Pensacola Magazine, February 2022

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FEATURES 15 THE GATHERING OF GEEKDOM

Pensacon Returns to the Pensacola Bay Center for 2022

ART WATCH

A

IGNITING AN ECO-CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY

Local artists form pit firing collective which utilizes natural materials collected from the Gulf Coast. 32

INTO THE MIRROR WITH CARRIE ANN BAADE

Contemporary painter Carrie Ann Baade brings her western European history influenced surrealism to an exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of Art. 34

DWELLING ON ART

The recently launched 309 Punk Project Artist-in-Residence Program is open to local and international mutlidisciplinary artists.

ON THE BIG SCREEN

Mountainfilm on Tour returns for its third year to Pensacola, boasting a wide variety of environmental, social justice and cultural documentaries.

38

ARTVENTURE PENSACOLA

The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department launches an interactive guide to outdoor art in the Pensacola area.

TOPICS

Did you know there are plenty of people who actually start their day by reading the local obituary page? Nothing speaks to the history of a town like seeing who is dearly departed. It’s not the first page I read in the morning paper, but I admit that over the last couple of years I find myself spending more time in this section after skipping it for so many years. Originally, my interest in this page(s) was very intentional. If someone I knew had passed, I wanted to read their obituary. Death is so final and so hard to accept that there is something about seeing it in print that makes it more real. Seeing a picture and reading the column is like bringing them back to life for a while and keeping them near a little longer. Obituaries are also a way of joining the community who cared about this person and becoming a part of a group mourning process.

Obituaries have been around for a long time, dating back to ancient Rome. The death announcements were very brief but even then, newspaper “editors” understood the

significance of letting readers know of notable passings. In those times only celebrities were considered worthy enough to get the ink. It was many, many years later before the reports became more common. Obituary notices flourished during the American Civil War. For most, this was the only way to keep up with who was living and who was not.

Writing an appropriate obituary is really an art. You have a relatively small space to summarize what really mattered in this person’s life. Almost all obituaries include what family members proceeded in death and what family members are survivors. This information has proven to be an effective tool for organizations such as Ancestry 23, who collects obituaries and uses the data as part of their family tree research. After the standard information of birth/ death dates, place of birth and noted family members, there is usually personal information about the deceased. For example, where they went to school, notable community involvement, hobbies, what they did for a living- all pretty important in a life.

Over the years, obituaries have significantly changed in content. Fifty years ago, these columns were filled with lines like “he died peacefully at home” or “she passed unexpectedly” or even “he is no longer with us.” Duh.

All vague, leaving the reader with plenty of questions like WHAT HAPPENED? Let’s face it, if someone moves on to glory (we hope), we want to know the cause. Writers have responded and have evolved from the indeterminate to the specific. For a while you could figure it out only when they concluded by saying something like “in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to (fill in the blank).” It doesn’t take rocket science to figure out the cause of death if the writer is encouraging support of any particular foundation for an illness. People are much more willing now to share raw emotion and painful details about their loss. “He died at home” has morphed into details about long battles with addiction and recklessness. I suppose the writer ought to be able to express whatever it takes to deal with the pain and grief that is the reason for writing. Sometimes sharing this much is needed, though, my grandmother would have been fanning herself over the details that some include in their tributes.

Someone very close to me reads all of the obituaries. ALL. I once found this unusual, okay, I still do, but I can at least appreciate it now. He read one recently where the deceased had been the salutatorian in high school and had delivered his entire speech in Latin! Now, that is impressive. On a different note altogether, he read another

about a guy known as “Slim” (picture suggested otherwise) who, according to the column’s author, was pretty worthless and never did amount to much. It ended with “he will not be missed”. Maybe he was cut out of the will and this was his way of coping? Some of them are pretty humorous and touching like the one about a guy who hated cats and wrote a country song about it. Sure makes you think- what WILL they write about me?

I think the most important lesson we can take from the whole concept of obituaries is that maybe we need to celebrate each other and our accomplishments, big and small, while we are living. There have been far too many familiar faces showing up on those pages lately and while I hope they always knew how much they were loved, cherished and respected (except for Slim, evidently), it doesn’t seem like enough. So go ahead and be sappy. Looking back, we will all feel more comforted when thinking about too many hugs, instead of holding back.

DeeDee Davis, Contributing Writer

Opinion piece: the views expressed in this article are solely of the writer and not representative of Pensacola Magazine

PENSACOLA SCENE

THE RETIREMENT CELEBRATION OF JOHN

CLARK, DIRECTOR

OF COUNCIL ON AGING OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA

THE GEEKDOM

Pensacon Returns for 2022

Each year in February, more than 30,000 people gather in downtown Pensacola to experience the three-day fan extravaganza we call Pensacon. From sci-fi, fantasy and horror, to comics, anime, gaming and more, this all-inclusive pop culture convention provides a welcome step away from reality for fans from just about every genre, to come together and bond over their shared interests and hobbies. So whether you’re into superheroes, cult classics or cosplay, this is your chance to get your geek on. Pensacon 2022 will be held Friday, February 18 through Sunday, February 22 at the Pensacola Bay Center in downtown Pensacola. With a

jam-packed lineup featuring more than 100 actors, artists, writers and other professionals from various entertainment media, there’s a little bit of something to keep everyone entertained.

“I think this may be our biggest lineup yet, with so many big-name guests and so much entertainment planned throughout the weekend, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy,” Pensacon’s Director of Marketing and Guest Relations, Julio Diaz said.

One of this year’s most anticipated celebrity guests is Giancarolo Esposito, most known for his Emmy-

nominated roles as the villainous Moff Gideon in the hit Star Wars spinoff series, The Mandalorian, and as Gus Fring on the acclaimed drama Breaking Bad and its spinoff, Better Call Saul. Other widely-known roles include Stan Edgar in The Boys, the voice of Lex Luthor in the new animated Harley Quinn and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in Godfather of Harlem.

Other featured celebrity guests will include Star Trek legend George Takei; The Suicide Squad cast members Michael Rooker, Sean Gunn and Steve Agee; 1980s movie icon Judge Reinhold known for roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Beverly Hills Cop and The Santa Clause; Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and Doctor Who star David Bradley; Dylan McDermott, star of American Horror Story, The Practice Law & Order: Organized Crime; Jaws movie icon and actor Richard Dreyfuss; Supernatural stars Kim Rhodes, Samantha Smith and Briana Buckmaster; Mighty

Morphin Power Rangers stars

Amy Jo Johnson, Johnny Yong Bosch and David Yost; *NSYNC member and actor Joey Fatone; Orange is the New Black TV star Taryn Manning; and American Pie star Tara Reid; Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead star Ryan Hurst and many more.

“We’re so thrilled to have what I believe is our first Oscar winner, the legendary Richard Dreyfuss, as well as the icon George Takei and the incredible Giancarlo Esposito of The Mandalorian and Breaking Bad, plus old friends like the amazing Michael Rooker returning,” Diaz said.

GATHERING OF

THE GEEKDOM

Ticketing, celebrity autographs, photo ops and the vendor floor will be held inside the Bay Center. This year’s Poseidon’s Bay event area, located in the back parking lot of the Bay Center, will open up one hour prior to the main event each day, and will feature continuous live entertainment, games, food vendors and activities throughout the weekend.

While Pensacon is primarily headquartered at the Pensacola Bay Center, official event festivities will also be held at multiple venues throughout downtown Pensacola, including the REX Theatre, The Center (formerly known as the Pensacola Cultural Center), Pensacola Museum of Commerce, De Luna Event Space and more.

“Pensacon is also an official event partner for the Pensacon-themed Gallery Night scheduled for Friday, February 18 and will provide entertainment programming on the Gallery Night stage and throughout the downtown streets during the street party,” Diaz said.

Official Pensacon events will also take place on Saturday night (Feb. 19) at the De Luna Event Space in downtown Pensacola. The evening will kick off with the Zarzaur Law Costume Contest, which is typically one of the most attended events of the weekend. Immediately following the costume contest, will be a huge 90s-themed party

featuring hosts Joey Fatone of *NSYNC and Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys as well as a special performance by Rapper Young MC, most known for his popular 90s hit, Bust a Move.

“We also partner with numerous bars and restaurants throughout downtown Pensacola to host themed celebrations and offer fun food and beverage specials throughout the weekend,” Diaz explained. “Consult the

Pensacon program guide, the Pensacon app or our website for the full lineup of official Pensacon events, which is coming soon.”

The Pensacon Short Film Festival will also return as part of this year’s official event line up, featuring films produced by more than 50 filmmakers from across the world. As part of the convention, films will celebrate science fiction, horror, fantasy, comic books, pop culture,

animation and documentaries. The film festival will consist of multiple short film screening sessions grouped by genre and/ or special interest. Screenings will be held throughout the weekend and will include special sessions for families as well as sessions showcasing Pensacola-area filmmakers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a short Q&A with the filmmakers at the end of each screening session. Check out

the 2022 film fest entries and full screening schedule online at pensacon.com/events/ pensacon-short-film-festival.

“We’re happy to have the opportunity to showcase the work of talented filmmakers throughout the world in our juried film festival. At the end of the weekend, we will present awards from our selection committee as well as an audience choice selection and one chosen by a panel of our creative guests,” Diaz said.

From cosplay contests, animation workshops and themed celebrations, to film festival screenings and photo ops with your favorite celebrity guests, this year’s Pensacon line up is jam-packed with events that are sure to keep everyone entertained.

“Come on downtown, park your car, use our free trolley system to get around and have a blast. Even if you don’t buy a ticket, I encourage you to come to Gallery Night on Friday

to get a taste of the Pensacon experience—and if you find you like it, you can always get a single-day ticket for Saturday or Sunday,” Diaz said.

VIP passes have already sold out for this year’s event, but single and three-day passes are still on sale and can be purchased online at pensacon. com/passes/. Single-day passes range from $35-$45, depending on which day you attend and three-day passes are $85 each.

Visit pensacon.com for this year’s complete event lineup and featured celebrity guests, workshops, discussion panels, costume contests and more. For special announcements and event updates, follow @Pensacon on Facebook or @PensacolaPensacon on Instagram.

Join the Krewe du YaYas at The 9th Annual I Pink I Can Run 4-miler run/walk for breast cancer along the Florida/Alabama coast on Saturday, February 19th, 2021!

Join the Krewe du YaYas at The 9th Annual I Pink I Can Run 4-miler run/walk for breast cancer along the Florida/Alabama coast on Saturday, February 19th, 2021!

Join the Krewe du YaYas at The 9th Annual I Pink I Can Run 4-miler run/walk for breast cancer along the Florida/Alabama coast on Saturday, February 19th, 2021!

