRITERS CONFERENCE Academic Village and other locations in Seaside, FL MAY 18 EMERALD COAST STORYTELLERS AFTER-HOURS WRITING NIGHT Distillery 98, 835 Serenoa Rd, Santa Rosa Beach 6 - 8 p.m. MAY 19 - 20 DIGITAL GRAFFITI Alys Beach MAY 28 SINFONIA GOES POP Alys Beach 6 - 9:30 PM

ArtsQuest, the 35th annual fine arts festival produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), is pleased to announce the 2023 Festival’s Featured Artist, Dallas Primavera. His custom artworks titled “Awaiting Luka'', "Hamlet" and “Morning Glory Humming” will be the featured images on all ArtsQuest marketing materials. Primavera’s work will be featured at ArtsQuest, a Mother’s Day weekend tradition taking place May 13th & 14th in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center and North Park. Primavera was the 2022 ArtsQuest "Judges Choice" winner. His paintings are inspired by what happens in his daily life. “ I enjoy bright and dark colors, life and death, insects and flowers,” he said. “I also enjoy telling a good story which I’ve mastered in the form of my color code. On every painting there’s a key of 26 dots in 26 different colors that represent A thru Z. When you look for the dots in my paintings, you can decipher what I am saying to you. The pandemic pushed me towards full time painting. I am currently traveling around the entire state of Florida trying to make a name for myself. To be the Featured Artist at ArtQuest is an absolute honor. It makes me feel I am headed in the right direction.” “The CAA is proud to feature Dallas and his work, which represents the beauty and darkness of life with vibrancy and mystery,” said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “Our team was drawn to so many of his works that instead of choosing just one piece to feature during Art Month and the 35th anniversary of ArtsQuest, we selected three, each with a different story and subject but representative of the diverse, quality, interesting, beautiful work that can be found at ArtsQuest.” ArtsQuest will feature over 120 other artists exhibiting and selling their work in Grand Boulevard’s North Park. Mediums include Ceramics, Sculpture, Glass, Oils, Acrylics, Mixed Media, Photography, Sculpture, Metal and Wood, Jewelry, Works on Paper, and more. These exhibiting artists from around the United States will compete for awards and cash prizes totaling $10,000 that will be decided by distinguished guest judges including April Fitzpatrick, Mixed-Media Visual Artist; Jayson Kretzer, Professional Cartoonist, Designer, and Executive Director of the Bay Arts Alliance; and Ryan Sanchez, Artist and Professor at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). The Festival will offer art demonstrations, a CAA member gallery featuring many artists from The Foster Gallery and other regional artists, a Walton County student exhibit, a special exhibit from the CAA’s Prison Art program, continuous live music and entertainment, and “ImagiNation: where kids rule.” Continuing this year is the popular Art on Demand Live series featuring educational sessions throughout the weekend with local artists including Justin Gaffrey and Justin Gaffrey, Jr. Interested participants may register for these sessions on the Cultural Arts Alliance website in advance of the event. A full cash bar will be available throughout the weekend in Grand Park. ArtsQuest is part of Art Month Walton County, a collaboration of visual, performing and literary arts events presented in diverse formats and venues throughout Walton County in May. Art Month Walton also includes “Under the Sea” - a fundraiser for the Underwater Museum of Art, Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, the Longleaf Writers Conference, an Open Mic Night with Emerald Coast Storytellers, Sinfonia Goes Pop, The Sound of Music - a production from Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Gallery events and more. Presented by Grand Boulevard Town Center, with additional support from Visit South Walton, Florida Arts & Culture, The Alys Foundation, Latitude Margaritaville, First National Bank, Merrill Lynch, Morning Star Foundation, Seaside Yacht Club and Emerald Coast Magazine, 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. Sponsorships are still available, and interested businesses can contact Gabby@culturalartsalliance.com for more information. 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 Art Month events, which are supported in part by Visit South Walton.

