Coastal Art in South Walton

Artists draw inspiration from what's around them, and there's plenty to draw from when you're surrounded by sugar-white sand, turquoise water and a one-of-a-kind ecosystem. Some of South Walton's most prominent artists have put their own spin on their home and environment, and it's worth your while to check them out.

Marisol Gullo's work captures many themes but is always heavily inspired by the colors, textures and subjects of South Walton. The 2017 Artist of the Year's piece, Heron in Flight, is a great example of this.

Andy Saczynski brings together local inspiration and local found objects to represent the coast. The 2013 Artist of the Year is best known for using repurposed and recycled materials like instruments, furniture and other found objects to create work inspired by local wildlife and nature. His piece below, Dorado, as well as the piece shown at the top of the article, Western Lake, are representative of his love and passion for the area.

Nature drives Justin Gaffrey's creativity, though his subject matter is broad. The 2005 Artist of the Year enjoys exploring new things via his art but is always heavily influenced by the area he's called home for decades. His piece, Sunset at Western Lake, exemplifies his unique take on the local landscape.

2018 Artist of the Year Kathleen Broaderick's work focuses primarily on the local flora and fauna in South Walton. She's very directly inspired by the beach and the opportunity to live and work near it, and her pieces, Western Lake and Three Little Birds, below, are great representations of the inspiration she takes from the coast.

Looking to explore coastal art further? South Walton is home to a variety of art galleries, local boutiques and interactive experiences where you can truly immerse yourself in the South Walton art scene. Events like the annual Digital Graffiti in Alys Beach show how magical art can be, especially when it's on display in a remarkable setting.