Join the Krewe du YaYas at The 9th Annual I Pink I Can Run 4-miler run/walk for breast cancer along the Florida/Alabama coast on Saturday, February 19th, 2021!

Join the Krewe du YaYas at The 9th Annual I Pink I Can Run 4-miler run/walk for breast cancer along the Florida/Alabama coast on Saturday, February 19th, 2021!

9:00 am start at The Flora-Bama. Great prizes, food, after party and fun! Extra breast cancer survivor love!

9:00 am start at The Flora-Bama Great prizes, food, after party and fun! Extra breast cancer survivor love!

9:00 am start at The Flora-Bama Great prizes, food, after party and fun! Extra breast cancer survivor love!

9:00 am start at The Flora-Bama Great prizes, food, after party and fun! Extra breast cancer survivor love!

Participate live and in person at The Flora-Bama or virtually in a place of your own choosing.

Participate live and in person at The Flora-Bama or virtually in a place of your own choosing.

Participate live and in person at The Flora-Bama or virtually in a place of your own choosing.

Participate live and in person at The Flora-Bama or virtually in a place of your own choosing.

Rates: $30 thru February 16th, 2022

Rates increase to $35 at packet pickup and on race day.

Rates: $30 thru February 16th, 2022

9:00 am start at The Flora-Bama. Great prizes, food, after party and fun! Extra breast cancer survivor love! Participate live and in person at The Flora-Bama or virtually in a place of your own choosing. Rates: $30 thru February 16th, 2022 Rates increase to $35 at packet pickup and on race day.

Rates: $30 thru February 16th, 2022 Rates increase to $35 at packet pickup and on race day Register online at Runsignup.com

Rates increase to $35 at packet pickup and on race day Register online at Runsignup.com

Register online at Runsignup.com

Rates: $30 thru February 16th, 2022 Rates increase to $35 at packet pickup and on race day. Register online at Runsignup.com

All funds raised by this event stay local and support the KDYY charity: The Keeping Abreast Foundation

All funds raised by this event stay local and support the KDYY charity: The Keeping Abreast Foundation Visit our website at keepingabreastfoundation org

Visit our website at keepingabreastfoundation.org

Thank you major race sponsors!

All funds raised by this event stay local and support the KDYY charity: The Keeping Abreast Foundation Visit our website at keepingabreastfoundation org Thank

Thank you major race sponsors!

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center

Step One Automotive, Flora-Bama, Cox Communications

Step One Automotive, Flora-Bama, Cox Communications

Cat Country 98 7 /NewsRadio 92 3 FM /1620 AM

Cat Country 98 7 /NewsRadio 92 3 FM /1620 AM

ART WATCH

PENSACOLA’S THRIVING ART SCENE

WHILE PENSACOLA HAS ALWAYS BEEN HOME TO A ROBUST ART COMMUNITY, IN RECENT YEARS THE DIVERSITY AND SCALE OF THE ART BEING PRODUCED LOCALLY HAS GROWN BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS. Perhaps that is a a reflection of the community support and nurturing given to the arts in Pensacola. After all, without viewers, collectors, patrons and appreciators, such an abundance of creativity could not flourish. This month, we are doing our part to highlight some of the interesting artists, exhibits and events that have popped up on our radar. Whether you are interested in large scale murals, outsider art, public art, film or eco-friendly clay firing, you’ll find something to admire in this special Art Watch edition of PensacolaMagazine.

Daniela de Castro Sucre

While you may not recognize Daniela de Castro Sucre’s name, you are sure to have seen her bold murals on a variety of buildings around Pensacola. From the vibrant hummingbirds at Garden and Grain and the translucent ghost crabs on Pensacola Beach to the large-scale hands at First City Art Center, de Castro Sucre’s work seems to be everywhere— and that’s a wonderful thing for Pensacola.

by Kelly Oden • photo by Guy Stevens

BORN AND RAISED IN CARACAS, VENEZUELA, de Castro Sucre’s work is often informed by the culture and beauty of her native country. Growing up in Venezuela “was really wonderful,” she said. “Our culture is very family oriented, and I have a big family. So, that is very much my memory of it. And the culture is also so focused on nature. The nature scene in Venezuela is insane—it’s so beautiful. It’s incredible. My mom would always find me outside looking at leaves when I was kid. So, I grew up with this appreciation for nature.”

Sucre and her family fled the brutal dictatorship in Venezuela in 2006 when de Castro Sucre was 15 years old. The hardships in Venezuela helped de Castro Sucre gain an appreciation for street art, a topic she discussed at length in her 2019 Ted Talk, The Power of Street Art. In her talk, she described art as a universal language through which people can understand and connect to each other. For de Castro Sucre, street art is a unique extension of that language, in that it has the ability to reach so many people and that its message can be both local and universal.

De Castro Sucre’s family settled in South Florida where she studied with Conchita Firgau, a renowned Spanish realism painter also from Venezuela. Firgau became her mentor and her inspiration as an artist.

“She was a really fantastic painter and I studied with her,” de Castro Sucre recalled. “It was more like a master apprenticeship kind of deal. It was kind of old fashioned. I studied with her for three years. It was Conchita who formalized art and painting as an option for me.”

After four years, de Castro Sucre’s visa expired and she traveled to Spain where she studied pharmacology and met her future husband, who grew up in Gulf Breeze. The two married and moved to Pensacola where Sucre studied graphic design at Pensacola State College. Sucre’s art career coalesced around two major wins. First, she won the

poster contest for the Great Gulf Coast Art Festival in 2017. Next, she was chosen to paint the mural inside Perfect Plain Brewing Co., which depicts Rachael Jackson, wife of Andrew Jackson who described Pensacola as a “perfect plain.”

That mural has since been painted over, but de Castro Sucre doesn’t mind so much. “Andrew Jackson does have a complicated history,” she said. “So, given the volatility of everything, specifically in the middle of the Black Lives Matter protests, it is very understandable that the decision was made. And again, I do not see murals as eternal things. They change with time.”

Her love of nature has continued to inspire much of de Castro Sucre’s work, which often weaves natural elements and materials with bold colors and realism.

“I have a thing with tiny animals, tiny leaves, tiny everything,” she said. “Honestly, I’ve been like this since I was a

kid. I realized later in life how everything ties in together. And even when I was studying science, my favorite thing was using a microscope to look at things really up close. There is this amazingness when you take a second to look at the details and the lights and the shadows of something. So that’s been a bit of a conceptual thread across many of my murals—to enlarge normal objects of everyday life and really see the detail up close. That was kind of what it was with the ghost crabs, which are native. I love to do a ton of research before every job and I learned that the ghost crabs change color over time and all these wonderful little things. Also, they’re in constant danger because their environment keeps shifting. So my work is very environmental as well. I’ve always liked ghost crabs. I have a thing for transparencies and they glow in the dark. I like to have fun with my work.”

In 2021, hands emerged as a thematic focus point in de Castro Sucre’s

work, with murals involving hands developing at First City Art Center as well as in Miami and Venezuela.

“I have this fixation on hands,” she said. “I love drawing hands. I think they’re so expressive. I think that if you were unable to see people’s faces from now on, you would look at their hands to see what they mean. You know, it’s a language in itself. So, I have this focus on hands. It’s been a theme this past year especially. I’ve made three murals with giant hands. The concept behind the First City mural was the creative mind. The mental search for solutions and the creative ideas that you come up with. So, the mural is a bunch of hands stretching and pulling and playing. And then the main face you see is a kid behind the hands who is kind of holding something. It’s meant to represent the process of coming up with creative solutions.”

De Castro Sucre has been impressed with the level of support

the Pensacola

“I love drawing hands. I think they’re so expressive. I think that if you were unable to see people’s faces from now on, you would look at their hands to see what they mean. You know, it’s a language in itself. So, I have this focus on hands. It’s been a theme this past year especially."

community has given her as an artist. She even started the Pensacola Muralists group in July of 2021 in order to connect with likeminded artists and to create a supportive community of muralists and street artists.

“I just wanted to create a network of muralists,” she explained. “We have great artists here and none of us knew each other. I’m really about friendly competition. There are going to be jobs that we all compete for, but it doesn’t have to be this concept that you have to keep your secrets to yourself in order to keep your edge. That mindset is falling apart now. There are so many mural artists especially but artists of all kinds who actually teach their work. They show their techniques. They teach new artists how to charge for example, and they just open up the doors. I think that makes the industry as a whole thrive. So there is that incentive. Then, there is the incentive to create a fun community of people that we’d like to hang out with. We have graffiti artists, street artists, airbrush artists and brush artists like myself. We also have ceramicists and studio artists, so it’s not just street art, but we all have a love for street art and

the knowledge of how positive it can be for our community. And then we do have some goals as a group. We would like to see more murals in some areas of Pensacola—the Tanyard district has been a topic for us because it is really close to downtown but it doesn’t have any of the zoning laws or the regulations that downtown has to protect historic buildings, so that’s understandable,” she said. “We want to change the

codes, too. For example, the code on the beach doesn’t allow any murals, even though there are murals everywhere. In the future, if we were to become a nonprofit, we can apply for grants as well,” de Castro Sucre explained.

To view Daniela de Castro Sucre's work, follow her on Instagram @danielapaints.

Géza

by Kelly Oden • photo by Guy Stevens

Brunow sees himself as both a visual artist and a storyteller. His work is free-flowing but often informed by conversations, fleeting images and a narrative that emerges throughout the process. “I just like to hit a surface and attack,” he explained. “More often than not, I might not even have an idea. I’m just moving color around and all of a sudden, there’s the narrative. I’m working on two or three pieces right now and with one of them, I have no idea what the narrative is yet. Not at all. If I can finish it and find that narrative, it takes the work out of the decorative and into the actual storytelling.”

Brunow’s passion for painting is evident in his work ethic as well. He paints about 30 hours per week in stretches of eight to ten hours at a time. “Once I get started, I just can’t stop,” he said. “I’ve got the vision and the longer it goes, the better I get. By the tenth hour, when I’m just drained, I’m also in the pocket. I don’t want to stop, but I have to because I’m beat. But that’s when the magic really happens. I don’t know what it is. You’re in the flow. You’re in the art trance.”

Born in Germany to an American military father and a Yugoslavian mother, Brunow has lived and traveled “everywhere.” His formative years, however, were spent on the idyllic Whidbey Island in Puget Sound. “It was bliss because we were allowed to roam anywhere we wanted on that island and it’s a big island,” Brunow recalled. “There wasn’t any of this having to be careful or worry that a predator might ask you to get into the car with him. We had so many special spots on that island. There was this glade on a cliff overlooking the water and we used to meet there and play and nobody knew about it but us. I found a washed up killer whale once and I pulled a tooth out of its mouth. It was rotting and stinky, but I needed to have it. Those were some great years. They really informed me.”

