ArtsQuest at Grand Boulevard May 9-11, 2014

The 26th annual ArtsQuest is our community's fine arts festival produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA). The festival is scheduled for May 9-11, 2014 in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. [NEW - see photos from ArtsQuest 2014]

This year’s festival offers something for the entire family with more than 150 national, regional and local artist exhibits, live art demonstrations, gourmet food, beach cocktails, live music and kids’ entertainment.
 

ArtsQuest guests will enjoy live demonstrations throughout the weekend from Emerald Coast Woodturners Guild, McGee’s Pottery, Carol Dixon Basketweaving, Plein Air Painters, Margaret Rogers and Meyer Boarding Company Interactive Exhibit.

During the festival week, local galleries will participate in Gallery Nights on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8 - offering special parties, showings and events… all in the spirit of ArtsQuest. This tour of special gallery events is open to the public.

Wednesday, May 7 – 5 p.m. 
•  A. Wickey Studio and Gallery, Seacrest
•  Grayton Art Collective, The Shops of Grayton
•  Geana's Art Gallery, Destin

Thursday, May 8 – 5 p.m. 
•  The Blue Giraffe, WaterColor
•  Colorfield Gallery, Seacrest 
•  Justin Gaffrey Studio & Gallery, Seaside, Fla.

The main event at Grand Boulevard with more than 150 artists 
Friday, May 9th |  12:00pm - 8:00pm (After Hours Bacardi Beach Bash 8 - 11 pm 
Saturday, May 10th | 10:00am - 8:00 pm 
Sunday, May 11th |  10:00am - 6:00 pm

Friday’s festivities get a boost this year with a new After Hours Bacardi Beach Bash on the grand park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin from 8-11 p.m. This party is complimentary and open to the public, offering a cash bar featuring tropical Bacardi cocktails and Grayton Beer along with live music by Cadillac Willy.

The addition of food trucks will further spice up the weekend with fresh, handmade offerings from Longleaf Mobile Kitchen and Foodie Dietrich. As always, guests will enjoy continuous live music throughout the festival weekend.

ArtsQuest is proudly presented by Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Visit South Walton. Sponsors include The Market Shops, Bacardi USA, Wine World, Grayton Beer Company, The UPS Store at Grand Boulevard, Rodgers Keifer Title, The Seaside Institute, The Walton Sun, 30A.com and SoWal.com. Lodging partners include Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Residence Inn Sandestin and 30A Suites. 

Featured Artist Juan Francisco Adaro is a contemporary painter born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and currently living in South Walton.  Having painted for the last 20 years,
 Adaro started as a street and mural artist in his early twenties.

Much of what Adaro learned has come from his interaction and observation of great art.
 Today Adaro is known for his large abstract and life size portraits. Using recycled materials and natural textures, he recreates each technique to suit his needs. From traditional oil paintings to live performances, Adaro's paintings and works on paper merge the worlds of art and science, depicting natural forms and biological structures in vivid color and imaginative detail. Adaro was also ArtsQuest’s 2012 “Best in Show” Winner and ArtsQuest’s 2013 “Award of Excellence” Winner.

Artsquest and the CAA are proudly sponsored by SoWal.com!