The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) in partnership with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) join two of South Walton, Florida’s most cherished resources, the arts and the Gulf of Mexico, with the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). Named by TIME Magazine as one of 100 of the “World’s Greatest Places,” the UMA is the first and only permanent underwater sculpture museum in the United States. Artists are invited to submit proposals for the fifth art installation to be deployed Summer 2023. The UMA is located off the coast of Northwest Florida, less than one mile off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park in South Walton, Florida. The UMA has been featured in online and print publications including National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Travel & Leisure, Newsweek, The New York Times, and more. As part of the CAA’s Art In Public Spaces program, the UMA also augments SWARA's mission of creating marine habitat and expanding fishery populations while providing enhanced cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of Walton County residents, including students and visitors. The project is supported by Visit South Walton, the National Endowment for the Arts, Visit Florida, The Alys Foundation, and the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture. This opportunity is open to artists and artist teams. While a demonstrated history of collaboration completing large- and small-scale public art projects is preferred, all artist applications will be considered. Following the application deadline, the CAA will convene a panel of arts and marine environment specialists to review the applications and select proposals for completion and installation. The selected artists will be commissioned to develop design proposals and create a 3D piece of original artwork to be permanently installed in the Underwater Museum of Art. Each artist will receive a $7,500 stipend inclusive of design fees, materials, labor, fabrication, construction, packing materials, shipping, and transportation. Once selections are made, artists will be notified and have approximately five months to complete and deliver work to Walton County, FL where the completed sculptures may be exhibited on land before being transported to Walter Marine in Orange Beach, AL to be attached to custom pedestals. Sculptures will then be taken by barge to the Gulf and carefully submerged around 60 feet to the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. The UMA is produced in conjunction with SWARA’s existing USACOE and FDEP permitted artificial reef project that includes nine nearshore reefs located within one nautical mile of the shore in approximately 60 feet of water. The first phase of the UMA project included seven pieces of sculpture installed in June 2018 with the second phase of ten more sculptures deployed in June 2019 and the third phase, which was postponed due to the pandemic, of eight sculptures was successfully deployed in February 2021, and the fourth installation of nine more sculptures deployed in June 2022 bringing the total number of UMA sculptures to 34. Artists may learn more about the project, see photos and video of the previous installations, and submit online proposals through December 1, 2022 at UMAFL.org/call-to-artists. Interested artists must be registered with Submittable where the artist call and details are posted. For project sponsorship information, visit UMAFL.org.

*UPDATE* The position has been filled. The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is a designated Local Arts Agency supporting the Arts in Walton County, Florida through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. Embracing a comprehensive, inclusive approach allows the CAA to support established and emerging local artists in all mediums. We empower them through advocacy, growth opportunities, workshops, and the funding of our Art for All program. To help nurture creativity from a young age, our outreach provides area schools diverse resources, unique curriculums, and field trips that widen perspectives. And for all who appreciate and celebrate the value the arts bring to our community, we are constantly cultivating partnerships and sponsorships to ensure that culture is a driving force throughout Walton County. These include world-class galleries, unique museums, popular signature events and our online learning series. If we can ignite the creative spirit each of us holds - through exposure, opportunity and support - we can all make creative contributions to Walton County. The CAA seeks a highly organized, creative, motivated Program Manager for Visual Arts, Education & Outreach (VAOE) to provide leadership for a full range of current and new activities that will take place at the CAA’s new Miramar Beach Creative Campus and at offsite locations throughout Walton County, including gallery exhibits, special exhibitions, workshops, art talks, artist engagement, arts education, and outreach programs. The deadline for this application is September 15, 2022.

