Orange Beach Honors Retiring Coastal Arts Center Director

Coastal Arts Center Director Retires After 13 Years

Orange Beach, AL. — (GSN) — The Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach recently honored Director Desiree Hodge's retirement with a community celebration, bringing together friends, family, co-workers, and city officials. Hodge led the center for 13 years, leaving a lasting mark on Orange Beach's arts community and overseeing the construction and opening of the current facility nearly a decade ago.

The retirement celebration was held Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at the Coastal Arts Center. City Administrator Ford Handley and incoming director Brianne DiChiara both spoke at the event, thanking Hodge for her years of dedication and service to Orange Beach and the arts. Hodge received gifts from her staff and from Friends of the Arts. In her remarks, she credited her team for the center's achievements.

Over the past decade, the Coastal Arts Center has won numerous prestigious awards, including USA Today readers naming its signature Festival of Art the nation's Best Art Festival for two consecutive years. The center has truly become a thriving mecca for all forms of artists, welcoming creators in painting, music, photography, and renowned glass blowing.

Brianne DiChiara will assume the director role following Hodge's departure, having previously served as Events Specialist and working closely with Hodge for several years. Even in retirement, Hodge is not fully stepping away and continues to help organize the 53rd Annual Festival of Art, scheduled for March 2027, reflecting her deep and lasting commitment to Orange Beach and its arts programs.

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