Latest news with #JaysonKretzer
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Panama City Arts Center hosts 62nd Bay Annual Exhibition
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – An annual art competition that's been around for over six decades will be back at the Panama City Center for the Arts beginning this weekend. An opening reception for the 62nd Bay Annual Competition & Exhibition will be held at the center in Downtown Panama City from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 10th. Over 80 different pieces made by roughly 40 different regional artists will be on display. All participating artists are competing to take home the best in show and merit awards, which are cash prizes. 'Twentieth century' comedy adaptation coming to Lynn Haven stage Gallery organizers say the awards aren't the only prize artists win by entering their work. 'It's not just about the awards because this is a juried show,' said Bay Arts Alliance Executive Director Jayson Kretzer. 'A lot of these artists, just making the show, I mean, it's a pretty big deal. This is a staple art show in Bay County, and it just continues to get better every year as we see these creatives develop and new creatives joining in.' This is a fine art competition, so no digital artwork or photography will be up. The gallery will be available for viewing until Saturday, May 31st, and it is always free to view. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Immersive Star Wars nights in Panama City: Cantina and more
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – It's day three of Star Wars Week in downtown Panama City. Dozens of local businesses and organizations are taking part in the 'May the fourth be with you' celebration. 'Today is our first night of our immersive Star Wars cantina here at the Panama City Center for the Arts. We've decorated the main gallery to look like an actual Star Wars cantina. We're giving away free sodas from the portal, thanks to CBC Construction. And it's just a great night. So we've got Star Wars cosplayers here, droids walking around, it's perfect for any Star Wars fan,' Bay Arts Alliance Executive Director Jayson Kretzer said. 'This is the first time we've done an immersive event for Star Wars. We've always done it outside. It's super hot. This time we're inside with air conditioning, surrounded by sweet props and beautiful projections. So it just feels like you're immersed in the world of Star Wars, and you can't get that anywhere else,' Kretzer said. Downtown Block Party brings community together 'The Point Break Arcade has their pinball tournaments and things happening,' Kretzer added. 'All the businesses have been jumping in and getting in line with the theme, and it's just been really great,' Kretzer said. 'There's a couple of charities that do get something. So, Bay Arts Alliance, we are an arts organization downtown and runs the Center for the Arts, so a lot of the money raised tonight will go towards our programming. And then we also have the 501st Legion here,' Kretzer said. 'The 501st Legion is a cosplay organization that is dedicated to just spreading Star Wars love. And they don't get paid. They do it out of the love and passion for it. And so we'll collect money to push to a charity of their choice,' Kretzer added. If you missed tonight's exhibit, it will also be open Saturday. To find out about the other Star Wars activities this week, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Panama City hosts vibrant art festival featuring 30+ artists
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Over 30 different artists from all across the country will transform the streets of Downtown Panama City into an art gallery this weekend for the 5th annual FFLUXE Arts Festival. Throughout this two-day free festival, attendees can enjoy live music, yoga on the lawn, line dancing performances, and more. Despite the ongoing construction downtown, this family-friendly festival is easily accessible and will go on no matter the weather. FFLUXE continues to grow in both popularity and recognition every year and has become a festival that even attracts artists who do not live in the United States. Support local animal rescue at luncheon this weekend 'To watch it grow the way it has over these past five years, big thanks to the community for constantly supporting this event and our partners, we couldn't do it without them,' said Bay Arts Alliance Executive Director Jayson Kretzer 'It's just been really special to watch this kind of turn into, I mean, it's becoming an international festival. We have artists from all over the country and even out of the country applying to be in this event.' Live performances are expected to begin around 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7th and last until about 8:30. Then all the action resumes around 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 8th, and the festival will wrap up around 8:30 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
Pick up a new hobby during National Hobby Month
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – January is National Hobby Month and there are plenty of different skills or activities that you can easily pick up in celebration of the month. If you're looking for a good place to start then look no further than 'The Portal', a board game cafe right in the heart of downtown Panama City. For just $6 a person, you can choose from a selection of over 400 different board and card games for two hours. You'll have access to popular classic games like Monopoly and Clue to brand-new games ready to be played. Panama City covered by record snowfall, crews working overnight to clear roads Picking up a hobby gives you a chance to disconnect from day-to-day life and experience things that can help give your brain a reset. 'You got to have that thing that you just relax and enjoy,' said 'The Portal' Co-Owner Jayson Kretzer. 'We all work hard and fast and having that hobby to fall back on keeps us happy, gives us something to kind of look forward to and sink some time in.' 'The Portal' often hosts special events including puzzle races, social deduction nights, and much more. The business also hosts a wide variety of unique sodas to try out while you play. They are open every day Wednesday through Sunday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
