By Kerri Parker
A new wave of creativity is sweeping through Freeport, one anchor at a time. The Anchored in Freeport Art in Public Spaces Project—a collaboration between the City of Freeport and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA)—is transforming the city’s public spaces with 4.5-foot concrete anchors, each uniquely decorated by local artists. These anchors are more than public art; they are symbols of connection, pride, and the stories that bind a community together.
“I had the idea for an art in public spaces for Freeport since I moved to town in 2008, but it wasn’t until I found support for the project at Christ the King Catholic Church that I had the courage to bring the idea to the City of Freeport and Cultural Arts Alliance,” said Anchored in Freeport Committee Chair Tracy Louthain. “Determining how to bring this project to life and keep it completely local was our first challenge. Thankfully over the last two years, our committee took every challenge in stride and never gave up.”
Eight local entities stepped up and believed in the project before the anchor design was even created. These legacy sponsors, including City of Freeport, The Jay Odom Group, Christ the King Catholic Church, Nelkin Real Estate, DR Horton, Walton County Tourism Department, Emerald Coast Title Services and Eglin Federal Credit Union, represented the first step in achieving the goal of an art installation throughout the city.
The committee identified local concrete caster, Bill Roberts at Castaways, as the best local partner. However, there was no anchor mold from which to cast the concrete anchor. With a limited budget and no grant money, Committee Member Frank Berte was inspired by the original Freeport anchor in the fountain at the center of town. With the help of a local friend, he built a symmetrical anchor shape out of pallet wood. The wood structure was then used by Bill to create a fiberglass mold to pour the concrete. The resulting smooth concrete form is an artistic sculpture on its own and by partnering with eight local artists each sculpture has been transformed into a brilliant work of art.
“Anchored in Freeport is a testament to what’s possible through collaboration,” says Courtney Malone, CAA’s Director of Programs & Creative Placemaking. “In partnership with the City of Freeport and the Anchored in Freeport Committee, this project expands our Art in Public Spaces program and helps fulfill the Cultural Arts Alliance’s mission to advance the Arts throughout all of Walton County. Together, we’re creating opportunities for connection, celebrating local creativity, and expanding access to the Arts for everyone.”
Eight local artists—Estelle Grengs, Juan Adaro, Andy Saczynski, Katherine Boggs, Kendall Boggs, Wes Hinds, Gisselle Barnhart, and Sarah Page—have brought their visions to life. Each anchor tells a story. Some celebrate local heritage and the beauty of Freeport’s coastal home, while others reflect hope, resilience, and unity.
Andy Saczynski, a Freeport native, recalls the unexpected journey of creating his anchor: “I was surprised how this project brought up so many memories of life, friends, family, and home from childhood to adulthood as I was painting it.” He sees the anchors as more than art: “To me, this project represents the power of art to bring people closer—to turn ordinary spaces into places of meaning.”
For Estelle Grengs, painting her anchor was “more than just adding color—it was about connection. From cleaning and priming to sketching and sealing, every step felt like bringing new life to something that already had a story to tell.” She found inspiration not just in her work, but in the artists around her. “One of the best parts of the Painted Anchors Project was meeting the other artists involved. Each person brought their own story, style, and perspective—but we all shared the same goal: to create something meaningful for our community.”
The anchors are nearly ready to become permanent fixtures in Freeport. All eight artist-decorated anchors have been completed, sealed by the Cultural Arts Alliance, and their pedestals are being installed by Brown Dog Concrete over the next two weeks. Installation across the city will be completed by the end of October, with a dedication ceremony planned for early November.
Support for the project continues through the Friends of the Anchor program, with sponsorships helping to maintain these vibrant symbols of community pride. Current sponsors include Gulf Coast Insulation, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Green Air, Freeport Shipyard Marina, Estelle Grengs Gallery, and Auralum Signs.
More than decoration, the Anchored in Freeport project is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and connection. As Andy Saczynski notes, “When we engage the arts in our community, we invite everyone, regardless of age or background, to participate in something uplifting and lasting.” From every brushstroke to every conversation among artists, the anchors stand as a visible reminder of what makes Freeport extraordinary: a town anchored in history, creativity, and community.
Originally published on HWY331.com. Stay tuned to HWY331.com for artist features, updates and details on installations.
