Patricia Basque
Sharon Wnetrzak
Sherry Cooler
Kat Porter
Krista Jackson
Mr. Supplee, a fine artist based in Fort Walton Beach, is known for his innovative work in digital/AI art, acrylic painting, and painted steel sculpture. He holds a BFA in Fine Art and Psychology from the University of West Florida. Through his art, Mr. Supplee seeks to evoke emotional connections, using color, line, shape, and texture to explore the intersection of emotion, introspection, and abstract expression.
His work has been exhibited at Foster Gallery, the ADSo Gallery, and the Shalimar Administration Building. Mr. Supplee is represented by HH Arts in Fort Walton Beach. He regularly teaches monthly workshops in digital art, including Adobe Firefly, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Lightroom.
Mr. Supplee is a member of Okaloosa Public Arts and continues to contribute to the local art community through his exhibitions, instruction, and creative innovation.
Exhibiting Artist at Foster Gallery, Miramar Beach, FL
Exhibiting Artist at ADSo Gallery, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Exhibiting Artist at Shalimar Administration Building (2022–2024)
Represented by HH Arts Gallery, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Monthly Workshop Instructor (Digital/AI Art, Adobe Software)
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Gretchen has always found inspiration in the natural beauty around her. She enjoys sketching, painting, and photographing moments in nature—from the way morning sunlight filters through the leaves to vibrant sunrises and sunsets, and the power and serenity of waves along the shoreline. She received a scholarship to the Arts program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and later spent 15 years working in interior design, operating her own studio.
Two years ago, Gretchen relocated to Florida’s Emerald Coast, where the stunning beaches now serve as a primary inspiration for her artwork. She works primarily in pastels, whose rich pigments create the soft, luminous quality seen in her pieces. Gretchen also enjoys working with acrylics and oils, and she explores her creativity through pottery as well.
Kim is a resident of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Born with an eye for beauty and a deep connection to nature, this visual artist grew up immersed in the vibrant colors and textures and majesty of her surroundings. In awe of, and inspired, by nature she began exploring drawing at an early age, later expanding into the use of color in her art. Kim’s work keeps a deep engagement with realism. Kim’s has been influenced by the many different places she has lived from Iceland to Alaska, Ohio to Florida and California to New Mexico.
Kim was primarily self-taught; however, she has 2 years of Art Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and has continued to study under various instructors over the years. Kim is currently studying locally under Vincent Zingaretti, Kim believes that art is a lifelong study!
Through the years she has completed several commissioned pieces including portraits and murals. She has been invited to participate in community projects, Kim refurbished one of the horses on antique merry-go-round at a community park in Fairbanks, Alaska. More recently, her design was one of many chosen to paint a 5’ Heron as part of Okaloosa Public Arts Emeral Coast Heron Project. Along with being on OPA’s Board of Directors Kim is also an active member of the Arts and Design Society of Ft Walton Beach.
Some of Kim’s’ artwork can be found in HH Arts Gallery in Ft Walton Beach Florida along with some pieces hanging in the Okaloosa County Administration Building.
Kim’s’ hope is that through her art, others will see there is beauty that surrounds us in our busy everyday lives!
Pat Roberts has an AA degree from Ocean County college in Toms River, New Jersey. She has traveled extensively all over the world, and served for 10 years as a teacher’s assistant in the Camden, New York school system. Her artwork has been exhibited in New Jersey, Alaska and Florida. She has been honored with numerous awards throughout her career. Her paintings can be found in private collections in the United States and Europe.
President of Okaloosa Public Arts, has painted several herons for the community to enjoy
Gallery Chairman of the Arts and Design Society, and OPA Board Exhibits
Instructor of acrylic painting at the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach Children’s summer camp
Visiting art instructor at Westwood Retirement Center and Belvedere Commons Assisted Living Facility
Teaches acrylic painting for the Center for Life Long Learning (CLL)
Volunteer at Fort Walton Beach High School, Edwin’s and Liza Jackson elementary schools
Volunteer at Jet Drive Community center
Karen Lauer received formal art training from The Art School at Syracuse University as well as a BS degree in Merchandising. She holds Masters degrees in Counseling and Education. She retired from a career as a graphic artist and analyst for several defense contractors. She is an experienced bead artist and won awards at juried art shows at ADSO. Karen taught various bead classes at ADSO, summer and fall institutes as well as academic art classes at the Center for Lifelong Learning in Fort Walton Beach.
