Art museums may not be found on many adventure-lovers’ lists of things to do, but an art installation in Fort Walton Beach, Florida may change that. Instead of an art museum showcasing works between walls, how about visiting a sculpture gallery under the sea.
That’s exactly what’s in store for certified divers who visit the Underwater Museum of Art on the Gulf Coast in the Florida Panhandle destination of Fort Walton Beach. For the past three years, artists have created sculptures that are placed on the sea floor. There is a practical reason for this – the sculptures become a living coral reef!
“Transformation begins immediately and will continue for several decades,” explained South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) founder and president Andy McAlexander.
It was an idea hatched by a local artist and diver and one that required cooperation from various organizations. Allison Wickey, president of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, presented the idea to CAA executive director Jennifer Steele and McAlexander. From that discussion, a partnership was formed, according to Steele.
As explained on the UMA website, the coastal waters off Walton County are 95% barren sand flats. By deploying the sculptures as artificial reefs, it is hoped that this will result in “biological replenishment and protective marine habitat where none exists.”
“We then formed a joint committee to develop the program with each organization bringing unique knowledge to the table,” Steele said. “SWARA provides much-needed resources already in place through their artificial reef efforts, including permitting, monitoring, existing contracts, and technical expertise. The CAA is the fiscal and administrative agent, including fundraising, and works with the artists throughout the selection and fabrication process.”
“The perspective when viewing the sculptures in a marine environment is drastically different than when on land,” said McAlexander in 2018 when the museum was established. “The intent of the project was proven within an hour of deployment when we could see schools of bait fish swarming the structures, completely validating the entire effort… This project has changed my perspective towards art.”
An art piece done by Beatriz Chachamovitz to be placed on sea floor an act as artificial reef. [Photo Credit: Beatriz Chachamovitz]
In January, the names of the artists and sculpture pieces for the 2020 installation were announced. This is the third year for the project, with this year’s artwork bringing the number of sculptural pieces to 24. The 2020 art installations include pieces featuring geometric designs, depictions of aquatic life and interpretations of fine art forms. The designs are selected by an art panel jury.
Artists are not restricted to a theme or subject matter in submitting their designs. This year’s selected artists are also geographically diverse, representing Florida, Oklahoma, Colorado, Maryland, North Carolina and California.
“We look at the creativity of the design, the message intended by the piece and the functionality of the art as a reef; which are all equally scored to determine the selections,” McAlexander said.
Steele defined the functionality requirement as "the qualifications of structural integrity and environmental stability." The committee also looks at the artistic ability and the artist's previous experience.
With SWARA’s expertise in artificial coral reef construction and the CAA’s connection to the art community, the committee is well equipped.
“SWARA provided the sculpture materials, size and weight, while the CAA coordinated the invitation to artists,” McAlexander explained. “The properties were secured by SWARA and dictate the materials available for use as well as the size, weight and other factors to create sustainable artificial reefs.”
Steele said that the materials, size and other specifics are dictated by the permits needed to install the artwork under the water. Given SWARA’s experience and focus, it is responsible for permitting and installation.
“The main challenges in creating an underwater art museum from scratch were related more to securing funding, developing systems and process, and once the project had been introduced, determining how to increase physical access to the site,” Steele told The Buzz.
The sculptures are featured in a public exhibition at ArtsQuest, a fine arts festival produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance, and at the annual "Under the Sea" fundraiser for the Underwater Museum, according to Steele.
After the art exhibition on dry land, the sculptures are placed in their permanent location. This year’s selected artists’ work will be installed this summer. After that, access to the Underwater Museum of Art is available only to certified divers. A visitor’s center is planned, but is at least one to two years away, according to McAlexander.
“The UMA website also provides the most current underwater photos and video of the pieces so they are visually accessible to all,” Steele said.
Those who want to receive diver certification or certified divers who need access to equipment can find resources on the UMA website. A local dive shop also provides guided tours to the site for divers. The sculptures are located within one nautical mile of the shore in 58-feet of water. Out of respect for the art, boaters are asked to find the center location and then move away from the park to anchor in order to avoid damage to the artwork.
There is no admission fee to visit the museum, but admission is charged at Grayton Beach State Park. The Park offers parking, showers, restrooms, changing rooms, and a beach walkover. There is also RV camping available on site.
Two MobileRVing Preferred Properties are located within 5 miles from Fort Walton Beach.
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville, Florida is named after U.S. Air Force Colonel Fred Gannon who was instrumental in preserving this site with beautiful old-growth longleaf pine trees. Several of the trees are more than 300 years old.
Eglin AFB Fam Camp & Marina, on Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, offers great outdoor accommodations in two locations, Camp Robbins and Postl Point.