The 30th Annual Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Festival of the Arts held October 24-26 in Destin, Florida, featured exhibits of more than 100 artists from across the United States showcasing a diverse palette of artistic styles in 16 different art mediums.
Highlights of the cultural weekend celebrating art, music, food and family fun featured seven live music appearances, live dance, a kid's creative station, pop-up photo booths, street performers plus local favorite food trucks and a tented beverage bar.
"Celebrating thirty years is a true testament to the vital role the arts play in our community, and it’s a reflection of the remarkable talents of our participating artists, musicians, vendors, board members, and volunteers. All of this comes together under the expert direction of our outstanding festival producer, Deb Nissley," said MKAF CEO & artistic officer Demetrius Fuller.
Guest judges Jason Lindblad, illustrator, artist and gallery director from Paducah, Kentucky, and Yvonne Christine, an instructor at the University of West Florida with an MFA in creative technologies and practice, awarded 29 ribbons and cash prizes recognizing 28 artists whose work reflected exceptional talent and craftsmanship.
Best in Show winner Thomas Wrenn of Sanford, Florida, was recognized for his outstanding mixed media artwork that captivated judges and festivalgoers alike. The Best in Show adult winner of the Collaborative Art Exhibit was awarded to Jessica Mincy of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, for her touching piece Mother Love and Bonding Braids.
Niceville artist Kathy Schumacher was a two-time winner. She was selected as the 2025 featured poster artist with Symphony in Sails, a heavily textured impasto oil of three vibrant sailboats. Her “old world” knife palette technique clearly won over the weekend crowd earning her the “People’s Choice” Award as well.
Honored artists in the 30th Annual Festival of the Arts are as follows:
Best in Show Winner – $2,000
Thomas Wrenn, Mixed Media (Sanford, FL)
People's Choice Award – $1,000
Kathy Schumacher (Pictured Above), Oil (Niceville, FL)
Poster Art Contest Winner – $750
Kathy Schumacher, Oil (Niceville, FL)
Award of Excellence Winners – $850
Mitch Evans, Mixed Media (Baton Rouge, LA)
Jamie Babula, Acrylic (Panama City Beach, FL)
Estelle Grengs, Acrylic (Niceville, FL)
Award of Merit Winners – $450
Tonitralachrondra Lee, Mixed Media (New Orleans, LA)
Toné Lowe, Acrylic (River Ridge, LA)
Delia Stone, Jewelry (Pensacola, FL)
Tony Cray, Glass (New Melle, MO)
Curtis Whitwam, Watercolor (Tampa, FL)
Judge's Recognition Award Winners – $250
Corrina Leidy, Acrylic (Sorrento, FL)
Michael Lunsford, Photography (Fort Walton Beach, FL)
Caleb Barnaby, Acrylic (Crestview, FL)
Donna Guidry, Mixed Media (Mandeville, LA)
Robin Holt, Acrylic (Tallahassee, FL)
Maya Blume-Cantrell, Clay (Orange Beach, AL)
Marise Fransolino, Acrylic (Marietta, GA)
Jordan Aucoin, Photography (Miramar Beach, FL)
Evie Davis, Mixed Media (Pensacola, FL)
Robin Renee Hix, Mixed Media (Wimberley, TX)
Collaborative Exhibit Winners ($1,050)
Best in Show – Adult, Jessica Mincy (Fort Walton Beach, FL)
Adult First Place, John Pope (Shalimar, FL)
Adult Second Place, Don David (Destin, FL)
Adult Third Place, Susan Fyffe (Destin, FL)
Best in Show – Student, Addie Kelly, Destin High School
Student First Place, Gloria West, Destin High School
Student Second Place, Nyah Hercules, Crestview High School
Student Third Place, Ellie Aldrich, Niceville High School
“This year’s festival featured great family fun, stunning artwork from both new and returning artists, and a chance for everyone to leave their cares behind and immerse themselves in the beauty of art. We were honored to present such a diverse array of talent, and the artists were thrilled by the incredible support from our community,” said MKAF director of operations and festival producer Deb Nissley.
Proceeds fund the MKAF’s community outreach mission to provide cultural outreach programs serving K-12 students, individuals with special needs, and active-duty military and veterans in our community.
MKAF will begin accepting artist and poster entry applications for the 31st Annual Festival of the Arts in October 2026. The 31st Annual MKAF Annual Festival of the Arts is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25.
To make a tax-deductible donation or provide a corporate sponsorship; or for more information about becoming a MKAF member, visit www.MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.
