Visit 30A Artist Andy Saczynski in Grayton Beach
South Walton has been recognized as one of the most influential art communities in the southeastern United States since introducing the Artist of the Year program in 2003. In 2013, Grayton Beach artist Andy Saczynski was selected as the eleventh recipient of this prestigious award. Local residents from Pensacola to Apalachicola also voiced their appreciation for Andy by voting him Best Local Artist in EC Magazine‘s Readers Choice Poll in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Andy Saczynski is a mixed media artist specializing in assemblage art. He’s inspired by Florida’s coastal landscape and wildlife, which are often the themes of his work. His style includes characteristics of cubism, folk art, outsider art, and street art. Given the nature of the materials he uses, each piece is unique, yet recognizable as being his. He’s been a professional artist since 2010, and he opened his studio-gallery in Grayton Beach in 2012. His artwork can be found in homes and businesses throughout the United States and abroad. You may have also seen his artwork on Immaculate Baking products nationwide. He even painted a billboard for the company in 2014.
Andy has lived in Florida since he was a child, calling the Florida panhandle home since 1985. He and his wife have five children and live in Destin. (I sold them the house they are living in now!) I’ve known the Saczynski family since 2008, and recently had an opportunity to chat with Andy.
Wendy: Why did you decide to open your art gallery in Grayton Beach?
Andy: I’ve wanted to have my own gallery on 30A since I was a teenager. I like Grayton Beach because it feels like Old Florida, it’s not too crowded, and it’s centrally located. I also like the feel of Florida beach cottages, so I was excited when a cottage in Shops of Grayton was available.
Wendy: Have you always been an artist?
Andy: Yes, I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I never liked taking other classes in school – math, science, etc. I always knew I wanted to be an artist. Sometimes I still can’t believe I’m actually doing this for a living!
Wendy: What materials do you usually work with?
Andy: Primarily wood as opposed to canvas. I either make mixed media pieces using found objects or I use house paint on wood. I’m just as happy building or painting.
Wendy: When you’re not painting, how do you spend your free time?
Andy: I’ve surfed since I was a kid. I’ll surf any wave I can get. So, when the Gulf of Mexico is basically flat, I’ll trade my surfboard for a paddleboard. I also like skateboarding. Oh, and I spend a lot of time with my wife and kids. Most of the people in my family also surf and paddleboard.
Wendy: Where can people see your artwork?
Andy: My studio-gallery is open to the public, but they can also look at my web site. My wife, Lori, makes sure it’s always current. They can either check out available work or look through my portfolio for commission ideas.
Wendy: How does it work to get a commission?
Andy: I work with individuals and interior designers so that the client can get a custom piece of art in the exact dimensions and colors they want.
Check out Andy Saczynski’s artwork. Tell him that Wendy sent you! And if you love Grayton Beach as much as Andy does, click here to search for Grayton Beach homes.
Questions? Give me a call!
It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: [email protected]
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, has been featured in “Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine” and “Florida Realtor Magazine”. Wendy Rulnick sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Crestview, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Panama City Beach.
