SoWal Scene - South Walton County, Florida Blog

Finalists Announced for “Digital Graffiti” Festival

Alys Beach, Florida – (August 5, 2008) – Finalists have been chosen to be shown as part of the "Digital Graffiti" projection art festival to be held in Alys Beach this Labor Day weekend.

"We received many more entries than we ever expected, and from places as far away as Israel, Austria, India, Italy and China," said Kelli Arnold, the town’s Events Coordinator. "It was extremely difficult for our panel to narrow it down, but their selections feature a wonderful combination of local, national and international talents."

Sometimes referred to as "Photon Bombing" or "Urban Projection," underground artists around the globe have started using the latest technologies to project original video art onto skyscrapers and other structures, as a means of creative expression. But no outdoor event has ever been organized before to celebrate these talented artists.

Works submitted by the following 23 digital artists and teams have been selected to be projected during the festival:

• Ian Aleksander Adams (Savannah, GA)
• Dawn Chapman Anderson (Seaside, FL)
• Bryan Beasley  (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
• Alan Becker (Ohio)
• Isabella Bertoletti (New York, NY)
• Donna Callighan (Stamford, CT)
• George Cannon (Trumansburg, NY)
• Sean Capone (Brooklyn, NY)
• Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
• Adam Hayes Fisher (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
• Garrett Horn (Seagrove, FL)
• Philip Scott Johnson (St Louis, MO)
• Dottie King (Pensacola, FL)
• Clemens Kogler (Linza, Austria)
• Florian Kuhlmann (Dusseldorf, Germany)
• Mollie Murphy (Princeton, NJ)
• Alessandro Perini (Cucciago, Italy)
• Alexander Reyna (New York, NY)
• Sumit Roy (New Delhi, India)
• Janis Sawyer (Seaside, FL)
• Mauritius Seeger (London, United Kingdom)
• Robert Seidel (Jena, Germany)
• James Sumpter (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
• Michael Wyshock (Oneonta, NY)

These entries will now compete for $6,500 in cash prizes, including a $2,500 "Best of Show" award sponsored by Alys Beach, and a $1,000 "Best Local Artist" award sponsored by www.30A.com. A special $1,000 prize will also be awarded to the best entry with a "green" or environmental theme.

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In addition to fractals, digital animations and other video art, event organizers also received hundreds of compelling images from photographers around the world. A special $500 prize will be awarded to the best still-photography submission. A special wall will feature projected images submitted by the following photographers:

SoWal Scene's Weekend Live Music Roundup - July 11

Looking for some live jam sessions in South Walton?  Check out these bands playing around town this weekend.

Friday, July 11________

• Ball's Out Sports Bar on Hwy 331 S [map (in old SeaBar location] 850.622.9140
  ► 9pm New Fangled Theory
• Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin [map] 850.267.8117
  ►7-9pm Coconut Radio Band
• Bud & Alley's Rooftop Bar at Seaside [map] 850.231.5900
  ► 8pm - Diane Durrent
• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at Grand Boulevard [map]
  ► 8pm - Sean Dietrich
• Old Florida Fish House [map] 850.534.3045
  ► 815pm - Fish House Band
• Red Bar in Grayton Beach [map] 850.231.1008
  ► 7pm - The Red Bar House Jazz Band
• Stinky's Fish Camp on 30A in Dune Allen Beach [map] 850.267.3053
  ► 8:30pm - Blue Lew
• Salty Dog Saloon in Santa Rosa Beach [map] 850.267.1184
  ► 8pm - WaCo Ramblers