Brunow started drawing as a kid and in high school, he created a portfolio to submit to a prestigious summer art school in Washington, D.C. Before he could submit it, the portfolio was stolen from the school. “It broke my heart,” he said. “It was years of drawings. It was a big portfolio. It kinda killed me. It killed my spirit. My art teacher gave me time to draw

another one because the submission time wasn’t up yet. I hurriedly drew another one and that one was stolen, too.” The experience was so painful for Brunow that he swore off art for ten years.

Brunow attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and earned a degree in journalism. After college, he was living in Minneapolis and working part-time at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. “I just sort of fell back in love with art,” he recalled. “I was seeing all these great artists come through the doors, like Chuck Close and all these French artists. We had some big names coming through and I just thought all of it was really good. I was reading all the Art Forum magazines during my breaks and I kind of went into it again through the backdoor.” Géza started helping out

with faux finishes for exhibit sets, which eventually led him to form a successful faux painting company with a few friends.

At that point, it hadn’t occurred to Brunow that he could make a living as a fine artist. “I love America, but especially the United States, being an artist isn’t considered a real occupation,” he said. “Everywhere else you go they’re so welcoming to artists.” It was a trip to Italy that made him realize that he could have a career as a professional artist. “I was watching this woman paint the Ponte Vecchio on the River Arno in Florence. She was doing an impressionist piece. It was all sort of swirling and goopy. She really captured it.” The two began talking and Brunow learned that she made her living as an artist and he was blown away. “She was sort of the fin de siècle,” he said. “She clinched it for me. That was a turning point for me in terms of my art.”

Brunow later lived in New Orleans for ten years and the city’s love of art and culture served as a muse for his work. “New Orleans gave me respect,” he explained. “New Orleans respected me as an artist, which was really novel. New Orleans loves culture. They love the arts. But in other parts of the country, a lot of people look down on you if you’re a creative individual unless you’re

famous. New Orleans was the first place that really made me feel like I was home.”

Inspired by his time in New Orleans, Brunow created a book of ink drawings titled, How to Draw A Werewolf. ”I started working with these really fine nibbed pens and I started doing these doodles of this guy named King Foraday,” Brunow explained. “Mostly things aren’t going great for him, but every once in a while he’s king for a day. Because that’s what it felt like in New Orleans—today I’m king for a day, but most of the time, it’s kind of hard here. He’s sort of like a whimsical everyman, but also a part of that whole Cajun folklore of the loupgarou. I originally did the book as a gift for a collector who has been really good to me. And then I did all these other inks of this character. I got carried away and swept up with the good humor that this loup-garou has. Pratfall after pratfall, situation after situation, he kind of just keeps pressing on. That werewolf is also an idea I have of myself. There’s a part of me that’s wild and perhaps unpleasant. And then there’s a part of me that’s very fun-loving and wonderful and happy. So, when the full moon rises, it’s the loup-garou coming out. That’s where this guy came from. It was kind of a synthesis of the New Orleans experience.”

While Brunow loved the artistic climate of New Orleans, life in the Big Easy didn’t always live up to its nickname. “It was a struggle the whole time, too,” he said. “It wasn’t easy. I was having a lot of issues with noise and in New Orleans, you’re all on top of each other. Hurricane Katrina just compounded everything. I stayed for two years after Katrina and then I blew a gasket and I had to get out.”

BasquiatVs.Batman

Casein, (Five Panels) 24 x 101 in.

After spending some time in Asheville, Brunow was looking for a change and a collector of his work suggested he check out Pensacola. Brunow was skeptical, but the surfer in him decided to give it a shot. “The minute I landed, I fell in love,” he said. “That’s the God’s honest truth. I thought, ‘This is it. It’s got 18 to 20 miles of dedicated beach path to bike on—how come nobody ever told me about this place?’ I’ve been to every beach in this country and this place is amazing. It’s the closest I’ve come to that feeling of freedom I had on Whidbey Island.”

With this newfound feeling of freedom, Brunow has been channeling the muses in his studio, churning out work that is more positive in theme. His most recent major work is titled Prometheus (Metamorphosis). The large-scale work is a casein painting on a 60-by-40-inch canvas. It features what Brunow calls an “archetypal everyman” that represents all races in one being. While the final piece is powerful and positive in message, Brunow said it didn’t start out that way. “I was doing a self portrait,” Brunow explained. “I was gonna do this tattooed guy and all of his tattoos were of all the things that had gone wrong in his life that formed his character. That was originally the idea. He was gonna have scars and stitches. I have a lot of physical pain, so that was gonna be worked into it. But it was too negative—too dark. I’m trying to be more affirmative. It still has a moodiness to it, but I’m trying not to be too maudlin.”

To view Géza Brunow’s work, visit gezabrunow.com or follow him on Instagram @gezabrunow.

NativeIntelligence

Oil + Acrylic, 60 x 40 in.

Wavelength

Casein, 36 x 48 in.

Igniting an Eco-conscious Community: Local Artists Form Pit Firing Collective

by Dakota Parks

Long before electric and gas kilns became the cornerstone of the ceramics industry, pottery was hand formed and fired within the dirt and flaming embers of pit fires and open bonfires. Pit firing is the oldest form of baking, or firing, clay pottery and dates back more than 30,000 years ago. Just as the name suggests, pit firing involves digging out a pit in the ground, starting a fire to dry out the wet earth and build up a bed of hot embers, laying clay pieces in the pit, covering them with combustible material, setting the pit ablaze and allowing the fire to burn for several hours until it is cool enough to uncover the pieces. While this method of firing and finishing pottery is not as widely or commonly practiced as firing in modernday kilns, pit firing creates a unique aesthetic finish on ceramic wares, carries a smaller carbon footprint and can promote both sustainable and accessible art practices. One group of local artists have spent the better part of a year researching, designing pits and educating others through their pit firing collective.

Local artists Eniko Ujj and Cat Gambel first became interested in alternative firing methods when they attended a weekendlong creative workshop in collaboration with New Orleansbased composer, James May, and hosted by Dr. John Clark, Professor Emeritus of Loyola University, at Bayou La Terre Institute for Social Ecology. Here they explored memory, social ecology, the sonic environment and worked as a group to fire handmade clay rattles in a pit fire. Ujj and Gambel became enthralled with the pit firing process in preparation for this workshop in early 2021 and began organizing pit fires together in their own back yards. The two teamed up with fellow friends and artists and formed a core group of pit-firing enthusiasts that include Eniko Ujj, Cat Gambel, Kyle Miller, Nick Phoenix and Katie Soo.

This collective works together to harvest and process wild clay from the Blackwater River system, collect fallen debris from storms in the longleaf pine ecosystem to help with the prescribed burn process and organize a monthly

group pit fire in a variety of locations, including the eco-resort, Coldwater Gardens in Milton, FL.

“I consider building and preparing the pits a form of tactile therapy just like working with clay,” Ujj explained. “You’re constantly touching and building and involved with the entire process from collecting the wood to monitoring the temperature during the fire unlike with a programmable kiln where you can put your pieces in and forget about them. I also think there is such a magical quality to pit firing when you finally get to unearth and dig out your ceramics to see what happened—that’s probably my favorite part.”

This magical and unpredictable quality of pit firing is part of the atmospheric process within the pit where the colors and patterns are derived from what is consumed and burned within the fire—as opposed to colors added to ceramics with glaze finishes. The combustible items like egg shells, banana peels, avocado skin, animal poop, dried flowers, seaweed and other

From left to right: Current pit-fire collective members include Nick Phoenix, Eniko Ujj, Cat Gambel, Katie Soo and Kyle Miller.

natural items added to the pit will turn to vapor and swirl around the pottery in the pit. Each combustible is a new colorant experiment, and pit fired pottery is most striking for its natural tones of black, gray and white with pops of sporadic color from the combustibles.

“I think kilns offer more predictability and stability,” Gambel explained. “Pieces fired with the pit method are not food safe or water-tight, so there are fewer functional options for ceramicists. All of the materials burning together affect the surface of the clay and the results are hard to repeat. In one firing, many of our pieces came out with gorgeous splashes of red; in another we had specks of blue. We

have theories on what causes these colors, and there is some research, but it is impossible to get a very specific color in a specific way—so much is chance and trusting the beauty of what can’t be controlled.”

While pit-fired pottery is porous and not food safe or water-tight, our ancestors traditionally used a number of materials and different techniques to waterproof their ceramics by coating the inside of them with tree sap, pine resin, animal fats and waxes before glazing was invented.

Much of the process of the collective has been dedicated to research, designing pits and recording the results of their pit fires as very little research

The pit firing process begins by digging a pit in the ground, laying clay pieces on a hot bed of embers, covering them with combustible materials and wood and setting the pit ablaze. These combustible items like egg shells, banana peels, avocado skin, animal poop, dried flowers, seaweed and other natural items added to the pit will turn to vapor and swirl around the pottery in the pit, adding color to the pottery.

and data exists on this ancient method. The group received funding and equipment from a grant by the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) at the University of West Florida. Kyle Miller, a student in the art department at UWF, applied for the grant with Cat Gambel, the Director of The Art Gallery (TAG) at UWF, as his faculty advisor. The OUR grant funded much-needed safety equipment for handling the fire and hot pottery and allowed the group to purchase a commercial pyrometer to accurately measure the pit temperature and aid in data collection.

“You can already see the difference from the beginning to where we are now. Our initial pit fires took days to finish and now we can do the entire process in six hours because we know the exact temperatures and timing for each step of the process,” Miller explained. “The firing

process itself takes roughly two hours. Then you have to let the pieces cool naturally. There is an element of thermal shock that you have to be aware of so the pieces don’t break. It’s all very technical. If the pieces that are on top are too heavy, they’ll crack the pottery. If your fire gets too hot, too fast, you’ll crack the pottery. If your fire gets cold too fast, you’ll crack in the pottery. There are a lot of instances where you can crack the pottery.”

By studying the scientific method of pit firing and using modern instruments to measure them, the group has managed to improve the success rate of pit firing from historical standards. Each pit fire has around an 80-90 percent success rate (of unbroken pieces) compared to historical averages of 25 percent or lower. Miller also explained that they have pushed the boundaries by experimenting

with their combustible colorants and achieved purple, blue and rainbow hues that aren’t normally achieved in pit fires.

