The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is calling artists who are current members of the CAA to submit up to three pieces of art for our CAA - Walton County Emerald Coast Theatre Company Special Exhibit, themed around "She Persists: Journeys of Self-Discovery and Unwavering Spirit" beginning September 12, 2025 and going through January 30, 2026. 

• We will choose one to two pieces of artwork for this exhibit. This show will be hung in the main hallway of Emerald Coast Theatre Company to complement their Season 13 productions including: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Glass Menagerie, and Annie. 
• Theme: "She Persists: Journeys of Self-Discovery and Unwavering Spirit"  
• Focus: This theme champions the individual journeys of women as they discover who they are, assert their independence, and maintain their spirit despite obstacles. From Carole King's professional rise to Laura Wingfield's delicate inner world and Annie's tenacious optimism, each character exemplifies a unique form of persistence.
• Artistic Interpretations | Process-Oriented Art: Works that show layers, evolution, or transformation, symbolizing personal growth. Pieces that explore vulnerability, self-expression, and resilience. Artwork must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. No nudes will be accepted as part of this exhibition.
• This call is open to CAA members only. If you are not yet a member, click HERE to join.
• The submitted piece(s) must be original, showcase the theme of the exhibit, can be aged or fresh and may utilize a variety of mediums. 2D work must be dry and ready to hang with wire attached for hanging. 2D & 3D Paintings: Dimensions (Width X Height) may not exceed 48" X 48" including frames.  
• Artist agrees to a 60% Artist / 40% CAA split.
• If your painting sells, you are encouraged to bring a replacement.
   

TIMELINE: 

• Call to Artists: June 27, 2025 - August 15, 2025 
• Artist Notification: August 19, 2025
• Art delivery to Emerald Coast Theatre Company :September 9, 2025 10:30 am - 2:00 pm 
• Show opens: September 12, 2025 
• Show ends: January 30, 2026
• Artists Reception: TBD 
• Mandatory Art pick-up*: January 30, 2026 | 10:30 am - 5:00 pm

 Submissions will be accepted ONLY THROUGH SUBMITTABLE. Acceptance of your artwork in the show is solely at CAA and Emerald Coast Theatre Company's discretion. 

• Artwork Collection Policy & Disclaimer

Please note the following terms regarding the collection of artwork:

Artwork Collection: All submitted artwork must be collected on the specified date.

Disclaimer of Responsibility: The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) and Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) shall not be held responsible for any artwork not retrieved by the aforementioned collection date.

Artwork Abandonment: Artwork remaining uncollected for a period exceeding thirty (30) days beyond the designated pick-up date will be deemed abandoned. Abandoned artwork will be considered a donation to the CAA and used for fundraising opportunities.

The 2025 Flutterby Arts Festival proudly celebrates its 33rd year of honoring the magical migration of the Monarch Butterfly through our region with a full day of art, music, and family fun. Join us on Sunday, November 9th, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center for a beautiful day filled with creativity and community connection.

This beloved annual event features a juried artist marketplace, hands-on kids’ art activities, live music, theatre and dance performances, lawn games, a student butterfly art exhibit, and our signature butterfly parade! Flutterby attracts around 1,000 attendees throughout the day, creating a vibrant opportunity for artists to share and sell their work.

Artists are invited to apply to exhibit and sell their original artwork at the Flutterby Festival. Space is limited and exhibitors will be selected through a jury process. The early bird deadline for applications with discounted booth fees is Friday, September 26th, and the final deadline is Friday, October 10th. Invitations to participate will be sent out the week of October 20th, and selected artists must confirm and pay booth fees by 12:00PM CST on Monday, October 27th.

Exhibitors will receive a 10’ x 10’ booth space nestled in a beautiful, park-like setting on pine straw near the Pavilion and Ambrosia Restaurant. Load-in is available from 3–6 p.m. on Saturday, November 8th and/or from 7–9 a.m. on Sunday, November 9th. All vendors are required to have a tent to cover their booth — no exceptions — but tent rentals are available if needed.