Saturday, July 12_________

• Amavida Coffee in Seaside [map] 850.231.3539
  ► 7pm - Cody Copeland
• Ball's Out Sports Bar on Hwy 331 S [map (in old SeaBar location] 850.622.9140
  ► 9pm Acoustic Duet by Corduroy Blues
• Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin [map] 850.267.8117
  ►7-9pm Coconut Radio Band
• Bud & Alley's Rooftop Bar at Seaside [map] 850.231.5900
  ► 8pm - Diane Durrent
• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at Grand Boulevard [map]
  ► 8pm - Sean Dietrich
• Fonville Press at Alys Beach [map] 850.213.5500
  ► 5-9pm - spindletree
• JamBone - A Hardwood Joint in Santa Rosa Beach [map] 850.267.1497
  ► 10pm- JamBone Jack and Tejas Brisket Blues Band
• Old Florida Fish House [map] 850.534.3045
  ► 815pm - Fish House Band
• Red Bar in Grayton Beach [map] 850.231.1008
  ►noon and 8pm - WaCo Ramblers
• Sally's Backside on 30A (behind Sally's By The Sea Store) [map] 850.267.2016
  ► 8pm - Sally's Backside Cabaret - Redd Sings
• Salty Dog Saloon in Santa Rosa Beach [map] 850.267.1184
  ► 8pm - WaCo Ramblers

Sunday, July 13_________

• Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin [map] 850.267.8117
  ►7-9pm Coconut Radio Band
• Gulf Place Amphitheater [map] 850.267.2562
  ► Outdoor Free Summer Concert Series from  6-9pm
• Red Bar in Grayton Beach [map] 850.231.1008
  ► noon and 7pm - Dread Clampitt
• Salty Dog Saloon in Santa Rosa Beach [map] 850.267.1184
  ► 9pm - Singer and Song Writer Jam Night with Quite the Duo

Have some live entertainment you want to share?  Add a comment below!

Alys Beach ‘Butteries’ Preserve Story of Walton County’s Past

Alys Beach, Florida – (July 7, 2008) – Before refrigeration (and even before ice was imported or manufactured), homes in Bermuda’s hot island climate often maintained “butteries”—detached minaret-shaped structures designed to make, store and preserve butter, milk and other perishable foods.

But the four white “butteries” perched along scenic 30A in Alys Beach preserve something quite different.

Sixteen unique murals depicting scenes from South Walton’s history are now on public display in the trademark structures that mark the entrances to one of scenic 30A’s most dramatic new towns.

“Our community has worked so hard over the years to ensure that South Walton continues to be a special sanctuary for families to enjoy,” said Jim Stephens, Chairman of EBSCO Industries and son of Alys Stephens, for whom Alys Beach is named. "We commissioned these murals in the hope that they’ll offer visitors and future generations a better appreciation for our home's unique heritage."

The murals were created by Concetta Rothwell Morales, an art teacher at the Des Moines Art Center. Morales earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Painting and Art History from Skidmore College in New York and a Master’s Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A highly talented and recognized mosaic muralist, Morales is especially well-known for her work with materials that express uniqueness and durability, including granite, porcelain marble and a wide palette of colorful ceramic tile.

Hip Happening, Notable News from WaterColor & WaterSound

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art opens museum in WaterColor

Building upon the larger regional and national interest in the Ogden Museum of Southern Art/University of New Orleans, the Ogden will open a new satellite museum on July 3, 2008 located in WaterColor Resort, one of the South's most popular and rapidly growing regions along Highway 30A in Northwest Florida, in the former Cerulean's location right of of Scenic 30A in the WaterColor Town Center (next to Sugar Pies Cafe).

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art @ WaterColor will showcase a number of changing exhibitions, and will also incorporate a branch of the Ogden ’s Center for Southern Craft and Design.

Eileen West will be the on-sight coordinator of exhibitions and daily operations for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art @ WaterColor and will serve as the public representative of the WaterColor location.

The first two exhibitions at WaterColor will be Hunt Slonem: Artist and Collector and Richard Sexton: Terra Incognita, both organized by the museum:

• Hunt Slonem: Artist and Collector offers an intimate glimpse into this famous painter’s life—including his two Louisiana plantations and New York loft and studio. His paintings of birds, animals, flora, saints and other mystics are a colorful result of a lifetime of travel and collecting, incorporating his growing interest in the natural and historical worlds of Louisiana.