*UPDATE* The position has been filled. The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is a designated Local Arts Agency supporting the Arts in Walton County, Florida through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. Embracing a comprehensive, inclusive approach allows the CAA to support established and emerging local artists in all mediums. We empower them through advocacy, growth opportunities, workshops, and the funding of our Art for All program. To help nurture creativity from a young age, our outreach provides area schools diverse resources, unique curriculums, and field trips that widen perspectives. And for all who appreciate and celebrate the value the arts bring to our community, we are constantly cultivating partnerships and sponsorships to ensure that culture is a driving force throughout Walton County. These include world-class galleries, unique museums, popular signature events and our online learning series. If we can ignite the creative spirit each of us holds - through exposure, opportunity and support - we can all make creative contributions to Walton County. The CAA seeks a highly organized, creative, detail-oriented, motivated Event Director to supervise the presentation of programs and production of events in accordance with the CAA’s mission and vision. Small to large-scale events are critical to the success of the CAA and its ability to reach its goals. The Event Director is responsible for the development and implementation of current and new events and programs, annual goals and objectives, planning, committee leadership, personnel management, and budget creation and management. The deadline for application is July 15, 2022.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) announces the return of one of Walton County’s favorite fall events, the Flutterby Arts Festival, which will take place Sunday, November 13th in Watersound® Town Center. In its 30th year, the Flutterby Festival will feature many returning and new activities for kids of all ages, including arts & crafts projects, live performances, storytelling with The Rep, a student butterfly art exhibit, a butterfly wing creation station, a Monarch butterfly learning center, face painting, balloon art, family yoga, aerial arts performances, a stilt walker, carnival games, an inflatable slide and butterfly parades. Food trucks will be on site to sell lunch items and sweet treats, and beverages (for kids and their parents) will be available for purchase. Professional artists and crafters will exhibit and sell their work throughout the day, and official Flutterby merchandise featuring artwork by local student artist Ella Townley of Seaside School, will be for sale. Artists interested in exhibiting their work may apply through October 28th at culturalartsalliance.com/art-matters-blog. “It is well-known that Northwest Florida is part of the endangered Monarch butterfly’s migratory path, and the Flutterby Festival has celebrated this natural event since 1992,” said CAA Events Director Allie Anderson. “With the festival’s own migration to Watersound® Town Center, we are excited to have the space to offer even more fun for the family, including new kids’ arts and science activities, more artist exhibitors and food trucks. We invite everyone to come help us celebrate the 30th anniversaries of the Flutterby Festival and the Cultural Arts Alliance.” Admission to the Flutterby Festival is free and open to the public, and some activities require tickets, which can be purchased at the CAA welcome and information tents within the Festival. Parking, including accessible parking, will be available on-site. In advance of Sunday’s events, the CAA will offer guided tours of the newly-updated Watersound® Monarch Art Trail (WMAT) on Saturday, November 12th. The WMAT is an Art in Public Spaces project that includes eight original sculptures installed along South Watersound Parkway’s existing mile-long walking and bike path. Some elements were improved last month, including wildflower plantings along the treeline and native plant beds designed and installed by Sandhills Native Nursery. The free guided tours will include information about the artwork and the native landscape and take place at 9:30 am and 11:30 am. Guests should bring a water bottle and dress appropriately for an outdoor tour. Parking, including accessible parking, is located at the Magnet Innovation Center located at 133 South Watersound Parkway. The WMAT was created in 2021 with support from The St. Joe Community Foundation, and use of the area was made possible by The St. Joe Company. The Flutterby Festival weekend is presented by the Watersound® Origins Community, Watersound® Town Center, and the St. Joe Community Foundation with support from the Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture. Additional sponsorships are still available, and interested businesses can email Gabby Callaway 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 on the AIPS program, the Flutterby Festival, and the CAA, please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com or call 850-622-5970.