APPLICATION DEADLINES & FEES

•  Early Bird Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. CST on September 26th, 2025
•  Final Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. CST on October 10th, 2025
•  Early Bird Booth Fee: 11:59 p.m. CST due by October 27th, 2025  Fee: $125 | $100 for CAA Members
•  Regular Booth Fee: 11:59 p.m. CST due by October 27th, 2025  Fee: $150
   

Please submit 1–2 images of your booth setup and 3 images of your artwork with your application.

Tent Rentals: A limited number of 10’ x 10’ tent rentals are available for an additional $250, which includes one 6ft banquet table and two folding chairs. Power is extremely limited and not guaranteed — please indicate your power needs when applying and we will do our best to accommodate.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Artist Grants

PURPOSE: The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County's Artist Grants Program was created to address the needs of Cultural Arts Alliance member artists who have wish to take advantage of assistance with a continuing education course to further their training.

ELIGIBILITY:  The Artist Grants are available to individual CAA artist members who live or work in Walton County.

Applications will be reviewed by the Art for All Committee following the deadline of May 15th and November 15th, with notifications send after the Committee meeting.  All awards are pending available funds.  

REQUIREMENTS:  Only online applications through CAA's website will be considered.  Applicants should gather and prepare the following information before applying:

• Name and contact information
• Proof of Walton County residence (drivers license, ID card, or passport)
• Artist Website
• Social Media 
• Three examples of your work as an artist to upload
• Amount Requested
• Description of the proposed activity, including location, specific coursework, and knowledge that will be gained.

After the grant is awarded, you will be asked to lead a workshop or presentation.  Please be prepared to give your ideas on a class or program that would be interesting and well-received.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Is the proposed project likely to continue & expand after the grant period?
• Is the CAA's support vital or catalytic to the project's success?
• Is the use of funds innovative & efficient?
• Does the project fulfill one or more aspects of the CAA's vision?
• Does the project have a well-planned approach to promoting the Arts in Walton County?
• Grants are made only to entities recognized as tax-exempt charities under 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Grants will be made for specific projects.  the CAA normally does NOT approve grants to support the following:

• Ongoing operating expenses
• Annual appeals of membership drives
• Religious organization tat advocate a specific religion, faith or creed
• Travel for individuals or groups (if that were the primary focus)
• Capital campaigns
• Fundraising for Endowment Funds
• National fund drives or national organizations with no direct ties to our community
• Lobbying activities

GRANT MAKING DECISION PERIOD

The grants are awarded semi-annually.  the maximum amount requested must not exceed $5,000.00.  No organization may receive more than one grant award per year.  All applications are reviewed by a volunteer committee supported by our professional staff and approved by our Board of Directors.  Decisions may be extended beyond the decision month.  Applicants may be called for an interview.  All grant applicants will be notified by letter or email.

Deadline Dates for Submission                              Award Notification

May 15                                                                       July 15

November 15                                                            January 15

Scholarships are available to outgoing high school seniors, current college students of Walton County, or past graduates of Walton County public, private and home schools who have declared or intend to declare a major in the visual, literary or performing arts at the undergraduate level. There is no deadline to apply, and applications will be reviewed by committee quarterly. The Susan Foster Scholarship, Karen Kolenberg Scholarship and Sheila Goode Scholarship are available. Deadline: May 15, 2025
 

ANNUAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA:
 

• Application must be completed in full and received by published deadline.
• Applicant must be a resident of Walton County at the time of application.
• Applicant must have declared or intend to declare a major in and arts or humanities related field.
• Awards will range from $500 - $2,000 per year per applicant.
• Funds will be distributed directly to the award winner’s college or university.
• Applicants may apply once per calendar year even if an award has been received previously.

If you have any questions about this application, please contact Lee Greene at Lee@culturalartsalliance.com.