Artists called to submit 3D design proposals for public art project connecting Highway 98 with Scenic Highway 30A The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is excited to announce a new public art project and is requesting proposals from artists or artist groups for the design, fabrication, and installation of small-scale or mid-scale permanent outdoor works of art along the planned Monarch Art Trail (MAT). Eight (8) pieces of work that are inspired by, representative of, or celebrating the natural environment of Northwest Florida and/or the migration of the Monarch butterfly through our region will be installed along a one-mile stretch of bike path that connects Highway 98 with Scenic Highway 30A. The Monarch Art Trail will be an obvious north/south thoroughfare for cyclists, joggers and walkers connecting them from the neighborhoods of Watersound Origins to the Scenic Highway 30A bike path and beaches. It will also become a destination of cultural interest, especially during the Fall when it will be flooded with the migratory Monarch butterflies. The Art Trail project is supported by the St. Joe Community Foundation and is part of the CAA’s Art in Public Spaces Program which includes the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art, a regional billboard art project, and a county-wide mural project that just began with a mural by Sarah Page in Grand Boulevard Town Center. “We are thrilled to work with the St. Joe Community Foundation to bring our first above-ground sculpture project to life,” said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “Public art adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic and economic vitality of a community, and the CAA is proud to present a project that will benefit our entire population and inspire the creation of more public art in Walton County.” “The St. Joe Community Foundation is excited to collaborate with the CAA to bring this public art attraction to Watersound Parkway and the South Walton community,” said The St. Joe Community Foundation Executive Director April Wilkes. “The enhanced trail will be a lovely destination, particularly during the Monarch Butterfly migration each fall.” The Monarch Art Trail opportunity is open to artists and artist teams whose proposals have a demonstrated history of completing small to large scale outdoor public art projects. Artist teams must have a demonstrated history of collaboration. Following the application deadline, the CAA will convene a panel of arts specialists to review the applications and select proposals for completion and installation. Eight artists will be commissioned to develop design proposals and create a 3D piece of original artwork to be permanently installed along the Monarch Trail. Each artist will receive a $9,000 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 will be exhibited. Artists may learn more about the project, see site photos and submit online proposals through April 23, 2021 using the link below. Interested artists must be registered with Submittable where the artist call and details are posted. Download Guidelines >> View Site Location >>

Last week, nine new sculptures and a Super Reef Anchor Point were added to the nation’s first permanent Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park in South Walton, Fla. Named by TIME Magazine as one of 100 “World’s Greatest Places,” the UMA is the first presentation of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA)’s Art In Public Spaces Program and is produced in collaboration with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA). The purpose of the UMA is to create art that becomes marine habitat, expanding fishery populations and providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors in South Walton. The 2022 installation includes the following pieces of sculpture: Currents and Tafoni by Joe Adams (Ventura, CA), Pirate Shipwreck by Sean Coffey (Pittsburgh, PA), Bloom Baby Bloom by Brit Deslonde (Santa Rosa Beach, FL), The Seed and The Sea by Davide Galbiati (Valreas, France), Fibonacci Conchousness by Anthony Heinz May (Eugene, OR), New Homes by Janetta Napp (Honolulu, HI), Arc of Nexus by Tina Piracci (Richmond, CA), We All Live Here by Marisol Rendón (San Diego, CA), and Common Chord by Vince Tatum (Santa Rosa Beach, FL). On June 21st, more than 60 onlookers, including several of the artists and project partners, were on site to view the historic deployment. With support from Visit South Walton, Walter Marine/The Reefmaker, and the Florida Department of State; Division of Arts and Culture, the sculptures were deployed with SWARA’s existing USACOA and FDEP permitted artificial reef project that includes nine nearshore reefs located within one nautical mile of the shore in 58 feet of water. This installation joins the 25 sculptures previously deployed on a one-acre permit patch of seabed off Grayton Beach State Park, expanding the nation’s first permanent underwater museum to a total of 34 sculptures. The UMA patch will continue to be filled with several new sculptures annually. Individual sculptures are sponsored by Beachy Blooms, Buddy’s Seafood Market, the 2021-22 CAA Staff, the Ellis Family, Hilton Sandestin Golf Beach Resort & Spa, the