A lifelong Floridian, Mark was born in Panama City, FL and raised in DeFuniak Springs and Sarasota, FL. Mark took art lessons at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota at age 10. Graduated from Walton High 1975 (Senior Class President, Band Captain). He studied Art at Florida State University and played trombone with the FSU Marching Chiefs and FSU Jazz Band. Mark is a versatile artist whos work ranges from large colorful paintings to simple pencil and ink sketches. Primarily known as a caricature artist and political cartoonist, Mark's cartoons have been published in local newspapers since 1978. Mark's politcal cartoons appear weekly in the DeFuniak Herald /

Breeze and on occasion, the Walton Sun and the Panama City Herald. Mark loves to draw caricatures and is often invited to draw guests at parties, weddings, and events. He is the resident caricature artist at LuLu's in Destin and is there during seasonal events and daily during the summer. Although best known as a cartoon artist, Mark Douglass continues his passion for painting. His acrylic paintings show a completely different style as colorful, bright, vibrant canvases of fantasy land and seascapes are favored subjects. Mark's artwork has been on display at the Kaliedoscopes Gallery in Destin, FL and is on display at several establishments along 30A in South

Walton. His 'Starry Western Lake' painting in the style of Van Gogh was chosen for last November's A+ Art Exhibit, 'Celebrating the Masters.' Douglass, a proud member of the CAA, has volunteered and served on the CAA program committee. A lifelong musician, Mark sings and plays a variety of instruments, including keyboards, harmonica, and percussion. Mark currently plays keys and sings with

several local bands, primarily with the musical trio, 'MOJO BREEZE.' In the recent past he has performed with 'Willie Vanilli' and with Mike Whitty & the Courtyard Saints. Performing and touring with several local bands since the early 80's, his resume includes stints with Red Tape, the Fever Band, Axis, Stone Rose, the Numboys, and briefly with the Shondells (unfortunately without

Tommy James). Mark has worked as a karaoke DJ since 2001 and worked as a sound and lighting tech at the Marina Civic Center in Panama City in the 90's. Mark is often seen playing music somewhere along the South Walton / 30A neighborhood

at open mic night events and at charity events. Mark works and serves on boards of two local theater groups, the Florida

Chautauqua Inc, and is past president of 'Grit and Grace' the official folklife production of Walton County. Mark is the theater group's music committee chairman and provides technical assistance with lighting and sound duties for both theater groups and on occasionally performs as an actor onstage himself, usually alongside his two youngest children. Mark plays in the pit band of 'Grit and Grace' and has written several songs for the production as well as several scenes for the play. Mark is creative, humorous, and passionate about the arts in all phases. His love for Walton County and diversified talents make Mark Douglass a true 30A Renaissance Man.