The Arts

Anchored in Art

Freeport’s streets burst with color and history in the form of massive painted concrete anchors—each landmark telling a story. The Anchored in Freeport project transforms the city’s maritime symbol into a permanent public art installation. For a town shaped by…

For The Love Of Literature

Melli Pappas is a passionate advocate for literary accessibility. A proud mother, grandmother, and owner of The Book Rack in Fort Walton Beach, she’s always loved to read for herself and with her kids. “Both my parents were huge readers,”…

From LA To 30A

Kuk Harrell and his wife Stevie sat on the couch in front of a box that was delivered to their Atlanta home. Unsure what it could be, he carefully cut the seal, pulled open the carton’s lid, and reached inside.…

Captured In Flight

It was only a couple years ago that I couldn’t find an eagle anywhere. Fellow photographers were finding them, and the photos were taunting me on social media. But the more I looked, the bigger the disappointment in not seeing…

Weezer in Chronology

Sean Murphy spent much of his photography career in the thick of alternative and punk rock action. Throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s, he shot an innumerable number of bands, many of them big names—Jimmy Eat World, Everclear, Tenacious…

Making Music

The new palm tree planted in Sergey Bogza’s front yard is symbolic to the 39-year-old Panama City Symphony maestro. Bogza was born in Russia but came to the United States when he was 9 years old. He’s lived, studied, and…

The REP Announces Final Curtain Call

With many fond memories and much sadness, The REP Theatre has announced that it will be ceasing operations following the completion of its final summer performances in mid-August, concluding a remarkable 25-year run as a cornerstone of the 30A arts…

No Paint, No Gain

At times, it is hard to take Christon Anderson seriously. The 43-year-old Panama City native is a serious artist. His works have won awards and been on display in galleries and private collections. His abstracts and mixed media pieces are…

Welcome to Pensacola

A few years ago, I sat on the beach with my sketchbook and drew a happy little pelican. I had no idea that this simple doodle would one day become Pensacola’s new welcome sign, greeting thousands of people as they…