september events

Summer is over but life around here feels busier than ever. Neal and I are in the middle of renovating our bathrooms at our house which just adds an extra layer of stuff to everything. A little exhausting but nothing we can't handle. Today was the first day that there was actually a breeze and maybe a tiny hint of a tease of fall weather. Football has been on for about a month now and the temps here in Destin are still well in the 90's. Fall brings out all the festivals. We have no shortage of events in this town.
Last Friday was the first one I was a part of for the fall season, and I was happy to participate in something fun happening right here so close to home for me. Harborwalk Village always has a schedule packed with fun events, and this one was a new concept for them, an event called ARTS & DRAFTS - a beer festival with a variety of artists and creative activities happening all along the main drag of the village down on the harbor. Jennifer from Emerald Coast Gallery and I shared a space in front of HarryT's, and I brought my easel, canvas, and a model while I painted live there for the attendees to watch my progress throughout the evening. Jennifer sold a lot of her beautiful coastal inspired art and I talked to a ton of people about my abstract bridal portraits while I painted. It's always fun to talk to all the different people and get their reactions, especially on the harbor where we have a nice mix of locals and visiting tourists. 

The next evening I was part of a fundraising event for the Point Washington Medical Center, where I was painting live again in front of a totally different crowd. This lovely event was located at Ruskin Place in Seaside, which is a beautiful area with wonderful & serene mellow energy. If you've been to Seaside, its the area back behind the circle, between Quincy Circle and the chapel. Even though I live in Destin and work in Fort Walton, I have always loved the relationships I have cultivated with many of the creative characters of our 30a communities, and I'm grateful to be included for these type of events. Point Washington Medical Center is a clinic offering all kinds of medical services at no cost - they did a lot of work after Hurricane Michael and continue to offer services to locals at low or no cost. I was happy to help raise money for their cause and meet the wonderful people who have created something unique for the community.

This Sunday, I will be a vendor at another new event, this one in Grayton Beach, the GRAYT VIBES Art & Music Festival! They will be blocking off Hotz Ave. for the day and there will be lots of cool stuff happening throughout the day, live bands, yoga and paddleboard events, along with some great artists and vendors along the street. Come out to celebrate the GRAYT local vibe! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!