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 2022/2023 Fall/Winter Rotation of The Foster Gallery located in the CAA's Miramar Beach Creative Campus scheduled to run Nov. 1, 2022 - February 10, 2023. Please study the criteria and submit application ONLINE prior to 11 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 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 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:  Sept. 26 – Oct. 11, 2022 Artist notification:  Oct. 18, 2022 Art drop off:  Oct. 27, 2022 at Noon Rotation begins: Oct. 28, 2022 First Friday Fêtes: Nov. 4, 2022, Dec. 2, 2022, Jan. 6, 2023 and Feb. 3, 2023 Rotation Ends Feb 4., 2023 Art Pick-Up: Feb. 4-5, 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! 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 Tuesday, Oct. 11,  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 is calling all artists and vendors interested in submitting for consideration in the 2022 Flutterby Arts Festival scheduled for Sunday, November 13th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Watersound® Town Center. The early bird deadline to submit an application with discounted booth fee is October 5th, and the final deadline is Friday, October 28th. All submissions will be juried and invitations to participate will be sent out November 1st. Artists will have until Friday, November 4th to accept the invitation to exhibit and pay your booth fee. We will be accepting a limited number of Food Trucks at this event and they must have a license to operate in Walton County. We expect 1000 attendees throughout the day. If you would like to participate, please fill out the application by October 28th. Invitations to participate will be sent out by November 1st. Click HERE to view the guidelines and access the applications.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) announces that improvements were recently made to the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail (WMAT), a program of the CAA’s Art in Public Spaces (AIPS) program featuring eight original sculptures installed along South Watersound Parkway’s existing mile-long walking and bike path. The WMAT was created in 2021 with support from the St. Joe Community Foundation (SJCF), and use of the area was made possible by The St. Joe Company. With additional support by SJCF, the CAA partnered with Sandhills Native Nursery to clear existing plant beds, install native pollinators, including Blue Sage, Lantana, Seaside Goldenrod, Milkweed, Silk Grass, Skullcap, and dozens more around each of the eight sculptures; and spread wildflower seeds along the forest’s tree line. Around 60 volunteers, including students from the Abadie Academy, Magnet Innovation Center (STEAM) and Westonwood Ranch worked to clear and install the ecologically sustainable gardens over the course of two days. Additionally, custom benches created by local craftsman Jim Foley and updated solar powered lighting will be installed this month. “This phase of the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail improvement is focused on sustainability and providing the public with continuous enjoyment of the artwork and native plantings,” said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “We are fortunate to have found a partner in Sam Mello of Sandhills Native Nursery who designed the garden beds to withstand longer periods of dry weather, enabling the garden to be low maintenance and remain beautiful and functional year-round.” Northwest Florida is part of the migratory path of the recently-classified endangered Monarch butterfly, and every fall thousands of Monarchs can be seen enjoying the indigenous flora that grows in Walton County. Since 1992, the CAA has celebrated this natural event with an annual children’s arts and science festival called The Flutterby Festival. In its 30th anniversary, the Festival will feature the WMAT guided tours on Saturday, November 12th and a family festival in Watersound® Town Center on Sunday, November 13th. The guided tours will be co-led by the CAA’s Program Manager Courtney Malone and Mello, owner of Sandhills Native Nursery, who will provide guests with fun and educational information about each piece of artwork and how the new native plantings enhance and sustain the overall project while providing habitat for the Monarch butterfly and other important insects. The WMAT guided tours are free and open to the public and are scheduled for Saturday, November 12th at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.. The 30th annual Flutterby Festival will take place Sunday, November 13th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Watersound® Town Center and will feature food trucks, live music, dance and theatre performances, student butterfly art exhibits, art activities like the butterfly wing creation station and craft-making as well as the butterfly learning center, carnival games, and a butterfly parade at the end of the day. Professional artists will be exhibiting and selling their work throughout the weekend, and official Flutterby merchandise featuring artwork by local student artist Ella Townley of Seaside School, will be available for purchase. The Flutterby Festival weekend events are free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and some activities require a small fee. Parking, including accessible parking, will be available on-site. The Flutterby Festival weekend is presented with support from the St. Joe Community Foundation, Watersound® Town Center and from the Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture. Additional sponsorships available, email Gabby Callaway at gabby@culturalartsalliance.com for details. Artists and food trucks interested in participating in the Flutterby Festival may submit an application online through October 29, 2022. Volunteers are needed to help create all the fun! Please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/volunteer to sign up. For more information on the AIPS program, the Flutterby Festival, and the CAA, please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com or call 850-622-5970.