St. Joe Community Foundation, SWARA, and Walter Marine / Reefmaker. “I continue to be amazed and inspired by all the groups and individuals who make the UMA installation happen each year, '' said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “The CAA is grateful for the dedication of the artists, fabricators, deployment team and partners. We could not be prouder to work alongside project co-founders Allison Wickey and SWARA to build this unique environment for creativity and education.” “Absolutely epic! This year's UMA deployment was the best one yet. Perfect sea conditions with plenty of sunshine and an incredible group of people working together to make a difference -- the UMA spirit was alive and well on June 21st!,” said SWARA President Walt Hartley. “ With 34 total sculptures now, you can really start to see and feel the vision and future of the Underwater Museum of Art -- 58 feet down, you are literally surrounded by these fantastic art pieces and the colorful reef life that calls the Museum home. More sculptures will be added each year, growing the dive site and providing valuable new habitat to our precious marine life. We owe the continued success of the UMA project to the amazing support from our community and our sponsors, the creativity, expertise, and professionalism of the Reefmaker Crew / WalterMarine, and the hard work of our most favorite partners in the whole world - the CAA Team! This would not be possible without 110% effort from everyone involved, and we knocked it outta the park!” Admission to the UMA is free, however, the site is only accessible in person as a dive location. Divers who wish to visit the site can take a dive boat .93 miles off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park. The coordinates for the new Super Reef UMA entrance are N 30°18.754 / W 86°09.521. Out of respect for the art, boaters are asked to anchor on or near the Super Reef Anchor Point to protect the sculptures from unintended contact or damage. Visit UMAFL.org for more information about dive shops, tours and obtaining your certification while visiting South Walton. Photos and videos of the sculptures will continue to be updated online periodically to document the marine growth on each sculpture. Both SWARA and the CAA wish to extend special thanks to our deployment partner, Walter Marine, for their dedication to excellence in helping bring our vision into reality. Artists interested in submitting artwork for consideration to the 2023 UMA installation can visit UMAFL.org to complete a pre-application in anticipation of an Artist Call announcement later this year.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County’s Art In Public Spaces Program originated in 2018 with the introduction of The Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). Since then, the program has expanded to include the Billboard Art Project, a series of murals in Grand Boulevard Town Center, and most recently, The WatersoundⓇ Monarch Art Trail (MAT). The CAA’s Art in Public Spaces program is designed to foster collaboration, celebrate community and culture, encourage exploration, strengthen the economy, and activate the unique environment of Walton County. CALL TO ARTISTS The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County seeks emerging and established visual artists for its new Public Artist Directory. Selected applicants are eligible for inclusion on the CAA's Art in Public Spaces web page. This database will be shared for participation in various Walton County projects, and artists may be contracted to design, fabricate, and install public art. Artwork sites may include properties such as local businesses, libraries, recreation centers, parks, sidewalks, and more. Artists will be selected for the database based on history of past work, community engagement, and ability to collaborate with the CAA employees and project liaisons. A selection panel will convene to screen all eligible applications. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application ONLINE. 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 proud to announce the local artists recently chosen to exhibit their original work in The Foster Gallery’s Summer Rotation, which runs June 6th through October 2nd, 2022 in its Grand Boulevard Town Center location. The public is invited to a reception on Friday, June 10th from 5 -7 p.m. celebrating the selected artists. Enjoy live music, tasty sips and snacks while perusing all of the beautiful works on display and available for purchase. The selected Spring Rotation artists are Gisselle Barnhart, Stephanie Bloyd, Melody Bogle, Gayle Campbell, Donnelle Clark, Katherine Duda, Kim Eifrid, Estelle Grengs, Capri Boyle Jones, Sue Knight, Ginger Laughlin, Robyn Martins, Lynnette Moody, Helene Papas, Mary Redmann and Andrea Scurto. The gallery is also pleased to feature ceramics by Skip Deems and Megan Patterson as well as hand-crafted jewelry from local artisans Hardwear Merry and The Salty Sparrow. 