New “Digital Arts” Festival Fuses Art & Technology
Digital Artists Invited to Submit Entries

Alys Beach, Florida – (May 6, 2008) – A Florida beach resort town will host a unique festival on Labor Day weekend.

“Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach” was created to celebrate and promote the world’s most talented and innovative digital artists. But the event has a very unusual twist.

“We’re inviting digital artists from around the world to project their original artwork onto our town’s famous white walls,” said Kelli Arnold, Alys Beach’s Events Coordinator. “Our entire town will literally become their blank canvas.” (SAMPLES: www.pbase.com/abfl/digital_graffiti)

Sometimes referred to as “Photon Bombing,” “Guerilla Projection,” “Projection Bombing” or “Urban Projection,” underground artists around the globe have already been using the latest design, animation and projection technologies to cast their images onto skyscrapers and other urban structures, as a means of artistic expression.

“Some of the talent that we’re finding is truly stunning,” said Arnold.

To help lure that talent, Alys Beach has announced numerous award categories and over $5,000 in cash prizes, including a $2,500 “Best of Show” award. A certain number of qualified artists may also be eligible for cash stipends to help them attend the event.

The festival will be hosted by several celebrity and industry expert judges, including Alan Hunter—MTV’s very first “VeeJay,” co-host of the “Big 80’s” channel on Sirius Satellite Radio, and co-founder of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, and Warren Heaton, an award-winning digital media artist and UCLA professor, whose film, video and interactive media projects include such clients as Adobe, Aquantive Microsoft, Concorde-New Horizons, DirecTV, Motor Entertainment and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Artists are encouraged to submit their original works of digital art for consideration as soon as possible. Entries may include new or existing abstract digital imagery, short films, photography, VJ sets, animations, YouTube videos, Adobe PhotoShop creations or entirely new interactive concepts. All subject matter is eligible for the festival, although a special $1,000 prize will be awarded to the best entry with a “green” or environmental theme. The deadline for all submissions is Friday, July 11, 2008. The festival will be held on the evening of Saturday, August 30, 2008.

Alys Beach is located in Florida’s panhandle on Scenic Highway 30A, between Destin and Panama City Beach, along what The New York Times said “may be the best beach in the continental U.S.” In April, Forbes.com named Alys Beach America’s “Best Spot for the Design-Savvy.”

For more information about Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, visit www.alysbeach.com/DG, call toll-free 1-866-481-8387, or email events@alysbeach.com.

ABOUT ALYS BEACH
One of the most beautiful new towns in the world, Alys Beach’s extraordinary architectural vision drew inspirations from both Bermuda and the family courtyard homes of Antigua, Guatemala. When complete, the town will be home to over 600 villas, rowhouses, courtyard homes and family compound retreats, as well as numerous restaurants, parks and shops. All homes in Alys Beach are built to Fortified…For Safer Living® building standards, as certified by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, and are also built to the Green Home Designation Standard of the Florida Green Building Coalition.

“Alys Beach may be the most truly innovative community under construction in the United States today, and it will eventually be imitated everywhere,” said Andrés Duany, who was ranked one of the Top 5 most influential people in home building by Builder magazine.

For sales or rental information, please call 866-481-8387 or visit www.alysbeach.com.

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This is going to be a fantastic event. SoWal.com is proud to be a sponsor!

Any artists out there interested in participating?

How COOL! omg, this will be awesome.
It's been a long time since I did actual digi art, but I might be able to come up with something to enter with. hmm... doubt I have time though.

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CK

I bet you'll be sorry if you don't.

Alys Beach is the coolest place on earth...and has the best people working there! So sorry to miss this! Hoping for lots of pics!

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Don't forget!

An informational meeting will be held for interested locals and artists at Fonville Press on Monday, May 19th at 7pm. The meeting is open to the public.

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Bummer. This meeting co-incides with another meeting I have on my schedule already. Will the information presented be available through some other means after the meeting?

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CK

Added to home page - http://SoWal.com

This event looks amazing - I absolutely cannot wait to attend and possibly submit an entry as well. Thanks so much for sharing.

