Artist Of The Year

Now entering its 17th year in 2019, this outstanding community program showcases a collection of local artists representing a wide range of mediums. Through this program, the Walton County TDC promotes the destination's thriving arts community while placing the spotlight on one talented artist.

Each artist recognized with the designation is commissioned to create one piece of special artwork for Walton County. These artworks can be found hanging in the South Walton Annex, the Visit South Walton Visitor Center and Conference Room, and other public places across Walton County. 

"The Artist of the Year program has many benefits to the winning artist. One of the outstanding benefits is that you have a great team that promotes the art and artist way beyond the boundaries of Walton County.  Opportunities are created throughout the year that promotes your art in a much, much broader spectrum than one would normally be exposed to.  It's a win-win situation."  — Michael McCarty, 2009 Artist of the Year.

To learn more about the Artist of the Year program, contact Lisa Foster at (850) 267-1216 or Lisa@visitsouthwalton.com.

2019 South Walton Artist of the Year:
Jenna Varney

Jenna Varney is the 17th Annual recipient for the community recognition program that helps to promote the outstanding arts culture of Walton County on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Varney is inspired by her surroundings and the natural beauty found in South Walton, as her hyper-realism style showcases coastal themes.

Former Artists of the Year

• 2018 - Kathleen Broaderick 
• 2017 - Marisol Gullo
• 2016 – Melody Bogle
• 2015 – Juan Adaro
• 2014 – Mary Hong 
• 2013 – Andy Saczynski
• 2012 – Allison Craft 
• 2011 – Allison Wickey 
• 2010 – Michael Granberry 
• 2009 – Michael McCarty
• 2008 – Donna Burgess
• 2007 – Bill Stephenson 
• 2006 – Phil Kiser
• 2005 – Justin Gaffrey 
• 2004 - Susan Lucas
• 2003 – Dorothy Starbuck