• Richard Sexton: Terra Incognita, will appeal to admirers of fine photography, particularly to those who appreciate landscapes. His black and white photographs of the Gulf Coast are dramatic, yet haunting—reminders of a Gulf Coast that has seen its share of change during the 15 years (1991 to 2006) Sexton documented the region. It will be cherished by anyone who spent time running through the dunes, forests and tropical settings of this beautiful, yet sometimes stark coastal environment.

The museum will be open daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and admission is free. Phone is 850.231.7735.

• • •

First Annual Summer At The 'Sound Pre-Independence Day Extravaganza

WHAT Summer at the 'Sound is a free public event to celebrate the Village Commons opening at the new WaterSound Community.  Families will enjoy a WaterSound Showcase of Homes tour, swimming in the new Village Commons pool, face painting, magic tricks, live music, kickball, Frisbee, soccer games, giveaways and door prizes, as well as free treats and soft drinks.  Guided bike tours along the Intercoastal Waterway, kayak tours on Lake Powell and golf at the 9-hole Origins course will be offered.  Box lunches are available for purchase.

Family Golf Outing Includes:

• A round of golf for adults ($15.00); Kids 15 and under play free with an adult. A golf cart costs $10.
• Free short game clinic, including chipping and putting, with a member of Camp Creek's professional staff.
• Kid’s Chipping and putting contests.  A small wading pool will enable kids to chip in the water. Winners get candy and treats.

When Thursday, July 3rd, 2008; between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Where Events will take place in and around the new Village Commons Pool, a central gathering spot and resident community hub.  The Davis Love III-designed Origins (nine-hole) Golf Course is just a short stroll from the Village Commons.

Directions WaterSound is located in South Walton County in Northwest Florida, on Highway 98 just north of Scenic Highway 30A, half a mile north of Camp Creek Golf Club and three miles east of WaterSound Beach. The address is 180 North WaterSound Parkway, WaterSound, FL  32413

For event information please call, 850-534-2100

About WaterSound  WaterSound is the newest residential community in the Town of WaterSound.  It sits between the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Powell, one of the world’s rare dune lakes fed by both rainwater and meandering tides - perfect for freshwater and saltwater fishing.  WaterSound is located three miles from WaterSound Beach, a 256-acre gated community set on a mile of white sand beach, and WaterSound West Beach, a 62-acre gated community with private beach access located adjacent to Deer Lake State Park.

Awesome! New Summer Event Series starting tonight - Beach Villages Around the World

I got an email yesterday from Hillary Fosdyck, co-owner and event designer of Monark Events, about a new Friday night summer event series being hosted at Redfish Village called "Beach Villages Around the World" which kicks off tonight! 

In Hillary's words, "The concept is to travel the world by celebrating other beach villages such as Redfish.  We will celebrate a different village/country every week with food/drink/entertainment/ambiance to go with it."

I just think this is brilliant!!  Hillary and her business partner, Briane Workman, really thought outside-the-box on this event, offering something totally unique and innovative to attract folks to Redfish Village.  I am putting this on my personal calendar for sure!  Way to go gals!

Loreto, Mexico is the first Beach Village to be "experienced" tonight.  Here are the details -

Join Redfish Village this Friday, May 30th at 5:30 p.m. as they celebrate the culture of Loreto, Mexico. You will enjoy live Mariachi music, authentic Mexican cuisine, a top-shelf Tequila and Margarita tasting, and an unforgettable atmosphere.  Recapture the spirit of Loreto's Town Square at Redfish Village, where you will experience the enchanting culture of the Baja right here on 30-A.

Here is the line up for the rest of the summer!  Head to Redfish, SoWal, to experience the world - enjoy!

Discover Historic Art of "Cameraless Photography" at Cultural Arts Assocation Workshop

Join professional photographer and artist Jay Shoots for an intensive workshop exploring techniques of “cameraless photography” hosted by the Cultural Arts Association.  This historic art process is equally suitable for the intrigued beginner or the experienced photography enthusiast.  The workshop will begin on Friday, June 27 from 6 pm to 8 pm and will continue on Saturday, June 28 from 9 am until 4 pm at the Bayou Arts Center on County Road 393 North.