Sustainability and ecosustainable art practices are at the core of this group. To lower their carbon emissions from the smoke produced during the pit fires, the group has not only perfected the size of the pit, utilizing a smaller design than the original pit fires which consumed more resources, but they have also utilized fallen debris that would already be burned in prescribed burns at Coldwater Gardens to assist in their longleaf pine restoration. By collecting some of this excess debris and dry wood before the burns, the group can actually help protect the longleaf pines from damage.

Nick Phoenix has lived and worked at Coldwater Gardens since 2012 and helped connect the group to this larger location for pit firing. He is drawn toward pit firing for its natural elements and the ability to use locallysourced materials to create functional and aesthetic art.

“Pit firing is unpredictable, raw and natural. It’s amazing to uncover the pieces after they’ve gone through such an aggressive process of temperature swing, atmospheric change and chemical reaction and to see the permanent marks left behind by different combustibles, usually all sourced directly from nature. By using clay dug from the banks of Coldwater Creek, firing with downed trees from the same property, decorating with horse hair from stables no more than five miles away, and washing the fired pieces in the creek, the entire process just feels natural,” he said.

In addition to the aesthetic qualities of the pit firing process, the group has also experimented with post-fire decoration by applying materials like horse hair, feathers and snake skin to pieces pulled out of the fire. These materials burn onto the still-heated ceramics and create unique patterns. Another method involves setting shiitake mushroom caps on freshlyrinsed pieces and allowing the spores to create a print on the side of the ceramic pieces.

“There is a lot of waste in the art world,” Miller said. “I think eco-based and sustainable art practices are important because we only have one planet. Trying to be eco-friendly in your art practice gives you a different perspective and allows you to have a little bit more respect for where your materials come from. We are all interested in sharing this information, educating others about the pit firing process and learning from others about

Post-Fire Decorations

their own eco-sustainable art practices like foraging materials to create dyes and inks. The additional beauty of pit firing is that they are accessible and can be done anywhere in the world, so you don’t need access to an expensive kiln.”

As this group continues to assemble a collection of pit fired pieces, they hope to curate a group exhibit, host public workshops on the pit firing process and grow the collective with more ceramicists and multimodal nature-based art practices. If you’re a ceramicist interested in getting involved, you can contact any of the artists in the collective—but be prepared to help dig the pit! To see more of their work, you can check out each artist’s Instagram: Eniko Ujj @enikoujj, Cat Gambel @catgambel, Kyle Miller @kilnboi, Nick Phoenix @n.phoenix22 and Katie Soo @ksooceramics.

During post-fire decoration, artists use a variety of natural materials like horse hair, feathers, snake skin and mushroom caps to embellish their ceramic wares. This piece by Nick Phoenix was created by laying a shiitake mushroom cap on the wet pot and allowing the mushroom spores to stamp it. On the previous page, you can see Eniko Ujj burning horse hair onto a scorching hot bowl pulled from the pit fire between 800 and 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

A collection of pit fired pottery, left to right, by artists Eniko Ujj, Cat Gambel and Kyle Miller

INTO THE MIRROR

The work of Carrie Ann Baade on Display at Pensacola Museum of Art

by Nicole Willis

Carrie Ann Baade is an American contemporary painter whose work will be featured at the Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA), in an exhibition entitled, Into the Mirror: Carrie Ann Baade. Baade’s work, described by her as, “surrealism that is influenced by the tradition of the Western European historical work from the 14th to 16th century,” is sure to pique any art-lover's interest.

Baade’s painting process begins on her studio walls. She covers her studio with material that inspires her collages. “My studio is a giant collage with images taped to the walls,” Baade explained. “By surrounding myself with images and fragments from paintings, I find relationships. From there, I move things with tape to make a more specific composition of forms.”

Baade’s love of historical art is demonstrated as she selects “images from the ‘bone yard’ of Western painting” to work

with, in her own way. Baade says that creating the collage “can be a slow process that sometimes takes years or a lightning fast instant when two things get stuck together and make a perfect new statement that I then render in paint.” Once her collage is complete, Baade gets to work on the oil painting. Using the collage as a reference, she uses vibrant colors and unusual shapes to create surreal, almost psychedelic, scenes to draw the viewer in.

Baade’s Into the Mirror exhibit gets its title from, well, a mirror. “These started with picking up a found object, a mirror, by the side of the road,” Baade explained. “It was weather-beaten and the silver had peeled off the back in places so when you look in it, the world's appearance was altered. It became a plaything to explore. The mirror and my camera were the starting point for creating this new series. When I positioned the camera very close to the surface of

Allegory of Good Government

the mirror, I could capture myself and my reflection—I became mirrored, a double, a kind of Rorschach.”

Baade’s PMA exhibit has a tentative opening date of March 11 (considering health and safety concerns amid the pandemic) and will run through May 29. An artist's talk during the run of the show will be announced. Baade was offered her solo exhibition at the PMA after winning the PMA’s 2021 Members Show. The Members Show has been an annual tradition at the Pensacola Museum of Art since its founding in 1954. The Members Show invites artists to become members of the PMA and submit their artwork for review. Baade spoke about her involvement in the Members Show, “I am a professor of Painting at Florida State University which is just down the road to the east [of Pensacola]. Last year, there were few shows to apply to and I had the pleasure of being chosen for the Members Show.”

Born in Louisiana in 1974, Baade went on to travel the world to pursue her passion for art. Baade received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, studying for a year at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy. She then went on to receive her Master of Fine Arts in painting at the University of Delaware. Since 2005, Baade has had more than 20 solo exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. Her work has been featured in exhibitions in the United States, China, Spain and more.

For more information on Baade’s show at the Pensacola Museum of Art, visit pensacolamuseum. org. To stay updated on events happening at the Pensacola Museum of Art, follow @pensacolamuseum on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about Carrie Ann Baade at carrieannbaade.com.

Allegory of Bad Government

Caritas

Powers and Dominions

Dwelling on Art:

309 Punk Project Launches Artist-inResidence Program

by Dakota Parks

If you ask a punk, a punkhouse is more than just cheap rent and a place to host a wall-reverberating, earplugworthy house show—it’s a community hub of likeminded people connected and bonded by shared ideas, music, art, writing, zines, D.I.Y. subculture, politics and activism. Within these walls, plastered with band posters, pictures and flyers, art is constantly at the forefront. Located at 309 N. 6th Avenue, the 309 punkhouse has been sprawling with punks and artists since the late 1990s, and it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited punkhouses in the South. Over the years, internationally renowned photographers, painters, writers, activists and musicians have lived in 309, and several local businesses and nonprofits started within the house.

Back in 2016, the non-profit 309 Punk Project was established by a group of former residents to purchase the house and turn it into a punk museum. After curating the “Punksacola: Reflections of a Subculture” exhibit in the Pensacola Museum of History and participating in an oral history project spearheaded by the University of West Florida (UWF) that resulted in the book A Punk House in the Deep South: The Oral History of 309, coauthored and edited by Aaron Cometbus and Scott Satterwhite, the house was officially procured and the archive well-stocked with historical artifacts. The pandemic has halted an official grand-opening celebration, but the 309 punkhouse has since evolved into a venue space, community arts center, a punk archive and an artist-in-residence program.

Fellow punk, visual artist, drummer and UWF Professor of Art, Valerie George explained that studio space and affordable living quarters can be hard to come by for

artists, which makes both punkhouses and artist-in-residence programs so important and similar in nature.

“There is a sacrifice that comes with being a creative,” George said. “Since the world doesn’t respect art and culture quite as much as they love to consume it, they often want it all for free and devalue art. So, you often find creatives getting together and living in these large houses to make rent affordable and give them the ability to work for themselves, create art and bounce ideas off each other.”

Since the inception of 309 as a punkhouse, it has always operated as an open-door community space, which made the decision to launch an artist-in-residence program, a no-brainer for the founders. While COVID-19 continues to surge and limit international travel, the residency program is limited to invitation-only for 2022 and will open for an international call for artists in 2023. The program is open to all D.I.Y. art

practices including songwriters, authors and poets, painters, photographers, visual artists and any medium that can be created within the small, but cozy studio space.

A walk through the historic 309 house includes three upstairs bedrooms which are rented to permanent residents; a kitchen and community room used for exhibitions, readings, workshops or popular zine challenges; the punk archive, filled with historic zines, books, protest posters, fliers, t-shirts and photographs; a band room/recording studio; and the downstairs bedroom which is used for the international artist-in-residence program.

“309 always had that aspect to it—part gallery, venue, archive and even an artist-inresidence space. We’d never call it that, but it always had all of those characteristics. The fliers constantly hanging on the wall were really old— from the early 90s—which is a

Current artist in resident, Mallory Luana (left) and upcoming artist in resident, Mike Brodie (right.)

The 309 punkhouse Artist-In-Residence Program offers a cozy studio space and sleeping quarters for international and local artists.

long time to exhibit something, but it was constantly growing and always curated. We had a pretty extensive library in the upstairs bathroom. Nearly everybody that lived there was an artist. So really, what we’re doing now is definitely different, but it’s also kind of the same thing,” former 309 resident, writer, educator and historian, Scott Satterwhite said.

In true helping-hand punk tradition, the 309 Artist-In-Residence Program officially kicked off, unplanned, when artists from New Orleans were displaced from Hurricane Ida in late 2021. The first artist of the program, Tiana Hux, a performance artist and musician hailing from New Orleans used the space to compose songs for her upcoming album with her band, Malevitus, and worked on a new performance project to be shared with an audience at 309 when it is safe to do so. The second artist of the program, Mallory Luana, a Panhandle-based activist, voodooist, indie artist and illustrator, used the space to create and sell their art.

“I love that 309 is creating space for struggling artists to showcase their works. Being able to live in a space and focus on making art helps to distract me from other life stressors for a moment. I’ve been using the space to try my hand at making watercolor ink from nature found around the neighborhood surrounding the house. It’s been a great experience,” Luana said.

Mallory Luana’s closing exhibition featuring their work produced during the residency will be held at 309 N. 6th Avenue on February 23 from 6 to 10 pm. The next upcoming artist to begin residency this

March is former 309 resident and renowned photographer, Mike Brodie aka “Polaroid Kid,” who launched his career from the porch of 309, where he began hopping trains and photographing American train culture. While he is a resident of the program, Brodie will host a solo show at 309 on March 12 from 6 to 9 pm containing prior works that were inspired and created during his years at 309, and he will host a new body of work at Good Children Gallery in New Orleans on April 9.