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Groovy!

how funn

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"Nice parking. I guess they didn't have you in mind when they painted these lines." note left on Whiteyfunn's car
www.30afunn.com
30A Funn Facebook

Can't wait for this! Sad I missed the meeting ... This is going to be very cool! Thanks for the info!!

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"It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education."

Yep, I'd like to know if there's a handout or minutes that we can get a copy of. I missed the meeting but am considering entering. Just have a few questions.

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UniquePanhandleProperties.com
rosemary-beach-florida.com seacrest-beach.com
unique-panama-city-beach.com weluvflorida.com
seacrest-beach.com

You may find information about Digital Graffiti on our website and blog!

REMINDER - This Friday, July 11, is the deadline for entries!!!

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“Digital Graffiti” Festival Draws Entries From Around the Globe


Alys Beach, Florida – (July 21, 2008) – A unique new event called “Digital Graffiti” is being hosted by Alys Beach this Labor Day Weekend to celebrate some of the world’s most talented digital artists.

The deadline for entries was July 11th, and event organizers say that they were overwhelmed by the response.

“We were flooded with nearly 150 entries from all around the world,” said Kelli Arnold, the town’s Events Coordinator. “Not only did we receive amazing submissions from local artists, but also from digital artists in New York, Los Angeles, Israel,Austria, Canada, Germany, London, India, France, Italy and even China.”

Sometimes referred to as “Photon Bombing” or “Guerilla Projection,” underground artists around the globe have started using the latest technologies to project their unique works of art onto skyscrapers and other urban structures, as a means of artistic expression. But no outdoor event has ever been organized before to celebrate these talented artists.

“We invited artists to project their works onto our town’s famous white walls,” said Arnold. “Alys Beach will literally become their blank canvas.”

To help attract artists to the Emerald Coast, Alys Beach announced $6,500 in cash prizes, including a $2,500 “Best of Show” award, and a $1,000 “Best Local Artist” award sponsored by 30A.com. A special $1,000 prize will also be awarded to the best entry with a “green” or environmental theme.


But after receiving many more entries than expected, Arnold said that the biggest challenge now is to find more projectors.

“As you can imagine, it requires a lot of technology to host a unique event like this,” said Arnold. “Several local businesses have already offered to loan us their office projectors for that evening, but we need even more projectors to display as many entries as possible.”

The festival will be hosted by several celebrity and industry judges, including Alan Hunter, MTV's very first “VJ” and Co-Founder of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival; Terry Slaughter, President of the award-winning Slaughter Group, a strategic design and branding firm based in Birmingham, Alabama; Brett Phares, a professor of interactive media at Marist College in New York; and Warren Heaton, an award-winning digital artist, whose film, video and interactive media projects include such clients as Adobe, Microsoft, and Walt Disney Imagineering.

The festival will be held on Saturday, August 30th (Labor Day Weekend), from 8pm until 11pm. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held on Sunday, August 31st.

For more information about Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, please visit www.alysbeach.com/DG. Individuals or businesses willing to loan a projector for this one-evening event are encouraged to call 1-866-481-8387 or email events@alysbeach.com.


ABOUT ALYS BEACH


One of the most beautiful new towns in the world, Alys Beach is located on Scenic Highway 30A in Florida’s panhandle, along what The New York Times said “may be the best beach in the continental U.S.”

Alys Beach’s extraordinary architectural vision drew inspirations from both Bermuda and the family courtyard homes of Antigua, Guatemala. When complete, the town will be home to over 600 villas, row houses, courtyard homes and family compound retreats, as well as numerous restaurants, parks, pools and shops. All homes in Alys Beach are built to Fortified…for safer living® building standards, as designated by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, and are also built to the Green Home Designation Standard of the Florida Green Building Coalition. In April, Forbes.com named Alys Beach America’s “Best Spot for the Design-Savvy.”

“Alys Beach may be the most truly innovative community under construction in the United States today, and it will eventually be imitated everywhere,” said Andrés Duany, who was ranked one of the Top 5 most influential people in home building by Builder magazine.

For sales or rental information, please call 866-481-8387 or visit www.alysbeach.com.

