ArtsQuest turns 20

ARTSQUEST 2008 - May 4 - 11 | For information call 850.622.5970.

Walton County, FL - Since its humble yet inspired beginning as the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival in 1989, ArtsQuest, under the leadership of committed volunteers and the Cultural Arts Association, has developed into one of the top 200 juried art shows in the United States, attracting over 10,000 people to its full week of events. 

ArtsQuest exists and succeeds to fulfill the Cultural Arts Association’s mission to enhance the quality of life for youth and adults by providing life-long learning through arts education and appreciation; to promote the fine arts, performing arts and the humanities; and to support local artists by promoting their work.

Along with its partners, Beaches of South Walton, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, and The Walton Sun, The CAA invites you to be a part of this extra-special week-long celebration of the arts.

Here is a line up of the week-long events or click here to go to the website):

• Sunday, May 4: ArtsQuest 20th anniversary Kick-off Concert featuring the New Gulf Coast Choir
  There could not be a better way to kick-off the week than with the inspirational voices of the New Gulf Coast Choir. Under the direction of Michael Grady, these forty young people, aged seven and up, are fine examples of how the art of music touches the heart and changes lives. The choir, which began with a focus on "at risk" youth has become an award-winning group that has shared the stage with many Grammy winners across the country.
  
  Good News United Methodist Church
  4747 US Hwy. 98 West in Santa Rosa Beach (across from Bayou Bill's)
  3pm Concert | 4pm Reception
  $15 and $10 students Purchase tickets at the door
• Monday, May 5: Back to Grayton Beach: A sunset toast to twenty years of creativity
  Come celebrate and reminisce as we honor the creative spirit of those who began the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival in 1989 and guided it into the nationally renowned event it is today.
  
  Grayton Beach end of boardwalk
  6:30 - 7:30pm
  Free and open to the public
  Bring your own libation (glass not allowed on beach)
  For those in need, a beach shuttle will pick up from Rivard Realty on DeFuniak Street from 6 - 6:20pm.
  Information 850.622.5970
  If it rains, join us at the residence at 79 Garfield Street in Grayton Beach.
• Tuesday, May 6: The Fine Art of Looking Good Fashion Show & Luncheon
  Presented by American Laser Centers and Hosted by Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club The fashion runway will feature beautiful designs offered by the shops of Grand Boulevard: Coldwater Creek, The Orvis Company, Sanctuary Clothing, Billabong, Southern Waters Outfitters and Tommy Bahama | Fine jewelry by Magpie's Jewelry | Hair & makeup designed by Hair For You.  Gourmet lunch will include dessert and wine with a panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico.
  
  Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
  4801 West County Hwy. 30-A
  11:30am Doors open
  $35 Cash or check at door
  Limited seating
  Reservations must be made by April 30 | 850.267.2305
• Wednesday, May 7: Student Art Exhibit
  The artwork of hundreds of talented young students will be exhibited for the enjoyment of family, friends and all ArtsQuest participants.
  
  Butler Elementary
  6694 West County Hwy. 30-A
  5:30-7pm
  
  Seaside Neighborhood School*
  30 Smolian Circle
  2:30-6pm
  ArtsQuest posters will be available to purchase at both locations
  *Poster contest winner Billie Gaffrey will be available at the Seaside Neighborhood School to sign your poster
• Thursday, May 8: Champagne Shopping Tour
  Presented by the Merchants of Seaside 3-8pm
  
  From traditional art to fine wine to haute couture, your favorite galleries, boutiques and shops along the Scenic 30-A and 98 Corridors will roll out the red carpet for guests to enjoy original art of all kinds, along with special sales, beverages and hors d'oeuvres.
  
  Please drive the tour responsibly, or take advantage of complimentary shuttle buses donated by Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Shuttle parking will be located in Rosemary Beach, Seaside and Gulf Place, and buses will continuously shuttle guests along 30-A throughout the evening.
• Friday, May 9: Fine Arts Preview Gala
  Celebrate the 20th anniversary of ArtsQuest in style. On the eve of the Fine Arts Festival, guests will have an exclusive opportunity to preview and purchase outstanding art and to mingle with over 100 artists and Festival VIP's. Marlin Grill will be serving delicious hors d'oeuvres and spirits.
  
  Marlin Grill in The Village of Baytowne Wharf
  5-7pm
  $20
  Reservations required by May 1 | 850.622.5970
• Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11: ArtsQuest Fine Arts Show
  Presented by The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, The Walton Sun and The Beaches of South Walton
  
  The Village of Baytowne Wharf in the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
  Saturday 10-7 and Sunday 10-5
  Free admission
  Tickets will be sold for a benefit drawing to be held on Sunday at 4pm on the Events Plaza Stage
  1ticket for $5, 3 tickets for $10, 7 tickets for $20