Art Month continues with Digital Graffiti Festival, other events in Walton County

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. ( WMBB ) — May is Art Month in Walton County, an initiative to connect the community with dozens of unique events.

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County hosts Art Month each year.

“Art month has evolved from a week of activities to a full month of activities, so that’s been really exciting to see the growth and expansion and the community really embrace the arts” said Melissa Wheeler, CAA marketing director.

This week is the Longleaf Writers Conference in Seaside, and the Emerald Coast Theatre Company is staging Mary Poppins.

On Thursday, May 16th, the Digital Graffiti Festival starts in Alys Beach with artist panels in Central Park.

“We wanted to use that as an opportunity for local students as well as university students around the country to learn about the application of art, the application of technology with art,” said Diana Lane, Alys Beach public outreach coordinator.

This year incorporates an upcoming Walton County film, The Paper Bear.

“They have a special exhibit where they have tapped their animators who have been working on the film to create a special installation piece that will be shown on Raw and Juicy, which is a restaurant we have there at Alys Beach. We’ve also created a scavenger hunt for the kids to participate in on Saturday night,” Lane said.

The CAA said the variety of events this month including the 36th annual ArtsQuest Festival, gives everyone in the county something to enjoy.

“Viewers have so many options to ignite their creative spark. There are literary, musical, theatrical, visual arts, and educational opportunities, something for everyone. Folks can attend a favorite annual event like Digital Graffiti and also try something new like the after-hours writing workshop with Emerald Coast Storytellers,” Wheeler said.

Wheeler said proceeds from other CAA events help fund programs and grants for local art students and teachers.

Tickets for the Digital Graffiti Festival are on sale now.

Look for a full list of Art Month events online. You can still add events to the calendar until May 19th.

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