About Okaloosa Public Arts (OPA)
Bringing community spaces to life through public art since 2011
Our mission
Okaloosa Public Arts (OPA) is a section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to enriching public spaces across Okaloosa County with meaningful visual art. Our mission is to make community art accessible to all, enriching Okaloosa County through creativity, collaboration, and connection. OPA encourages and supports the youth in the community.
how we started
our story began in 2011
Okaloosa Public Arts started as a grassroots effort led by a group of local artists and community members who believed that art should be part of everyday life. What began as informal lunches and creative conversations soon turned into a shared mission to bring meaningful public art to Okaloosa County.
The group’s first major project, a mural titled Lady Liberty that showcased at the Okaloosa Courthouse Annex Extension, set the tone for what OPA would become. From the start, the focus has been on collaboration, creativity, and making public spaces more vibrant for everyone.
First Juried Art Show - 2011
OPA’s first juried art show took place in September 2011 at the Courthouse Annex in Fort Walton Beach, featuring 84 local artists working in a variety of media. Many of the works remained on display for a full year, with several pieces generously donated for permanent public enjoyment.
Since that inaugural event, OPA has continued to sponsor juried art exhibitions in public spaces throughout Okaloosa County. Each year, an annual juried show is held at the Okaloosa County Administrative Building in Shalimar. While prizes are awarded, OPA’s primary goal remains the same: to enrich the community by making art accessible to all.
Why Public Art Matters
Public art shapes how we experience the world around us. It transforms ordinary places into inspiring spaces, tells the stories of our community, and brings people together through color, creativity, and conversation.
At Okaloosa Public Arts, we believe that art should be accessible to everyone, not hidden in galleries, but proudly displayed in parks, sidewalks, schools, and city centers.
Every project we support adds a piece of beauty, identity, and meaning to the place we call home.
- $70,000+ donated to arts education and local nonprofits
- Heron statues, artwork by local artists, and student art displayed throughout Okaloosa County
- Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization since 2016, powered by community support
Timeline of Okaloosa Public Arts
A look back at key events and milestones from 2011 to 2023
Investing in Arts Education
At Okaloosa Public Arts, we believe every student deserves access to creative opportunities. Our ongoing support for local schools and community programs helps make art education more accessible across Okaloosa County.
OPA has:
- Supplied local high schools with essential art materials
- Funded scholarships to help students pursue the arts in higher education
- Supported community programs through partnerships with organizations like NWF Ballet
- Backed student showcases, summer camps, and art outreach programs
Today & Tomorrow: Continuing the Mission
Okaloosa Public Arts remains focused on celebrating creativity across our community. Current initiatives like the Emerald Coast Herons project, Student Banner Contest, and the Artist’s Choice Show reflect our dedication to accessible local art that brings people together.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand student engagement and launch public art projects that inspire, educate, and beautify our shared spaces.
Everything we do is rooted in our mission: to make community-driven art accessible to all, enriching Okaloosa County through creativity, collaboration, and connection.
Join our journey
We invite everyone to participate in our initiatives. Whether you are an artist or an art lover, there is a place for you to contribute to our vibrant community. Together, we can create lasting memories and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts in Okaloosa.