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...I know a SoWaller that is displaying at this fabulous event!!

Alys B...you have the greatest ideas!

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

I agree! this festival sounds like something really great to see over the holiday weekend.

Very cool!!! Can't wait!

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The enemy is ignorance.

Don't forget to mark your calendars and purchase your tickets early!

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids and may be purchased at Fonville Press in Alys Beacch or online at www.digitalgraffiti.info

Pre-purchsed tickets will be picked up at will call the night of the event.

When the sun goes down, the town will light up!

Hope to see you all there!

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If it is the same SOWaller I talked to last night, she has 3 entries!

Define "kid"- under what age?

Under -6 = free

Child 6-11

Adult 12+

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Be sure to wear some comfy shoes! There is a lot of ground to cover!

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You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.

Mark Twain

...I sure miss you! jfunn and I recreated y'alls shopping trip the other day!

Best of luck with this fabulous event! Please post pics!!

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

I have a few friends that have work to be shown, so I reeeely can't wait!

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"Save the tata's!!!"

This weekend!

Can you expand on this?

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They were asked to clarify the age cutoffs for the $10 adult and $5 child tickets.

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The enemy is ignorance.

Looks like we will luck out on the weather- Gustav will still be out at sea.

Another great Alys Beach event- we can't wait. Should I try and get my picture with Alan Hunter?

Thrilled so many Sowallers will be there - it will be awesome!

Looking forward to seeing you!

Alys Beach, 7pm

We set up and checked out all of the locations last night. Wow!! you guys are sure to enjoy this. Carpool, parking will be tight based on sales.

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click >> Filter your water instead of using bottled water << click

Pics, video and on the spot reporting, please!

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Will tickets be available there??

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"where did all this mop water come from?" (mom)
"the potty" (little beach with toy mop in hand...!)

I have an entry in the festival. Hint: Look for the gasmask.

Yes.

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"You can't drive around with a tiger in your car...." Roger Miller

Anybody know if the weather is affecting Digital Graffiti tonight, or is it happening regardless of rain?

we're still on but postponed. looking at an 8-8:30 start time. if it gets pushed back till tomorrow, you here will be the first to know. we're hoping for the current cell to blow past, then get started.

jr

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click >> Filter your water instead of using bottled water << click

Thanks John R and steeleing1...I just got a call from one of the artists wanting to know what the scoop is from sowal.com.

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Kurt could start using the line, "You heard it here first, folks."

I am really excited about going tonight. Are there still tickets? Is it still on?

No rain in Alys (we could throw a rock and hit Alys from our house) as of now. We are preparing to head over now!

I'm so disappointed

Had the babysitter and everything...
We came at 8 and left at 10, but still didn't really know what the end deal was as far as the displays. When we saw them packing the projectors up we figured it was a wash. Anyone know?

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CK

"It was just terrible," as I like to say to help keep too many people from crowding a really cool event. Early rain presented problems for some of the outdoor computers and projectors. They were hoping for only a short delay, and directed guests to the Pool area. There were a few projectors working, but only as a tease. Rain, humidity and circuit boards don't mix. Around 730p, the rain had slowed to only a slight drizzle, which soon stopped completely. The Pool was set up for the after the show party, but it quickly became the party, and everyone I spoke to, thoroughly enjoyed it, even though we didn't see much of the art. I think I saw nearly everyone I know at Alys Beach tonight, and I met a few new friends. The DJ was rocking the house from the deck above the pool. Bars and Food were served, and some football game was on a big screen, tucked away in the back. Eventually, the super-sized Wii was started up, and I think a few kids may now be nearsighted. That was big! Overall, it was a great time. The people at Alys Beach who set it all up were surely disappointed that it didn't go as planned, but we all had a great time, thanks to their quick thinking and contingency plans. Alys Beach did a fabulous job. I cannot wait to go back. Also to be commended are the architects who designed such an inspiring pool (It is so much more than just a pool.), and John R and crew for working on all of the tech stuff.
As many of my small friends say, "Do it again! Do it again!"

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Kitty, I got some pics for you, but patients is required.

