The Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach recently hosted members of the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club at its campus to thank the organization for a grant that helped transform the nonprofit’s courtyard.

• The $5,000 Rotary Club grant covered most of the cost of a new paver patio, an addition to the outdoor space used for social gatherings, art events, classes and fundraising activities.

“The paver patio is a significant improvement to our outdoor living space,” ADSO President Blair Supplee said. “We now have adequate patio space for five picnic tables with umbrellas to host major gatherings for ADSO or other groups looking for a space for a social event.”

Rotary Club members, whose motto is “Service Above Self,” also contributed volunteer labor, helping demolish an aging pergola and a small brick patio that previously occupied the space.

“We are proud to support the Arts and Design Society in creating a space that will inspire creativity, learning, and community engagement for years to come,” Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club President Rita Cummins said. “This new patio area is more than an improvement to the facility, it’s an investment in the people, programs, and artistic opportunities that enrich our community.”

ADSO also received a $1,000 grant from the CHELCO Operation Round Up Foundation, which will be used to add shade to further enhance the courtyard’s functionality and comfort.

Several community partners contributed to the project. The Garnier Beach Garden Club purchased plants and designed and installed a new flower bed. Brazilian Pavers provided discounted services for the patio installation, and a local irrigation company donated labor and materials to upgrade the sprinkler system.

ADSO volunteers have also dedicated hours to improving and reorganizing the outdoor space, supporting uses ranging from art classes and special events to clay studio operations.

The courtyard work is one part of a broader transformation at ADSO. The nonprofit is completing a series of renovation projects funded through a $100,000 Impact 100 grant, with several interior remodeling projects in the historic building, formerly Fort Walton Beach City Hall, scheduled for completion this summer. The Impact 100 grant has already funded a new HVAC system serving ADSO’s classrooms and educational spaces.

ADSO has operated since 1956 and has more than 200 members, a free public gallery, art classes for all ages and youth art camps. More information is available at artsdesignsociety.org.