Thanks in part to the collaboration between Walton County Tourism and the Cultural Arts Alliance, Walton County is becoming a canvas for artistic expression. Beautiful public art continues to pop up around the city, and two significant public projects recently graced our walls: a stunning mural by local artist Sarah Page and the grand opening of the pedestrian underpass in Inlet Beach.
Page, Walton County’s 2024 Artist of the Year, was commissioned to create a mural commemorating the centennial celebration of the Walton County Fair. Measuring an impressive 72 feet wide by 10.5 feet high, the artwork covers the south wall of the Walton County Fairgrounds facility in DeFuniak Springs.
The mural depicts a vibrant pasture, complete with cows, horses, chickens, a barn and a stunning sky. It beautifully illustrates the region’s agricultural heritage and community charm and is poised to become a cherished backdrop for fair attendees and visitors.
The mural joins a growing roster of installations under the CAA’s Art in Public Spaces program, which aims to enrich Walton County’s cultural landscape. By amplifying artistic expression, this initiative enhances the community’s appeal and visitor experience, showcasing the beauty of Walton County’s environment and culture.
“My creative skillset plus their expertise made a perfect match,” Page said. The mural not only celebrates the fair’s 100-year history, but it also stands to inspire future generations and strengthen the community. The partnership between the Walton County Tourism Department and the Cultural Arts Alliance is paving the way for a brighter, more artistic future.
“This fusion of creativity and tradition honors the Fair’s history while sparking inspiration and connection for generations to come,” said Courtney Malone, director of Programs & Creative Placemaking at the CAA. “The CAA is honored to work with the Walton County Tourism department to set the stage for beautiful memories to be made.”
But Walton County’s beautification efforts don’t stop there! Last fall, the Inlet Beach community celebrated the opening of a new pedestrian underpass at the intersection of Highway 98 and County Highway 30A. One of the central features of the underpass is its incorporation of public art.
The CAA selected ten local artists to create murals measuring 20 feet wide by 8 feet high, transforming the underpass into a vibrant gallery of local talent. Featured artists include Francisco Adaro, Katherine Boggs, Heather Clements, Bradley Copeland, Olga Guy, Wes Hinds, Sarah Page, Andy Saczynski, Andrea Scurto and Lindsay Tobias. Combining their diverse styles, the underpass captures the creative essence of Walton County, all while enhancing the pedestrian experience.
“Art has the power to transform spaces and inspire communities,” said Leigh Moore, executive director of Scenic Walton. “Not only does it make it more beautiful and a much more enriching experience to go through the underpass, but it will also encourage people to use it. And that’s a lifesaving issue.”
The Inlet Beach Underpass Get Down celebration featured a ribbon cutting attended by local leaders, including current and former county commissioners and representatives from the CAA and Scenic Walton alongside Walton County Tourism and Beach Operations personnel.
The Inlet Beach Underpass has been in the works for a decade, with the Florida Department of Transportation fast-tracking its development a few years ago. Since the grand opening, the public walkway has created a much safer environment for locals and tourists alike.
The 136-foot underpass is also home to two brand-new sculptures. Replicated from works in the Underwater Museum of Art, these pieces further elevate the space, creating an eye-catching environment for visitors.
For more information on the Inlet Beach Underpass, visit waltoncountyfltourism.com/press/underpass-marks-milestone-in-safety-accessibility/.
