CAA Announces Renee Broxson As Featured Artist For 38th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County proudly announces Renee Broxson as the Featured Artist for the 38th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival. Her custom artwork—Crowned in Courage—will be showcased on all ArtsQuest marketing materials. The festival, a beloved May tradition, will take place May 2 & 3, 2026, at Grand Boulevard Town Center’s North Park. A second work—Big Ears, Clear Vision—will be the cover image for this spring’s #ArtMatters publication available at all official Art Month events.

Renee Broxson began painting part-time in 2014, guided by a belief that growth comes through curiosity, persistence, and hard work. A lifelong learner, she took up tennis later in life and, through dedication and determination, earned an athletic scholarship to the University of West Florida at age 32 — an experience that continues to shape her disciplined approach to both life and art.

Her artistic practice is rooted in continual skill-building and the pursuit of improvement. Broxson creates whimsical, abstracted figures and animals inspired by individuality and personal expression. She is drawn to the visual language of style — bold clothing, distinctive shoes, expressive accessories, and meaningful tattoos — the details people choose to show the world that quietly tells their stories.

Through playful imagery and simplified forms, her work celebrates character, humor, and the beauty of uniqueness. A portion of her sales supports local charities benefiting people and animals, reflecting her commitment to connection, community, and giving back through art.

“Being chosen as the featured artist is an incredible honor,” said Broxson. “It means I need to focus deeply on my art — someone believes in me, and I will  believe in myself. It’s a push to work hard, develop my skills, and become the best artist I can be. I’m truly over the moon excited for this opportunity!”

“Renee’s work captures joy, curiosity, and the little details that make each of us unique. Her whimsical figures and playful approach to storytelling reflect the creative spirit we celebrate at ArtsQuest,” said CAA Vice-President Marketing & Strategy Melissa Wheeler. “We are thrilled to showcase Renee as our Featured Artist for 2026 and to share her incredible talent with our community and visitors.”

ArtsQuest will feature over 125 artists from across the U.S., exhibiting in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, sculpture, glass, oils, acrylics, mixed media, photography, metal and wood, jewelry, and works on paper. Artists will compete for awards and cash prizes totaling $10,000, judged by a panel of distinguished experts. 

Additionally, original work by over 40 CAA member artists will be featured in a collaborative tent, with one winning a Member Best In Show Award.

Attendees will enjoy continuous live music and entertainment, a Walton County student exhibit, a special showcase from the CAA’s Prison Art program, an interactive public art installation, a silent auction, live visual art demonstrations, and “ImagiNation: Where Kids Rule.” A full cash bar will be open throughout the weekend in Grand Park, and food options will be available throughout Grand Boulevard’s Town Center.

ArtsQuest is the kick-off event for Art Month Walton County, a collaboration of visual, performing and literary arts events presented in diverse formats and venues throughout Walton County in May. Art Month Walton also includes Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, the Longleaf Writers Conference, an Open Mic Night with Emerald Coast Storytellers, JAWS in concert with Sinfonia, Mystic Pizza - a production from Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Gallery events, concerts, and more.

Presented by Grand Boulevard Town Center, with additional support from Visit South Walton, Hwy331.com, Emerald Coast Magazine, Capital City Bank, and Ohana Day School. Volunteers are needed throughout ArtsQuest weekend to work on all aspects of the festival. Those willing to help can sign up at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/volunteer. Sponsorships are still available, and interested businesses can contact Gabby@culturalartsalliance.com for more information.

ArtsQuest is a rain or shine event. The festival is open to the public, and a $5 - $10 admission donation per person is requested to support the Arts. Visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com for more information about ArtsQuest as well as other Art Month events, which are supported in part by Visit South Walton.