Northwest Florida Getaways 2008 - (Page 34) permanent art collection. Up for 2008, for example, are shows by Haitian artist Edward Duval Carrie and another by self-taught “primitive” artists. Back in Fort Walton Beach, the gallery at The Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach spotlights the work of its member artists, including those working in photography, acrylics, oils, sculpture, pottery, watercolors and multimedia. Styles range from Beaux Arts to juried theme shows with names like Play That Funky Music. While Destin is known more for fish than for its art market, it does house a several worth-a-look national names. Among these is Thomas Kinkade – The Destin Gallery. Check out the “painter of light’s” homey works of cute cottages and such. Here you’ll find everything from modestly-priced prints to “splurge” pieces running in the thousands. (Insulin sold separately). The Beaches of South Walton (a series of shore towns that line Route 30A) take art seriously. The region houses a dozens of galleries, and has instituted its own Artist of the Year program. The variety of art available in Northwest Florida literally widens as you drive to the Santa Rosa Beach area. Big Mama’s Hula Girl Gallery in Grayton Beach has become a sort of traveler pilgrimage spot known not only for its colorful shabby chic artists but also its “Big Mama” T-shirts. Outside, garden flowers constructed of old pots and pans greet visitors. Inside, a riot of color emanates from the work of more than 40 regional artists and crafters. Indulge your inner flower child as you check out hand-crafted jewelry, art, furniture, sculpture and pottery. Of special note are the glass flower mosaics of 2006 Walton County Artist of the Year, Phil Kiser. His works range from about $40 to more than $10,000. There is nothing haughty about this gallery. Their slogan is “Y’all come to see us ‘cause honey if it ain’t fun, we don’t do it.” In Santa Rosa Beach, Gulf Place is an upscale shopping area. Its draw is the Artists at Gulf Place. Roughly 10 artists’ cottages in the center of the district serve up art, pottery, glass and flattened Coca-Cola bottles. (You can get a T-shirt with Route 30-A road signs.) continued on page 36 Top, the Artists at Gulf Place, Santa Rosa Beach. Above, an art class at Artists at Gulf Place. Far left, beachscape at Nina Fritz Gallery in Pensacola. Below, Pensacola opening night. 34 VISITFLORIDA.com/northwest http://VISITFLORIDA.com/northwest
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.