Art, History, and the Natural World
Panama City Beach, FL -Art, history, and the natural world all combine to make up Nature's Gallery Historical and Environmental Fine Arts and Crafts Festival at St. Andrews State Park on Panama City Beach. An eclectic collaboration of environmentalists, artists, and historical re-enactors, Nature's Gallery is a truly unique experience for visitors. Some of the acitivities and demonstrations allow visitors to try their hand at the arts and crafts of another era, such as throwing homemade pottery.
Nature's Gallery is aggressively family-oriented. The children's art tent offers kids the chance to create their own artwork, to have their faces painted, and to speak with artists about their work. The Artist's Market yearly features artwork created by local and regional artists, many with national followings. With Christmas just around the corner, the Artist's Market is also an excellent opportunity for visitors to find a one-of-a-kind gift!
These exhibits feature many animals that visitors can approach, and in some cases, handle.
Fall weather along the Gulf Coast is often nearly perfect, with daytime temperatures in the high sixties and low seventies. Walking through the Artist's Market, browsing through the tents and canvas galleries on a perfect sunny fall day, is one of the prime draws of the festival.
But many make a point of returning to the festival year after year in order to get the thrill of experiencing life in another time. A whole host of historical re-enactors, actors, and craftsmen recreate a small Florida settlement of the nineteenth century.
At a reconstructed Civil War encampment, soldiers and their families go about their daily lives. While the men drill and train with their weapons, the women and young children prepare meals and go about routine daily chores. Craftsmen in authentic period costume make candles, baskets and brooms, and blacksmiths practice their ancient art.
Part of the excitement of the festival is watching these dedicated amateur historians bring to live an era long gone. And when the artillery and muskets fire, everyone takes notice!
Throughout the day, various re-enactors will pause to enjoy a tradtional game or dance, or inspect the "latest" fashions for sale by the sutlers, or go for medical treatment to a country doctor. In all, the Civil War encampment is a living reminder and celebration of our frontier heritage.
The contributions, and tribulations, of our Native American forebears isn't forgotten. An authentic Indian village is displayed, and local Native Americans are on hand to discuss their culture and display their dances and crafts.
The over-arching theme throughout the artwork and historical display is the beauty and bounty of nature. Paintings, sculpture, lacework and decorative motifs feature the natural world in all its splendor.
Most famously, there are startling wildlife exhibits from the Big Bend Wildlife Center and Zoo World.
These exhibits feature many animals that visitors can approach, and in some cases, handle. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill farm animals - in the past they've included eagles and large reptiles.
Many area residents live along the Gulf for most of their lives without ever coming into intimate contact with the animals that live amongst them. Nature's Gallery offers them the chance to interact with these animals in a safe, controlled environment.
As well, the festival allows locals and visitors alike to question authorities on these creatures, and learn to truly appreciate their place in the natural environment.
Whether you like art, history, or nature, you'll find something to love about Nature's Gallery Historical and Environmental Fine Arts and Crafts Festival! 
