CALL TO ARTISTS The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is calling artists who are current members of the CAA to submit ONE piece of art for our upcoming Special Exhibit, Up for Interpretation Abstract Exhibition, beginning April 18 and going through June 12, 2023. It should showcase what you feel represents the best of your work. This call is open to CAA member artists. If you aren't yet a member, please visit our website to join. The submitted piece(s) must be original, showcase the best of your work, can be aged or fresh, but must not have been displayed in any exhibition, and may utilize a variety of mediums. 2D work must be dry and ready to hang with wire attached for hanging. CRITERIA If submissions do not meet the following criteria, they will not be considered for the show. All exhibited work must be original. No print reproductions accepted. Artwork must be appropriate to the general public and family-friendly. 2D & 3D Paintings: Dimensions (Height + Width) may not exceed 72" including frames. (i.e. 36" X 36" = 72", the maximum size including the frame) Unframed gallery-wrapped canvas is acceptable only if it is at least 1.5 inches deep and the sides are completely painted. Paintings must be properly mounted with D Rings and wired. NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS. Selling your piece is not mandatory; however if the piece is for sale, the artist agrees to a 60% Artist / 40% CAA split. If your painting sells, you are encouraged to bring a replacement. TIMELINE Call to artists: March 6 - April 3, 2023 Artist Instruction Letter: April 10, 2023 Art delivery to Foster Gallery: April 18, 2023 Show opens: April 18, 2023 Opening reception: Friday, June 2; 5-7 p.m. Show ends: June 12, 2023 Mandatory Art pick-up: June 12, 2023, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm 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 13370 Emerald Coast Pkwy (Hwy 98), Miramar Beach, FL  32550. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application ONLINE before 11 pm April 3,  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) invites visual artists of all disciplines to apply to participate in the juried 35th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival planned for May 13th and 14th, 2023 in south Walton County, along Northwest Florida’s beaches. 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. “We are excited to embrace our 35th year of creativity in the community, a passion for art and an event that brings extraordinary artists and art collectors together," said CAA Events Director Allie Anderson. "We look forward to celebrating and recognizing the craftsmanship and vibrant artistry ArtsQuest brings to Walton County.” Artists may apply in the categories of Mixed Media, Oils, Acrylics, Works on Paper, Photography, Wood, Metal, 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 February 20, 2023. ARTISTS MAY APPLY TO THE EVENT AT: Zapplication.org ArtsQuest Artist benefits include: Limited to 200 juried artists Attendance of 5,000 quality art buyers $10,000 in cash prizes Program listing Exceptional artist hospitality 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 Fine Arts Festival is a featured event for Art Month Walton County with a reputation of artist centered promotion and execution and as such implements an extensive festival media plan directed to drive and fly markets including print, radio, digital and social media advertising, in addition to local signage. These marketing efforts combined with artist benefits, exceptional location and repeat local and visiting educated patrons who are eager to get to know and purchase makers' works make this long running and highly anticipated event a must on the calendar for artists of exceptional quality. 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 helps to fulfill our mission to bring high-quality artistic experiences to the community. Call the CAA office at 850-622-5970 for details.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce the regional artists recently chosen to exhibit their original work in The Foster Gallery’s Spring Rotation, which runs February 1st through May 27th, 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, February 3rd 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. There will also be a live palette knife demonstration by Artist Kathy Schumacher. The selected featured artists are Wanda Azzario-Goldberg, Gisselle Barnhart, Jessica Batson, Dorothea Berkhout, Stephanie Bloyd, Melody Bogle, Kathleen Broaderick, Patricia Bufkin, Lucinda Bunn, Gayle Campbell, Donnelle Clark, Skip Deems, Kim Eifrid, Elena Filshtinska, Jenny Guerra & Jessica Batson, Wes Hinds, Pamela Hutton, Capri Boyle Jones, Hattie Kennedy, Linda Kernick, Sue Knight, Betsy Latham, Sharon Long, Susan Lucas, Robyn Martins, Mindy McClendon, Theresia McInnis, Linda Kaye Moriarty, Merry Beth Myrick, Ed Nickerson, Marian Pacsuta Norris, Patti Overholt, Courtney Panzer, William Polley, Bailey Rathmann, Mary Redmann, Melissa Rovner, Kathy Schumacher, Kristine Senft, Pam Singh, Barbara Suhadolnick, The Salty Sparrow, Laura Tuvyana and Karen Williams. All rotation artists are members of the Cultural Arts Alliance. All works exhibited in the gallery are for sale, and many works will be online soon for viewing and purchase on the CAA website at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/foster-gallery. Curbside pick-up is available. 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 on rental of the Miramar Beach Creative Campus for private events, call 850.842.3051 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