The Friday evening session will offer open dialogue with the artist, a presentation of his portfolio of cameraless photographs and an overview of Saturday’s workshop when students will create their own unique “photographic drawings.”

"Short and Sweet" Sessions by Marla Carter

What can I say?  I think local children's photographer Marla Carter of Marla and Shane Photographers has an incredible eye for detail and a hip, fun sense of style - she has that coveted "cool" factor.  Visit her store in Redfish Village to look at her work and the merchandise they have for sale and you will know immediately what I mean.  So it was no surprise to me when I was perusing her blog recently that I came across her innovative, new idea to offer "Short and Sweet" portrait sessions.  What a great idea!

"At only $95, the Short and Sweet session is perfect for those who want to commemorate a special occasion or mark a milestone, but do not need a full signature session. Short and sweet sessions are for one child, 30 minutes long, and take place weekday mornings in South Walton. 10-15 images will be shown in an online gallery.

Short session, sweet price!

Call 850.217.9377 or Email Marla to schedule!"

Seaside Jazz Festival - Weekend One. A Marketing Snafu or First Year Growing Pains?

The local gossip of the weekend centered on the painfully low turnout at weekend one (of two) of Seaside's 1st annual Seaside Jazz Fest. 

I heard from Madra McDonald of Table Five Chef and M Public Relations that she and her husband had attended the Rebirth Brass Band Concert on Friday evening and by the 7pm show time, there were only about 6 people - yes (gasp), folks, 6 people -  in attendance.  For marketing people and event organizers, this is the stuff of bad dreams, like showing up to school with no pants on.  Word on the street (but not verified) was that complimentary tickets were being handed out and anyone who wanted to enter could for the rest of weekend.

So what gives?  Is this a marketing snafu?  First year growing pains?  Or - even maybe - a symptom of our national and local economic crisis? 

I personally think it's a perfect storm created by all three influences happening at the same time.

I must be honest - if I hear or read one more person b**** and moan about such trivial things as how there were too many tents blocking out the event from passerby and that the tents limited parking - like these somehow are an indication of Seaside's unfriendliness to outsiders and actually discouraged participation - I may not be able to keep up the blank-stare-and-quickly-change-the-subject bit.  Folks, this is nonsensical dialogue from those who like to take every opportunity to bash the integrity and reputation of Seaside, and South Walton, in general.  Parking in Seaside is always limited - just like it is in all areas on 30A.  Satellite parking is available at the Seaside Jazz Fest, just like it is available at other similar events around town.  And the Seabreeze Jazz Fest organizers put up tents, block access into the town center with barricades AND a force of police officers.

Let's focus on the realities.  It took several years for the Seabreeze Jazz Festival to take root and blossom into the acclaimed event it is today.  That festival has been going on now for - what - 10 years?  In fact, it now draws so many jazz lovers (4000+ attendees per day throughout the event), it has outgrown it's home at Gulf Place and is moving to a larger venue in Bay County next year.  But it took 10 years for it to become this!  It is silly for anyone to think that the Seaside Jazz Fest would have parallel success in year one. 

That said, what I think is stumping most - event organizers I'm sure as well - is this isn't about low turnout - this is about NO turnout.  Six attendees pretty much equals no attendees when you have seating for a few hundred.  Some outside forces that weren't identified and exploited must be at work here - and it's incredibly difficult to guess what they would be (hindsight IS 20/20)  - especially considering the caliber of talent playing at the event.

Calling all Artists!

This is going to be an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G event, folks - I personally can't wait!

Digital Arts Festival Coming to Alys Beach
Local & National Artists Invited to Submit Entries

A unique new festival is coming to Scenic 30A this Labor Day weekend.

"Digital Graffiti" is a new event created to celebrate and recognize some of the world's most talented and innovative digital artists. But like almost everything at Alys Beach, the festival has a very unusual twist.

"We're inviting artists to project their original artwork onto our famous white walls using the latest projection technologies," said Kelli Arnold, the town's Events Coordinator. The town of Alys Beach will literally become their blank canvas.