As a current member of the Cultural Arts Alliance, you are invited to present up to three pieces of your artwork, for sale or display, in the CAA Member Art Tent during the 35th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival alongside over 120 juried artists. The Festival begins Saturday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. and runs through Sunday, May 14 at 5:00 p.m. and is being held in Grand Boulevard Town Center. If you are interested, and your work is of a caliber to show in a Fine Arts Festival, please read our requirement guidelines below carefully. There will be a CAA Members "Best in Show” winner who will receive a $100 award. The CAA will accept original art in any medium, including paintings, photography, glass art, wood, baskets, fiber, fabric art, metal art, and pottery. The first 40 applicants in the order in which they were received will be accepted. Requirement Guidelines: 1. In order to exhibit, you must be a current CAA Member. Not yet a member? No problem! Join online today. 2. To be an exhibiting member artist, you are required to volunteer four hours during the show. Volunteers are not guaranteed to be stationed at the Member Tent and could be assigned to help out in other capacities of ArtsQuest. 3. No prints or Giclée prints of Paintings or Watercolors. Gallery Wrap paintings not framed must have 1.5 inch sides. Photography printed on Gallery Wrap Canvas with 1.5 inch sides is acceptable as well as printed, matted, and framed photography. One of a kind original. 4. Limit is 3 pieces per artist, with a maximum size of 30” X 40,” which includes the frame. This includes Photography. More art may be accepted if space permits. You may bring five pieces of art if small, handmade pieces of Marble, Glass Art, Wood, Baskets, Metal Art, Fiber, Fabric Art and Pottery which will be displayed on a table or stand. 5. Artwork is to be delivered to the Member Tent in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin FRIDAY, May 12th, between Noon and 3:00 p.m. All pieces to be hung MUST arrive ready for hanging with appropriate frame, hardware and wire attached. ”D” Rings preferred. Saw-teeth hooks are not permitted. Do not bring ”S” hooks, no longer needed. 6. IDENTIFICATION is required on each piece. We suggest a business card or index card be attached to the right back and front bottom right, including Name of Artist, Title, Medium, Size and Firm Price, including sales tax. Artists are responsible for reporting their sales tax (7%). 7. NOTE: CAA is not responsible for selling items that are not clearly priced. 8. This show is limited to "fine art” categories only. Crafts and food items will not be accepted. 9. Artists are responsible for monitoring weather and picking up their art in case of inclement weather. 10. All artwork must be picked up Sunday, May 14th between 5 and 6 p.m. The submission deadline is Sunday, April 30 and the application can be accessed by clicking the button below. 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. CAA is pleased to offer our members this wonderful opportunity to display and sell their work as a membership benefit, and has a value of $110. We look forward to receiving your application! Allie Anderson Events Director Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Donnelle Clark Member Artist Tent Chair 2023 ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival 850.687.9210 To learn more about the 35th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, click here.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) continues to celebrate its 30th year of fostering creativity with the announcement of further expansion of its programs and services with the addition of its Digital Creative Campus and new program partnership with Emerald Coast Storytellers. Arts Education is at the heart of the CAA and the Digital Creative Campus is a natural, necessary extension of its in-person educational programming and its popular Art on Demand experience which garnered over 500,000 views since launching in April 2020 in response to the pandemic. “The CAA believes the Arts should be accessible to all, and through technology and innovation the Digital Creative Campus can break down geographic & access barriers while being a resource to our partners and teaching artists,” said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “The CAA will offer a series of arts related virtual learning opportunities consisting of classes, demonstrations, and other learning events led by creative professionals, including many at no cost.” The Digital Creative Campus allows the CAA to expand its reach by bringing the arts to those who previously may have been unable to participate. The program also provides economic opportunity for our talented creative community. The world has become more technologically savvy and everything, including the arts, has been impacted. The Digital Creative Campus provides an innovative approach to leverage technology advances to strengthen our community by securing our spot on the map as a culturally diverse destination. Online offerings include both paid and free courses. To view the courses and register, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com. Another exciting expansion is the CAA’s new partnership with Emerald Coast Storytellers (ECS). As part of its mission to foster the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the Arts in Walton County, the CAA may establish program partnerships with mission-aligned nonprofit and for-profit organizations in support of its vision for a thriving Walton County in which everyone can experience the power of the Arts. ECS is a local writers group that seeks to provide uniquely curated events revolving around the written and spoken word. Their mission is to help locals and visitors alike discover, foster, and reignite their creative passions – both on and off the page. They offer literary programming such as writing nights, open mic opportunities, writing workshops, story-pairing dinners and more. ECS co-founders Ali Diamond and Kristy Holditch shared, “Emerald Coast Storytellers is beyond thrilled to be linking arms with The Cultural Arts Alliance as a new Cornerstone Program. The CAA, like Emerald Coast Storytellers, seeks to foster the many sparks of creativity, inspiration, and beauty that only art can achieve. We can't wait to see what we're able to accomplish with this partnership." “The CAA is proud to partner with Emerald Coast Storytellers, a group with a shared mission and vision,” said Steele. “These partnerships are essential to Walton County’s growth as a home and destination for the Arts, and we hope it is the first of many collaborations with stellar organizations and groups like ECS that are working to build a vibrant, creative community.”