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 2023 Spring Rotation of The Foster Gallery located in the CAA's Miramar Beach Creative Campus scheduled to run February 1 - May 27, 2023. Please study the criteria and submit application ONLINE prior to 11 pm on Friday, January 20, 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:  Dec. 28, 2022 – Jan. 20, 2023 Artist notification:  Jan. 24, 2023 Art drop off:  Jan. 31, 2023 Rotation begins: Feb. 1, 2023 First Friday Fêtes: Feb. 3 2023, Mar. 3, 2023, Apr. 7, 2023 and May 5, 2023 Rotation Ends May 27, 2023 at 5 PM Art Pick-Up: May 29-30, 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, Jan. 20,  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 is calling food truck / food vendors to submit an application for consideration to be selected as one of 5-6 food vendors to service the 30A Songwriters Festival Main Stage venue, January 14 & 15, 2023. The Festival's Main Stage is located in Grand Boulevard's Town Center in Miramar Beach, FL and will feature Headline acts on Saturday, January 14th and Sunday, January 15th. Approximate hours of operation are 11:00am - 5:00pm Up to six 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 Monday, December 19. ABOUT THE EVENT More than 5,000 music lovers come together over Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend in January to attend the 30A Songwriters Festival. This unique event is a four day music extravaganza featuring over 175 songwriters and musicians performing original songs in various genres ranging from country to Americana and folk as well as blues and soul in over 30 dedicated listening rooms on historic Highway 30A in South Walton. The Festival, produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) and Russell Carter Artist Management (RCAM), brings together nearly every South Walton community and many businesses to showcase our home as a destination not only for the beauty of its beaches but also for the wealth of its artistic cultural offerings. 2023 Headline Stage Artists include Lyle Lovett, The Gin Blossoms, Rickie Lee Jones, Yola, Steve Earle and Morgan Wade. Past performers include Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, Brian Wilson, John Prine, Indigo Girls, Brandi Carlile, Graham Nash, Grace Potter, Jason Isbell, Ann Wilson, the Bangles, Cheap Trick, Lucinda Williams, Roseanne Cash, Steve Earle, Shawn Mullins, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Patty Griffin, among many more. 100% of the Festival’s net proceeds benefit the CAA allowing it to continue to be a champion for the arts throughout Walton County. Visit 30ASongwritersFestival.com for additional festival information.

Our team works hard to foster creativity and bring awareness to the Arts in Walton County. We are so thankful for the role you've played in helping to move our mission forward! Last week, we officially kicked off our 30th year with the Pearl Party celebration and launch of our '30K for 30' fundraising campaign. The campaign aims to raise $30,000 by June 30, 2023 to increase the organization’s Art For All educational funding by 30% in its 30th year. In the last year alone, we have granted thousands of dollars through the Art For All program to students, teachers, artists and arts organizations; produced five large scale community-wide cultural events; expanded our Art in Public Spaces program with the launch of the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail, added eight new sculpture to the nation's first Underwater Museum of Art and facilitated the creation of several new murals throughout the County; expanded our Prison Art Program; provided employment opportunities for more than 800 artists of all disciplines; hosted hundreds of education classes both online and in person for learners of all ages and skill levels; and grown the CAA's footprint to include the 5,000 sq. ft. Miramar Beach Creative Campus which is home to The Foster Gallery + J. Leon Studio. This year, when you give to the CAA on #GivingTuesday, your donation supports our '30k for 30' campaign! The CAA continues to recognize the importance of supporting, stimulating and encouraging the arts to thrive in our community. In fact, it's been our passion since the very start. In 1993, a group of artists, community volunteers and art lovers organized the very first Flutterby Arts Festival in order to energize and inspire the arts in Walton County. Through the years this founding vision has grown into the Art For All program. Over the last three decades through Art For All, the CAA has granted $750,000 impacting tens of thousands of people through annual funding opportunities for students, teachers, artists and arts organizations - and we're just getting started! We invite you to help us continue to energize and encourage our creative community by joining us for #GivingTuesday. ONE WEEK from today on Tuesday, November 29, you can donate and spread the word on your social channels to inspire others to collaborate in strengthening our community by giving back to the Cultural Arts Alliance. Your support is essential and very much appreciated!