Sometimes referred to as "Photon Bombing," Guerilla Projection", "Projection Bombing" or "Urban Projection," underground artists around the globe have started using the latest design, animation and  projection technologies to cast their unique works of art onto skyscrapers and other urban structures, as a means of artistic expression.

"Some of the talent we're finding is stunning," said Arnold. "We're extremely excited to help promote this emerging new art form."

To help lure such talent to the Emerald Coast, Alys Beach has announced numerous award categories and prizes, including a $2,500 Best of Show award sponsored by The Alys Foundation, and a $1,000 Best Local Artist award sponsored by www.30A.com. To qualify for the Best Local Artist award, the winner must reside full-time in Walton, Okaloosa, Bay or Washington County.

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):

updated: The 2008 Seaside Reperatory Theatre Prom King and Queen Are.....

George Hartley and Cheri Peebles!  Congratulations and great job to you both! 

To view photos from the event, check out the Pizza By The Sea blog - thanks for sharing those with us, Stacy and Bryan!

Word on the street is that it was one of the best fundraisers yet for the Rep and they raised over $56,000!  Congratulations to the Rep, as well.

Learn or Perfect Plein Air Painting Skills at Cultural Arts Workshop

Santa Rosa Beach - The Cultural Arts Association invites artists of all skill levels to attend a plein air painting  workshop featuring Ft. Walton Beach artist, Carol Ann Cain, on Saturday, April 26 from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Plein air painting is done on location in front of the subject and mostly completed while experiencing the landscape.  The finished product is a representation of the artist’s perception and response to the conditions of the landscape.  The setting of Cain’s workshop at the former Bayour Arts and Antiques building will offer views of gardens, marshes and the Bay, all ideal subjects for plein air painting.

Cain will provide a lecture and demonstration that will include specific guidelines and suggestions for beginning a plein air painting.  Students will then select their subject and begin painting.  The day-long class will allow ample time for critiques.

Marla and Shane Photographers in Redfish Village

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting someone yesterday I really hope to see more often - Marla Carter, of Marla and Shane Photography in Redfish Village (Blue Mountain Beach). 

I needed a head shot for business purposes and Marla graciously accepted my request, although her specialty is children's and teen photography.  Marla is not only one of those magnetic people whom conversation with just comes very naturally - like you've known them for a while - but she and Shane are gifted photographers whose talents are going to make them superstars in their field. 

Look at this photo she got out of me!!

Billie Gaffrey Chosen as ArtsQuest 20th Anniversary Poster Winner

The Cultural Arts Association is proud to announce that the ArtsQuest 20th anniversary poster contest winner is Billie Gaffrey, a self-taught, award-winning artist and Walton County resident.  Gaffrey’s poster was chosen from over twenty submissions by other local and regional artists.

Gaffrey says she was thrilled when she learned she had been chosen, especially in ArtsQuest’s twentieth year.  “I’ve been a part of ArtsQuest for many years, she says, “For my work to be represented during the twentieth anniversary is a real honor.”

Come on SoWal - Tune In! South Walton's 30A Radio

30A Radio/107.1FM has to be categorized as one of those SoWal hidden gems that is starting to come into it's own but, as is the case with many not-for-profits, is always in need of some support to get it to that next level.  Think a volunteer-operated NPR specifically for the South Walton community and you get the picture.  Not only is there an eclectic variety of music played throughout the week, there are pertinent, informative talk shows offered such as Mark Stroop's Livin' on 30A Monday morning program which focuses on the SoWal real estate market, and The Earth Lounge on Thursday evenings which focuses on SoWal's environment and sustainability.  It's really great stuff, folks!

I had the pleasure of meeting with Leslie Kolovich, General Manager of 30A Radio/107.1FM, last week over a cup of tea at Hibiscus in Grayton and spent an hour learning about the amazing volunteer-driven effort that has been put into starting, maintaining, and expanding 30A Radio since it's inception in 2003.