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I n the way a small-town grocer is beloved by his customers for stocking the food they like and remembering which cuts of meat their more frequent shoppers choose, Art & Soul 30a has endeared itself to our region. Co- owners Sandy Gross and Christine Ramey appreciate art, the beach, and its people like no one else; and since opening in May in Seagrove Beach, they’ve showcased local artists and their work with vision and style. Christine Ramey is an artist herself, whose creations include paintings and mixed media pieces. With a great creative soul, Ramey also writes the blog mentioned on the shop’s Art & Soul 30a b y E l l e n H o w l e
because I think it’s extremely important for local artists to be able to show their work in the area and not be over- powered by out of town artists that have no real connection to the South Walton area.” Some of the work Art & Soul shares is from local artist Donna Jangula, who was also with Synchronicities. When Ramey and Gross opened their new business, they asked her to join them there. “I’m concentrating on watercolor, acrylic, and oil right now,” says Jangula. “I am addicted to art!” After Hurricane Michael, she moved to Santa Rosa Beach, living only a couple of miles from Art & Soul. Now she has many pieces of art in the shop, including 9 pieces of wood, recovered from the hurricane that she’s painted. “I’ve lived here for 11 months now
Facebook page and website. Ramey has also published a children’s book, I Love the Beach, with local musician Frank Faust. “I spent a lot of time on 30-A when I first moved here,” she says. “I loved the community and all the different artists and artwork available. I couldn’t have imagined opening my gallery anywhere else.” She adds that because her artwork involves the architecture and visitors to 30-A, it helps her create even more ideas as she drives to and from the gallery each day. Sandy Gross is also an artist but says becoming a professional photographer wasn’t in the forefront of her mind. She recalls, “For the first six months I lived here, I walked the beach nearly every day and began taking hundreds of photos. After doing some editing, I ran the photos by a few of my most honest critics and they saw what I was seeing. I had uncovered a hidden talent.” She now sells her photography at Art & Soul, as well as being co-owner and bringing visibility to other artists. Local photographer Bill Horn, of Fish Haven Photograph, has some of his prints hanging in the shop. He has worked 50 years as an amateur and the last five as a professional photographer. “I love their emphasis on the local art and the importance of documenting the beach lifestyle,” says Horn. “I like working with them
and will be here another six or eight, but I know I will stay with Art & Soul, even after I go back to Panama City.” Gross and Ramey have built a loyal following in the Santa Rosa Beach area because they want to showcase local talent inside their business. Gross says that when people find you, it’s the best way to find artists who want to sell their art. “We end up getting a lot of local artists who walk right in and almost immediately want to sell their art here. We love that feeling!” They also want to be involved in community efforts. The pair has donated pieces for an upcoming event and silent auction in Seaside to benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, an organization that provides a mobile dentistry clinic for the local elementary schools. Gross says that one of the reasons she loves her business is that 30-A has a unique vibe. “I love the homes, the people, the artsy vibe, and of course, the beaches, where I get my inspiration for my photography. I’ve visited many areas throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Florida. When I finally discovered this area, my soul immediately knew this is where I belonged.” Art & Soul is located at 5399 East Scenic Hwy 30a, Suite 4, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459. Call them at (850) 231-3213. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Christine Ramey & Sandy Gross
We end up getting a lot of local artists who walk right in and almost immediately want to sell their art here. We love that feeling!
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