The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) of Okaloosa County is a local arts agency that strengthens the county by supporting the arts through advocacy, education, and marketing and promotion.
Member Directory for Okaloosa Arts Alliance
We thank the following businesses, organizations, schools, and individual artists for their participation as members of the Okaloosa Arts Alliance.
Arts and Design Society
Phone: 850.244.2171
Website: www.artsdesignsociety.org
17 First Street, SEFort Walton Beach, FL 32548
The Arts and Design Society (ADSO), a non-profit organization,promotes art in the community by providing a free art gallery with monthly changing exhibits, as well as several major art exhibitions at other venues. It offers on-going classes in a variety of media and special workshops with local or visiting artists. The Art Center is located between Eglin Pkwy and Beal Pkwy, one block north of Highway 98.
Ursel Behnken
Phone: 850-651-8329
Email: ujbehnken@cox.net
Artist
Michael J Cheney
Phone: 850-226-2944
Email: cheney777@yahoo.com
website: https://www.deviantart.com/cheneym
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheney777
Photographer & painter. Artwork available to view and purchase at HH Arts, located on 100 Beal Parkway SW, FWB.
Children in Crisis
Phone: 850-864-4242
Fax: 850-226-7875
Website:http://childrenincrisisfl.org/
A community non-profit charity committed to "establishing homes and providing hope" for the abused, neglected, and abandoned children of our community.
Emerald Coast Chamber Music Festival
Website: https://www.emeraldcoastchambermusicfestival.org/
Email: emeraldcoastchambermusic@gmail.com
Address: PO Box 129
Niceville, FL 32588-0129
"The Emerald Coast Chamber Music Festival is a two-week performance series that serves the Emerald Coast region with classical chamber music performances. Concert highlights include imaginative and innovative programming, with exciting performances led by some of the most sought out classical musicians in the field. The Chamber Music Institute of the Emerald Coast Chamber Music Festival was created to provide students with the highest quality musical experience in an inspiring environment. The program is open to collegiate level string instrumentalists and pianists seeking to further refine their craft and experience a professional chamber music setting."
Emerald Coast Chorus
Phone: 850.897.7025
Website: www.EmeraldCoastChorus.com
The Emerald Coast Chorus (ECC) was established in the Fort Walton Beach area in 1979. It is a non-profit 501(C) (3) organization. The ECC is part of a much larger men’s singing organization - the Barbershop Harmony Society (BBS). The Society is dedicated to preserving four-part harmony, a cappella singing – a TRUE American art form. The BBS, founded in 1938, has over 800 Chapters throughout the United States (27,000+ members) and associate organizations in 11 other countries with a passion to “Keep the Whole World Singing” ! The mission of the Emerald Coast Chorus is to entertain people of all ages. The ECC performance schedule includes: an annual performance at the Okaloosa Conference Center on Okaloosa Island in the spring; hosting a multi-chapter singing festival at Camp Timpoochee (Niceville) in September with a special show at the conclusion of the singing festival at Niceville High school. This show is open to the public. We also entertain at various paid engagements (Singing Valentines, private parties, etc.) and give free performances at community events (4th of July celebration, the Billy Bowlegs festival), retirement homes, hospitals, and schools.
Emerald Coast Pipes & Drums
Phone: 850-243-2879
Website https://www.facebook.com/emeraldcoastpipesanddrums/
Emerald Coast Pipes and Drums, is a non-profit grade 5 band, composed entirely of volunteers. The band is dedicated to the culture and preservation of the ancient tradition of bagpiping music of the principal Celtic Nations of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and Isle of Man. All performing and student bagpipers, and marching band snare, tenor and bass drummers are welcome to play with us.
Emerald Coast Science Center
Phone: 850-664-1261
Website https://www.ecscience.org/
Address: 31 SW Memorial Parkway
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Museum Hours (Labor Day - Memorial Day):
Wednesday- Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday - Tuesday: Closed
Step outside the box and experience science firsthand in our interactive museum including the STEAM Machine, new exhibits, animal encounters, and more! Our center has promoted STEAM education and public outreach in Okaloosa County and beyond for over 30 years and is committed to serving Northwest Florida, its residents, and its visitors through excellent STEAM programming and exhibits.