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce the artists recently chosen to exhibit their original work in The Foster Gallery’s CAA Member Juried Exhibition, which runs November 15th , 2022 through February 24th, 2023 in its new 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, December 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 featured artists are Stephanie Bloyd, Melody Bogle, Patricia Bufkin, Donnelle Clark, Kim Cleveland, Katherine Duda, Kim Eifrid, Elena Filshtinska, Amy Fogg, Victoria Guennewig, Ruta Janiulis, Capri Boyle Jones, Sue Knight, Betsy Latham, Ginger Laughlin, Sharon Long, Bonita Loman, Susan Lucas, Robyn Martins, Sherri McKendree, Linda Moriarty, Patti Overholt, Helene Pappas, Bailey Rathmann, Mary Redmann, Kathy Schumacher, Dorothy Starbuck, Annette Taunton, Laura Tuvyana and Karen Williams. All exhibition artists are members of the Cultural Arts Alliance. Most works 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 Foster Gallery is newly 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, call 850.842.3051 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is pleased to announce the launch of its 30K for 30 campaign in celebration of its 30th Anniversary. The campaign aims to raise $30,000 by June 30, 2023 to increase the organization’s Art For All educational funding by 30% in its 30th year. 30K for 30 will officially kick off at the Pearl Party on Friday, November 18th in Alys Beach. The CAA officially formed in 1993 with a dedicated volunteer group of creative pioneers committed to supporting local artists and funding arts education in Walton County by offering year-round annual programming. 30 years later, the CAA is a designated 501 c (3) nonprofit organization and the certified Local Arts Agency for Walton County, Florida. The CAA has grown exponentially, fine-tuning its traditions while adding programs and services. Headquartered in the Bayou Arts Center at the Santa Rosa Beach Creative Campus where art education is offered year-round, the CAA’s programming includes: 30A Songwriters Festival, Valentine Tour of Homes, Art Month Walton County, ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art, Art in Public Spaces, Art on Demand, Art For All funding, a Prison Art Program, the Miramar Beach Creative Campus home to The Foster Gallery + J. Leon Studios, and a new Digital Creative Campus. The Art for All program provides funding opportunities for students, teachers, professional artists of all disciplines and arts organizations. “With the growth of the organization over the last three decades, the CAA has also steadily grown this cornerstone program from granting hundreds of dollars per year to now tens of thousands of dollars annually impacting over 7,000 children,” said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “To date, the CAA has granted three quarters of a million dollars through this program, and with the support of our community we look forward to increasing this investment in children, artists and arts education.” The community is invited to attend the CAA’s inaugural Pearl Party for the campaign launch. Named for the iconic symbol of strength gained through time and experience (and the classic 30th anniversary gift), the Pearl Party will take place Friday, November 18th on Kelly Green in Alys Beach featuring live music by Soul/Blues band Eddie 9V, a full cash bar, food trucks, a live art demo with Lindsay Tobias, and more. So put on your favorite pearls, bring a chair, and help us celebrate! Tickets are only $25 for CAA members and $50 for soon-to-be members. A few VIP packages for six remain that include a reserved cocktail table and concert seating plus swag bag goodies. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. CAA Member and VIP ticket purchasers are invited to attend a special VIP Pre-Party from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. featuring live music with Max McCann, the CAA’s annual awards presentation for Arts Partner of the Year, Arts Teacher of the Year and Volunteers of the Year as well as champagne, beer, wine, raw oysters and light bites on us! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for general admission ticket holders with Blues/Soul Artist Eddie 9V and his full band set to take the stage from 7:15 - 9:00 p.m. Event goers can enjoy a live art demonstration from Lindsay Tobias, food truck offerings from My Ohana, Sports To Geaux, Henry’s Pizza and Gelato Love, plus a full cash bar featuring a signature cocktail artfully crafted especially for the occasion. The CAA thanks Alys Beach and the Alys Beach Foundation for their continuous support of the CAA and the Pearl Party. Additional Pearl Party support is provided by Florida Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture and Aqua Medical Spa. For more information or to make an online campaign contribution, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