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 Grand Boulevard location is at 495 Grand Boulevard, Suite J104, next to Chico’s and across from Tommy Bahama. Founded in May 2016, The Foster Gallery is an artist collective led by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County that features at least a dozen artists on a seasonally rotating basis, along with special exhibits and invitationals throughout the year. Named for the late Susan Foster, a founder of the Cultural Arts Alliance and one of the area’s first professional artists and gallery owners, The Foster Gallery also symbolizes the support the CAA strives to provide for artists in our community. The gallery is open daily from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. For more information, call 850.837.3037 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) and Russell Carter Artist Management (RCAM) are excited to share that the 30A Songwriters Festival Summer Series is part of a unique arts and cultural entertainment lineup at The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center this summer. The "Sounds of Summer" event series is scheduled for June 2 - August 18, 2022 with three slots set to feature artists from the popular 30A Songwriters Festival. This summer, enjoy live music, theater, outdoor movies and more under the shade of The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center. The 30A Songwriters Festival Showcase will feature nationally known artists like Shawn Mullins and Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters. Enjoy a different children’s play every month from The Seaside REP or movie nights feature classic films and new family favorites. 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 2: The Adventures of Little Red Riding Hood – The Seaside REP (children’s play) 6:30pm June 9: Shawn Mullins Trio – 30A Songwriters Festival Showcase 6pm June 16: Soul – Outdoor Movie Night 8pm June 23: Kids Craft and Music 6pm June 30: The Sandlot – Outdoor Movie Night 8pm July 7: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland – The Seaside REP (children’s play) 6:30pm July 14: Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters – 30A Songwriters Festival Showcase 6pm July 21: Encanto – Outdoor Movie Night 8pm July 28: Kids Craft and Music 6pm August 4: Beauty and the Beast – The Seaside REP (children’s play) 6:30pm August 11: J & The Causeways – 30A Songwriters Festival Showcase 6pm August 18: Sing 2 – Outdoor Movie Night 8pm WHERE: The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center 180 N Watersound Parkway, Watersound, FL 32461 COST: FREE * FAMILY FRIENDLY * OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WHEN: Thursdays, June 2 – August 18

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 Summer Rotation of The Foster Gallery located in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center scheduled to run June 6 - October 2, 2022. Please study the criteria and submit application ONLINE prior to 11 pm on Friday, May 20, 2022. ABOUT THE FOSTER GALLERY The Foster Gallery is named for the late Susan Foster, a founder of the Cultural Arts Alliance.  It is an artist collective featuring regional artists and special exhibitions on a quarterly rotating basis.  We host artist receptions and openings, workshops, events, and serve as a community gathering point symbolizing the support the CAA strives to give artists in our community, especially those who are members of the CAA. GALLERY LOCATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION The gallery is located at 495 Grand Boulevard, Suite J-104, Miramar Beach, FL  32550. Hours are daily 12 pm – 7 pm. HOW IT WORKS Ten (10) to fifteen (15) artists will be selected for each 16 week rotation. Each artist must commit to one of the following two staffing options. Option 1:  Work a minimum of twelve (12) shifts throughout the rotation. Shifts are approximately seven (7) hours. Schedules will be coordinated by CAA Executive Director and Director of Administration. Shifts may be traded among artists, but CAA management must be notified prior to shift changes. Option 2:  Do a staff buyout of $800, which enables the CAA to cover the cost of staffing your shifts. The artist is not obligated to work any shifts. Option 2 is only available up front as a full buyout. Artists must also be available to attend the rotation opening reception. Artists are encouraged to utilize the gallery for their own special events in order to promote their work. The sales split is 60% artist and 40% CAA. The CAA is responsible for all overhead, including rent, utilities, commissions, marketing, event costs, and insurance of the gallery and its contents. All sales will be processed through the CAA, and artists will receive bi-weekly settlements. Any sales will include a 5% commission to the artist on duty. The gallery features ongoing special exhibitions throughout the year and may also host invitational at the CAA’s discretion. TIMELINE Call to Artists:  May 11 – May 20, 2022 Artist notification:  May 23, 2022 Mandatory installation and training:  June 6, 2022 Rotation begins June 7, 2022 Opening reception June 8, 2022 (Tentative) Rotation Ends October 2, 2022 ARTIST CRITERIA Accepted artists MUST meet the following criteria: Artist must be a current member of the CAA. Not a member yet? Join today! Artist must attend mandatory installation and training on specified date. Artist must attend mandatory de-installation on specified