In the museum, patrons will find a facility for all ages with touchable, workable exhibits that teach about natural phenomena and basic scientific principles. The center displays over 45 exhibits within 8,000 square feet of indoor space and 2 acres of property including robotics, live animals, sciPad featuring SMALLab Learning, and so much more. Check out our virtual museum tour! Discover the difference a hands-on encounter with science can make at the Emerald Coast Science Center.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company
Phone:850.687.1637
Website:www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org
Emerald Coast Theatre Company will be offering acting classes for middle/high school and adults starting in April. These eight-week classes will focus on basic acting techniques that can be applied to stage or screen acting. Acting classes will include an improvisational warm-up, foundations of the Meisner acting technique, and scene work from the plays of Neil Simon, Tennessee Williams, Thorton Wilder, Arthur Miller, and more. Scene work will focus on connecting to the "other," listening, and objective work. The class will culminate in a presentation of scenes for friends and family. Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, will be teaching these classes. Nathanael has taught acting for over 10 years and is currently teaching acting and directing at the University of West Florida. He has his Masters of Fine Arts in Acting and has studied the acting techniques of Meisner, Hagen, and Stanislavsky. Nathanael brings to the classroom the experience of being a professional actor for stage and TV, as well as theatrical producing, directing, and choreography credits. The classes will take place at the Destin United Methodist Life Center.
Enlightened Studios & The Sound Cafe
Phone: 850-830-2664
Email: bookenlightened@gmail.com
Website: https://enlightenedfwb.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enlightenedstudios
142 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Welcome to the best-kept secret on the Emerald Coast and arguably the most unique Coffee Shop on the planet! From the eclectic vibe to the variety of entertainment, The Sound Cafe + Enlightened Studios has something for the entire family. Not only are we open at 6 am every morning, but we are also the only late-night coffee house around, open till midnight or later every night. Not only are we a full-service coffee bar using only fresh locally roasted beans, but we also serve a variety of hot food and pastries. Too late for caffeine? Well, you can enjoy anything we offer decaffeinated or wind down with tea, wine, beer, mimosas, sangria, or even sake. There are many things you can do in our cozy space such as play board games, video games, read a book from our library, listen to records and even get creative with our art area. Oh yeah, we also have a local art gallery, live music venue, and even a recording studio and video production house.
Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music
Office: 850.483.0800
Email: marlayna@growyourgiftmusic.com
Web: www.GrowYourGiftMusic.com
Address: 939 Beal Pkwy NW Ft Walton Beach, FL 32547
Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music was founded in August 2016 and grew to open a full-service music school in May of 2019 teaching over 15 instruments with 10 instructors. We serve musicians of all ages through private lessons, group music classes, camps, and a number of community organizations such as the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra and the Choctawhatchee Style Marchers just to name a few.
We will be kicking off our new non-profit arm, The Full Circle Foundation on July 10th at the Ft. Walton Beach Civic Auditorium with the Full Benefit Concert. Current students and instructors will provide an incredible musical experience at this black-tie event. More information and ticket purchase links can be found here: www.growyourgiftmusic.com/foundation.
The net proceeds will fund projects that will keep the music playing in our community through school music programs, funding music programs for non-profit organizations such as Opportunity Place and Shelter House, and providing scholarships to those who desire to learn to play music but don’t have the financialmeans.
Helen Harris- HH Arts
Phone: 850-218-2155
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063607782552
100 Beal Parkway SW, FWB, FL 32548
Artist and owner of HH Arts. HH Arts showcases the artwork of many talented artists. Stop in to view the gallery, purchase artwork, and check out art classes.
Bill & Stacy Head
headqtrs@cox.net
Heritage Park & Cultural Center
Phone: 850.833.9595
Website: https://www.fwb.org/museums
139 Miracle Strip Parkway SEFort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Heritage Park & Cultural Center is made up of four museums that present the history of the Fort Walton Beach area from prehistoric times, some 12,000 years ago, the first school in 1912, and through the close of the post office in the 1950's.It is the purpose of these museums to preserve and hold their collections in trust for humankind. The Museum Division uses its collection to educate, for exhibit, research and advanced study. The museums host over 13,000 visitors annually from all 50 states and many foreign countries. An additional 7,500 school and civic organization members receive educational programs.
Michelle and John Jannazo
jannazom@nwfsc.edu
Susan Kneller
msuenelr@aol.com
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
Phone: 850.650.2226
Website: www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org
4323 Commons Dr W Destin, FL 32541
In the mid 1930's, Coleman and Mattie Kelly came to Destin from Washington County, Florida to develop a 900 acre turpentine farm and brought Destin its first significant payroll. The Kelly's were considered one of Destin's pioneer families who joined the popular "fishing families" such as the Marler's, Destin's, Maltezo's and Taylor's. The couple built the first cottages for tourists in Destin and launched the first deep-sea sport fishing boat in Northwest Florida. The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation was established in 1995 to honor the dream of Mattie May Kelly so that the Arts would continue to flourish and become a real part of the lives of the local and tourist community.
Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida StateCollege
Phone: 850-729-6065
Website:www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mattiekellyartscenter
100 College Blvd Niceville, Florida 32578
Northwest Florida Ballet
Phone: 850.664.7787
Fax: 850.664.0130
Website: www.nfballet.org
310 Perry Avenue S.E. Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
Northwest Florida Ballet was founded in 1969 by dance pioneer Bernadette Clements Sims. The organization’s mission is to provide quality dance performances and instruction for Northwest Florida; identify and develop talented dancers, and increase appreciation of the arts through public education and outreach.
