Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach
Board Of Directors
Board of Directors
Members at large
Kat Porter
Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach
Kat Porter
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.
Born Bridgeport, Connecticutt. Number 3 of 8. Joined the USAF after high school. Started my career in basic training, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas. After 4 years enlisted service, Received a Commission as a 2nd Lt through the Officer Candidate School. Over the years, after my commission, I was assigned to Michigan, Massachusetts, Alabama, Hawaii, Korea and Washington DC. In my career field, Administration/Executive, had diverse jobs; Sq Commander; Base Postal Officer; Assistant Exec, DCS HQ PACAF; Protocol Officer, United Nations Command; Inquiry Officer, Legislative Liaison, Secretary of the AF; Inspector and Chief of Plans and Programs, Systems Command.
As an inspector I traveled to most of the states in the US and was able to take night classes at colleges where I was assigned; finally after 14 years received a BS in Administration from Troy State U. After I retired at Eglin AFB Florida, I received a BA in Studio Arts and a BA in Fine Arts from the U of NWFL. Subsequently I joined ADSO. As a member I was on the Board as Historian, Publicity Chairman, Temp Treasurer and now Recording Secretary (I never learn).
For many, many years I have enjoyed being an instructor/mentor in the ADSO Clay workshop. My favorite media is sculpture in any material, but I also dabble in printmaking and acrylic painting. I have sculptures in the FWB Library and the Fairhope, Alabama library. One of my proudest achievements is to have my painting from the Heron project selected to be displayed at the Okaloosa Administration Building in Shalimar, Florida.
Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, Board member
A member of the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach since 1996, Sherry has been sharing a passion for pottery and arts education for nearly three decades. Since 2006, she has co-taught ADSO’s Monday-Wednesday morning pottery classes and has served as a CLL pottery instructor since 2016. All teaching at ADSO has been provided on a volunteer basis. Prior to teaching at ADSO, Sherry operated a private pottery studio, offering instruction in both handbuilding and wheel throwing. She enjoys sharing the knowledge and skills acquired through years of experience and helping students discover their own creativity through clay.
Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, Board member
Robin Chastain has been on the ADSO Board since 2020 and has been volunteering her assistance since the fall of 2018. She has been the membership chairman, a-member-at-large, and is currently the parliamentarian. She has always been passionate about the arts and helping others. She loves to support “Local” and is an annual supporter of many area fundraising and community events. She believes that art in community helps it thrive and truly brings people together. And that finding beauty in the world and people makes us all more positive and fulfilled.
Retiring as a USAF master sergeant gave her 24 years of experience working on programs, various level goals, and community events. She has experience in many technical and operational areas and has had additional customer service and process improvement training. She expanded her education by obtaining a national certification (COA) and completed her AAS degree while in the USAF.
After her military retirement in 2014, she has been taking classes and honing her skills as an artist. Robin has displayed her works at the ADSO gallery and in their window display, and at the FWB library. She helped the main artist with the Emerald Coast Science Center fence mural. She gives many of her art pieces as gifts to friends, family, and acquaintances and fills special commission requests.
Robin has a love and appreciation for nature and the creatures that inhabit our world. When she is not volunteering, working on art or everyday responsibilities, she enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, and pets and spending time doing outdoor activities. Her and her husband have two amazing young adult children.
Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, Board member since 2018
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.
A Georgia native, Krista’s most enjoyable kid’s classes were having her hands in clay. Though not professionally trained, she has taken a myriad of classes over the years in multiple mediums. One quote has stuck with her, “your home is your first canvas” and is quick to paint, move, repurpose, think outside the box. When her son was 8, he told his Dad “get Mom anything from Dick Blick for Christmas, she loves that place!” Krista graduated from the University of West Georgia with BA’s in both psychology and sociology and has incorporated her learnings into her life’s involvements. She taught art to kindergartners for a year in Alpharetta, Ga. A constant student, her favorite love is photography and throughout her travels particularly the U.S. West and Italy, she is piqued by nature and the unique. She is moved by the works of Georgia O’Keefe, having visited both galleries and her home Ghost Ranch in Abiqui, NM, loves the gritty work of Richard Avedon, the beauty of Clyde Butcher of Florida and the many paintings of Winslow Homer.
Krista is an active member and in her 3rd year on the Board of the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach. As she enters retirement from her own business, residential appraisal, she looks forward to more time to participate in classes and showing her own work as well as more ability to volunteer to the many projects at ADSO, particularly the ongoing projects of receiving a 2025 Impact 100 Grant for which she served on the initial committee. She is active in 100 Women Who Care, Okaloosa, volunteered for Arc of the Emerald Coast, where she assisted in the refurbishing and decorating of individual rooms in Group Homes, and for 10 years, she and her husband were vendors at Defrance Antique Mall with a quirky booth known as “Flopphouse Funk”. “Art is everywhere, in everything; my job requires a lot of driving and my eye sees it and wants to grab that camera!”
Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, Board member
100 Women Who Care
ARC of the Emerald Coast, Volunteer
