2011 Artist of the Year ALLISON WICKEY IS INSPIRED BY IMAGINATION

Allison Wickey’s creativity is fueled by her natural surroundings, and visions of the past.

“My work is inspired by my imagination of how this place was 500 years ago, 100 years ago, even up to 30 years ago – a time when people moved here for the sole purpose of how beautiful it was and still is,” says South Walton’s 2011 Artist of the Year. “I’m inspired daily by the color of the water; walking through the woods is one of my very favorite things to do. I’m also inspired by the juxtaposition of the beautiful blues and the white dunes and how they glow on a rainy day.”

Wickey, who began her journey as a professional artist in the St. Louis area in 2000, uses a 13-step, four-day process that involves Venetian plaster, acrylic paint, glazes and an orbital sander to create works that showcase vibrant landscapes, animals, and marine life.

She began her career creating murals and faux finishes for families and friends, which ultimately blossomed into a business. Wickey says she took her favorite parts of the business – the plasters and stains – and brought them to Florida with her in 2007.

“My style is definitely an antiqued look,” she says. “I love the idea of how Santa Rosa Beach appeared a long time ago, so it’s kind of a residue of a memory a long time ago. It’s almost an aged, fresco style.”

 As a former South Walton Artist of the Year, Wickey says she’s proud to be a part of the local arts scene.

 “We are so fortunate here to have a hometown vibe, but we also have this side of sophistication where we have amazing artists and we’re able to sell our work to people who come visit or have second homes and take our work home,” Wickey says. “We also have unbelievable chefs and interior designers – these are people who are known throughout the country. It’s so inspiring to be around such creative people.”

When Wickey is not working on a piece or out and about with her family, she can usually be found exploring or dabbling in her other passion – photography.

To learn more about Wickey, visit her website at www.allisonwickey.com.