Okaloosa Public Arts - New PAGE

02/27/2026

7th Annual Black Heritage Art Festival - this Saturday, February 28th from 10 am to 6 pm!

12/21/2025

You never know what the Emerald Coast Herons are up to!!!

Rosie the Elf has been busy exploring the museum, climbing, discovering, and meeting all kinds of new friends! 🎄 ✨
Keep an eye out… you never know where she’ll pop up next! 👀

12/14/2025

A big thank you to Cinco Bayou crews working last week along Eglin Pkwy from the Cinco Bayou Bridge to Hughes Street installing the new Okaloosa Public Arts student art banners.

Thank you Cinco Bayou, the students, teachers, and volunteers who help bring public art to life in our community!

This inspiring community project is made possible each year through the generosity of Okaloosa Public Arts.

12/11/2025

Save the date!

10/16/2025

🎨 **Celebrating Young Artists!** 🎨

On October 9th, OPA representatives Pat Roberts, Helen Harris, and Norma Supplee attended the **Banner Presentation at Cinco Bayou City Hall**.

🌟 **Six local high schools** participated, each selecting **four student designs** to be featured on banners that will proudly line Eglin Parkway — from the Cinco Bayou Bridge to Hughes Street.

Each talented student received a stipend for their creative contribution. This inspiring community project is made possible each year through the generosity of Okaloosa Public Arts (OPA).

👏 Thank you to the students, teachers, and volunteers who help bring public art to life in our community!

10/16/2025

Recently installed - one of the amazing herons from the most recent Emerald Coast Heron project! This one was created by FWB Artists!

09/09/2025

🎉✨ Congratulations to the Winners of the 2025–2026 Artists’ Choice Show! ✨🎉
Okaloosa Public Arts is thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent showcased this year in Fort Walton Beach. A huge thank you to all the artists who shared their creativity with our community—and a special round of applause for our award winners:
🏆 Best in Show
Charlotte Arnold — Somewhere in Time
🥇 First Place
Rosalyn O’Grady — Perfect Landscape
🥈 Second Place
Gee Ordinario — Komorebi
🥉 Third Place
Kathleen Simpson — Blending of Differences

🌟 Honorable Mentions 🌟
Nan Marie Burns — End of the Day
Stephany Bloyd — Ethereal Blossoms
John Cooper — Beach Chick
Jeanne Craig — Carousel Dreams
Pamela Folse — La Maison View
Linda Kernick — Coral Seas
Joan Langham — Pansies and Pears
George Tisza — Variety
Vision Bear — Honey Bee Dreams
Thomas Walsh — Punk Zebra

👏 Thank you to everyone who made this year’s show such a vibrant celebration of the arts. We are proud to honor the vision, passion, and creativity of our local artists.
Want to see these beautiful pieces in person? You’re in luck! The full collection is on display through September 2026 at the Okaloosa County Administration Building in Shalimar—across its three public floors—bringing art into the heart of our community and welcoming thousands of daily visitors.

So, whether you're a local resident or just passing through, stop by, let your eyes feast on the creativity, and support the artists who make our community shine.

09/09/2025

🎉✨ Congratulations to the Winners of the 2025–2026 Artists’ Choice Show! ✨🎉

Okaloosa Public Arts is thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent showcased this year in Fort Walton Beach. A huge thank you to all the artists who shared their creativity with our community—and a special round of applause for our award winners:

🏆 Best in Show
Charlotte Arnold — Somewhere in Time
🥇 First Place
Rosalyn O’Grady — Perfect Landscape
🥈 Second Place
Gee Ordinario — Komorebi
🥉 Third Place
Kathleen Simpson — Blending of Differences
🌟 Honorable Mentions 🌟
Nan Marie Burns — End of the Day
Stephany Bloyd — Ethereal Blossoms
John Cooper — Beach Chick
Jeanne Craig — Carousel Dreams
Pamela Folse — La Maison View
Linda Kernick — Coral Seas
Joan Langham — Pansies and Pears
George Tisza — Variety
Vision Bear — Honey Bee Dreams
Thomas Walsh — Punk Zebra

👏 Thank you to everyone who made this year’s show such a vibrant celebration of the arts. We are proud to honor the vision, passion, and creativity of our local artists.

Want to see these beautiful pieces in person? You’re in luck! The full collection is on display through September 2026 at the Okaloosa County Administration Building in Shalimar—across its three public floors—bringing art into the heart of our community and welcoming thousands of daily visitors.

So, whether you're a local resident or just passing through, stop by, let your eyes feast on the creativity, and support the artists who make our community shine.

09/05/2025

🎉 JOIN US TODAY! 🎨✨

Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 3:00–5:00 PM.

🏆 Awards announced at 4:00 PM — don’t miss the excitement!

Come celebrate creativity, connect with artists, and enjoy an inspiring afternoon of art. 💫

📍 Okaloosa County Administration Building