The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach grand opening is set for Sept. 28-29

The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach grand opening is set for Sept. 28-29
By Jessica Langston
Since 1923 Wolf Bay breezes have flowed through the historic structure which was home to Orange Beach’s first hotel, a fish camp, and finally the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. While the past three years have brought many changes, the beautiful, bayfront property has continued to feature local artwork, and live demonstrations in glass and clay. Now, the much-awaited, $2 million new fine arts gallery and children’s studio is ready to open its doors and welcome the public inside.
A two day celebration is planned with a ribbon cutting, reception and open house to view the splendor of the new gallery and to catch a glimpse of all the exciting events the new facility will offer.
The reception will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept 28 and the open house will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29. Both will include fine art, music and refreshments as attendees get the opportunity to experience the venue in all its glory.
Desiree Blackwell, director of the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, expressed her joy about the facility’s opening.
“We are so very pleased to finally share this stunning facility with the community,” she said. “Our general contractor, Gates Builders, worked hard to make the vision of our architect Jacky Barganier become a reality. However, we would not be in this position of celebration if it were not for the complete support of our Orange Beach mayor and city council who believe in the arts and chose to fund this spectacular project. It truly is the crown jewel of Pleasure Island.”
The art center will offer an elegant backdrop for weddings and special occasions, in addition to its business conference amenities and artistic endeavors.
She divulged that the facility will offer:
a 10,000-square-foot fine arts gallery, showcasing artists from the Gulf Coast area executive conference space with a custom 14’ table featuring inlaid glass four acres of lush grounds with moss-draped oaks and scenic shoreline multiple buildings across the campus that include The Hot Shop glass-blowing facility; The Clay Studio for wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery lessons; and a classroom building for the After School Arts Program and adult art classes.
The art center is also home of the 44th Annual Festival of Art, a two-day celebration of the arts including fine art booths, musical and performance exhibitions, gourmet culinary fare, hands-on projects for children and much more. Other events include being part of the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, Hot Shop Blowouts throughout the year, artist receptions and special exhibits.
But the center offers plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy your own special events, too. If you’re ready for an unforgettable wedding, family reunion, holiday party, field trip, retreat, conference or symposium, you’re in for a real treat.
“We have already hosted several weddings and have many more scheduled,” Blackwell said. “Brides love the breathtaking view and the many amenities we offer them for their special day. We are all about southern hospitality.”
The art center has been known to offer exciting field trips and business outings for many years, as well, and the possibilities are increasing exponentially. The classroom studio can be used as a small conference center or lecture hall, and the executive suite on the second floor of the gallery building presents a stunning setting for meetings and brainstorming sessions.
The gallery itself will feature movable art walls so that the space can be re-designed to fit every event, from large summits to intimate gatherings.
Blackwell said she’s thrilled to be a part of this rich history and exciting future.
“I feel very blessed to be involved with this part of the Coastal Arts Center journey,” she explained. “The art center property has a deep history in Orange Beach, beginning as a boarding-house-style hotel built in 1923 serving the men in the turpentine industry, and ending as a fishing camp for the devoted anglers who love our waters. The art center itself has had passionate leadership in the past, and I feel no less passion as we move forward with this amazing new gallery. We plan to do special things here and can’t wait for the community to stop by and see what all the fuss is about.”
The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is located at 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach. For more information, call 251-981-ARTS (2787) or visit CoastalArtsCenter. com.