CALL TO ARTISTS The Cultural Arts Alliance is calling all artists who are current members of the CAA to submit an application to be considered for the 2023 Summer Rotation of The Foster Gallery located in the CAA's Miramar Beach Creative Campus scheduled to run May 17 - August 11, 2023. Please study the criteria and submit application ONLINE prior to 11 pm on Sunday, April 30, 2023. ABOUT THE FOSTER GALLERY The Foster Gallery is named for the late Susan Foster, a founder of the Cultural Arts Alliance.  The gallery is part of the Miramar Beach Creative Campus featuring regional artist rotations on a quarterly basis as well as special exhibitions. The Foster Gallery at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus will also host artist receptions and openings, workshops in J. Leon Studio, events, and serve as a community gathering point symbolizing the support the CAA strives to give artists in our community, including those who are members of the CAA. GALLERY LOCATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION The gallery is located at 11370 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach, FL  32550. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 11 AM – 5 PM. HOW IT WORKS Twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) artists will be selected for each rotation. Artists are not required to work at the gallery, however, they must be a current member of the CAA (members do not have to be local). Exhibiting artists will be asked to participate in additional paid and volunteer opportunities, including teaching a workshop, live demonstrations at events, participating in artist talks, and other opportunities at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus. Artists are encouraged to attend their rotation opening reception and the First Friday Foster Gallery Fêtes. 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. The gallery features ongoing special exhibitions throughout the year and may also host invitationals at the CAA’s discretion. TIMELINE Call to Artists:  Apr. 12 – Apr. 30, 2023 Artist notification:  May 5, 2023 Art drop off:  May 16, 2023 Rotation begins: May 17, 2023 First Friday Fêtes: June 2 2023, July 7, 2023 and August 4, 2023 Rotation Ends August 11, 2023 at 5 PM Art Pick-Up: August 12, 2023 ARTIST CRITERIA Accepted artists MUST meet the following criteria: Artist must be a current member of the CAA. Membership is open to all artists, regardless of location. Not a member yet? Join today! Artists are required to submit work(s) they will be bringing in to the Gallery for that rotation. Artist must drop off artwork on specified date. Artist must pick-up artwork on specified date. Artist must be available to attend gallery events and receptions. All exhibited work must be original work created by the applying artist. All exhibited work must be for sale. Prints and giclees are not allowed on the exhibit walls (except photography). Artist must have a specified number of pieces (to be determined prior to the rotation start date) on exhibit at any given time throughout rotation. 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 Friday, April 30,  2023. 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) is excited to announce tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated annual Valentine Tour of Homes. The tour is known for providing a rare opportunity to enter some of Walton County’s most interesting residences, showcasing stunning interiors, acclaimed architectural design and picturesque settings, which are sure to bring inspiration to tour goers’ winter beach weekend. To kick-off this year’s tour, the CAA is hosting an educational presentation presented by Sherwin Williams. Inspired by influential inventors along the shores of the world’s most beautiful beaches, ColorMix Forecast 2023 brings together drivers for design to network and hear from the most instrumental leaders in the industry. Interior designers, architects, realtors and artists alike are invited to attend the first annual event on Friday, February 10 from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Stock & Trade Design Co. Tickets are on sale now for $50 per person and include beverages and light refreshments. Continuing education credit is available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. “The ColorMix Forecast is a perfect addition to the CAA’s popular Tour of Homes weekend event,” said CAA Events Director Allie Anderson. “The event is an excellent opportunity to network with industry leaders, earn a CEU credit and also gain insight on upcoming trends in Northwest Florida. We are thrilled to celebrate the economic growth in the region alongside our partners and offer an incredible event to the design community.” Sherwin Williams Color Director Sue Wadden shares, ”People are leaning into creative expression and are more open to using color in interiors, and therefore we’re seeing a shift away from traditional neutrals as collectively we start to embrace color. I believe the last couple of years have opened many doors for color exploration as people become more confident with color, which I love to see!” Following the Friday ColorMix Forecast event, the two day self-guided Tour of Homes is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tour tickets are $40 in advance through Sunday, February 5 and $50 beginning Monday, February 6 through the event weekend. Each ticket is valid for the entire weekend with one entry per house. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the CAA’s website, CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. Tickets will also be available for purchase at all of the homes throughout the weekend. A digital program that includes home addresses, directions and design details will be available on the CAA’s website prior to the Tour. The 2023 Valentine Tour of Homes weekend is presented by Visit South Walton with additional support from the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, Merrill Lynch, Morning Star Foundation and Emerald Coast Magazine. All net proceeds benefit the CAA's ‘Art For All’ Program, which provides support to Walton County schools, teachers, students, artists and arts organizations to further arts education in the community. Please note that all homes on the Tour are private residences. Please notify the CAA office in advance for questions regarding accessibility, and best efforts will be made for accommodations. To volunteer, visit culturalartsalliance.com/volunteer. Volunteers receive a complimentary event ticket.