date. Artist must be available and physically able to work a minimum number of shifts or do a staff buyout of $800 to cover paid staff, which will be coordinated by CAA Executive Director and Director of Administration. Artist must be available to help with gallery events and receptions (as needed). All exhibited work must be original work created by the applying artist. All exhibited work must be for sale. Prints and giclées are not allowed on the exhibit walls (except photography), but may be for sale in a bin within your exhibit space. Artist must have a minimum of six pieces on exhibit at any given time throughout rotation and must adhere to any rule regarding maximum number of pieces if gallery space is limited. Artist must agree to a 60% artist, 40% CAA split of each sale. Artist must be able to provide a replacement piece within 48 hours after the sale of an exhibited piece. Artist must provide an inventory of art pieces in a digital file that lists Price, Title, Medium, Dimensions and Weight, and whether the piece is framed upon installation. Artist must pay a 10% referral fee to the CAA for any commissions that are generated because of the artist’s participation in the gallery. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application ONLINE before 11 pm Friday, May 20,  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) is pleased to announce its participation in Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. Administered by Americans for the Arts, AEP6 will examine the economic impact of the arts and culture in Walton County, FL and 386 additional communities representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Arts & Economic Prosperity® series is conducted approximately every five years to gauge the economic impact of spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and the event-related spending by their audiences. In 2017, AEP5 documented that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $166.3 billion in economic activity (spending by organizations plus the event-related spending by their audiences) which supported 4.6 million jobs and generated $27.5 billion in government revenue. The AEP series demonstrates that an investment in the arts provides both cultural and economic benefits. Audience-intercept surveys will be collected from attendees to arts events in Walton County from May 2022 through April 2023—in total, the national sample is anticipated to surpass 250,000 surveys. A survey of nonprofit arts and culture organizations will occur from January through April 2023. The national and local findings will be made public in September 2023. At that time, the CAA will receive a customized report on the unique economic impact results for Walton County including the number of jobs that are supported and the amount of government revenue that is generated by our community’s nonprofit arts industry. Americans for the Arts is committed to addressing equity and inclusion as a critical component of the methodology, organizational participation, and collection of data for AEP6 by centering and representing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American) identifying communities—a segment of the nonprofit arts and culture sector that has been underrepresented in past studies. For the first time, AEP6 will require that the local and state research partners collect a portion of audience surveys from attendees at events hosted by arts and culture organizations that primarily serve communities of color. The AEP6 study will establish a benchmark of arts and culture organizations that primarily serve communities of color, and the audiences that attend their events. It will also identify organizations that have a chief executive who identifies as BIPOC/ALAANA. Researchers will use this data to calculate and report on the economic impact of the BIPOC/ALAANA arts sector in each of the participating communities. “The CAA is proud to partner with Americans for the Arts and hundreds of other arts organizations across the country on this important study that will certainly drive home the value of the Arts to Walton County and the state of Florida,” said CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele. “We look forward to working with our fellow creative businesses and organizations to gather information that will help us prove not just the economic impact but also the social and cultural benefits that the Arts provide to Walton County residents and visitors.” Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, commented, “The arts are economic catalysts—strengthening the economy by creating jobs, generating government revenue, and driving tourism. Community is where the arts make a difference, and while the national impact data are impressive, at its core, AEP6 is a local story. I look forward to seeing its results, which will be key in persuading decision-makers that the arts benefit all people in all communities.” The CAA’s participation in the AEP6 study is supported in part by the Florida Department of State Division of Arts & Culture. For more information and a full list of the communities participating in the AEP6 study, visit www.americansforthearts.org/AEP6.