ArtsQuest, the 28th annual fine arts festival produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County has announced that South Walton-based artist Matt Lyons will be their featured festival artist this year.

A Mother’s Day weekend tradition, ArtsQuest is a juried show that will take place May 7-8, in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.

The festival is part of Art Week South Walton, a collaboration of visual, performing and literary arts events presented in diverse formats and venues throughout South Walton in May.

Lyons’ custom artwork titled “Ignorance is bliss…until it’s not” will be the featured image on all ArtsQuest marketing materials for the festival, including posters and merchandise.

“I feel honored to be the featured ArtsQuest artist as I love this festival and the people involved in it,” said Lyons. “I am proud to work with the Cultural Arts Alliance and appreciate their philosophy of total dedication to the arts and artists in our area.  I am happy to play my part in their cause.”

“Matt’s style is unique, and his following has grown immensely in the past two years since his ArtsQuest debut,” said the Alliance’s executive director, Jennifer Steele. “The scale and subject matter of his work are immensely appealing and evocative.  He is also a genuinely kind person who gives back to our community, and we are proud to feature his work.”

ArtsQuest will feature Lyons and over 100 other fine artists in various mediums including but not limited to ceramics, glass, oil and acrylics, photography, sculpture, metal and wood.

These exhibiting artists from around the United States will compete for awards and cash prizes totaling $10,000.

The Festival will also offer heritage art demonstrations, a Cultural Arts Alliance member artist exhibit, a Walton County student exhibit, continuous live music and entertainment on several stages, and “ImagiNation: where kids rule.”  A full cash bar will be available throughout the weekend in Grand Park.

On Saturday night, ArtsQuest will partner with Cantina Laredo to present a special Cinco de Mayo celebration in Grand Park featuring live music by the Modern Eldorados, food, beer and margaritas.

Volunteers are needed throughout the weekend to work on all aspects of the festival. Those willing to help can sign up at culturalartsalliance.com/volunteer or email [email protected].

ArtsQuest is presented by Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and sponsored in part by Visit South Walton. The event is open to the public, and a $5 admission donation is requested.

For more info, visit ArtsQuest and Arts Week South Walton.