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 Fall/Winter Rotation, which runs November 1st , 2022 through February 10th, 2023 in its new 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, November 4th 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 Gisselle Barnhart, Dorothea Berkhout, Stephanie Bloyd, Melody Bogle, Gayle Campbell, Chulynda Castellanos, Donnelle Clark, Skip Deems, Marlene East, Kim Eifrid, Elena Filshtinska, Hardware by Merry, Wes Hinds, Capri Boyle Jones, Linda Kernick, Sue Knight, Betsy Latham, Ginger Laughlin, Sharon Long, Susan Lucas, Robyn Martins, Mindy McClendon, Lennon Michalski, Lynette Moody, Patti Overholt, Marian Pacsuta, William Polley, Neda Raeisian, Mary Redmann, Kathy Schumacher, Pam Singh, Barbara Suhadolnick, The Salty Sparrow, Laura Tuvyana, Jenna Varney, Allison Wickey and Karen Williams. All rotation 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 Foster Gallery is newly 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, call 850.842.3051 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

We are very pleased to announce the initial round of confirmed artists for the 14th Annual 2023 30A Songwriters Festival! Headliners will include legendary artists: LYLE LOVETT, GIN BLOSSOMS, RICKIE LEE JONES, YOLA, STEVE EARLE, and MORGAN WADE. Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums since his self-titled debut in 1986. A singer, composer, and actor, the four-time Grammy award-winning musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. This January, Lovett will take to the mainstage at Grand Boulevard to perform a career-spanning set ranging from early hits like “If I Had a Boat” and “Cowboy Man” to selections from 2022’s 12th of June. Gin Blossoms’ fusion of melodic rock, folk, and country elements helped pave the way for the modern rock of today. Their five-time platinum breakthrough New Miserable Experience contained instant classics like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Allison Road” and established them as one of the great songwriting bands of their generation. Renowned live performers, playing over 100 tour dates a year, Gin Blossoms will treat the 30A audience to a string of singalong hits like “Til I Hear It From You,” “Follow You Down,” and “As Long As It Matters,” as well as cuts from their latest release Mixed Reality. Rickie Lee Jones charmed two sold-out evening audiences at last year's festival and she's returning this year to perform on the headline stage with an additional special evening performance. Her acclaimed memoir Last Chance Texaco released in 2021 is “as rich and colorful as Jones’s best lyrics,” writes The New York Times. The two-time Grammy winner, known for her haunting voice that ranges from deep yearning to late-night sultry, first appeared on the Los Angeles scene in the mid-1970s penning instant classics like “Chuck E.'s In Love,” “Danny’s All-Star Joint,” and the pivotal breakup album Pirates. Morgan Wade is taking the world by storm with her acclaimed debut album Reckless (Produced by Jason Isbell + the 400 Unit guitarist Sadler Vaden and Paul Ebersold), hit singles "Wilder Days" and "Run," and a sold out cross-country tour. But Wade didn’t start writing to be a sensation, for critical acclaim, or massive concert tours. She wrote to speak her truth, to save her own life – and perhaps throw a rope to others who are struggling. Wade has a voice The FADER lauds is “like a jagged blade, sharp enough to draw blood but lustrous under the light” while The New York Times declares “she sounds like she’s singing from the depths of history.” Wade's 30A debut is your chance to see a major star on the rise. Steve Earle needs little introduction. One of America’s most gifted living songwriters, the three-time Grammy winner has released twenty-two albums and amassed one of the most beloved songwriting catalogs of all time during his four-decade career. Multi-platinum successes “Copperhead Road” and “Guitar Town” are just the tip of the iceberg. Earle’s songs have been recorded by such music legends as Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Carl Perkins, Waylon Jennings, Vince Gill and Joan Baez. Throughout his career, Earle has also become a novelist, a film, TV and stage actor, a playwright, a short story author, a record producer and a radio host. His latest release, Jerry Jeff pays tribute to legendary outlaw singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker. Yola achieved breakout success with her critically acclaimed debut album Walk Through Fire in 2019. Hailed as a Black British genre fluid rising star, she landed four Grammy nominations including Best New Artist for her unique blend of Americana and classic R&B and established herself as one of the best