The Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach (ADSO) recently welcomed members of the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club to its campus to express appreciation for the organization’s grant to support the beautification of the ADSO courtyard.
A $5,000 grant from the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club funded the majority of the cost of a new paver patio, a significant enhancement to the courtyard space used for social gatherings, art events, classes, and fundraising activities.
“The paver patio is a significant improvement to our outdoor living space,” said ADSO President Blair Supplee. “We now have adequate patio space for five picnic tables with umbrellas to host major gatherings for ADSO or other groups looking for a space for a social event.”
In addition to its financial support, the Rotary Club, whose motto is “Service Above Self,” contributed volunteer labor by helping demolish an aging pergola and a small brick patio that previously occupied the space.
The Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club President Rita Cummins said, "We are proud to support the Arts and Design Society in creating a space that will inspire creativity, learning, and community engagement for years to come. This new patio area is more than an improvement to the facility—it's an investment in the people, programs, and artistic opportunities that enrich our community."
ADSO also received a $1,000 grant from the CHELCO Operation Round Up Foundation, which will be used to add shade that will further enhance the courtyard’s functionality and comfort.
Several community partners played important roles in the project. The Garnier Beach Garden Club purchased plants and designed and installed a beautiful new flower bed, while Brazilian Pavers provided discounted services for the patio installation. A local irrigation company donated labor and materials to upgrade the courtyard’s sprinkler system.
ADSO volunteers have also dedicated countless hours to improving and reorganizing the outdoor space, creating a more versatile environment that supports a variety of uses, from art classes and special events to clay studio operations.
The courtyard improvements are just one part of a broader transformation taking place at ADSO. The nonprofit organization is currently completing a series of renovation projects funded through a $100,000 Impact 100 grant. Several interior remodeling projects within the historic building—formerly Fort Walton Beach City Hall—are scheduled for completion this summer. The Impact 100 grant has already funded the installation of a new HVAC system that serves ADSO’s classrooms and educational spaces.
Together, these improvements are helping ADSO continue its mission of fostering creativity, education, and community engagement through the arts along the Emerald Coast.