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is excited to announce that the one-of-a-kind comedy/music group, The Cleverlys, will headline the 5th Annual “Under The Sea” fundraiser for the Underwater Museum of Art. “Under the Sea” will take place on Thursday, May 11th, 6:00 - 9:00 PM, in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center and is the official kick-off party for Art Month Walton County, a month-long celebration of the Arts that includes many diverse cultural events throughout the month of May. Funds raised from “Under The Sea'' ticket sales and sponsorships will benefit the fifth deployment of sculptures into the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), a collaborative project with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) and the nation’s first permanent dedicated sculpture museum, recognized as one of TIME magazine’s 2018 100 World’s Greatest Places as well as one of National Geographic’s Best Trips 2019. Event headliners The Cleverlys are a faux-family band of accomplished musicians from a remote part of the Ozark Mountains putting their unique bluegrass spin on cover songs from any genre. The Cleverlys’ set list includes genius arrangements of tunes like Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” a medley of Blackstreet’s “No Diggity,” and Flo Rida’s “Low” that recently went viral on Facebook, with over 11 million views. They have traveled the globe, if the globe only consisted of the United States, performing at music venues and some of the nation’s largest festivals like Stagecoach, Telluride, CMA Music Fest and even the Grand Ole Opry. The band has also headlined the 30A Wine Festival’s Bourbon, Beer & Butts event in Alys Beach. Opening the event stage will be Stormfolk, an alternative folk band with siblings Mick Grocholl and Kaylyn Hastings, alongside Preston Czygan. Based in Pensacola, Florida, the band combines a singer/songwriter-feel with folk, bluegrass, rock, and pop, crafting their unique sound. In addition to continuous live music, “Under The Sea” party-goers will have an exclusive chance to meet the 2023 UMA artists and see several of the original works they have created before the sculptures are deployed to the UMA site over the summer. Special food menu items from some of South Walton’s most popular restaurants and celebrated Chefs will be available, along with a cash bar featuring signature cocktails, wine, and beer. Tickets are $60 per person in advance and $75 per person day of the event and are on sale now at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. The “Under The Sea '' event is produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County with support from Visit South Walton, Grand Boulevard Town Center, First National Bank, Latitude Margaritaville, Seaside Yacht Club and Word of Mouth Restaurant Group. A few event and sculpture sponsorships are still available, and those interested can contact Gabby Callaway at Gabby@culturalartsalliance.com for more details. The UMA is a project of the CAA’s 'Art in Public Spaces' program created in partnership with SWARA with the purpose to create marine habitat and expand fishery populations while providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors in South Walton. The 2023 UMA installation will include the following pieces of sculpture: Quantum Reef by Chris Chubb (Tallahassee, FL), Space Nest by Frank Henderson (Evanston, IL), Welcome Home by Zachery Long (Oklahoma City, OK), Madam Nature by Andrew Luy (Huntsville, AL), Cetacean Remains by Pat Mclain (Stone Mountain, GA), One Tree by Ann Moeller Steverson (Huntsville, AL) Opus by Allison Wickey (Santa Rosa Beach, FL). Select sculptures will be on display at the fundraiser and throughout the weekend during the 35th annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center May 13th and 14th and will then be transferred to Orange Beach, AL to be prepared for their deployment into the Gulf this summer to expand the museum as they join the previously deployed 34 sculptures. The UMA site is located less than one mile off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park in a one-acre permit patch of seabed. The project is produced with support from Visit South Walton, Florida Arts and Culture, Merrill Lynch, Morning Star Foundation, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, and the Ellis Family. For more information and tickets, visit UMAFL.org or CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County is calling food truck / food vendors to submit an application for consideration to be selected as a food vendor to service the ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival event attendees, May 13 & 14, 2023. The event will take place in Grand Boulevard's Town Center in Miramar Beach, FL on Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Vendors will be curated to provide food and non-alcoholic beverage options for purchase by the Festival crowd, which will range in size from 3,000 - 5,000 throughout the course of each day. Get more details and access the vendor application ► ► HERE ◀ ◀ The submission deadline is Friday, April 14. ABOUT THE EVENT Celebrating its 35th year in 2023, the ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is a multi-faceted cultural event, featuring work by over 120 national and local artists, live music and performing arts ensembles, artist demonstrations, Art on Demand educational art projects for children and adults, as well as delicious food offerings. The Festival is held in South Walton, FL, an affluent vacation and residential destination. Proceeds benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Details can be found at CulturalArtsAlliance.com.