live performers on the scene. Her anthemic new album Stand for Myself is a sonic mix of symphonic soul and classic pop tracing a musical thread to Yola’s most eclectic musical inspirations. Yola made her acting debut as Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic Elvis. Introducing to the 30A Songwriters stage for the first time: AMY GRANT, TOM RUSH, BLACK OPRY REVUE, BRIAN VANDER ARK (THE VERVE PIPE), JOHN CRAIGIE, and BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN. Returning to perform two shows each throughout the weekend are songwriting legends KATHLEEN EDWARDS, SHAWN MULLINS, ADIA VICTORIA, DARYL SCOTT, LIVINGSTON TAYLOR, JOHN FULLBRIGHT, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE, JAMES McMURTRY, LILLY HIATT, TINSLEY ELLIS. Paul Thorn, Hayes Carll, John Paul White, Pat McGee, Bob Schneider, Abe Partridge, Mary Gauthier, Jonathan Byrd, Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey (the dB's), Will Hoge, Glenn Phillips, Jeffrey Steele, Chuck Prophet, Don Dixon & Marti Jones, Dan Navarro, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, Nicole Chillemi & The Jazz Legacy Project, Griffin House, Gretchen Peters, Kim Richey, Amy LaVere & Will Sexton, Will Kimbrough, Leigh Nash, Garrison Starr, Michael Tolcher, Mary Bragg, Tim Easton, Kalen & Aslyn, Cooper Carter, Crys Matthews, Certainly So, Florence Dore, Adrian Carter, John Lowell, Heather Mae, Charlie Mars, Michael McDermott, Leslie Mendelson, Eddie 9V, Amy Rigby, Side Pony, Darden Smith, The Kennedys, Pat Byrne, Levi Lowery, Meaghan Farrell, The Tall Pines, Jesse Lynn Madera, Danni Nicholls, Alice Peacock, Hannah Miller, Sammi Accola, Goldpine, and many more! We will continue to announce confirmed artists over the coming weeks as we round out the complete 2023 lineup! Festival Weekend Passes are currently available at 30aSongwritersFestival.com. VIP tickets that include premium seating on the lawn at Grand Boulevard for the headline shows on Saturday and Sunday afternoons along with access to the VIP tent serving complimentary food, beer, wine and cocktails are also available. For a full description of each ticket package including VIP mainstage and transportation packages for groups of 2 up to 12, visit 30asongwritersfestival.com.

CALL TO ARTISTS The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is calling all artists who are current members of the Cultural Arts Alliance to submit a maximum of two (2) pieces application to be considered for the 2022 CAA Member Juried Exhibition. The pieces will be juried and up to one (1) piece of work per artist will be selected for inclusion in the show, which will be exhibited and for sale at The Foster Gallery in the CAA's Miramar Beach Creative Campus from November 15, 2022 - February 24, 2023. This call is open to CAA members only. If you are not yet a member, click here to join. Membership is open to all artists, regardless of location. Cash awards will be given for Best In Show ($500), Awards of Merit ($250), Peoples' Choice ($100) and Honorable Mention ($75). 2D & 3D works are welcomed and encouraged and may include but are not limited to Oils, Acrylics, Watercolor and other Works on Paper, Mixed Media, Photography, Sculpture, Jewelry, Ceramics, Glass, Wood & Metal. 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 pre-attached wire. Please study the criteria and submit works ONLINE prior to 11 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. 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 13370 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach, FL  32550. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 11 AM – 5 PM. CRITERIA If submissions do not meet the following criteria, they will not be accepted and considered for the show: Artist must be a current member of the CAA. Membership is open to all artists, regardless of location. Not a member yet? Join today! A non-refundable jury fee of $20 is required and allows a maximum of 2 entries per artist to be considered for the show. Only one piece per artist will be selected. All exhibited work must be original within the last 3 years. No print reproductions accepted (except photography). Artwork must be appropriate for viewing by the general public and family-friendly. 2D & 3D Paintings: Dimensions (Height + Width) may not exceed 70" including frames. Unframed gallery-wrapped canvas is acceptable only if it is at least 1.5 inches deep, the sides are completely painted, and no staples are visible. Paintings must be properly mounted with D Rings and wired. No sawtooth hangers will be allowed. 