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Okaloosa Public Arts
Board of Directors

Meet the Okaloosa Public Arts Board

Our Board of Directors is a passionate group of community leaders, artists, and advocates dedicated to enriching Okaloosa County through public art. Their vision, guidance, and commitment help shape projects that inspire creativity, celebrate local talent, and make art accessible to all. Together, they support OPA’s mission of bringing meaningful, engaging art into public spaces across our region.

Board of Directors

Founding Members

Board of Directors Founding Member Bernadette Sims

Bernadette Sims

Board of Directors Founding Member Linda Carr

Linda Carr

Board of Directors Founding Member Anne Johnston

Anne Johnston

Board of Directors Founding member Linda Kernick

Linda Kernick

Board of Directors Thalia Newton Founding Member

Thalia Newton

additional current board members

Board of Directors Pat Z. Roberts - President

Pat Z. Roberts, President

Gretchen "Gigi" Loch, Vice President

Board of Directors Helen Harris

Helen Harris, Secretary

Blair Supplee, Treasurer

Karen Butler

Arthur Jenkins

Tuny Jennings

Kathleen Simpson

norma Supplee

Kim Urr

Board of Directors Thomas Walsh

Thomas Walsh

Board of Directors Founding Member Bernadette Sims

Follow Bernadette

Artwork by Bernadette Sims - Founding OPA member

Bernadette Sims

Founding Member

Ms. Sims, local artist and founder of the Northwest Florida Ballet, was trained at Ballet Arts Studio at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She served as Director of the Northwest Florida Ballet for 28 years and presently teaches ballet in the NFB Académie. As an artist, she has won numerous awards for her watercolor artwork and digital photography and has served as chairman of the National Exhibition of the Watercolor Society of Alabama. Her work is on display at HH Arts in Fort Walton Beach. Ms. Sims is a founding member and current President of Okaloosa Public Arts.

Her Community Service Activities:

Past President of Florida State Dance Association

Past President of the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association

Board of Directors of the National Association for Regional Ballet

Board of Directors of the Okaloosa Arts Alliance

Past President of the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach

Past President of the Junior League of Fort Walton Beach