Deployment of Underwater Art Museum Observation at Bud & Alley's

The Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) is part of the Cultural Arts of Walton County “Art In Public Spaces” program. The UMA deployment has officially been set for Monday, June 25th (weather permitting). They’re projecting around 10am, so get to the beach and check out the action!

Can't make it to the beach? Bring your binoculars and head on over to Bud & Alley's Restaurant's, the official Underwater Museum of Art Deployment Observation Station and sponsor of the JYC's Dream UMA sculpture. The deployment site is about one mile from the restaurant off the shores of nearby Grayton Beach State Park. When you arrive, head to the upper deck so you don't miss a moment of the action for this historic event!

The new underwater museum will augment SWARA’s mission of creating marine habitats and expanding fishery populations, while providing enhanced opportunities for the education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors. The CAA & SWARA are proud to reveal the seven sculpture designs selected by jury for permanent exhibition in the first installation of the UMA. There is no entry fee, but visitors are responsible for bringing their own diving gear and arranging a boat ride out to the museum site.

The 2018 Spring/ Summer installation will include the following sculpture: "Propeller in Motion" by Marek Anthiny, "Self Portrait" by Justin Gaffery, "The Grayt Pineapple" by Rachel Herring, "JYC's Dream" by Kevin Reilly in collaboration with students from South Walton Montessori School, "SWARA Skull" by Vince Tatum, "Concrete Rope Reed Spheres, by Evelyn Tickle, and "Anamorphous Octopus" by Allison Wickey. 

A one-acre permit patch of seabed off Grayton Beach State Park has been dedicated to the CAA for this new underwater sculpture exhibit. The first phase of the Underwater Museum of Art will include up to six sculptures. The deployment will be part of SWARA’s existing permitted artificial reef project that includes nine nearshore reefs (located .71 nautical miles off Grayton Beach). The new UMA sculptures will be deployed in approximately 50-60 feet of water. 

UMA will unite two of South Walton’s most cherished resources — the arts and the Gulf of Mexico. As part of the CAA’s Art in Public Spaces Program, it will be North America’s first permanent underwater sculpture park. 

UMA also will augment SWARA’s mission of creating marine habitat and expanding fishery population as well as provide creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Contact CAA Executive Director, Jennifer Steele, if you're intered in Sponsorship Opportunities. You can also donate now to help ensure this project's success. For more information about UMA, visit umafl.org