How Florida's Scenic 30A fuels creativity and happiness among local artists.
The history and evolution of Scenic Highway 30A, along Florida's Gulf Coast, is long and multi-faceted. This once-remote stretch of coastline has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in America and one of the most sought-after relocation spots to live. For some, the draw is as simple as a relaxing beach vacation, but for others, the allure goes deeper.
If you know anything about the area of coastal 30A, you know the flora and fauna are storied, still plentiful, and rare. Our coastal dune lakes are brackish bodies of water that naturally exchange with the Gulf of Mexico and hold an organic beauty that sustains a biodiversity that only occurs in a few other locations on our planet.
It's no surprise that creatives of all types are drawn by and deeply connected to the area. It is becoming a mecca for artists, painters, photographers, sculptors, writers, and storytellers—a place where deep thinkers can connect their creativity directly to their home surroundings and discover inspiration to express their craft, and thus find happiness.
There is no shortage of wonderful expressive artists in our little Florida paradise, but here are three talents who were recently willing to share their thoughts on how they find happiness in relation to their artistry and this incredible place they each call home.
Doug Foltz
Doug Foltz is a multimedia artist with a specialty in oil painting. His works are found across America as well as internationally. Doug owns Salt Crust Studios in Santa Rosa Beach.
“I think it's probably tough to pin down a single thing that makes me happy, but at the top of the list is the concept of not trying to be somebody I'm not. The truth in most creative endeavors is that they're not about changing who you are but about exploring and connecting with who you are. If you can love the process rather than the product, if you can get into the active, exploring, connecting with yourself and exploring who you are, and bringing that out through your work to inspire and connect to the people, I think you're going to be there.
“I've always been happiest when I've been myself and been confident in myself. I grew up in South Florida on the water's edge, and I was in the water constantly, and I've always found my greatest peace, my greatest happiness in the natural world. My father was a hobbyist painter, and I have great memories of standing next to him—big guy, little guy, big canvas, little canvas—working on things together, so I think my relationship to the creative act and to the natural world grew in me from an early age through familial love.
“When I left South Florida to pursue a life in other parts of the world, I never left the water, in my heart or in my head, so when I came back to 30A and realized that I could make a living here doing what I love so much, it was without question a natural migration for me to spend my time in all the wet, salty edges that we have here. And that's the subject of what I paint. There is no shortage of inspiration if that's what you're into.
“This place has changed tremendously over the last forty years, but one of the things that has never changed is that I can go out into the coastal dune lakes, I can go out into the Choctawhatchee River and the bay and see things that I saw forty years ago here. I can still draw from those areas the same inspiration, the same personal peace, the same personal growth and development that I put into my work. If I can authentically put that out there for other people without regard for whether it pleases the market, but make certain it pleases me, hopefully other people will connect with it and find joy. I think that's the best that I can hope for.”
Salt Crust Studios · 416 County Road 393 South, Santa Rosa Beach, FL · dougfoltz.com
Andy Saczynski
Andy Saczynski is a mixed-media artist who creates one-of-a-kind woodcut wall sculptures that incorporate recycled materials and found objects, as well as colorful and expressive paintings and large mural installations. Andy owns The Saczynski Gallery in Grayton Beach.
“The things that bring me happiness in relation to where I live are also the things that bring joyful inspiration to my artwork. I've spent the majority of my life in the Florida panhandle, so the incredible landscapes and natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico are part of my core memories. I fell in love with the Gulf's unmatched turquoise colors at a young age and have always been fascinated by waves.
“Naturally, I gravitated to surfing. The carefree feeling of weightlessly gliding on a wave brings so much joy and happiness to me. That feeling is subconsciously expressed in my work. Surfing is not only a great way to connect with nature, but it is also beneficial for the mind, body, and soul. The combination of surfing and the interactions with sea life, not to mention the amazing sunrises and sunsets, gives me constant inspiration to create art that reflects my feelings and memories of happily living on the Gulf Coast.”
Saczynski Gallery · 26 Logan Lane, Unit B, Santa Rosa Beach, FL · andysaczynski.com
Allison Wickey
Allison Wickey is a local artist specializing in local landscapes, marine animals, and seascapes. She owns A. Wickey Studio in Santa Rosa Beach.
“I feel so fortunate to live somewhere that supports my career because so many locals and visitors purchase and cherish original art. Being an artist has been the best job I can imagine. It not only affords me the opportunity to make my own hours, but it also allows me to be more flexible for my kids' sakes.
“Another huge source of joy regarding my career and this community, besides the never-ending inspiration provided by our breathtaking landscapes, is how I am able to raise funds for people and animals in need, arts education, and environmental conservation—all through painting and donating my work to fundraising auctions.
“Charitable art donations have helped feed thousands of undernourished children in our country via Food For Thought, helped fortify the Point Washington Medical Clinic, helped build an arts building and art facility for children in Kenya, and supported our fabulous Sinfonia Gulf Coast. I've also enjoyed donating my time and paintings to the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County.
“I feel so fortunate that I get to work closely with local grassroots innovators who are working on making Walton County more livable for everyone. It feels amazing to give back to a community that has given me the ability to curate a life of my dreams.”
Allison Wickey Studio Gallery · South 393, 30A, Florida (open by appointment) · allisonwickey.com
Story by Susan Gunn. Photos by Aerial 850, Noah Escobar, Alex Lewis, and Lori Saczynski. Originally published in Beach Happy Magazine, Winter 2025.
