Walton County Tourism announces Artist of the Year and Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award Winners

Walton County Tourism announces Artist of the Year and Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award Winners

Walton County Tourism announced Sarah Page as the 2024 Artist of the Year and Amy Wise-Coble as the 2025 Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award Winner at its annual meeting on Oct. 24 at Hotel Effie Sandestin.

Sarah Page is a DeFuniak Springs artist whose murals can be found in public spaces throughout Walton County such as Grand Boulevard, the newly opened Inlet Beach Underpass and the Walton County Fairgrounds.

“Thank you for recognizing my hard work and giving me a platform,” Page said. “Thank you for proving that art matters and putting your funding and influence behind it.”

The Artist of the Year Award honors a local artist of Walton County whose unique artistic expression captures the essence of the region's renowned creativity and beauty. The tourism initiative highlights local artists, spotlighting their work through diverse publicity channels and events throughout the year.

Page originally hails from Georgia, studied graphic design at the University of South Florida in Tampa and worked in nonprofit marketing before pursuing art full time. Her interest in art developed in childhood when her father taught her to draw cartoon characters like Yosemite Sam.

She now has a young son showing some artistic promise. While accepting the award, Page shared she had recently caught her son coloring on the walls and told him not to.

“I had to pause for a moment because I color on the walls all the time,” said Page.

Amy Wise-Coble, general manager of the Homeowner’s Collection Vacation Rentals and Walton County Tourist Development Council member, accepted the Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award. She is an active community leader and also owner of Vacation Rentals of NWFL.

Now in its 22nd year, The Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award, encourages and recognizes excellence in hospitality service, travel/tourism marketing, advertising, promotion, and contributions to the local community. The award honors the legacy of service embodied by the Van Ness Butler family.

“I’m incredibly humbled to be named among the list of individuals who have been bestowed this award,” Wise-Coble said in her acceptance. She also thanked those who inspired her as a young female in her profession, especially working in the operations aspect.

Wise-Coble is also involved with organizations such as NWF Dream. She is co-founder and president of the non-profit, which promotes basketball to area youth and allows them to work on their athletic and teamwork skills in a safe and positive environment.

For more information on Sarah Page and the Artist of the Year program, visit waltoncountyfltourism.com/sarah-page/.

For more information on the Van Ness Butler., Jr. Hospitality Awards, visit waltoncountyfltourism.com/van-ness-butler-jr-award/.