3D Sculptures, Ceramics, Wood and Metal works must fit an 18” x 18” pedestal, or if free standing not take up more than 4 sq. ft. Artists may supply their own pedestal if necessary. Selling your piece is not mandatory 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: September 30 2022 - October 25, 2022 Artist notification: November 1, 2022 Art delivery to Foster Gallery: November 12, 2022 Show opens: November 15, 2022 Show ends: February 24, 2023 Mandatory Art pick-up: February 24, 2023 HOW TO APPLY Submit your application ONLINE before 11 pm Tuesday, Oct. 25,  2022. 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) invites the community to help celebrate 30 years of fostering creativity with a new signature event, the Pearl Party, featuring Blues/Soul Artist Eddie 9V in Alys Beach on Friday, November 18th. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at CulturalArtsAlliance.com. The CAA was officially formed as a private, 501 (c)3 non-profit organization in 1993 by a dedicated volunteer group of creative pioneers committed to supporting local artists and funding arts education. 30 years later, as the designated Local Arts Agency for Walton County, the CAA has grown exponentially, fine-tuning its traditions while adding programs and services. Headquartered in the Bayou Arts Center at the Santa Rosa Beach Creative Campus and offering year-round arts education, the CAA’s programming and services include: 30A Songwriters Festival, Valentine Tour of Homes, Art Month Walton County, ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, Underwater Museum of Art, Art in Public Spaces, Art on Demand, Arts Advocacy, Art For All funding, a Prison Art Program, the Miramar Beach Creative Campus home to The Foster Gallery + J. Leon Studios, and a new Digital Creative Campus. “The pearl is an iconic symbol of wisdom and strength gained through time and experience. In the last 30 years, the CAA has grown and developed into the creative pearl of our community, and this milestone is made even more special by celebrating it in beautiful and iconic Alys Beach,” said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “We invite everyone to wear their favorite pearls, put on their dancing shoes and join us for a fun and casual evening that celebrates our past and toasts our future.” The Pearl Party will take place on Kelly Green located at 23 Somerset Street in Alys Beach. Doors open to the general public at 6:30 p.m. with Eddie 9V taking the stage at 7p.m. There will be a cash bar and food trucks onsite with scrumptious offerings. Dress is casual, and pearls and low back chairs are encouraged. Tickets are $25 for CAA members and $50 for those who are not yet members. A limited number of $500 VIP packages for six are available and include a reserved table and concert seating. Tickets may be purchased in advance at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. VIP and Member admission includes access to an exclusive Member Pre-Party from 5-6:30 p.m. to enjoy a signature cocktail and light bites while we will recognize the Volunteers of the Year, Arts Educator of the Year, Arts Partner of the Year and more! To become a member and receive discounted tickets and Pre-Party access, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/join. The Pearl Party is presented by Alys Beach with additional support from the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture. Event proceeds benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County’s ‘Art For All’ Program. Additional sponsorships are available and include a table as well as reserved seating. Contact Gabby at gabby@culturalartsalliance.com for details. Volunteers are needed to help create all the fun! Please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/volunteer to sign up. For more information, please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com or call 850-622-5970. About Eddie 9V: Eddie 9V has acted on instinct all his life. At the age of 15, this longtime soul artist turned away from the path of college and jobs to go all guns blazing on the roots and blues circuit of his native Atlanta, Georgia. Flash forward to 2019, and for his debut album, Left My Soul In Memphis, the prodigious multi-instrumentalist simply turned on the amps in his double-wide trailer and teamed up with his brother/co-writer/producer, Lane Kelly, to put one of the breakout releases of the year, hailed by Rock & Blues Muse as "fresh and life-affirming.” Now, released in 2021 on Ruf Records, Little Black Flies is the 25-year-old's most impulsive move yet. Recorded live at Atlanta's Echo Deco Studios through November 2020, again with Lane at the helm, plus a who's who of the state's best musicians, it’s an album that Eddie planned to feel like it’s unfolding right in front of you – right down to the clink of bottles and loose studio banter. Eddie’s ultimate aim is to pass that spirit on to everyone who hears the record and sees him play live. “It makes my day to please someone after they work all day,” he says. “My job is to make them smile and let the music make them forget – or remember.”