Norma is a jewelry artist based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, who has been creating one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry for over 10 years. Her work, known for its unique design and craftsmanship, has earned numerous awards and recognition within the local arts community.
Norma’s jewelry has been featured in exhibitions and sales at the Arts and Design Society in Fort Walton Beach. She is currently represented by HH Arts Gallery, where her work is on display and available for purchase Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Jewelry Artist with 10+ Years of Experience
Award-Winning Designs at Arts and Design Society (Fort Walton Beach, FL)
Represented by HH Arts Gallery (Fort Walton Beach, FL)
Ongoing Sales and Exhibitions at HH Arts
Growing up in Central New Jersey gave me a strong appreciation for all types of ethnic groups. European customs and lore abounded in our community. Moving from there to Allentown, PA where I attended Cedar Crest College, I was surrounded by the Pennsylvania Dutch culture. This experience gave me even more appreciation of the varied cultures around us including their art, music and folklore. Earning a BA in German Language and Secondary Education, allowed me to teach German for several years. This degree also served me well while my husband and children and I lived in Germany for 10 years through the grace of the US Air Force. The experiences I enjoyed living in Germany and traveling all over Europe strengthened my love of all the fine arts. I was also privileged to earn my MEd degree while there.
Through my formal education and everyday life, I was able to study art history, many types of music and musical performance. So, when I entered retirement, I began taking art classes in all types of media and, basically, learned acrylic painting techniques, and now moved into watercolor and pottery.
The time I’ve spent at the Arts and Design Society has allowed me to learn even more. It has also allowed me to expand my love of volunteerism and become involved with the Board of Directors. I started on the Board as Membership Chair, then moved into the President and Vice President positions, and I’m currently serving as Membership Chair.
The Arts and Design Society has provided so many outstanding learning opportunities for me. I’ve found that it’s one of the best places to hone artistic skills and gain the friendship of outstanding local artists.
Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, Board member
Okaloosa Arts Alliance, Board member
Okaloosa Public Arts, Board member
Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club
Daughters of the American Revolution
Lifetime involvement in choirs
Okaloosa-Walton Healthy Start Coalition, Board member (retired)
Kim Dague is a clay artist working in ceramics and sculpture and the owner of Clay by Kim. Her work reflects a hands-on, exploratory approach to form and texture. Through her studio practice, Kim is committed to craftsmanship, creativity, and sharing the joy of working with clay. She frequently exhibits her work at local events and the Arts & Design Society of Fort Walton Beach (ADSO ) Gallery Shows.
In addition to her studio work, Kim is an active advocate for the arts in her community. She serves on the boards of Okaloosa Public Arts and the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, Inc., where she supports arts education, exhibitions, and public art initiatives. Kim’s work and leadership reflect her belief in the power of the arts to connect people and enrich community life.
Board of Directors, Arts & Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, Inc.
Board of Directors, Okaloosa Public Arts
Owner of Clay by Kim, LLC exhibiting locally
Member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks
Owner of three Texas based businesses
Steve started his career as a newspaper journalist in the 1970s and 80s. He was a sports writer and regional editor before being named editor of the Fostoria (OH) Review-Times. In 1986, he transitioned to managing public relations, marketing and communications with electric cooperatives in Ohio, Alabama and Indiana. During the 1990s, he won national communications awards nine consecutive years.
In 2013, he moved from being CEO of a small Indiana cooperative to vice president of marketing, communications and member services for CHELCO, a large electric cooperative that primarily serves Walton and Okaloosa counties.
Throughout his career he was involved with community service and leadership activities with service clubs, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and church related activities. He has continued those activities after retirement in 2019.
He began painting as a hobby in 2004 when his wife bought him for Christmas his first paints and brushes, along with a community art class. Since that time, he has continued to paint in acrylics, oil and watercolor. His other hobbies include fishing, hunting, and cooking.
Steve and his wife Patti have two adult children working in Niceville and Las Vegas.
