About the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach
Celebrating creativity, community, and art education along the Emerald Coast since 1956.
Our Mission
The mission of the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, Inc., is to facilitate fine art exhibitions, conduct art classes to enhance the appreciation of the visual arts, and to further educate fledgling and established artists. Toward this goal, the Arts and Design Society (ADSO) was organized in Fort Walton Beach in July 1956 and was incorporated in 1962 as a non-profit organization.
The purpose of ADSO is to sponsor, stimulate and promote art in its many phases and to further the intelligent appreciation of all forms of the arts within our community. ADSO endeavors to stimulate high standards of artwork and to provide increasing opportunities to artists to expand their knowledge and expertise.
Our Story
The Arts & Design Society of Fort Walton Beach (ADSO) began in 1956 when seventeen local artists met in a private home to share ideas and inspiration. What started as a small gathering has grown into a thriving nonprofit community of more than 200 members—artists, educators, and art lovers united by creativity.
Today, ADSO occupies the historic Old City Hall Complex in Fort Walton Beach, serving as a hub for art, education, and connection across Northwest Florida.
What we do
The Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making art accessible to everyone.
Through classes, exhibitions, and outreach, we support artists of all ages and skill levels.
Public art Galleries
Open five days a week with rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists.
Adult classes & Workshops
Affordable sessions led by regional and nationally recognized instructors.
Student art shows
Annual exhibitions for middle and high school students.
Student art Classes & Camps
ADSO provides weekly Art Classes and summer art camps for children ages six to 12.
Community Outreach
Volunteers bring art education to groups such as Head Start and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Get involved
Whether you’re an artist, student, or art enthusiast, there’s a place for you at ADSO.
Join, volunteer, or attend a class—and help us continue enriching the Emerald Coast through art.