“As a visual artist and musician, myself, the artist-in-residence programs that I have participated in were life changing,” George said. “I think the world becomes a better place as we learn more about each other. We demystify otherness and realize that beauty is everywhere. An artist-inresidence program does just that and brings new people into our community and immerses them into our community. They get to know new humans, places, streets, sounds, visual inspiration—there’s just so much that can be mined from being immersed into a new environment. These artists also bring in cultural aspects from all over the world to share ideas and experiences, which is really important.”

As the housing affordability crisis wages on across America, punkhouses like 309 are becoming scarce as they continue to be torn down and sold for development. Artist-in-residence programs too are becoming harder to maintain as the cost of living rises and art grants and funding continue to shrink. Here in Pensacola, many artist-in-residence programs have been forced to shut-down temporarily and permanently as a result of the

pandemic. The 309 artist-in-residence program is one of the only programs locally supporting multidisciplinary artists and experimental art forms.

As the program grows, relying strictly on donations and grants, the 309 Punk Project hopes to incorporate a stipend to financially support emerging artists. Each artist in the program will be given the opportunity to create a community event, exhibit or activity to showcase their art, and each will also donate one piece of art as their own contribution to the 309 Punk Archive. As part of a collaboration with the Pensacola Museum of Art, the museum will host an annual group show to showcase work created by artists in the 309 Artist-In-Residence Program.

“We hope the Artist-In-Residence Program will bring a diverse group of artists from all sorts of artistic genres to Pensacola and have their influence rub off on our community,” Satterwhite said. “Ideally, it’ll make 309 and Pensacola more interesting, and hopefully some of the good stuff from our community will carry on to wherever the artists go afterwards. We also love the idea of helping support local artists and giving them a space to create. There are so many directions we could take this, and we’re excited about those possibilities.”

To learn more about the 309 Punk Project, upcoming events or ways to donate and volunteer to support the new artist-in-residence program, visit 309punkproject.org.

Poet Charles McCaskill performs at the book tour launch of A Punk HouseintheDeepSouth:TheOralHistoryof309 in the community room of the punkhouse.

Mountainfilm on Tour Returns to Pensacola

by Dakota Parks

ON THE BIG SCREEN

Arguably, the best way to enjoy a movie is outdoors, spread out on a blanket on the cool grass and dirt, gazing up on the big screen, underneath the stars. Outdoor film festivals are the perfect way to enjoy Pensacola’s fleeting winter weather and cozy up for an evening of art and cinematic adventure. The Gulf Coast has a burgeoning community of film enthusiasts with independent filmmaking groups like the Emerald Coast Filmmakers and Gulf Coast Short Film Fest. Pensacola is also home to the Stamped Film Festival, which has been showcasing LGBTQ+ films since 2012, and the Pensacon Short Film Festival, which highlights science fiction, horror, fantasy, pop culture and animated films. A new staple in the Pensacola film community is Mountainfilm on Tour, which is premiering for its third year in a row on March 12 at Museum Plaza on 120 Church Street from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Mountainfilm is a documentary film festival that originated in Telluride, Colorado in 1979 and showcases films about environmental, cultural, political and social justice issues. While the festival was originally held only in Telluride, Mountainfilm began touring the globe in 2000 to spread their films to a larger audience and educate the public on pressing issues.

Jacey J. Cosentino, a financial advisor for The RadcliffSchatzman Group at Morgan Stanley, focuses on sustainable investment solutions and is one of the directors for the Mountainfilm Pensacola tour location. After experiencing the awe and beauty of the Mountainfilm Festival firsthand during a family trip to Telluride, she decided the festival needed to come to Pensacola. Cosentino paired up with her business partner, Chesley Allegri, to plan the first festival in Pensacola in February 2020, sponsored by Morgan Stanley.

“The films encapsulate adventure, excitement, joy, sadness, real life social issues, environmental enlightenment and travel,” Cosentino said. “The films are done in locations all over the world and take you inside the lives of people, families, towns and entire countries. Some of the most beautiful cinematography I have ever seen has been through the festival films. You won’t see these films anywhere else, so each one offers you a glimpse into issues that matter most to people from your same or different cultures.”

Environmental and social activism are pillars for the film festival as Mountainfilm’s mission is to use the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. Many of the short films focus on environmental justice and protecting and preserving the environment for future generations. While hosting an inspiring collection of films, the Pensacola premiere is also an opportunity to support

local waterway protection as proceeds will go to support the nonprofit Healthy Gulf, an organization dedicated to providing research, communications and coalitionbuilding tools needed to reverse the over exploitation of the Gulf of Mexico’s natural resources.

To help grow the festival and garner more sponsors, Jacey J. Cosentino, Chesley Allegri and Christian Wagley, the coastal organizer for Healthy Gulf, formed the nonprofit organization, the Gulf Coast Film Festival. This organization officially hosts Mountainfilm Pensacola in partnership with a collection of local sponsors and hopes to expand to other areas in the future.

“I personally feel that we each owe it to ourselves to know what issues might be affecting those around us, and when I say around us, I mean in our families, communities, cities, states and countries,” Cosentino said. “We have been blown away by the support, not only

from here in Pensacola but people and businesses from all over—Gulf Shores, Fairhope and even Mobile. A film festival like this was needed here and the attendance has made that clear. People genuinely want to share in the experiences of adventure and thought-provoking topics, and they want to share in it through the gift of film.”

Cosentino explained that Mountainfilm Pensacola nearly sold out both in 2020 and at the smaller pop-up screenings in 2021. To support this growing attendance, this year’s screening will be held outdoors to give guests the space they need to feel comfortable and safe, and to allow more people to cozy up with friends and family on blankets and chairs at Museum Plaza. The Pensacola screening will feature a variety of short films with the longest being around 25 minutes, so guests can experience a wide variety of artistic styles, directors, producers and musicians in a short amount of time.

The show kicks off on Saturday March 12 at 6:30 pm with doors opening at 5 pm. Live entertainment will be provided by local musician, Hane Skot, and food will be available to purchase. Tickets for Mountainfilm on Tour Pensacola can be purchased online through the tour schedule page of the Mountainfilm website at mountainfilm.org. Tickets will also be available onsite on the day of the event. Advance tickets are $20 per adult and $15 for children ages 12 and under. TIckets are $25 at the door.

ART CLASSES

Figure Drawing Monday, 6–9 pm

April 11 – May 16

May 30 – July 4

Learn drawing techniques through study of the human figure.

Pins and Needles Tuesday, 5:30–7:30 pm

February 22 – March 29

April 12 – May 17

May 31 – July 5

Learn the basics to advanced sewing techniques.

Creative Painting: Focus on the Figure Saturday, 1–4 pm

April 16 – May 21

Exploring creative painting processes from abstract to realistic depiction of the human form.

Introduction to Boro Glass Sculpting February 22 –March 15

Tuesday, 1-4 pm

Introduction to working with borosilicate glass.

Hot Glass Fundamentals: 1 Day Class Offered on Monday and Saturday

Three hour introduction to glass blowing.

Introduction to Glass Blowing Class times/days are flexible. Learn what it takes to be a glassblower in this 14 hour course!

Pottery on the Wheel, Handbuilding & Sculpture Classes

Upcoming 6-week classes starting February 21 & April 11

YOUTH ART

Art Lab

Six Week Sessions for grades K–8th Students will explore a variety of mediums and techniques in this class. Morning and afternoon classes offered!

Saturday Art Classes

Yoga and Art for Kids Saturdays, 10 am–12 pm Creating with Clay Saturdays, 1–3 pm

CREATISPHERE ART CAMP

Pottery, Drawing, Sculpture, Collage, 3-D Design, Storytelling, Mixed Media, Painting, Printmaking, Glass, Textiles, Costume Design, Building, & More!

Weekly Camps: May 30-August 5th Monday–Friday | 9 am–4 pm

*Extended Care Available Grades: K-5

Each week of camp is a new experience offering a variety of art mediums, as well as incorporating STEAM, history, conservation, world cultures, yoga, and games into the themes.

ArtVenture Pensacola A Showcase of Public Art

by Kelly Oden

“Cities gain value through public art—cultural, social, and economic value. Public art is a distinguishing part of our public history and our evolving culture. It reflects and reveals our society, adds meaning to our cities and uniqueness to our communities. Public art humanizes the built environment and invigorates public spaces. It provides an intersection between past, present and future, between disciplines, and between ideas.”

– Americans For The Arts Public Art Network Council

Last November, the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department launched a guide to outdoor art in the Pensacola area. Originally named the POP! Story Map project, the name has recently changed to ArtVenture Pensacola.

The idea originated when Holly Benson, Pensacola resident and former member of the Florida House of Representatives, decided to donate a sculpture to the city. While discussing the logistics with Mayor Grover Robinson, she learned that there was no official listing or directory of public art in Pensacola and she set out to change that. Benson gathered a team of professionals that included leadership from Artel Gallery, The Pensacola Museum of Art, First City Art Center, NAS Pensacola, Veterans Memorial Park, University of West Florida, Pensacola State College and the City of Pensacola. The team went to work identifying public art sculptures first.

“This was a great team effort by arts, history and business leaders from our community in partnership with the city,” Benson said. “We have so many people who are passionate about our city and its treasures, and this is a fun way to share this information.”

The newly named site can be accessed at artventurepensacola.com. Visitors can also scan a QR code sticker at various public art displays that will lead them to the particular web page for that work of art. The site is designed as a story map, which users can see on their computers or mobile devices. Divided by location, each section offers maps to each of the sculptures and background information on each of the pieces, including the artist, the donor and the significance of the piece.

Benson sees public art as both an extension of our community and a reflection of it. “Public art enhances the quality of life of any city,” she said. “But in Pensacola, we are a city that has always celebrated the arts and our history. Public art is an important component of that. It also serves as a nice complement to those other great resources we already have including the museum, the opera and the symphony.”

With the sculpture phase of the project complete, the team is now working on cataloging the abundance of murals in pensacola. We have really talented mural

painters all around this town,” Benson said. “There's just a lot of creativity and when people are investing in that, it not only improves quality of their building, but their overall neighborhood as well.”

While the team is doing their best to find every piece of public art, they want to hear from the public if there is one they’ve missed. If you know of a public sculpture you think should be included, you can email Kim Carmody at kcarmody@ cityofpensacola.com. To see all of the sculptures, their locations and history, visit artventurepensacola.com.

World War II Memorial CAPT Robert Rasmussen, USN (Ret.), 2002 image courtesy of The City of Pensacola

Vigilance

Brad Morton, 2000 image courtesy of the City of Pensacola

EVENT CALENDAR

Pensacola Ice Flyers Schedule

February Home Games at Pensacola Bay Center

For more information and tickets, visit pensacolaiceflyers. com.