Northwest Florida Symphony Guild
Phone: 850.729.6004
Website: www.nfsymphony.org
Email: shiresj@nwfsc.edu
100 College Blvd Niceville, Florida 32578
The Northwest Florida Symphony Guild (NFSG) supports the Northwest SymphonyOrchestraof OWC and the Northwest Florida Youth Orchestra and provides musical experiences and education for area residents and schoolchildren. Our goal is to develop interest and promote participation in musical programs, activities, and concerts in the area. Annual membership is open to anyone interested in supporting the NFSO and musical arts education.
Pyramid Inc.
Phone: (850)862-7139
Website: http://www.pyramidinc.org/
Email: rbrice-nash@pyramidinc.org
432 Green Acres RoadFWB, FL 32547
The grittiest troupes of actors, singers, and dancers ever to take the stage inspiring and entertaining standing-room-only audiences… talented artists, sculptors, and jewelers creating for art patrons across Florida and beyond. Adults with developmental disabilities see themselves as artists or performers… earn commissions and fees… gain self-esteem and self-confidence… participate richly in the life of their communities. Families brimming with pride… the community seeing beyond their disabilities to appreciate their abilities. These imaginings are the reality at Pyramid Incorporated’s six centers in five Florida cities: Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, Tallahassee (2), and Tampa. Pyramid’s arts program, in tandem with a curriculum of computer and literacy training, peer counseling and skill-development classes, and physical-nutritional and behavioral assistance, is a means to an end. A meaningful day for some… an epiphany for others.
Sinfonia Gulf Coast
Phone: 850.267.1478
Website: www.SinfoniaGulfCoast.org
Email: info@SinfoniaGulfCoast.org
P.O. Box 6326 Destin, FL 32549
Sinfonia Gulf Coast is the Emerald Coast’s only full professional orchestra dedicated to redefining the traditional symphony experience. Sinfonia is committed to upholding the highest standards of orchestral quality while presenting classical music with contemporary sophistication. For our debut 2006-2007 season we are featuring an incomparable line-up of masterpieces performed by the region's most talented musicians and amazing, international guest artists.
Stage Crafters Community Theatre Inc.
Address:40 Robinwood Dr. SW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Phone: 850-243-1101
Website: https://www.stagecraftersfwb.com/
Stage Crafters Community Theatre Inc has been committed to showcasing engaging performances for the artistic nourishment of the community as well as enabling performers to exercise their creative outlets on stage for 50 YEARS right here in Fort Walton Beach, FL! This not-for-profit all-volunteer organization has received critical acclaim for its slew of groundbreaking performances and directorial expertise. While performers continue to ignite standing ovations from the stage, performing is not the only thing Stage Crafters does well. The dedicated backstage crews aid in making every aspect of production smooth and flawless each and every time promoting the technical superiority that Stage Crafters is proud to represent as standard.
Stage Crafters encourages anyone with an interest in sharpening their skills in the auditorium on or off the stage to contact us and bring your creativity to life through internships and/or mentorships (which may also count as school credits and satisfy community service requirements). Stage Crafters tips its hat to the outstanding efforts of its members who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of theatrical beauty, community expression and the bright future that lies ahead. Reach out today and be a part of that future with Stage Crafters Community Theatre!
Zandra Wolfgram
Email: zandra@wordplayink.com
Young Philosophers Society
Phone:850-496 3767
Website: https://www.facebook.com/youngphilosopherssociety/
501(c)(3) nonprofit, with kids' music, art, yoga, and academia. YPS practices inclusion - ALL children, regardless of learning styles, are welcome
Youth enrichment classes, ~Punk-Pop-Preschool Class ~Private Instrument Lessons~Group Instrument Lessons~School of Rock~Youth Open Mic Nights
~Family Jams~Songwriting Classes~Art Classes~Learning about the Masters ~Baby Picassos~Homeschool Enrichment
Youth Village
Email: njbogar@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.ouryouthvillage.org
Nellie Bogar, Founder/CEO 582-0549
Youth Village is a 501C3 non-profit organization located in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. We began in 1999 as an after-school program and summer camp for children in grades K-8. We provide adult supervision during non-school hours in a safe, nurturing and encouraging environment that lends itself to the continued educational and social development of our youth. Since inception, we have served over 3,000 children!
We have now incorporated a pre-school for children ages 3-5 into our current program for students in grades K-8 and we are now a year-round, full-day program which is open from 7:00am-6:00pm Monday – Friday. For more information, please see our website: www.ouryouthvillage.org