Welcome to the Local Artists page!

EmeraldCoast.com has devoted this page to recognizing the individuals that help shape the culture and community that make the Emerald Coast what it is today. Every month, EmeraldCoast.com will introduce you to a new local artist. Get ready to meet the eccentric to the ordinary all in one place.

Jodie Jensen • May 2008

The art of junk

By Tara Roberts, EmeraldCoast.com

PANAMA CITY - As an antiques purveyor, Jodie Jensen of Panama City often found herself with several old doors or windows. When in this situation, she did what most anyone else would do – she turned them into unique pieces of artwork.
“I started out by opening an antique shop in ’98 and just started painting and doing mosaics in which my   more...

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Marti Schmidt • April 2008

The World Is Her Canvas

By Jennifer Otto, EmeraldCoast.com

SANTA ROSA BEACH – Artist and textile designer Marti Schmidt brings worldly influence to her artwork. Inspired by her international travels, she creates extraordinary textures on fabrics and canvas.
Schmidt has traveled through England, France, Cuba, Bali, Thailand and Korea. Each place takes her somewhere new with her art.
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Bill Stephenson • March 2008

Will Work for Wood

By Tara Roberts, EmeraldCoast.com

Santa Rosa Beach artist Bill Stephenson’s interest in woodworking stems from his early days watching his grandfather in his workshop.   As a child Stephenson would visit his grandfather, a chair maker, and watch him turn spindles for chairs.   “He would set me up on the workbench so I could see,” Stephenson said. “Actually it was to get me out of the   more...

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Jane Segrest • February 2008

A Rainbow over Bonifay

By Jennifer Otto, EmeraldCoast.com

Bonifay painter Jane Segrest has never met a color she did not like.
Working mainly in acrylics, Segrest makes a bold statement with her art through the use of bright, vivid colors spread across a large canvas.
“I love to use every color,” Segrest said. “Whenever I start a painting, I never know how many colors are going   more...

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Heather Clements • January 2008

Rising Above

By Joseph Kemp, EmeraldCoast.com

PANAMA CITY - Tucked away in her office on the second floor of the Gallery Above art gallery on Harrison Avenue, Heather Clements is hard at work brainstorming for new promotions for her gallery.   "It takes up most of my time," said Clements. "Promotion is definitely one of the harder aspects of the job."   It is also a job she would   more...

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Cynthia Keller • December 2007

Jane of All Trades

By Tara Roberts, EmeraldCoast.com

Cynthia Keller said she was born drawing and since then hasn’t met an artistic medium she didn’t like. The Destin artist moved to the Emerald Coast from the frosty Northeast of Michigan where she worked for the Grand Rapids Board of Beautification. As proposed building projects were presented to the Board, Cynthia would “insert” the final construction into the ci   more...

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Donna Burgess • November 2007

She Wants to Do It All

By Jennifer Otto, EmeraldCoast.com

Donna Burgess, a well-known watercolor artist in Walton and Bay counties, has a split personality when it comes to her art.   Depending on her mood on a particular day, Burgess can be found painting a duck, a beach cottage, a woman relaxing, a marine scene, a floral design or a cutting-edge abstract piece.   Although watercolor is her focus, Burgess does not discriminate a   more...

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