February 4 at 7:05 pm – Macon

Mayhem vs Ice Flyers

February 5 at 7:05 pm – Macon Mayhem vs Ice Flyers

February 11 at 7:05 pm –Knoxville Ice Bears vs Ice Flyers

February 12 at 7:05 pm –

Knoxville Ice Bears vs Ice Flyers

February 27 at 5:05 pm –

Birmingham Bulls vs Ice Flyers

Constant Coffee Poetry Night

February 1, 8, 15, 22

Join Pensacola Poetry at the longest running open mic in Pensacola at Constant Coffee & Tea, located at 615 Scenic Highway. Every Tuesday, poets and creatives come to flex their voices through poetry, rap and spoken word. Come out and support the local arts community and hear a beautiful bricolage of words. Doors open at 6 pm and mic starts at 6:30 pm. Follow Pensacola Poetry on Facebook for updates and information

Nate Bargatze - The Raincheck Tour

February 3

Nate Bargatze’s comedy is both clean and relatable, evident in his ten appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also appeared on Conan four times, was a recurring guest on @midnight, and had his own Comedy Central Presents in 2011. Offscreen, Nate was part of Jimmy Fallon’s Clean-Cut Comedy Tour and has done live shows for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait five times. In addition to touring

the country as a headliner, Nate toured in arenas with Chris Rock on his 2017 Total Blackout Tour. He regularly performs at Bonnaroo, SXSW, Oddball Comedy Festival, Sasquatch, Clusterfest, and the JFL Montreal Comedy Festival, where he’s received critical acclaim multiple years in a row. The show will be held at the Sanger Theatre at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Double Bridge Run February 5

The Pensacola Double Bridge Run Presented by Publix is one of the premier 15K races in the country. The 15K carries runners over two bridges, across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. It will run from downtown Pensacola with a tour that includes the historic district, and picturesque Bayfront Parkway, a run through Gulf Breeze, and onto Pensacola Beach. The 15K race begins at Maritime Park at 7 am and the 5K will begin at Daniel Drive in Gulf Breeze at 8:30 am. For more information, visit pensacolasports.org.

Gordon Open Mic February 10

Join the Gordon Community Center for this month’s open mic night where musicians, comedians, poets and performers celebrate their artistic talents. Open mic night is hosted on the second Thursday of each month from 7 pm to 10 pm the Gordon Community Center located at 306 North DeVilliers Street in downtown Pensacola. If you are interested in performing, you will have a chance to sign-up for a time slot when you arrive. For more information, contact The Gordon at 850-857-8961 or falaprods@gmail.com.

Beach Ecology Walk February 12

Join Healthy Gulf for a beach ecology walk along the shifting sands and waters of Santa Rosa Island at Pensacola Beach. We’ll hike along both the Gulf and Sound side of the Island, exploring the changing plant communities and life along the shoreline. Along the way participants will learn more about terrestrial and aquatic life by examining what has washed ashore, including seeds, shells, plants, fish, crabs and other items both natural and man-made. The hike is a total length of about four miles and will take about two hours to complete. The exact meeting location at Pensacola Beach will be provided upon registration. Space is limited in order to ensure a quality experience, so to reserve a spot or for more information please email christian@healthygulf.org or call (850) 687-9968.

Ever’Market @ Nine Mile Road February 12

As a co-op, Ever’man is committed to ensuring that our community has support for responsible local agriculture and small businesses. Ever’man will host a monthly market where customers will be able to purchase goods from different local vendors outside at the Nine Mile Road location from 10 am - 4 pm.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Come Fly With Me February 12

Three trumpets are better than one, especially when they are all played by the same person at one time! Multi-instrumentalist and dynamic entertainer Gunhild Carling joins vocalist Michael Andrew, former headliner at the Rainbow Room, for an evening featuring favorites from Frank Sinatra and more. For additional

information and tickets, visit PensacolaSymphony.com.

Sweethearts and Succulents at Odd Colony February 12

Join Keep Pensacola Beautiful at Odd Colony for the Sweethearts and Succulents: Succulent Planting Workshop. Create your own unique succulent garden and enjoy a fresh brew. They will be reusing planters generously donated by Goodwill so there will be all shapes and sizes to choose from. Jade Succulents will be there to offer guidance and walk you through creating this one of kind masterpiece. Ticket includes all supplies needed and one beer. Workshop space is limited and participants must register and pay prior to the workshop. Tickets can be purchased through the event calendar at keeppensacolabeautiful.org.

An Evening in Israel February 17

The Global Corner will celebrate this year’s Passport Program with a fundraiser on February 17 from 6-7:30pm at The Pensacola Opera Center. Come enjoy “An Evening in Israel” where we will feature authentic Israeli food and signature Israeli wine and take a peek at this year’s in-school curriculum. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Global Corner’s educational inschool Passport Program in area elementary schools. This year, we are showcasing the country and culture of Israel. Tickets are $60 (early bird special until 1/1/22), $70 at the door.

Gallery Night: Pensacon February 18

This month’s Gallery Night’s theme is “Pensacon,” in partnership with the supersized, superstar-studded conference happening the same weekend! In partnership with Pensacon, join us on the

streets, wear your best cosplay, and enjoy the art & music & culture! On the third Friday of each month, from 5-9 pm, Gallery Night Pensacola will close Palafox Street (from Garden Street to Main Street) in Downtown Pensacola and provide open streets for patrons to explore and enjoy music, art, food and more.

Pensacon February 18-20

Pensacon is the Gulf Coast’s premier pop culture convention celebrating the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, horror, comic books, cosplay, animation, video games, books and much, much more. The three-day event draws tens of thousands to downtown Pensacola and takes place across multiple venues including the Pensacola Bay Center, Pensacola Cultural Center, Rex Theatre, Pensacola Museum of Commerce and the De Luna Event Space. Visit pensacon.com for complete guest information, schedules, venues, tickets and more.

Pensacola Community Market

February 19

The Pensacola Community Market is a community-based market supporting and serving the local Pensacola area, hosted downtown Pensacola across from Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Café on 315 W. Garden Street. From 10am to 3pm, the market hosts an array of businesses from handmade items to services! They also have a fun area for kiddos and plenty of food and drinks to satisfy any and all of your Pensacola cravings!

Mozart Madness

February 19

The soaring stained-glass windows of First United Methodist’s sanctuary provide a beautiful setting for Pensacola

Symphony Orchestra’s annual celebration of Mozart! This chamber orchestra concert features the composer’s Clarinet Concerto in A Major with the PSO’s own Richard Jernigan as soloist. The last of Mozart’s completed works, the Clarinet Concerto is known for its lyricism, subtlety and expressiveness, contributing to its regard as one of his great achievements. Also on the program is Symphony No. 36, “Linz.” Written in just a few days, the piece is as sophisticated as any of the composer’s works. The concert will be held at First United Methodist Church, 6 East Wright Street, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at pensacolasymphony.com

Abba Mania Concert February 25

From London’s West End to Las Vegas, ABBA MANIA is the world’s number one touring ABBA tribute and has been delighting audiences around the world for more than two decades. In an exhilarating two-hour recreation of ABBA’s last ever concert, ABBA MANIA brings to life the flamboyance of the 70s and all the uplifting, dance-inducing, and sometimes heart-breaking songs from the Swedish ‘Supergroup’, fully live with fantastic costumes, staging, lighting and effects. The show will be held at Sanger Theatre at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

The Barber of Seville

February 27

This performance and lecture program highlights the relationships between visual art, history, and music surrounding Pensacola Opera’s upcoming show, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville on March 11. The lecture will be followed by performances from the score by Pensacola Opera’s Artists in

Residence. Then, a curator from The Pensacola Museum of Art will explore a visual arts related topic correlating with Rossini. This is a free community event, open to the public.

Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade

February 25

Grab your tote bag and a lawn chair, it’s time to celebrate Mardi Gras! The Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade rolls through the streets of downtown Pensacola from Palafox to Government at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit pensacolamardigras.com.

Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Parade

February 26

The Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade is annually the largest and most extravagant parade in Pensacola. This parade itself, brings the most attention from the public and the highest traffic with attendees and participants numbering in the hundreds of thousands, is the largest gathering of people in Downtown Pensacola during the entire year. The Grand Mardi Gras Parade features most of the Krewes from the area, local organizations and companies and everything from marching bands to Scout groups. Many parade entrants come from out of town as well. The parade has over 6000 people who participate in the parade, often over 100,000 spectators at the parade. The parade takes place on Palafox and Garden Streets in historic downtown Pensacola. The Parade starts at 2:00pm and continues until around 6:00pm. For more information, visit pensacolamardigras.com.

Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade

February 27

Catch some Mardi Gras beads and Moon Pies over at Pensacola Beach for the annual Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade. With the scenic views of white sand beaches and the blue Gulf waters, this parade will depart from Via de Luna and go down the streets of Pensacola Beach from 2-4 pm.

Pensacola Arts Market

February 5 and 19

Shop small and buy local art at Pensacola Arts Market every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm at the historic Frank Marston American Legion Post 33, located at 1401 W Intendencia Street. Enjoy handcrafted wares, art, vintage clothes and décor, jewelry, soap, crochet wares and rotating food trucks and vendors. Free admission!

Gay...la

March 5

Masquerade Ball 2022

Join in on a night of dancing, celebration and entertainment! There will be a great lineup of performers and artists, and a portion of the proceeds will go to a local LGBTQ nonprofit organization. The 4th annual Gay...la Masquerade Ball will be held on March 5, 2022 at Sanders Beach Corrine Jones Resource Center from 7-11:45 pm. The host Evolve ‘n Thrive’s mission is to make the world a better place one event at a time by hosting fun and safe events for the LGBTQ community in rural communities in the South. Tickets can be purchased at evolventhrive.com.

Climate

Designing Your Career

Eighth Annual Women in Leadership Conference

by Morgan Cole

he University of West Florida (UWF) Women in Leadership Conference has served as a beacon of inspiration to like-minded professionals throughout the Northwest Florida business community.

Hosted annually by the UWF College of Business Executive Mentor Program, this one-day conference provides business professionals the opportunity to learn from and connect with some of the most prominent and successful women in leadership who have achieved both personal and professional success. The conference is designed to educate and empower professionals from all types of industries, nurturing a culture that supports both female entrepreneurs and those paving the way in historically male-dominated businesses.

The UWF College of Business Executive Mentor Program is gearing up to host the eighth annual Women in Leadership Conference: Designing Your Career on March 11, 2022 from 9 am to 5 pm at the UWF Conference Center at 11000 University Parkway. This year marks the event’s highlyanticipated return following its unfortunate cancellation in 2020 due to COVID-19.

