Meet 2008 Artist Of The Year Donna Burgess

The cooler weather signals that fall has arrived and the buzz over the new Donna Burgess print signals that  Autumn Tides has certainly arrived to Silver Sands. This Saturday, October 24, Silver Sands is hosting the final Autumn Tides artist signing reception from 1-4 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5^TH where shoppers can meet Donna and have their prints personally autographed. This reception is part of the signature event, Silver Sands Autumn Tides Month, where shoppers can redeem $300 in same-day receipts to receive a complimentary, limited-edition 2009 print by Donna Burgess during the entire month of October.

 “We’ve seen a tremendously positive response to the new series of artwork that was introduced this year. The prints continue to grow in popularity as our shoppers take home multiple copies for their homes and for gifts,” said Traci Stokes, Marketing Director for Silver Sands.  “Our shoppers love to meet Donna each year to talk with her about the inspirations behind the artwork and share a laugh with her. She has a way of making everyone feel special. ”

 For the past seven years, local renowned artist Donna Burgess has portrayed the essence of the beautiful fall season at Beaches of South Walton in her Autumn Tides artwork. Recently named Beaches of South Walton’s 2008 Artist of the Year, Donna Burgess presents “Autumn through the Artist’s Eyes” for the eighth annual Autumn Tides Month at Silver Sands Factory Stores. Donna’s previous two series of Autumn Tides artwork focused on warm memories of girlfriends on the beach and breathtaking views from open beachside windows on a crisp, fall day. “Autumn Through the Artist’s Eyes” is a series of paintings portraying a different view of a familiar scene.  

“This is specifically from an artist’s perspective going through the process of depicting the first images of a fall season. Imagine yourself in the scene, peering over the artist’s shoulder to get a sneak peak of her work,” stated Burgess.

This year’s print, “Autumn Afternoon”, is the second in Burgess’s third series of artwork portraying the unforgettable fall scenes only found in Beaches of South Walton.  The artist continues the reoccurring theme of beach scenes with a beautiful sandcastle built near the emerald gulf and a sky illuminated with brilliant colors of a radiant sunset. In the lower right corner is an artist’s drawing of the stunning scene before her.  From the eyes of an artist, Burgess uses a palette of autumn colors such as sunset red, golden yellow and rustic orange.

 “This print was created to depict the beginning of the fall season. It’s the end of the day, the beginning of a respite – a pause,” stated Burgess.  

 “Autumn Afternoon” is available exclusively at Silver Sands during October 2009 for the Autumn Tides Month celebration. Silver Sands’ Autumn Tides Month celebration is a part of Autumn Tides, a series of unforgettable fall festivals sponsored by the Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council.

Donna Burgess has been an active figure in Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast art scene for more than 20 years and has galleries in Sandestin and Bay County.  Her highly collectible multimedia interpretations and award-winning festival art capture the beauty and joy of coastal life, such as tin-roof beach cottages, animals and children at play and whimsical marine creatures.  A popular line of products are also produced and marketed by Donna Burgess Galleries, including limited edition prints, clothing, tiles, greeting cards and embroidered items.  National manufacturers have licensed her images for paper products, tableware and a custom line of domestic accessories.

Autumn Tides prints will be available at Silver Sands Shopper Services building, located in the median in front of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF Fifth, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.  Silver Sands is located on Emerald Coast Parkway, one mile west of Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort. For more information, call (850) 654-9771 or visit online at silversandsoutlet.com.