The Alys Foundation is pleased to announce the call for entries for the 16th Annual Digital Graffiti Festival at Alys Beach, to be held May 19-20, 2023. Artists around the world are invited to submit original works of digital art to be showcased in the juried festival. The 2023 awards include Best of Show ($5,000 prize), Curator’s Choice ($2,000 prize) and three Special Recognition honors (at $1,000 prize each), selected by the festival’s curator, John Colette, and esteemed panel of judges. The Alys Foundation has donated more than $350,000 in awards and artist stipends over the past 15 years, all to further digital work in the public realm. Artists, designers, photographers, and architects are invited to submit their artwork to be projected under the night sky and onto the pristine, reflective white walls of Alys Beach. This evening festival features the town, buildings and landscape, illuminated by the latest in design, animation, and projection technologies; two glowing evenings of innovation and inspiration, with artists from around the world exhibiting works of projection mapping, generative art, experimental short films, and animation, as well as sound, motion, and light-responsive installations. Interested artists can submit their work here. The deadline to submit is March 1, 2023, at 12AM. There is no application fee and ARTISTS RETAIN 100% OWNERSHIP OF THEIR WORKS, although please note that by submitting an entry, you agree to allow Digital Graffiti, Alys Beach and/or its sponsoring partners the unrestricted right to use your artwork (in part or in whole) for promotional purposes. For more information about the festival, please visit digitalgraffiti.com. Be sure to ‘like’ Digital Graffiti on Facebook and/or Instagram for up-to-date information.

New Creative Campus Will Be Home To The Foster Gallery, J. Leon Studios, Classes, And Special Events Beginning In September. The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce an expansion of its programs and services with the addition of its Miramar Beach Creative Campus. The new Creative Campus will be an evolution and collaboration of the CAA’s Foster Gallery and J. Leon Gallery + Studio, which opened its doors in 2020 with the vision to be a high-end gallery attainable for everyone. The Miramar Beach Creative Campus will feature rotating exhibits, special exhibitions, multi-disciplinary classes, a ceramics studio, youth programs, special events and more in the 5,000 square foot space located at 13370 US Hwy. 98. The opportunity for collaboration was presented when J. Leon Gallery + Studio owner Jason Lindblad decided to dedicate his talent as a visual artist full time, but hoped to maintain J. Leon’s reputation as a cultural destination for artists and art buyers. Lindblad’s professional growth coincided with the CAA’s plan for an expansion of The Foster Gallery, an artist collective opened in 2016 that features CAA member artists and special exhibits. The outcome of discussions and strategic planning was the combination of the two concepts into the CAA’s Miramar Beach Creative Campus, which will allow the CAA to provide increased opportunities for artists and reach new audiences beyond Walton County. “The CAA is grateful to have an opportunity to expand our support for artists and services and programs to the community,” said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “With an established Santa Rosa Beach Creative Campus at the Bayou Arts Center, the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail and other future opportunities to the east, and increased program offerings in northern Walton County, this growth helps us remove barriers while building opportunities for access to the Arts.” The current Foster Gallery, located in Grand Boulevard since 2017, will close its doors on October 1st after a final rotation of 16 artists and a special exhibition titled “Show Us Your Best,” featuring work by 43 artists. A closing celebration event will be held Wednesday, August 24th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm featuring live music, food, beverages, and an opportunity to meet the artists and purchase their work. Over the past six years, the gallery has provided opportunities for hundreds of artists, sold nearly half a million dollars of their work, and has provided the foundation for many to expand their careers and open their own businesses, including J. Leon Gallery + Studio. "I am incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to see the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County grow and expand in this future endeavor. Sharing missions in the Arts, it is an honor to have their organization take the lead of our space with hopes of continuing to blossom a creative environment for the area into the future,” said J. Leon Gallery + Studio owner Jason Lindblad. “I am incredibly thankful for the support from the community to J.Leon Gallery + Studio, and for my relationship with the Foster Gallery and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Much like their growth in the arts, I too will be continuing to pursue my passion in the arts of Illustration and Fine Arts. I am looking forward to their new creative vision flourishing with passion and flair- and wish them all the best with many successes to come." While