Arts Quest 2008

As a newcomer to the area, I'm amazed at how many festivals and events there are along the Emerald Coast. It seems like there's something going on all the time, but with the arrival of spring, the number of offerings increases. This week the four-day long Sandestin Wine Festival celebrates its 22nd year, with most of the action taking place at Sandestin Resort, but there are numerous mini-events happening all along the beach. Next week the popular "High School Musical" is playing April 17 - 20 at the Florida Chautauqua Theatre in Defuniak Springs, featuring young actors from a number of area schools. The Seaside Jazz Festival takes place two weekends in May, and the 2008 Fun Fest in Navarre is May 17th and 18th.

Last night I was fortunate to attend the kick-off, press party for Arts Quest 2008, held at Sandestin's Linkside Conference Center. Arts Quest is put on each year by the Cultural Arts Association whose mission is to foster the literary, visual and performing arts in Walton County and this year marks 20 years for the event. Besides munching some great hors d'oeuvres and talking to some really interesting people, I learned a little about this artsy happening.

Arts Quest 2008 is a week long celebration that includes a performance by the New Gulf Coast Choir, student art exhibits at Butler Elementary School and Seaside Neighborhood School, a Champagne Shopping Tour (now you're talking) and the major event, the Fine Arts Show at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. The whole thing takes place the week of May 4 - 11.

The humble beginnings of Arts Quest as the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival in 1989 will be celebrated at a sunset toast at the end of Boardwalk in Grayton Beach Monday, May 5th at 6:30 PM. Bring your own libation, but be aware that no glass containers are allowed on the beach.

On Saturday and Sunday (May 10th and 11th) shuttle busses will take you from parking at Grand Boulevard Town Center to the Fine Arts Show. Admission is free, a bargain for a day of cultural fun. Artists from all over will be showing their work and there'll be food, music and the chance to win a weekend stay at Sandestin, original art from area galleries and many more prizes. Can you think of a better way to amuse the kids and keep the grown-ups sane for the weekend?

Nan Ream, Arts Quest Chair, mentioned the need for volunteers, so I will be womaning the shuttle busses both days. I thought it would be a great way to meet and greet a lot of people and the least I could do for a chance to be a part of such a great event. More volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs so call them at 850-622-5970 or visit www.culturalartsassociation.org/. I hope I see you there.

Happy coasting.