New underpass features artwork by local muralists

By Wendy O. Dixon

The recently opened underpass at Inlet Beach is a welcome safe passage across a busy intersection. But it’s also a delightful journey through a tunnel of painted swirls and colors, dazzling shapes and designs, each unique in their beauty. The art component, in the form of murals, was commissioned by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA). The murals were painted by local and tri-county (Walton, Okaloosa and Bay) area artists.

People who travel through the 136-foot-long tunnel can enjoy a variety of art works in the form of a mini museum to view, reflect and connect with. Commissioned artists were selected from CAA’s public artist directory, and include Francisco Adaro, Katherine Boggs, Heather Clements, Bradley Copeland, Olga Guy, Wes Hinds, Sarah Page, Andy Saczynski, Andrea Scutro and Lindsay Tobias.

“Artistically and conceptually, and in recognition of this underpass being the first in the area, the theme for the art installations was connectivity and relationship — among and between humans and connection with our built environment through creativity,” says Jennifer Steele, president and CEO of CAA. “Artists were encouraged to tie-in with the geographical uniqueness and the nature of Walton County as something to consider with loose interpretation in their 20’ wide x 8’ tall mural.” 

Placing art in public spaces is part of CAA’s mission 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 overall project outcome is a safe, practical, and necessary crossing that also provides enhancement to the surrounding area through indigenous landscaping and beautiful, engaging and thought-provoking artwork,” says Courtney Malone, director of programs and creative placemaking for CAA.

The public art project is a welcoming anchor in southeast Walton County and a continuation of existing public art projects located in the adjacent communities, including the Alys Beach sculpture exhibition, and the Watersound Monarch Art Trail.

To celebrate the opening of the underpass, the public is invited to attend the Inlet Beach Underpass Get Down event Saturday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will feature an official ribbon cutting and parade through the tunnel followed by live music and arts activities on the Green at 30Avenue. The event is free and open to the public, and food and beverages will be available for purchase from 30Avenue’s restaurants.

In addition to the murals, visitors will enjoy three Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) replica sculptures. ‘Let’s Not Blow This’ by Kevin Reilly, ‘The Grayt Pineapple’ by Rachel Herring McCord and ‘Common Chord’ by Vince Tatum, will be added as Phase II of the project with plans for a fall 2024 installation.

You can learn more about the CAA on their website, https://www.culturalartsalliance.com/