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is excited to announce that Blues artist and GRAMMY-nominee Jontavious Willis will headline the 4th annual “Under The Sea” fundraiser for the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), a collaborative project with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA). “Under the Sea” will take place on Wednesday, May 4th, 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. Every generation or so, a young bluesman bursts onto the scene and sends a jolt through the blues community. Jontavious Willis may just have that effect on people. The 24-year-old multi-instrumentalist was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2020 thanks to his latest album, Spectacular Class. Through original lyrics written by Willis himself, the gifted musician delivered a timeless album that features dynamic vocals and all types of blues: Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel. His stand-out fingerpicking, flat-picking, and slide prowess are also on display. In addition to enjoying amazing music, “Under The Sea” party-goers will have an exclusive chance to meet the 2022 UMA artists and see several of the original works they have created before the sculptures are deployed to the UMA site. Special food menu items from some of South Walton’s most popular restaurants, including Black Bear Bread Company (Chef Phil McDonald), Blue Mabel (Chef David Cunningham), Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant (Chef Brannon Janca), Grayton Beach Catering (Chef Blake Bohannon), Grayton Corner Cafe (Chef Paul DiGiacomo), North Beach Social (Chef Joyce Russell), Roux 30a/Nanbu (Chef Nikhil Abuvala), and Stinky’s Fish Camp (Chef Tim Chyrek) will be available, along with a cash bar featuring signature cocktails, wine, and beer. Tickets are $50 per person in advance and $60 per person day of the event, if available. They are on sale now at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. The “Under The Sea” event is presented by Coastal Conservation Association with additional support from Visit South Walton, Grand Boulevard Town Center, First National Bank, Chiringo and Hurd Real Estate & Co. A few event and sculpture sponsorships are still available, and those interested can contact Gabby Callaway at Gabby@culturalartsalliance.com for more details. Funds raised from “Under The Sea '' ticket sales and a silent auction will benefit the fourth deployment of sculptures into the Underwater Museum of Art, 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. The 2022 installation will include the following pieces of sculpture: Currents and Tafoni by Joe Adams (Ventura, CA), Pirate Shipwreck by Sean Coffey (Pittsburgh, PA), Bloom Baby Bloom by Brit Deslonde (Santa Rosa Beach, FL), The Seed and The Sea by Davide Galbiati (Valreas, France), Fibonacci Conchousness by Anthony Heinz May (Eugene, OR), New Homes by Janetta Napp (Honolulu, HI), Arc of Nexus by Tina Piracci (Richmond, CA), We All Live Here by Marisol Rendón (San Diego, CA), and Common Chord by Vince Tatum (Santa Rosa Beach, FL). Select sculptures will be on display at the fundraiser and throughout the weekend during the 34th annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center and will then be transferred to Orange Beach, AL to be prepared for their deployment into the Gulf this summer. 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 UMA is a project of the CAA’s 'Art in Public Spaces' program created in partnership with South Walton Artificial Reef Association (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 2022 UMA project is produced with support from Visit South Walton, The Alys Foundation, the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture, Beachy Blooms 30A, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, St. Joe Community Foundation, Friends of the CAA, and the Ellis Family. For more information and tickets, visit UMAFL.org or CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

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, 34th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, Longleaf Writers Conference, Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, Gaffrey Art Material Warehouse Paint Party and “Anti-Shark Gravity Subsidiary Ikebana Animals”exhibition, Music on Main in DeFuniak Springs, Xanadu at Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Sinfonia Goes Pop in Alys Beach, events at J. Leon Gallery and 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. Art Month officially begins Wednesday, May 4th in Grand Boulevard’s Grand Park with the ‘Under the Sea’ fundraiser presented by Coastal Conservation Association Florida in support of the fourth installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). Doors open at 6PM 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, bid on auction items, and taste featured items from popular area restaurants including Black Bear Bread Company, Blue Mabel, Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant, Grayton Beach Catering, Grayton Corner Cafe, North Beach Social, Roux 30A/Nanbu, and Stinky’s Fish Camp. Then settle in for an intimate concert experience with Grammy-nominated bluesman and multi-instrumentalist Jontavious Willis. General admission tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door (if available). Tickets are on sale now at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. The UMA is a project of the CAA’s 'Art in Public Spaces' program created in partnership with South Walton Artificial Reef Association (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 34th annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival will fill Grand Boulevard’s Town Center with over 100 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 Exhibition, live art demonstrations, student exhibits, Art on Demand LIVE workshops, continuous live music, delicious food and beverage options, ImagiNation: where kids rule, and an exhibition of the Underwater Museum of Art sculptures. New this year at ArtsQuest, the CAA is excited to bring its popular virtual Art on Demand series to the event. Art on Demand LIVE interactive 60-90 minute workshops, presented by The Alys Foundation, are scheduled throughout the festival weekend and include some of our most watched and best-loved episodes. Participants can take a painting session with award-winning local artists Allison Wickey and Justin Gaffrey, create crush-worthy cocktails with Christine Tarpey of Better Together Beverage, enjoy a guided tour of French wines with spirits expert Mike Jones or discover a new favorite wine while sampling several under the radar selections with Sommelier Casey Dunn. 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 7, 10am – 7pm and Sunday, May 8, 10 am – 5pm. A $5 donation per person is requested at the gate. A list of artists, the entertainment schedule and other details can be found online at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/arts-quest. ArtsQuest and Under the Sea are supported by First National Bank, Latitude Margaritaville, and Chiringo 30A. Celebrating its 15th 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 13 and Saturday, May 14. 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. May 13 is the opening night of Xanadu presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company. This Tony Award-nominated, hilarious, roller skating, musical adventure about following your dreams despite the limitations others set for you, rolls along to the original hit score composed by pop-rock legends, Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, Xanadu is hilarity on wheels for anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired. For tickets and more information regarding performance dates and times, visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org. The 10th Annual Longleaf Writers Conference (formerly named Seaside Writers Conference) will take place in Seaside May 14 through 21, featuring award-winning, visiting authors Aimee Nezhukumatathil and Maurice Carlos Ruffin with other special guests including literary agents Annie Hwang and Caroline Eisenmann. 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. Gaffrey Art Material (GAM) invites everyone to a Warehouse Paint Party on Saturday, May 14 from 6 – 9 PM. Come see how our signature Gaffrey paint is made and tour our Warehouse of Wonders - where chemistry and art collide! Enjoy live paint demos, music, drinks & more. Then on Friday, May 20, Justin will present a new body of work entitled “Anti-Shark Gravity Subsidiary Ikebana Animals” from 6 - 9 PM at the Justin Gaffrey Gallery in Blue Mountain Beach. The Foster Gallery, which is the CAA’s professional artist collective showcasing over a dozen rotating regional artists, special exhibitions and featured guests, will host the Foster Gallery Fête & Member Spring Fling on Friday, May 20 from 5 - 7 PM in the gallery located at 495 Grand Boulevard, Suite J104 (across from Tommy Bahama). The gallery will feature the work of the recently chosen local and regional Summer Rotation artists, in addition to a special Plein Air exhibit. Meet the artists and enjoy live music, complimentary light bites, beer & wine while strolling through the gallery, which is full of art works available for purchase. Awards will be presented for Art Partner of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of a Lifetime and more! Join Sinfonia Gulf Coast on Sunday, May 29 from 6 – 9:30 PM in Alys Beach for the popular Sinfonia Goes Pop event. Enjoy an evening of your favorite patriotic, movie soundtracks and light classics as Sinfonia Gulf Coast performs a free concert in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. The “doors”open at 6 PM, and the music will begin at 7:30 PM with fireworks at 9 PM. Remember to bring blankets or low back chairs for comfortable seating. Henry’s Food Truck will be available for Food & Beverage. For more information visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org. Art Month Walton sponsors include Visit South Walton, Grand Boulevard Town Center, Florida Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture, The Alys Foundation, Emerald Coast Magazine and SoWal.com. 