Maybe it is the incredible sunrises and sunsets, perhaps it is the scent of the salt water in the air or it could be the attitude of the locals, but the Alabama Gulf Coast has a long history of nurturing the creative muse. Painters, photographers, writers and scuptors abound in the area and many have received national and even international recognition for their contributions to the arts.

For some, it is a hobby while others have made a career of it. Regardless, they all feel passionate about their particular interest. Attend any of the local art festivals and you’ll find both locals and visitors sharing their artwork and their vision.

Many local communities have invested considerable energy and funds to promote the arts. The Orange Beach Art Center provides a showcase for both professionals and amateurs. Located at the Waterfront Park on Wolf Bay, the Center offers classes and workshops for both adults and children. They have also recently begun to sell art supplies.

Along with the public art centers, there are several private galleries and art shops in the county. Artz, Artists Gallery in Gulf Shores, Jan’s Art Studio in Foley and Currier Antiques and Fine Arts in Orange Beach, just to name a few.

Talis Jayme is one of several artists working out of Artz on Canal Road in Orange Beach. Like many, she had vacationed in the area and grew to love both the location and the people. After moving here from Louisiana, she began to paint the beach scenes that inspired her so. Her favorite mediums are water color and acrylic and her works hang in both private and corporate collections across the U.S. and abroad.

When not painting, Talis teaches art. Many of her students have become recognized in their own right.

Another local artist who draws her inspiration from the Gulf Coast is Lyn Markley. She also works out of Artz but her preferred medium is glass. By fusing and shaping hot glass, she creates unique and beautiful jewelry, bowls, platters, vases and wall pieces. Lyn’s work has been shown in galleries across the country and both business and private homes use her larger pieces as focal points for their interior design.

Some visitors are so touched by the peace and beauty of the area that even after they return home, their work still embraces the Gulf Coast. Lynn Holloway is from north Georgia but the Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan area play a large part in her paintings. “Gulf Shores is a great place for artist because of the incredible scenery”, she said. “Nature paints for you, nature is art - you just portray the beauty that’s out there.” Lynn has a degree in art and is a former Art Teacher in the public school system.

Local or visitor, amateur or professional, the Alabama Gulf Coast provides inspiration to many. Take time to enjoy the beauty all around you and explore the inner artist.