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www.djharry.net

buy his records...

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click >> Filter your water instead of using bottled water << click

But the night was all good. DJ Harry rocked the party, the crowd was cool, and the vibe was right. It was good times, but I poured a lot of hard work into this thing, and to not see the final result of it rips me up inside.

I do applaud Alys Beach for what they were going for. They've got a great place over there.

www.alysbeach.com/dg

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I think the turnout and excitement for this event is a clear sign for Alys beach to have this event again! Even though only a few of the digital entries were able to be shown, the ones we did see were really cool, and left us wanting to see more!

Everyone made the most of the unfortunate and untimely weather- hanging at the Caliza pool and seeing pretty much everyone in town was great fun. I took Kate up to "hang" with DJ Harry, and his tunes had her dancing her feet off in a puddle, followed by a shadow dance against one of the white walls of Alys. Come visit again soon Harry!!

The people watching was great- if I had not been watching a child, I would have parked myself on one of many amazing seating choices and been completely content to watch- lots of great (and interesting) outfits and people!

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard- we can't fight Mother Nature, but I think everyone's adaptation to the situation turned out well!

I was so excited about this event from the get go and love how Alys Beach (especially kickball kell) comes up with these out of the box happenings! Thanks for the report...how cool that everyone adapted and still had funn...that is sowal at it's finest!!!

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Kickball Kell should get gigantic hugs from every single person she sees today!

(DJ Harry)

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Breathtaking.

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Despite the changes that had to be made due to rain, this event was awesome. Congrats to Kelli, Alys, John, Mike and all at Alys Beach for creating, designing, producing such a beautiful and FUNN event!!!!!!

PLEASE have Digital Graffiti 2!!!!!

I heard last night from some Alys peeps, that they were strongly considering making this an annual event.

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If they made it every year- that would be great... Alys beach Plan B is better than most of 30a's Plan A!
Although, I can't imagine that once the rest of the home owners 'fill-in' there that those home owners would be 'down' for that? The music was bouncing off the walls all throughout Alys Beach.
It was fantastic!

Seems to me that this area is straved for something like that.
Note to Alys Beach: make it happen baby!

Thanks to all the folks that made that happen! It's unfortunate we didn't get to see more art, but the dance party that ensued was spectacular. I had some pics I took with my phone, but they have mysteriously disappeared?? I might have been making phone calls when I thought I was taking pictures. Oops.

I agree with em--sowal NEEDS more of this type of entertainment. DJ Harry, please come back soon!

It was AWESOME!! So many wonderful people were there. If it had gone full force, as intended, it would have been the event of the year! It was pretty darn spectacular as it was!
I loved the walking man projected on the wall as I entered ALys with a sign below him that said "this way" I am not sure what he was made of, but it was COOL!!!!!

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Buy the book, kiss the cook - AlisonCooks.com

wow sj! excellent photography...

I thought that the concept was excellent and what a great place to have this event. I loved walking around the homes of Alys Beach; they were beautiful. The pool was so groovy with all of the alcoves for lounging. I loved the techno beat in the background and the Alabama game going on in the corner. We left a great party to attend, I was a loser in the contest but loved the idea. The mushrooms and what ever that was growing on one wall was pretty weird but I loved the old pictures of Florida on the big screen. With a little tweaking it will be a great time, hopefully they will do it again soon and I'll see my digital art on the walls of Alys Beach one night. Smiling Joe your pictures look great, love the peace sign dancer.

Peace,
engulfed.us

It was so much fun even with Gustav's threats and light showers. I got a photo and chatted with Alan he is very nice. Caliza Pool was rocking~

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	COOLEST DG.jpg (8.7 KB, 15 views)
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	JR @ DG.jpg (9.4 KB, 13 views)

Yes, glad to see pics, I had my camera but too busy socializing to take many.

And yay for wearing something that stands out in a pic. I spot myself in 2 of the pics!

This event was so much fun, even with limited artist displays due to the weather.
I suppose I could be biased because we work closely with Alys Beach, and our company sponsored, but I really do think the folks at Alys Beach did a fantastic job in spite of the rain.
I had an absolute blast, and DJ Harry was amazing. I can't wait to do this again!

