Call to Artsists: 2011 Beaches of South Walton Artist of the Year

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The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) has launched the 9th annual ?call to artists? in search of the 2011 Beaches of South Walton Artist of the Year. This program draws local, regional and national attention to the selected artist and to Walton County?s thriving art community.

?With so many applicants competing for Artist of the Year, the judges have a difficult decision in choosing just one individual with the talent, energy, enthusiasm, dedication, and desire to represent Beaches of South Walton for a full year,? remarked Vicki Kitahara, new product development manager. ?The artist not only represents the Beaches of South Walton through their artwork but also through personal appearances. This is a dynamic program that opens doors for the artist and brings visibility to the area.?

The ?Artist of the Year? receives guaranteed commissioned artwork and is featured through Beaches of South Walton marketing and public relations initiatives. The commissioned piece is featured in the TDC?s Art in Public Places program and displayed in a public location within Walton County.

Artist of the Year activities vary from artist to artist. A video featuring 2010 Artist of the Year Michael Granberry?s work will premier in Nashville, Tenn. in June at a reception held in partnership with Nashville Lifestyles magazine. The event and exhibit will feature Granberry while marketing the destination and new air service by Southwest Airlines. Granberry?s work has been exhibited this year at the Cultural Art Association Valentine Day Tour of Homes, the 30A Songwriters Festival, and ArtsQuest.

?The BSW Artist of the Year program has allowed me to reinvent myself from an advertising photographer to a fine art photographer,? said Granberry. ?Living in a community filled with so many creative people, the Beaches of South Walton Artist of the Year program has given me a platform to showcase my work.?

A panel of judges reviews all submissions and grades each artist in accordance with the established criteria. Media categories include oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, clay, photography, sculpture and fiber.

The artwork is judged according to Beaches of South Walton brand promise, which includes art, nature, architecture, accommodations, culture, dining and shopping. The chosen artist will be announced at the TDC?s Annual meeting in October.

In order to be considered, the artist must be a permanent resident of Walton County and/or own an art related business (i.e. art gallery) for a minimum of one year in Walton County. The deadline for application is June 18, 2010. To obtain an application please contact Debby Pozza at (850) 267-1216 at ext. 130 or dpozza@beachesofsouthwalton.com

For more information regarding the TDC?s arts and cultural programs contact Vicki Kitahara TDC new product development manager, at (850) 267-1216 ext. 121 or vkitahara@beachesofsouthwalton.com.

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Updated with brochure and application attachments.