Lindblad will remain a creative advisor to the CAA for the curation of artists and special exhibitions, the CAA is currently conducting a search for a Program Manager who will lead the Miramar Beach Creative Campus gallery, programs, education and outreach. Interested applicants may submit their resume to hello@culturalartsalliance.com. Teaching artists are also encouraged to submit class proposals for the Miramar Beach Creative Campus, Santa Rosa Beach Creative Campus, and our Digital Creative Campus, which will be accepted year-round at CulturalArtsAlliance.com. The CAA’s Miramar Beach Creative Campus will officially open September 4th, but minimal changes will be made initially. The CAA will work with existing artists in both galleries to ensure all artists feel welcomed, represented and supported during the transition. “The expansion, along with the addition of a Programs Manager and other future staff will enable the CAA to be more inclusive to artists without the existing requirement of working at the gallery,” said Steele. “We want our Creative Campuses to be centers for creativity that nurture the artistic process, allow artists the freedom to create, demonstrate, teach, exhibit and sell their work, and encourage their growth.” For more information about the CAA and its facilities, events, programs, and employment and volunteer opportunities visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

CALL TO ARTISTS The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is calling artists who are current members to submit ONE piece of artwork to be considered for our Special Exhibit "Show Us Your Best". The pieces should showcase what you feel represents the best of your work. Those selected for inclusion in the show will be exhibited and for sale at The Foster Gallery from August 22 - October 9, 2022. 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 and 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. CRITERIA If submissions do not meet the following criteria, they will not be accepted and 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. TIMELINE Call to artists: July 12 - August 2, 2022 Artist Instruction Letter: August 8, 2022 Art delivery to Foster Gallery: August 21, 2022 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Show opens: August 22, 2022 Opening reception: August 24, 2022 Show ends: October 9, 2022 Mandatory Art pick-up: October 9, 2022, 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 495 Grand Boulevard, Suite J-104, Miramar Beach, FL  32550. Hours are 12 pm – 7 pm, daily. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application ONLINE before 11 pm August 2,  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) announces the opening of its art exhibition titled “Surrender: Letting Go To Gain Perspective,” the first outcome of its Prison Art Program expansion. The show will feature more than 30 original paintings and works on paper created by residents of the Walton Correctional Institution (WCI) who took part in the CAA’s first Prison Art Education program. “Surrender” will run July 11th through August 20th at The Foster Gallery in Grand Boulevard, and a special opening event will take place Wednesday, July 13th from 5-7 PM celebrating the program and the students/artists. The CAA’s Prison Art Program began in 2020 through a collaboration with Restorative Justice volunteers Libby Fisher and Erica Averion who were actively and regularly volunteering with the residents of WCI and were aware of the need for arts engagement and resources within the prison system. The CAA funded the first phase of the program, which included participation by men in three WCI dorms who created original work for an online exhibit called “Con-scious Expressions: An Insider’s Perspective,” which was then shown in public at Emerald Coast Theatre Company and Perla Bakery through Summer 2021. In February 2022, the CAA expanded the program to include weekly onsite art instruction, materials, and a venue for public exhibition of the students’ work with a plan to continue to fund the program indefinitely. From April through June, the residents participated in a weekly class led by artist and instructor Bradley Copeland who challenged them to let go of any predetermined plan and allow the enjoyment and exploration of the process to guide them. Throughout the three-month program, the class experimented with a number of activities focused on surrendering control, abandoning preconceived notions of art, and creating without any direction or intention; then they were instructed to find shapes and images within and make something from the nonsensical scribbles, splashes and smears. “Painting with this method (or lack thereof) shows us the beauty in mistakes and helps us make sense of the mess in front of us,” said Copeland. “Instead of learning how to paint inside the lines, these men have been learning how to see differently. The paintings created in this program left plenty of room for happy accidents and magical messes, reinforcing the idea that all parts of the process are completely essential to the final piece, regardless of how messy, ugly or accidental.” In addition to the work of “Surrender,” The Foster Gallery features the work of 17 featured rotation artists whose work is for sale in the gallery and online. The Foster Gallery, located at 495 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, Fla. is open seven days a week, 12-7 PM, and is accessible to all.