I was bummed that I didn't get to see all the digital art entries, but blown away by how cool the poolside party was!

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The enemy is ignorance.

"Digital Graffiti" Winners Announced

Alys Beach, Florida – (September 2, 2008) – Despite a thundershower that watered down Saturday evening's "Digital Graffiti" festivities, hundreds of guests were able to experience a few art projections, new open houses and a dance party that ran late into the night.

"Unfortunately, due to technical issues created by the storm, we were only able to show a few of the exhibits," said Kelli Arnold, Events Coordinator for Alys Beach. "We were especially sad for the many artists that attended, both locally and from as far away as New York. But the dance party was so much fun, and we were overwhelmed by the support and positive feedback from our friends and neighbors."
The next day, the festival's panel of industry experts reviewed each exhibit and awarded the following honors:

• Best Photography ($500): "Feet First" by Sally Mankus of Shalimar, Florida
• Best Still Image ($500): "Spectacular Takeover Battle" by Florian Kulhmann of Dusseldorf, Germany
• Best Environmental Theme ($1,000): "S.O.S." by Donna Callighan of Stamford, Connecticut
• Best Local Submission ($1,000): "SpyCam Series #2" by Janis Sawyer of Seaside, Florida
• Most Experimental ($1,000): "Herr Bar" by Clemens Kogler of Linz, Austria
• Best of Show ($2,500): "Futures" by Robert Seidel of Jena, Germany

Although rain prevented festival attendees from determining the "Audience Choice" award, judges decided to sponsor a special new $500 prize called the "Judges' Choice Award."

• Judges' Choice Award ($500): "Dancing Queen" by Sumit Roy of New Delhi, India

All award-winning entries will be featured soon at www.alysbeach.com/DG.
"We were blown away by the quality and diversity of the exhibits," said Brett Phares, professor of interactive studies at Marist College in New York, and one of the festival's judges. "Alys Beach and Caliza are among the most amazing event venues we've ever seen, and we all just felt honored to be involved with this pioneering concept."

A special "artists reception" will be held at Fonville Press in Alys Beach on Friday, September 19th (weather permitting!), during which all festival exhibits will be projected in sequence in a single location for guests to enjoy.

"Although we realize that some artists might not be able to attend, we feel it's important to share and showcase all of their amazing works," said Arnold. There is no admission for the event, which will start at 8pm.

Anyone who pre-purchased tickets for last Saturday's event can receive a full refund by calling 1-866-481-8387 or or by emailing events@alysbeach.com.

ABOUT ALYS BEACH
One of the most beautiful new towns in the world, Alys Beach is located on Scenic Highway 30A in Florida’s panhandle, along what The New York Times said “may be the best beach in the continental U.S.”

Alys Beach’s extraordinary architectural vision drew inspirations from both Bermuda and the family courtyard homes of Antigua, Guatemala. When complete, the town will be home to over 600 villas, row houses, courtyard homes and family compound retreats, as well as numerous restaurants, parks, pools and shops. All homes in Alys Beach are built to "Fortified…for safer living"® building standards, as designated by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, and are also built to the Green Home Designation Standard of the Florida Green Building Coalition. In April, Forbes named Alys Beach America’s “Top Spot for Design-Savvy Home Buyers.”

“Alys Beach may be the most truly innovative community under construction in the United States today, and it will eventually be imitated everywhere,” said Andrés Duany, who was ranked one of the Top 5 most influential people in home building by Builder magazine.

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A special "artists reception" will be held at Fonville Press in Alys Beach on Friday, September 19th (weather permitting!), during which all festival exhibits will be projected in sequence in a single location for guests to enjoy.

"Although we realize that some artists might not be able to attend, we feel it's important to share and showcase all of their amazing works," said Arnold. There is no admission for the event, which will start at 8pm.

I have to put this on my calendar! I can't wait! Please, please, please make this an annual event.

This was by far one of the coolest events I have been to! The venue was incredible as was the pool, art on the walls (I felt like I was in a 7Up bottle) and music.

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"Save the tata's!!!"