A Grand Gallery: Grand Boulevard’s Art Series Debuts

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® kicks off “A Grand Gallery,” its new monthly art series, on July 17th from 5 – 9 p.m. This sidewalk art show will feature a variety of art mediums on display, with artists and gallery staff available to discuss the pieces. The art series will be held on Artisan Lane, the street between Gallery NU Fine Arts and The Orvis Company. Guests can also enjoy refreshments from Cantina Laredo Gourmet Mexican while enjoying the sounds of progressive funky jazz by Green Hit. This event is free and open to the public.

“In addition to the great lodging, dining and shopping options, Grand Boulevard offers Artisan Lane as a venue for artists to come together within a specific area of the Town Center and showcase their work to the community,” stated Elaine Ashman, marketing director for Grand Boulevard. “This monthly art series will offer locals and visitors a unique opportunity to interact with artists, preview and purchase various art and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Town Center.”

Artisan Lane was planned within the original vision of Grand Boulevard to support the arts in our area. Fusion Art Glass and Gallery NU are the first two galleries to open with additional openings in the future. The sidewalks of Artisan Lane will be an extension of these galleries as various artists set up monthly exhibits for the Grand Gallery Art Series.
Two of Beaches of South Walton’s Artist of the Year recipients will be among the several artists featured at Thursday’s event. 2008 Artist of the Year Donna Burgess will be showcasing her watercolor, acrylic, water-based oils and pastel artwork that capture the beauty and joy of coastal life. Burgess has been an active figure in the Florida Gulf Coast art scene for more than 20 years and has galleries at the Market Shops of Sandestin® and Bay County.

Enjoy the unique glass art of 2006 Artist of the Year Phil Kiser, a talented artist specializing in dimensional mosaics. Kiser uses a variety of mediums to create stunning works of art that capture the spirit and essence of a vibrant coastal community. Kiser, a self-taught artist, combines hundreds of hand-cut pieces of glass and objects to capture light and create magnificent replicas of coastal scenes and subjects.
New Orleans resident Benjamin Bullins will also be featuring his renowned work. Bullins is Gallery NU’s mixed media/found object artist.  The beauty of man made objects enhanced by natural elements gives birth to a collection of art which Benjamin brings to life in each figure he creates.

Local artist Peggy Jones’ eclectic oil, watercolor and acrylic mediums will be showcased as well the Grand Gallery Art Series. Beginning her art interest as a small child, Peggy’s work became so sought after that she converted the third floor of her Panama City Beach house into her gallery and opened Gallery 226 shortly thereafter. 

Jamie Babula will be featuring her original abstract acrylics and portraits as well.  Jaime’s artistic style has been described as abstract expressionism that celebrates color. A self-taught artist that has been drawing since she could pick up a pencil, Jamie recently opened “The Dreaming Tree Art Gallery” in the Village of South Walton Beach located in Seacrest Beach, FL.

Missionary Mary Proctor had been running an odds and ends store in rural north Florida when she suddenly turned to making art. Told by God that ‘the door is the way,’ she began to paint on an old door lying in her yard. Now you can find Mary’s renowned work at her American Folk Art Museum & Gallery in Tallahassee and in galleries all across the United States. Using found objects from her junkyard, Missionary Mary crafts three dimensional assembled works from buttons, mirrors, jewelry and other trinkets.

For even more interactive fun, guests can visit The Orvis Company in front of Artisan Lane as they partner with the Panhandle Fly Fishing Club for fly tying demonstrations. A Grand Gallery Art Series will take place on the third Thursday of each month through October, featuring different artists and artwork.

Grand Boulevard is the new shop, work, play and stay Town Center located in Beaches of South Walton along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Based on the prominent mixed-use architectural model, Grand Boulevard offers a dynamic lifestyle experience with convenient access to a multitude of exclusive shopping and dining options, entertainment, professional services, corporate offices and lodging. For more information, please call (850) 654-5929 or visit www.grandboulevard.com.