Emerald Coast Magazine’s Readers Choice Poll is held each June, and the magazine announces the winners the following October. Best Local Artist was introduced as a category in 2012, and Andy has won the title two years in a row. This is a huge honor, especially considering the many wonderfully talented artists who live and work on the Emerald Coast.

Each October, a party is held to showcase the individuals and businesses that have won Best of the Emerald Coast, and people from all over the area gather to enjoy great food and music. The Best of the Emerald Coast 2013 celebration was held Saturday, October 19th, at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach.

It rained off and on all day Saturday, but thankfully the weather cleared up in time for the event. The good thing about the materials Andy uses in his art (including reclaimed dock wood for the frames) is that they can be exposed to humidity or get wet without being damaged. We weren't concerned about the occasional mist, but we're thankful it didn't pour! The weather didn't seem to bother guests, and the event drew a large crowd. Andy and I had a great time and saw many friends, both old and new. Here are two friends who have been invaluable in Andy's career...

Andy met Zandra Wolfgram in April 2011. It may have been by chance, but we like to think of it as fate. Zandra is the editor of Emerald Coast Magazine, which featured a story about Andy six months after they met. That was the boost we needed to get the courage to open his gallery the following spring. In August of this year, Zandra was once again our shining star, as she promoted Andy's gallery in an article highlighting 30A businesses in 850 Magazine. We are both thankful for Zandra's support.

Chester Kroeger is known by many as Father Fud. Andy's friendship with Chester started when Andy still had a landscaping business. When Chester discovered that Andy's true passion was art, they were a match made in heaven. Chester first hired Andy in late 2011 to re-design the Down Under Bar at Fudpucker's in Destin.

Best of the Emerald Coast 2013 at Grand Boulevard