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce the anticipated official opening of the WatersoundⓇ Monarch Art Trail (MAT), an outdoor sculpture project created by the CAA with support from The St. Joe Community Foundation. The November 12th grand opening will kick off a weekend of festive events that offer creative education and fun for the whole family. It is well-known that Northwest Florida is part of the migratory path of the Monarch butterfly, and every fall tens of thousands of Monarchs can be seen enjoying the indigenous flora that lives in Walton County. Since 1992, the CAA has celebrated this natural event with an annual children’s arts and science festival called The Flutterby Festival, and now the Alliance is excited to include the Monarch Art Trail opening in this celebration. The MAT will include eight original sculptures designed specifically for installation along South Watersound Parkway’s existing mile-long walking and bike path that connects Highways 98 and 30A. Use of the area was made possible by The St. Joe Company. The sculptures will be complemented with seating, lighting, signage, and native landscape. Additionally, a phone app will provide insight into the artists’ creative process through audio recordings, descriptive text, and geo-locators. In Spring 2021, a national call to artists went out requesting design proposals inspired by the area’s natural environment and the Monarch migration. Out of 40 submissions, eight artists were selected for the project, including Jeffie Brewer, Jonathan Burger, Grace Cathey, Peter Hazel, Rachel Herring, Anthony Heinz May, Mark Metz, and Andrew Hamilton Reiss. The MAT is part of the CAA’s Art in Public Places (AIPS) program created to fulfill its vision to make Walton County a creative place. Other current and future AIPS projects include the Underwater Museum of Art, the U.S. Highway 98 Underpass project, the “Art Thrives in South Walton” billboard project, and a Walton County mural project. The MAT’s official opening will be Friday, November 12th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm and will be celebrated with live music, food by Grayton Beach Catering, beverages for all ages, and meet & greets with some of the artists as guests stroll or bike along the trail. The festivities will continue Saturday, November 13th from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm with a family scavenger hunt and other fun entertainment. Guests are encouraged to download the OtoCast App for a self-guided audio tour which includes a description for each artwork from the artist. Parking for the MAT events is located on the north end of the trail at the Magnet Innovation Center. In another new addition to the weekend, the CAA is joining forces with the Point Washington Medical Clinic for the Clinic’s Metamorphosis event. Metamorphosis is scheduled for Saturday, November 13th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm on the Village Commons green in the Watersound Origins community. Headlining the event is one of the 30A Songwriters Festival favorite bands, Atlanta-based Gurufish. Funds raised from the event’s cash bar will go towards the CAA’s Art in Public Spaces program and be used to commission custom artwork painted by local artists in the new PWMC facility. For more information about PWMC and tickets for Metamorphosis, visit thepwmc.org. The weekend will culminate with the beloved Flutterby Festival featuring art activities, live performances, art exhibits and more on Sunday, November 14th from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on the Village Commons green in the Watersound Origins community. The festival offers live entertainment for the entire family, art activities like the butterfly wing creation station and craft-making as well as the butterfly learning center, carnival games and a flutterby frenzy at the end of each day. Flutterby entertainment will be provided by The Seaside Repertory Theatre, Mari Gleason, Ohana Rock on the Road, and more. Professional artists will be exhibiting and selling their work throughout the weekend, and official Flutterby merchandise featuring artwork by local student artist Parker Barnes, will be available for purchase. The Flutterby Festival weekend events are free and open to the public. Food by Sports to Geaux and beverages will be available for purchase, and some activities require a small fee. The Flutterby Festival weekend is presented with support from Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture and the St. Joe Community Foundation with the venue provided by the Watersound Origins Community. Watersound Origins Village Commons green is located at 530 Pathways Drive, Watersound, FL 32461. Parking, including accessible parking, will be available on-site. Volunteers are needed to help create all the fun! Please visit culturalartsalliance.com/volunteer to sign up. Additional sponsorships available, visit culturalartsalliance.com/sponsorship for details. For more information on the AIPS program, the Flutterby Festival, and the CAA, please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com or call 850-622-5970.