South Walton talents garner recognition

South Walton artist Mark Partington has been commissioned to paint the portrait of a retiring circuit court judge that will hang in the statehouse in Youngstown, Ohio. The judge is on the board of the prestigious Butler Art Institute, which contains in its permanent collection a painting by Robert Broderson, Mark's father-in-law. The judge invited Mark to submit work for a museum exhibition when he spotted his work three years ago in Rosemary Beach, where wife, Robin, was showing his portrait samples. Congratulations, Mark!

The new Walton County History Film produced by the South Walton's Tourist Development Council is out and Brenda Rees is one of the featured historians. Copies are available at the SWTDC in Santa Rosa Beach and the Walton County Heritage Museum in DeFuniak Springs. Cost is $10.

Debbie Weant-Lane is having an art showing at Gravel Road July 10 with a party from 5 - 7 p.m.

Jack and Lynn Abbit's newest grandson, Chase Thurston Rolofson, was born June 23, in Kansas City, Mo. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. His parents are Chad (Lynn's youngest) and Nicole Rolofson and he is their first child.

Lane Rees got some relief from the heat in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho last week as he attended a nephew's wedding with his in-laws while Brenda opted for spending time with the grandchildren in Dallas. Lane also got to see a bit of Montana.

Marti Schmidt is enjoying New York City.

Chris Renteria got to experience a different beach in Tampa last week.

I ran into Tall Tom Tompkins at the grocery store last week and over the weekend met one of my neighbors, Kevin Howard.

Born on the 4th of July were Joe Elmore and Suzanne Boatwright.

Wish a happy birthday tomorrow to Linda Miller and Jessica Maraman.

Monday to Karen Debeauchamp, Brad Speight, and Sacred Heart's Sheryl Johnston.

Tuesday to Linda Prescott and Mike D'Autillia.

Wednesday to artist Teresa Cline, Deb Eberhart, and Janet Taylor.

Thursday to Meg Nelson and Chef Olivier Gaupin.

And Friday to artist Jackie Lynch and Chef Giovanni Filipponi.

I wish everyone a fun and safe 4th.

Deborah wheeler is the arts and entertainment reporter for The Walton Sun. She may be reached at (850) 267-4555 or e-mail debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com. Party Line Talk appears weekly in The Sun. Contributions are encouraged.