Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach honored Director Desiree Hodge's retirement with a community celebration. Friends, family, co-workers, and city officials gathered to mark the occasion. Hodge led the center for 13 years, leaving a lasting mark on Orange Beach's arts community. She also oversaw 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. Each thanked 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 at the gathering. In her remarks, she credited her team for the center's achievements. USA Today readers named the Coastal Arts Center's signature Festival of Art the nation's Best Art Festival for two consecutive years.

Brianne DiChiara will assume the director role at the Coastal Arts Center following Hodge's departure. She previously served as Events Specialist and worked closely with Hodge for several years. 

Even in retirement, Hodge is not fully stepping away from the arts community she helped shape. She continues to help organize the 53rd Annual Festival of Art, scheduled for March 2027. Her willingness to stay involved reflects a deep and lasting commitment to Orange Beach and its arts programs.