Gulf Coast life

Artists' Party at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art

One of the many reasons I love living in Ocean Springs is because of its thriving artistic culture, which has at its center the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.

Walter Anderson Museum of Art entrance in Ocean Springs

I hadn't been to the museum (or the attached Community Center) since its major remodel, and I so enjoyed taking in the gorgeous murals on my visit a couple of weeks ago.

Walter Anderson mural at Ocean Springs Community Center

I was privileged to be invited to an Artists' Party that served as a kick-off event for the museum's annual fundraiser, a formal gala happening this weekend.

Ocean Springs Community Center

I was in good company! 

WAMA Artists' Party 2015

TONS of incredible art pieces were donated for the upcoming silent auction, including an original Salvador Dali drawing!! Yes, that Salvador Dali. Crazy, huh? Even crazier: my alligator photo was invited to be in the mix, too! 

See?!

Sara Montague Miller with alligator photo (Uninvented Colors Photography)

I loved looking at all the other donated artwork and strolling around the museum. Walter Anderson really inspires me, and I felt his spirit even on the way home from the party, when I implored my husband to stop at the beach as the sun was setting so that I could capture this image of our beautiful Gulf Coast.

Heron at dusk on Front Beach Ocean Springs

If you're local and are as inspired by Walter Anderson's work as I am, you may already be planning to attend the gala this weekend. If not, you can still buy tickets! Let me know if you win my alligator! :)