2026 Annual Arnie Hart Juried Student Exhibition Opening Reception

Disclaimer: We are promoting this event on behalf of a local chamber member. This event is not managed or sponsored by the Destin Chamber.

Join the Mattie Kelly Arts Center (MKAC) and the Department of Fine and Performing Arts & Humanities at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) in celebrating student and faculty talent at the 2026 Arnie Hart Juried Student and Faculty Exhibitions. The annual Arnie Hart Show begins with a week-long student workshop and features a visiting guest judge, culminating in a widely attended awards ceremony and exhibition. This year’s guest judge, Tammy Marinuzzi, MFA, is a professor of fine arts at Gulf Coast State College and an accomplished ceramics artist whose work has been exhibited internationally. Marinuzzi visited campus and carefully selected 69 artworks for this year’s student exhibition. “With approximately 100 works submitted, narrowing the selection was a challenge,” Marinuzzi said. “In choosing the final pieces, I considered craftsmanship, thoughtful execution, and presentation, including how framing supported or detracted from the work. I also looked for variety across materials and visual approaches, as well as how the works function collectively as a cohesive whole. Themes that emerged include nature, color, material exploration, personal narrative, and a sense of place.” Jennifer Wren Daugette (Supak), MKAC Gallery Director and Curator at NWFSC, shared her excitement about this year’s exhibition. “The pieces in this year’s show highlight imagination, creativity, voice, and the foundational skills necessary for life as an artist,” Daugette said. “We are very proud of this year’s students and excited to award prizes and a scholarship at the reception.” The Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries also extend their gratitude to Ms. Jean Hart for her continued support. Her generosity helps honor the legacy of her husband, Professor Arnie Hart, whose vision as an arts educator established the College’s ceramics program. Awards Ceremony and Opening Reception The public is invited to attend the Awards Ceremony and Opening Reception on April 9, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the MKAC Galleries, Building 110 (100 College Boulevard East, Niceville). Opening remarks and awards will begin at 4:45 p.m., with comments from the guest judge. The Best-in-Show award will include a one-semester scholarship. Student Awards will be presented during the reception, with the Best-in-Show recipient earning a one-semester scholarship. Northwest Florida State College proudly recognizes the talented student artists selected for this year’s exhibition. This event is free and open to the public, with food and beverages provided. Guests will have the opportunity to meet faculty and celebrate this year’s student artists. The exhibition will be on display April 1 through May 10, 2026. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., as well as 90 minutes prior to most Mainstage and Sprint Theater performances. For more information, visit www.nwfsc.edu or contact MKAC Gallery Director and Curator Jennifer Wren Daugette (Supak) at supakj@nwfsc.edu or (850) 729-6044.