“Remarkably successful women, including CEOs

and senior executives from across the state, will share their stories through inspiring speeches and panels dedicated to personal inspiration and practical application,” conference chair, marketing professor and founder of the UWF College of Business Executive Mentor Program, Dr. Sherry Harnett said.

The 2022 conference line-up will feature more than 30 speakers in successful leadership roles locally and from across the state. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Deborah German, vice president of health affairs and dean of the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine. In her address, Building the Life you Want, Achieving Career Success and Personal Happiness, she will discuss how professionals can achieve career success while also enjoying a happy personal life.

“My goal for this conference is for people to walk away with new skills to drive their careers through thoughtful and effective leadership, learn how communication skills can be a pathway to career success, gain an understanding of the issues that women face in various career paths, understand the importance of aligning personal values with everyday leadership behaviors and strengthen their network

of successful women, including UWF alumni and community leaders,” Hartnett explained.

The conference will provide both seasoned and young professionals the opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills through networking opportunities and panel discussions on a variety of business ranging from workplace diversity and corporate mentoring to healthcare, community service and more. Mayela Rojas Sanchez, executive vice president and content creative officer at Media Vista Group, will serve as this year’s inperson conference emcee.

Designed with female college students and young professionals in mind, attendees will gain insight on how to proactively manage growth and development to prepare for various leadership roles and gain valuable insight on effective ways to leverage unique strengths to thrive in current and future leadership roles.

Hartnett originally organized the conference in 2014 for students and mentors in the UWF College of Business Executive Mentor Program, which helps prepare

students for successful careers in business upon graduation by integrating academics with realworld experience. The program partners both undergraduate and graduate level students with business executives throughout the community to establish connections, learn valuable skills and gain insight on career development.

“As the Founding Director of the Executive Mentor Program, I was originally planning a Spring 2014 event featuring a guest speaker. My initial idea was to invite one successful female leader in Pensacola to speak, but it was a challenge for me to choose one to ask to speak because I have so many friends who are fantastic female leaders here in our market,” Hartnett

explained. “So, instead of having just one speaker I thought I’d invite four women to speak on a panel. And then, I thought to myself; there are so many inspiring female leaders in our community—I could have speakers all day long! That’s what eventually turned my initial idea to host an event for our Executive Mentor Program participants into a full Women in Leadership Conference that was also open to the public.”

Since first launched in 2014, the UWF Women in Leadership Conference has only continued to grow and evolve, drawing more than 400 attendees each year and typically selling out within just hours of tickets going on sale. In order to accommodate the growing

number of registrations, this year’s event will feature a newlyadded virtual component.

WEAR ABC 3 Morning CoAnchor Laura Hussey will serve as the emcee for the virtual portion of the conference.

“We expect a very large turnout for this year’s conference. Between in-person and virtual, we already have more than 500 registrations,” Harnett said. “I expect our in-person conference to sell out this year, just like it has every year in the past. Fortunately, even if our in-person conference sells out, people will still be able to attend our virtual conference.”

The newly-added virtual conference component will include livestream access to all keynote sessions, discussion panels and exclusive behindthe-scenes conversations with speakers and panelists.

IN-PERSON CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

• Access to all live keynote sessions and panels

• Access to the mobile app to connect to speakers and fellow attendees

• Catered lunch with roundtable discussions

• Conference swag bag

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

• Live stream ccess to all keynote sessions and panels

• Access to the mobile app to connect to speakers and fellow attendees

• Live behind-the-scenes conversations with speakers and panelists b1

Attendees will also have access to a new mobile app to connect with the speakers and engage with fellow conference goers throughout the event, whether attending in-person or remotely.

Registration is now open for the 2022 Women in Leadership Conference through March 7, or until sold out. In-person conference tickets are $100 each and $90 for UWF alumni, students and employees. Virtual tickets are $50 each and $45 for UWF alumni, students and employees. To register for the in-person or virtual conference, visit uwf.edu/wilc.

Conference organizers have also put together a special package for companies, businesses and professional organizations interested in purchasing multiple tickets for a group of employees or members. The package is $1,000 and includes four in-person conference tickets, 30 virtual tickets and the option to add-on unlimited virtual tickets for $25 each. For more information or to purchase group tickets, email Charlene Holmes at cholmes@uwf.edu.

“Women in leadership is a passion of mine and I look forward to this Conference every year,” Hartnett said. “I’m incredibly grateful this year for having so many of my Leadership Florida Cornerstone classmates from across the state agree to serve as speakers at the conference this year. They are absolutely amazing, and I know Pensacola will love them just as much as I do.”

For tickets and complete details on the UWF Women in Leadership Conference, visit uwf.edu/wilc. •

Around the Region

UWF Online Programs Rank Among Best in U.S. News and World Report

The University of West Florida ranked among the best in the nation in the prestigious 2022 U.S. News and World Report Best Online College rankings. UWF ranked 59th among 361 institutions for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and 35th for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans in the rankings released on January 25.

“Each year, these rankings highlight UWF’s dedication to offering the best online programs for students across the globe,” UWF President Martha D. Saunders said. “We’ve made it a priority to provide the one-of-akind UWF experience both on campus and online. Our success

shows through the recognitions we receive from U.S. News & World Report and others.”

UWF received recognition in the following categories for Best Online Programs: Bachelor’s; MBA; Master’s Business (Non-MBA); Master’s Computer Information Technology; Master’s Education; and Master’s Nursing.

U.S. News and World Report Online College rankings also rank best online programs for veterans, measuring veteran or active duty enrollment in the program and the institution’s GI Bill certification. UWF was ranked 20th among Best Online Nursing Master’s Program for Veterans and was the only Florida State University System institution included in the list. UWF also ranked for Best Online Programs for Veterans in the

following categories: Bachelor’s; MBA; Master’s Business (NonMBA); Master’s Computer Information Technology; and Master’s Education.

The rankings evaluate more than 1,600 distance education bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Only fully online degree programs, from entry to completion of the academic year, are included in the rankings.

UWF offers over 50 different undergraduate and graduate online programs, as well as credit-earning certificate programs. UWF launched its first fully online degree program, offering a master’s degree in instructional technology within the College of Education and Professional Studies, in Fall 1998, when the World Wide Web was just eight years old.

In September 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked UWF among the top 20 public regional institutions in the South and awarded the University five Best Colleges badges in the following categories: Regional University South; Regional Public University South; Social Mobility; Best Colleges for Veterans; and Undergraduate Nursing.

For more information about U.S. World News & World Report rankings, visit usnews. com/best-colleges. For more information about the University of West Florida, visit uwf.edu.

National Endowment for the Arts Awards $10,000 Grant to Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

The National Endowment for the Arts has approved a $10,000 Challenge America award to support Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s Beethoven & Blue Jeans. The concert and related events are among 168 projects across America totaling $1,680,000 that the NEA selected to receive fiscal year 2022 funding in the Challenge America grant category.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from the Pensacola Symphony

Orchestra that help support the community’s creative economy,” NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers said. “PSO is among the organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.”

“We are extremely grateful to the National Endowment for the Arts for this funding that will help to extend the reach of the arts in Pensacola,” Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Bret Barrow said. “This project combines the power of poetry and prose with extraordinary symphonic music.”

The program includes Jones and McCaskill reading their original poetry as the orchestra plays musical selections. McCaskill’s poem describes the loss of the John Sunday House, a historic Pensacola landmark, and it is paired with George Walker’s Lyric for Strings, a lamenting yet beautiful composition. Jones’ poem, Nine River Ways, vividly explores the flowing of rivers in several metaphoric and literal manifestations. The text will be paired with Tobias Picker’s hushed and hazy Old and Lost Rivers, inspired by the high bridge crossing the winding bayous where two rivers converge. Soprano Halley Gilbert joins the orchestra to perform Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with prose by James Agee set to music by Samuel Barber.

These works are bookended by Ludwig van Beethoven’s First Symphony and Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Suite from On the Waterfront.

Tickets to Beethoven & Blue Jeans start at $23 and may be purchased online at PensacolaSymphony.com, by phone at 850-435-2533 or in person at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, 22 E. Intendencia St., Pensacola, Fla. 32502. Virtual tickets are $20 and may be purchased at PensacolaSymphony.com.

For more information about other projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit arts.gov/ news.

Around the Region

Baptist Medical Park Surgery Center –Nine Mile Earns Top National Award for Outstanding Quality of Care

In recognition of its quality and patient safety, Baptist Medical Park Surgery Center – Nine Mile is one of only 13 centers across the United States to be named a Leapfrog Top Ambulatory Surgery Center in 2021.

This is the inaugural year of Leapfrog’s Top ASC award, which honors top performers as verified by the Leapfrog ASC Survey. The award is presented by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers widely acknowledged as the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality.

The quality of patient care across many areas of ASC performance is considered in identifying award winners, including staffing, patient experience, hand hygiene, surgical checklist protocols and error prevention.

“Receiving this esteemed award reflects the hard work and dedication of every team member involved in providing the outstanding care our patients receive at Baptist Medical Park Surgery Center – Nine Mile,” Vice President of Clinical Services for Baptist Health Care, Cyd Cadena said. “It is a well-earned honor, and we are grateful for the recognition.”

“We are proud to honor Baptist Medical Park Surgery Center – Nine Mile for its quality and patient safety. The team has demonstrated to the community – and to the whole country – that they put patients first,” President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, Leah Binder said. “We congratulate the staff, surgeons, nurses and all the clinicians whose teamwork helped achieve this national recognition.”

The Leapfrog Top ASC Award is modeled after the prestigious Leapfrog Top Hospital award that has been in existence since 2006. To see the full list of institutions honored as 2021 Top ASCs, visit leapfroggroup.org/ratingsreports/top-ascs.

Solar Co-op Launches for Escambia County Residents to Go Solar Together

Nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) recently announced the launch of the Pensacola Solar Co-op to help Escambia County residents go solar. This serves as the second solar co-op in the region.

“The co-op will enable Pensacola homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” Gulf Coast program associate for Solar United Neighbors Julia Herbst said. “Together, we’re building a movement to transform our electricity system into one that is cleaner, fairer, and shares its benefits more broadly.”

The co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in Escambia County. Together, co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a competitive price and top quality.

After a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, which remains vendor neutral, co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Instead, members will have the option to individually purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the installer’s group rate.

This co-op is funded by the City of Pensacola and Leon Lowenstein Foundation. Additional partners include 350 Pensacola, 850eco and Healthy Gulf.

