T

he 2nd annual Yacht Rock Schooner at the “Under the Sea” Fundraiser for the Underwater Museum of Art 
(UMA) and in collaborative project with South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) was held May 
9, at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center. The event doubled as the official kick-off party for Art Month in 
South Walton, which includes a diverse line up of events throughout the entire month of May. The Under the 

Sea guests had a chance to meet the artists and see the sculptures before the art got deployed to the UMA site. Proceeds 
from the event go to help fund the second deployment of the twelve sculptures to the nation’s first permanent sculpture 
museum and event recognized in 

TIME Magazine 2018 ‘100 World’s Greatest Places’ along with one of National 

Geographic’s ‘Best Trips 2019’.  

The UMA’s sculpture garden is located in the Gulf of Mexico in Walton County about .7 miles off shore. Visitors can 

access the museum in Grayton Beach State Park with a walkover, Emerald Coast Scuba offers scheduled trips to the site, or 
if you are a certified diver you can get up close and personal. 

The Yacht Rock Schooner band brought the party under the tent when the rain came in, and people couldn’t stop singing 

and dancing to the 70s and 80s music. The beautiful exclusive look at artwork, complimentary food by some of South 
Walton’s favorites restaurants, full cash bar, and dancing was a perfect kick-off to a month of celebrating Art Month.

photos & story by 

Shanna Magnuson

   VIP Destin at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin

Yacht Rock Schooner

nd e 

at the

 Fundraiser for UMA

Fundraiser for UMA

June 2019   |   43

James Foster & Lisa Foster 

Gayle Schoettle & Laura Koury

Vickie Mary & Chelsea Calhoun

Melissa Miller & Keith Miller

Katie Witherspoon & Rachel Herring 

Renee Launiere & Vladimir Babich

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