Anne Hunter has been involved with the 30A arts, events, and business scene for 10 years.
She moved to 30A in the spring of 2004 when hired by EBSCO to create Fonville Press at Alys Beach with Eric and Marieanne Khoury-Vogt, town architects of Alys Beach.
In 2006 she was contracted as a creative consultant to create Ceruleans, and art gallery and gathering spot at WaterColor. World Six Gallery at Rosemary Beach followed, then a gallery at Seaside.
It only stood to reason that Hunter would continue using her creative spirit after moving to New York City in May 2012. Hunter came to New York to continue working on her fantasy fiction novel and meet with publishers. She says the piece is similar to “Harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings.” From her apartment in SoHo, Hunter began hosting art parties for artists she met there, as well as her artist friends from 30A.
“SoHo was the beginning of the art scene here, similar to 30A,” said Hunter. “Art then went to retailers and the artists got pushed out. The artist vibe is still here and I want to bring it back and support artists and writers, and cultivate artists and give them shows. I selfishly want to be around artists.”
Hunter began using her loft space in the same way artists originally used theirs to have parties and sell art — the same as on 30A, she said.
Last summer she helped local artist Cody Copeland get his artwork into a SoHo gallery.
During her creative journey in New York, Hunter has written for South Walton’s “Vie” magazine, as well as “Hamptons” magazine.
Most recently, she has joined Christiane Celle at Clic Bookstore & Gallery in Nolita, where she continues to work with artists while she writes.
“Artists and I just seem to find each other. It’s all been hard, but I have never felt so in line with who I really am,” she said.
Presently, a film company is talking to her about her book.
Hunter will return home to South Walton for Fashion Week and in support of a fashion designer who she met in New York — Jin Seo, who will be here for Fashion Week.
Hunter pitched a story to the publisher of Hamptons Magazine and this past summer the magazine featured her clothing line and new store in Southampton.
“Jin’s line is incredible; it speaks for itself. She is the real deal,” said Hunter. “South Walton is lucky to have her and I am thrilled for a top New York City designer to see our beautiful beaches. I can’t wait to get home for Fashion Week!”
Seo will be a featured designer and an emerging designer judge at Fashion Week on Oct. 10.
See her work at www.51inc.com.
Written by Deborah Wheeler for The Walton Sun, October 1, 2014
Photography by Christopher Franko.