“The City of Pensacola strives for the highest quality of life for all citizens,” Sustainability Coordinator of the City of Pensacola Mark Jackson said. “We are continuing these efforts by partnering with SUN to provide cost-saving solar at an affordable rate, create a healthier environment, and grow our local economy.”

SUN has hosted 69 solar co-ops in Florida since 2015. According to the group’s estimates, the 2,102 homes and businesses that now have solar panels because of co-ops represent: 20.5 thousand kW of solar power, $47.9 million in local solar spending and more than 698.6 million pounds of lifetime carbon offsets.

SUN will host several free virtual information sessions to educate community members about solar energy and the co-op. Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the co-op or one of the upcoming information sessions at the co-op web page at solarunitedneighbors.org/ pensacola.

5BR/5BA, One Owner, Never Rented, but ShortTerm Rentals Allowed. Backs up to 8 acres of Santa Rosa County Park Land directly adjacent (Overlooking) the Intercoastal Waterway also known as the Santa Rosa Sound. Paradise awaits you in this 3042 sqft stunning former model beach home. This private residence located within the gated waterfront community of By the Sea offers deeded Sound front beach access, a community pool w/ bathhouse and secure-gated access, all within minutes of the famous white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

Conscientious attention to detail has been given to this home from the White-Washed Laminate Wood Flooring to the Smart Samsung Appliances to the Rhino Shield Exterior Coating. This home is being sold fully furnished and is a must see!! Please see or request a document list of all items that convey with this home and to schedule a showing. This sought after floor plan features a cook’s dream kitchen open to the living area, 5 bedrooms & 5 baths with 4 bedrooms having private en-suites. The ground floor area is incredible and comes with your own golf cart, an astonishing, custom built entertainment area and outdoor shower! Call today for more information and to preview!

ON

BY THE NUMBERS

A Look at December's Market Highlights

Market Highlights

Total December sales improved 19 percent from November and were the most on record for the month.

Totaling 3130 units, 4th Quarter sales were the best on record for that period. Total 2021 sales improved 17 percent compared to 2020.

Median sale price reached a new high of $300,000.

December inventory slipped for both property types and all price ranges. December saw the most residential and condo listings added for the month in three years.

There were 22 fewer pending sales reported compared to November.

Data courtesy of the Pensacola Association of REALTORS ®

Superstar Realtor ALEXIS BOLIN

Receives Four, 2021 National & Local Real Estate Awards

Mention real estate anywhere in the Pensacola area and the name Alexis Bolin will most certainly come up. You’ve seen her face on countless “For Sale” and “Sold” signs throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties as well on television, billboards, bus benches, in the newspaper and in magazines. But what many may not know about Alexis Bolin is that this hard working, straightforward, down-to-earth Realtor was a waitress for 18 years raising three children as a single mother before moving to Gulf Breeze in 1977 and entering real estate. She received her real estate license in 1978 and her Florida Broker’s license in 1980.

Bolin, a Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast, is also a nationally recognized speaker who has been honored with nearly every conceivable award in the real estate industry and her sales are unparalleled.

In 2021 Bolin was recognized with two of the highest and most prestigious real estate awards given. At the National Association of Realtors Conference in November 2021, the National Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) presented Bolin with their Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding and sustained contributions to the residential real estate industry as an outstanding leader, a top sales producing Realtor and volunteer within the industry.

The Pensacola Association of Realtors recognized Alexis Bolin with their highest

award, 2021 Realtor of the Year, for the significant impact she has made by serving her local realtor association via her involvement teaching classes, mentoring and serving on committees, upholding high principles of integrity, garnering the respect of fellow agents and the public and being actively involved in her community.

The Keller Williams Platinum Award for outstanding real estate sales and achievements in 2021 was awarded last week to the Bolin Group for being the #1 Team, #1 in Listings and #1 in Sales at Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast. The Alexis Bolin Group, which consists of Alexis Bolin and her daughter Lisa Mix of Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast. Lisa Mix was awarded an individual Platinum Award for her 2021 real estate achievements.

Bolin consistently closes 80-100 sales units a year helping families with their real estate needs, solving their problems, and producing unparalleled results. With annual sales 12 times above the industry average, which is 8 home sales per year according to the National Association of Realtors, Bolin is ranked amongst ½ of 1 percent of over 1,000,000,000 real estate agents in the National Association of Realtors. Bolin’s commitment to the real estate industry and to customer service is also evident in her many accolades. Her winning attitude, dynamic

Amy Snook President of FL Womens Council presents Mentor of the Year Award ▲

personality and negotiation ability have had a dramatic impact on the lives of thousands of people. The level of success in real estate sales achieved by Bolin on both a local and national level is unmatched.

It is said that Bolin may be the most Awarded Realtor in the nation. With over 43 years in real estate, some of Bolin’s other real estate achievements include:

• #1 Agent Worldwide: 1988, 1992 and 1996 – ERA Real Estate

• #1 ERA Agent in Gulf Coast Region (NW FL, AL, MS, LA) for 38 years

• #2 Keller Williams Gulf Coast Teams for the Region from Baton Rouge to Tallahassee 2018

• Inducted into ERA Real Estate International Hall of Fame

• Inducted into the Real Estate Experts Hall of Fame

• Recognized in 2017, 2018 and 2019 as a Women of Distinction

• Among the Top 1/10 of 1 percent of all Real Estate Agents Nationwide

• Educational Contributor of the Year for the Residential Real Estate Council – 2018

• One of the Top 100 Most Influential Agents in Florida - 2016, 2018

• Real Trends - One of the Most Awarded Agents in the Nation

• Real Trends - One of America’s Most Honored Professionals – 2016–2018

• Named to “Who’s Who” in Residential Real Estate Selected in the “TOP 300 Real Estate Agents” by Realtor Magazine

• Climate Magazine - One of the Most Powerful Business Women in Northwest Florida

• Women’s Council of Realtors Top Gun Award Recipient

She has worked tirelessly to create satisfied customers and “raving fans” by providing them the very best in personal service which is one of Bolin’s greatest strengths.

Her commitment to her clients and the industry has been evident in both her success as a Realtor and in the good will and loyalty she has earned from countless buyers and sellers throughout the years. Here is what one of her raving fans have to say.

Bolin has always felt the call to give back not only to the real estate industry but to local organizations, as well. Several years ago, Bolin and her family established a scholarship at Pensacola State College in honor of her Mother and Grandmother who were also single Mothers.

Locally she is a member of Pensacola Rotary Club, Impact 100, served on the BOD of the Community Maritime Park, appointed by Governor Scott to serve on the BOD of Escambia County Early Learning Coalition, served as 2021 President of the Pensacola Bay Area Women’s Council of Realtors, currently serves as a 2021 DVP for Florida Women’s Council of Realtors, is on the Professional Development Committee for the National Association of Realtors, serves on the Professional Development Committee for the Pensacola Association of Realtors (PAR) as well.

Congratulations to Alexis Bolin for setting the standard in the real estate industry and for a job well done. ■

“During our many years in the Pensacola area, we have both bought and sold several homes. We selected Alexis Bolin to represent us because of her honesty, integrity, knowledge, and excellent reputation. She has been quite successful for us in getting our homes sold quickly and getting us the highest price possible. We have also used her to buy homes and she is our Realtor for life. We highly recommend Alexis.”

- Elizabeth and Downey Hewey

Leigh Brown, past national President and Bonnie Metviner, 2020 FL President presents the Lifetime Achievement Award

2021 Keller Williams Awards

4 STYLISH COLOR TRENDS FOR 2022

A new year brings opportunities to refresh your living space and add colors into your life. These four trends are all about incorporating more of yourself and your lifestyle into your home, whether it’s answering your need for a serene escape or dialing up the energy with vibrant surroundings.

Bring in Nature

Soothing earthy tones help bring a sense of calm and balance indoors. When designing with nature in mind, use graygreen tones to connect your aesthetic with the serene elements of the outdoors. Incorporate nature’s palette with greens in fabrics, accessories and even on the walls. Wood and stone materials naturally complement these shades for a look that’s cohesively pleasing and peaceful.

Stylish Sophistication

If you’re aiming to infuse some sophistication with an update to a favorite space, opt for a monochromatic look in a dark (almost black) hue. The approach is simultaneously bold and classic, but the secret to this trend is finding a shade that’s rich and deep, but not quite black, then complementing it with fabrics and furnishings that let the hint of color shine.

Connect with Your Inner Self

Creating a living space that is uniquely yours requires understanding your inner motivations, traits and talents. One source of personal inspiration may be your zodiac sign, a reflection of the earth’s orientation to the sun on your birthday.

The color experts at Valspar partnered with Ophira and Tali Edut of the AstroTwins to make it easy to explore the intersection

of your character and style by explaining which 2022 Color of the Year best aligns with each zodiac sign. When you combine your sign with the convenience and advanced one-coat coverage of premium Valspar Reserve Interior Paint + Primer, available at Lowe’s, you can create a luxurious space that reflects the real you.

Aries – Sunset Curtains: A warm and soothing color like this supports a transformational year full of new opportunities.

Taurus – Gilded Linen: This clean, cozy color makes spaces feel open, perfect for celebrating togetherness.

Gemini – Grey Suit: This is a color of warmth and versatility, a signature combination for Geminis.

Cancer – Delightful Moon: A spirited, playful color inspires a year of growth and adventure.

Leo – Mountain River: A dark and dreamy color invites inspiration for a year filled with abundance.

Virgo – Subtle Peach: It’s the year of partnerships for Virgos; this harmonious color works well alongside others but can also stand on its own.

Libra – Orchid Ash: A cool and breezy color keeps it simple so Libras can focus on a year of vitality.

Scorpio – Fired Earth: This warm and approachable color is perfect for Scorpios who plan to bring new people into their lives this year.

Sagittarius – Rustic Oak: A relaxing and comforting color that welcomes coziness in the new year.

Capricorn – Blanched Thyme: For Capricorns, this is the year of variety, and this is a refreshing tone to support change.

Aquarius – Country Charm: This hue provides warmth and stability for a year of productivity.

Pisces – Lilac Lane: A playful pastel hue that brings softness along with optimism and renewal.

Add Comfort and Warmth Treating your home like a sanctuary never goes out of style, and one way to create a soothing, inviting space is through the use of cozy neutrals. Whether it’s applied to a bedroom retreat or a more bustling space like the living room, a neutral palette can add to the allure of comfort and warmth. Keep the visual interest strong by incorporating subtle patterns, textures and layers of complementary neutral colors.

Find more 2022 color trends and design inspiration at Valspar.com. •

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