The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce that local artist Sarah Page has been selected from the CAA’s pre-vetted Public Artist Directory and commissioned to create a vibrant large-scale mural at the Walton County Fairgrounds located at 790 N. 9th Street in DeFuniak Springs. With support from the Walton County Tourism Department, the CAA partnered with the Walton County Fair Board to produce this installation as part of the fair’s upcoming Centennial Celebration.
Measuring 72 ft wide x 10.5 ft high, the original work will serve as a backdrop on the south, arena-facing wall near the agricultural and livestock exhibits where it can be enjoyed and photographed by attendees of the fair and other events. The mural will serve as a colorful representation of the rich agricultural heritage and vibrant arts in our community. Established in 1924, the fair has been a cornerstone of Walton County, offering a platform for individuals of all ages to showcase their talents and skills. The CAA also sponsors several fair awards, including the Walton County Student Art Exhibit.
“I thought I was excited about the Walton County Fair being 100 years old, and then the Cultural Arts Alliance came along and gave the Walton County Fair Board of Directors the most awesome gift, the mural,” said Walton County Fair Association volunteer Janie Griffith. “This will be the highlight of all photos from the Fair this year. I can't wait to see the participants' eyes when they see it. On behalf of the Walton County Fair Board, I want to thank Jennifer Steele, Courtney Malone, and Sarah Page for all their patience and understanding as we worked through the process of getting everything just right. The mural is the best gift the Fair could have received.”
“I couldn't have asked for a nicer group of people to work with at the Walton County Fairgrounds. They work very hard, and the fact that they're all volunteers shows how passionate they are about what the fair means to this community,” said artist Sarah Page, a resident of DeFuniak Springs. “I'm really happy with how the final mural design came to life, which was a collaborative effort between me and the Fair Board members. My creative skillset plus their expertise made a perfect match.”
The mural is the newest addition to the CAA’s growing Art in Public Spaces program which is designed to enhance Walton County's cultural fabric locally, regionally and nationally by creating meaningful experiences and engagement, expanding public awareness and enjoyment of the Arts in everyday life, thus making Walton County a more inspiring and memorable destination. The program also includes the first Underwater Museum of Art in the U.S. off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park, the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail, the 10 murals lining the recently opened Highway 98 Pedestrian Underpass in Inlet Beach as well as other installations throughout the county.
"Integrating our Art in Public Spaces projects, particularly at iconic locations like the Walton County Fair, enables our community to fully embrace the power of creativity. The CAA is honored to work with Walton County Tourism Department to set the stage for beautiful memories to be made,” said Courtney Malone, Director of Programs & Creative Placemaking. “This fusion of creativity and tradition not only honors the Fair’s history but also sparks inspiration and connection for generations to come."
All are invited to see the new mural during the 2024 Fair, a week-long celebration from Oct. 14-19, featuring live performances, livestock shows, arts and crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy affordable fun with $5 admission for ages 6 and up, and free entry for children 5 and under. Celebrate the harvest, enjoy wonderful entertainment, and explore amusement rides at one of the last affordable events in our area. Open rain or shine.
For more information about the CAA’s Art in Public Spaces Program and other events, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com. For more information about the Walton County Fair, visit WaltonCountyFair.com.
