The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), in partnership with Distillery 98 and Emerald Coast Storytellers, is proud to announce that ArtsQuest Featured Artist Renee Broxson has been named the April Artist in Residence for Distilled: An Artist Series.As a program partner, the CAA plays an integral role in connecting regional artists with meaningful platforms for visibility and engagement—making this collaboration a natural extension of its mission to support and elevate the arts across Walton County and the Emerald Coast.The Distilled series transforms Distillery 98 into a pop-up gallery each month, showcasing a featured artist’s work in a relaxed, social setting. Broxson’s residency will include a gallery-style installation, an opening reception, and an interactive workshop designed to engage both collectors and casual art enthusiasts alike.Opening Gallery Night 📅 Friday, April 10, 2026 ⏰ 6–8 PMArtist Workshop: I Can Paint Myself Flowers 📅 Tuesday, April 28, 2026 ⏰ 6–8 PMAs part of the series, Broxson will lead a hands-on workshop blending painting and collage into a bold, expressive floral composition. Participants will explore layered materials, color, and intuitive design while creating a one-of-a-kind bloom that reflects their own personality and perspective.“My paintings are a mix of curious faces, bold color, and the occasional crown—because why not? I want the work to feel light, a little magical, and easy to connect with, especially in a place like Distillery 98,” said Renee Broxson.The Distilled series is rooted in the idea of extracting essence—mirroring both the craft of distilling spirits and the artistic process of translating experience into creative expression. By offering artists a platform to showcase their work and connect with the public, the series fosters visibility, dialogue, and meaningful engagement within the local arts community.“Along the Emerald Coast, there’s no shortage of creativity—just a need for spaces that invite it forward,” said Kristy Holditch of Emerald Coast Storytellers. “With Distilled, we’re creating that same sense of visibility and momentum for visual artists—offering a space where their work can live, breathe, and be experienced in community. Partnering with the Cultural Arts Alliance in this way feels like a natural extension of that mission.”“Cross-sector collaborations like this are essential to building a thriving arts ecosystem,” said Jennifer Steele, President & CEO of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. “When organizations come together—pairing creative talent with innovative spaces and community-driven programming—we’re able to expand access to the arts, support working artists in meaningful ways, and create experiences that resonate far beyond a single event.”Broxson’s residency also serves as a dynamic preview of what’s to come at ArtsQuest, the CAA’s signature fine arts festival taking place May 2 & 3 at Grand Boulevard. As the 2026 Featured Artist, Broxson’s work will be prominently showcased throughout the festival, which brings together more than 125 artists from across the country alongside live demonstrations, interactive experiences, and family-friendly programming.Experience Renee Broxson’s work throughout April at Distillery 98, and don’t miss the opportunity to connect with her in person at ArtsQuest, Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m & Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in Grand Blvd. Town Center.For more information about ArtsQuest and Cultural Arts Alliance programming, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com. For more information and tickets for the artist workshops, visit EmeraldCoastStorytellers.com. |
