It’s Happening in the South…Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach (Beaches of South Walton) on August 30
This isn’t your traditional film or art festival. You don’t sit and silently watch the films, or quickly walk by a static exhibit. Here, you have the opportunity to walk around and take it all in. Some places, you can even be part of it.
“Extraordinary unique,” is how Mike Ragsdale, town evangelist, describes Alys Beach’s upcoming Digital Graffiti Festival.
And you know, he just might be on to something here.
Scheduled for August 30, the event is nothing like anything else that has taken place along the Beaches of South Walton, or even in the South for that matter.
“There is always something going on in the area. We wanted to create an event that would not only compliment the area, but also would be really different.”
They really didn’t have to go far to come up with an idea. The answer was right in front of them.
“One thing that jumped out at us was all of the white space we (Alys Beach) have available. So, why not have artwork projected on the walls of the town.”
Thus, Digital Graffiti was created. And what a response, they received over 150 entries from nearby and around the world. Ragsdale says the committee narrowed it down to around 35 different exhibits that best represent different digital art styles. There will also be interactive exhibits, such as one with a laser point that allows guests to physically write on the wall that’s a 100-yards away.
Other activities include a Wii hooked up and projected on a 30-foot wall for people to play different games, and a shadow puppet artist who will educate the young ones on how to create shadow puppets.
Among the many things that make this event unique that the fact that it is outside. 
“During our research, we came across different digital festivals around the world and they all happened inside. Ours is all outside.”
In fact, many of the digital artists took in account Alys Beach’s architecture to create custom art.
“It’s going to be visually appealing,” comments Ragsdale. “I can’t wait to see people’s reaction to it for the first time.”
Quick Glance
What: Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach
When: August 30, the event starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Alys Beach, along the Beaches of South Walton, located in the Florida Panhandle.
Cost: $10/adult; $5/children, ages 6-11. Tickets can be purchased online and at the event.
Photo credits: All photos are Digital Graffiti/Projection Art Test by Tommy Crow, courtesy of Alys Beach.
Apryl Chapman Thomas
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POSTED IN: Festivals, Fairs, and Events, Florida Panhandle, It's Happening in the South, Southern Byways, Things to See in Florida
2 opinions for It’s Happening in the South…Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach (Beaches of South Walton) on August 30
Labor Day Weekend Happenings in Florida
Aug 28, 2008 at 3:10 pm
[...] so you all ready know about Digital Graffiti on Alys Beach happening on August 30, but that only scratches the surface of what’s happening in the [...]
What’s on the Calendar for this Weekend
Sep 18, 2008 at 9:48 pm
[...] able to attend Alys Beach’s (Fla.) Digital Graffiti event? Well, you have another opportunity to see the exhibits on September 19 at Fonville Press during a [...]
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