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 2 “ART & MORE” AUCTION GOES LIVE BENEFITING THE CAA & LOCAL ARTISTS Browse and bid on items 2022ArtMonth.givesmart.com Bidding closes on Sunday, May 8 at 3 PM. MAY 4 ‘UNDER THE SEA’ FUNDRAISER WITH JONTAVIOUS WILLIS BENEFITING THE UNDERWATER MUSEUM OF ART Grand Park, 600 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach 6 - 9 PM MAY 6 SIP & STROLL AT J. LEON GALLERY 13370 U.S. HWY 98, Miramar Beach 5 - 7 PM MAY 7 - 8 34th ANNUAL ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Town Center in Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach Saturday, May 7: 10 AM - 7 PM and Sunday, May 8: 10 AM - 5 PM MAY 13 MUSIC ON MAIN WITH CATALYST 848 Baldwin Ave., DeFuniak Springs 6 - 8:30 PM MAY 13 - 22 XANADU Emerald Coast Theatre Company 560 Grand Boulevard, Upstairs, Miramar Beach MAY 13 - 14 DIGITAL GRAFFITI Alys Beach MAY 14 – 21 LONGLEAF WRITERS CONFERENCE Academic Village and other locations in Seaside, FL MAY 14 THE ART OF RESIN POURS AT J.LEON GALLERY & STUDIO 13370 U.S. HWY 98, Miramar Beach 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM MAY 14 GAM WAREHOUSE PAINT PARTY Gaffrey Art Materials Warehouse, 89 WRM Circle, Blue Mountain Beach 6 - 9 PM MAY 18 BASICS OF BATIK WORKSHOP CAA’s Bayou Arts Center, 105 Hogtown Bayou Land, Santa Rosa Beach 9 - 11 AM MAY 20 FOSTER GALLERY FÊTE & MEMBER SPRING FLING The Foster Gallery, 495 Grand Blvd., Ste J104, Miramar Beach 5 - 7 PM MAY 20 “ANTI-SHARK GRAVITY SUBSIDIARY IKEBANA ANIMALS” Justin Gaffrey Gallery, 21 Blue Gulf Drive, Blue Mountain Beach 6 - 9 PM MAY 21 BASICS OF BATIK WORKSHOP CAA’s Bayou Arts Center, 105 Hogtown Bayou Land, Santa Rosa Beach 2 - 4 PM MAY 21 EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY JR. THESPIAN SHOWCASE 560 Grand Blvd., Upstairs, Miramar Beach Beginning at 2:30 PM MAY 29 SINFONIA GOES POP Alys Beach 6 - 9:30 PM

CALL TO ARTISTS The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is calling artists who are current members of the CAA to submit up to two pieces of artwork to be considered for "Plein Air: A Special Exhibit 2022" . The pieces selected for inclusion in the show will be exhibited and for sale at The Foster Gallery from May 16 - July 10, 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: April 20 - May 11, 2022 Artist Instruction Letter: May 12, 2022 Art delivery to Foster Gallery: May 15, 2022 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Show opens: May 16, 2022 Opening reception: May 20, 2022 Show ends: July 10, 2022 Mandatory Art pick-up: July 10, 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 May 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 of Walton County (CAA) announces the 2022 return of its popular program for children, Creative Kids Camp, a series of week-long visual arts camp sessions designed to give primary, elementary, and middle school-aged children a different daily hands-on experience. Camp sessions are Monday through Friday with a different age group served each week during the month of June. Middle school sessions for 5th & 6th graders run June 6 -10 from 9am - 2pm. Elementary sessions for 3rd & 4th graders will run June 13 -17 from 9am - 2pm. Primary school sessions for K-2nd graders run June 20 - 24 from 9am - 1pm. Creative Kids Camps take place in the CAA’s Bayou Arts Center located at 105 Hogtown Bayou Lane in Santa Rosa Beach. This year’s lead instructor and artist is Brittany Bigler. Brittany is a certified K-5th grade teacher who is currently teaching Art & Science at Ohana Institute. Her passion for art began at an early age, so she is happy to continue to foster that passion while helping young artists develop and grow their own seeds of creativity. Brittany will teach the campers how to work with a variety of mediums and use different techniques so each student goes home with a diverse portfolio of work. Planned activities include 3-D sculpture and design, clay hand building, paper maché, and weaving. Pricing is $150 per child for each five-day session, and space is limited. All supplies are included. Registration is available online at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. Students should be dressed for a fun and messy art experience and should come to class with a lunch and drink or water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

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 Betty & Johnny Main CAA Member Art Tent during the 34th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival alongside over 120 juried artists. The Festival begins Saturday, May 7 at 10:00am and runs through Sunday, May 8 at 5:00pm and is being held in Grand Boulevard. 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. Requirement Guidelines: 1. In order to exhibit, you must be a current CAA Member. 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 6th, between Noon and 3:00pm. 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 8th between 5 and 6 pm. You must apply by Friday, April 15 through Submittable by clicking this link. The first 40 applications, by the order in which they were received, will be accepted. 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 $104. We look forward to receiving your application! Jennifer Smith Event Director Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Donnelle Clark Member Artist Tent Chair 2022 ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival 850.687.9210 To learn more about the 34th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, click here.