Gulf Place First Friday Art Walk and Unveiling of Sea Turtles May 6

Gulf Place will kick off First Friday Art Walk at a special community event on Friday, May 6, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The first Art Walk at Gulf Place will celebrate the completion of three sea turtle art projects in conjunction with the Gulf Place First Friday Art Walk andCasey Kearney CD Release Party.
 
At the end of last year, Gulf Place inherited three sea turtle statues from Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, Florida. Ranging in size from three to six feet, the sea turtles have been painted by three local artists: Juan Francisco Adaro, Billie Gaffrey and David J. Hansel. The three sea turtles, spread throughout the colorful community, will serve as a figure of the community’s dedication to the local arts and commitment to the protection of the sea turtles that come to our beaches yearly to nest.

South Walton is fortunate to have two local groups working tirelessly on behalf of sea turtles. South Walton Turtle Watch is a group of volunteers whose purpose is to locate endangered and threatened sea turtle nests and to protect them along the beaches of South Walton during the crucial nesting season from May 1 until October 31. Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote sea turtle conservation through awareness and education. Members of both organizations and everyone dedicated to the protection of SoWal area sea turtles are invited to attend.
 

Miss Lucy by artist Billie Gaffrey
 

Turtle Statues now placed around Gulf Place:
“Manuelita” by Juan Francisco Adaro, located on the east end of Spires Lane
"Miss Lucy" by Billie Gaffrey, located between La Playa and Sunrise Coffee Co.
"Horace" by David J. Hansel, located on the west end of Spires Lane

Local musician Casey Kearney will have a release party of her CD “Guns and Glitter” at The Artists at Gulf Place at the May 6 special Art Walk event. Casey has already seen local radio success with the albums title track “Guns and Glitter” being played regularly on Highway 98 Country.

From May 6, 2016 through October 7, 2016, the Artists at Gulf Place and Gordie Hinds Gallery will host the Gulf Place First Friday Art Walk in conjunction with the Artists of 30A First Friday Art Walk. On the first Friday of every month, participating South Walton art galleries stay open late to display their art. This is the community’s opportunity to see new artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy both refreshments and live music.

Gulf Place will be incorporating their Battle of the Brushes, where local artists paint in a competition, and the paintings are for sale at the end of the night. All area artists are encouraged to display their work and participate in the monthly art exhibition for a minimal fee.
  
These events are free and open to the public. If you’re a local artist or vendor interested in Gulf Place First Friday Art Walk please email Erin Chekaoui at gulfplacemanager@gmail.com.

MORE at Gulf Place...

Join Gulf Place Merchants for the monthly Third Thursday Wine Walkabout from 5-7pm. Purchase your wrist band for $20.00 from the Artists at Gulf Place colony to receive your complimentary glass and let the walkabout begin! Upon checking in you will receive a map with participating merchants. It's a local South Walton tradition!

Gulf Place Summer Concerts will kick off on Sunday, June 12 with local legends Hubba Hubba from 5-8pm. Live music every Sunday night in the amphitheater.

Live music takes place at La Playa every Thursday thru Saturday nights. Check SoWal Music Calendar for the lineup. Ladies night with Forrest Williams Band is a real SoWal favorite night out for many locals. Everyone's favorite Pizza by the Sea is located upstairs with a great view of the town. More great dining and shopping can be found on foot as you explore this beach town.

Gulf Place is a vibrant neighborhood community nestled in South Walton County directly across from the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors and locals love exploring the town's inviting shops and excellent eateries. You'll find bikes, surfboards and kayaks. Unique shops for you and for your pets. And wonderful local art abound at the funky Artists Colony. Enjoy great food in several restaurants along with exciting night life filled with live music.