Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) celebrates the cultural arts by expanding and enhancing the offerings of its 30th annual Festival of the Arts set for Oct. 24-26.
This year’s 30th annual event kicks off on Friday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. with the Arty Kick-Off Party at the Cultural Arts Village. Illustrator Janae Erickson will draw live on the Dugas Pavilion to the beat of music by DJ Josh, while guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres, pours from Vinuv. Tickets to the Arty Kick Off Party are $30 for MKAF members and $50 for non-members.
One of the Southeast's premier art festivals, the two-day signature event (Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26) held in tents dotting the Dugas Pavilion green in Destin, features art exhibits of more than 100 artists (including the juried and collaborative exhibit) from 15 states showcasing a diverse palette of artistic styles in 16 different art mediums. Admission to the Festival is free.
“Back by popular demand, our entertaining emcee Arty will be out and about once again starting on Friday with the Arty Kick-Off Party. We’re expanding VIP bar area, adding an exciting online silent auction component, bringing back facepainting, welcoming Moore Family Art to host a fun immersive experience for kids — we hope you enjoy it all,” said MKAF Festival Producer Deb Nissley.
Art lovers of all ages will be able to watch artists create works during live art demonstrations, browse art from dozens of emerging and student artists, and get hands-on in the interactive children’s art station. Beyond the visual arts, the Festival will feature two days of continual live music, some dance, and a sampling of the local culinary arts scene. Entertaining street performers, lively art drawings, and the sale of colorful keepsake souvenirs — all create a family-friendly festival feel.
A Celebration of the Arts
The 30th annual edition of the Festival brings fresh art and new faces to the sugar-sand beaches of the Emerald Coast. This year, artists will be displaying everything from oil paintings and fine photography to mixed media, mosaics, sculpture, clay ceramics, jewelry, and more. After three decades, this Festival has become a popular and proven showcase for some of the best artistic talent nationwide who venture to Northwest Florida to compete for more than $12,000 in cash prizes.
The judging panel includes Sam Joslin currently the Public Art & Exhibitions Manager for the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) in Tallahassee, Florida and Yvonne Christine an instructor at the University of West Florida with an MFA in creative technologies and practice. These judges will award artist prizes in the juried and collaborative art categories. On Saturday, Festivalgoers are invited to vote for the “People’s Choice” Artist Award by casting a ballot located at the Main Festival Entrance.
One of the unique features of the Festival is the Collaborative Art Exhibit, which showcases the work of seasoned and emerging adult artists and local student artists competing for the $850 McIlroy Awards given by Pam and Peter McIlroy in honor of the late Patricia McIlroy, Destin’s inaugural First Lady and an MKAF advocate and patron.
The Festival provides opportunities for all ages to interact and immerse themselves in the vibrant art scene. The Kids Corner & Creation Station welcomes youngsters to enjoy getting their face painted and get hands-on with upcycled artwork and that is sure to unleash any kids’ artistic inspiration.
Minding the Mission
Visit the ArtsReach tent and explore Zentangle artwork and paintings from MKAF’s Warrior Arts program participants. Meet MKAF Education Director Melanie Moore, connect with program partners and enjoy live creative demos. This program supports veterans with visible and invisible injuries through mindfulness and resilience.
A Celebration of Music
This year’s live entertainment lineup expands to seven live music performances and — new this year — live youth dance showcase. Saturday (10-11:30 a.m.) Stormfolk; Drew Tillman (Noon-2 p.m.), followed by StudioSixTwenty5 company members (2:15-2:45 p.m.) Rounding out the day is Coconut Radio (3-4:30 p.m.).
On Sunday, Michael Fagan (10-11 a.m.) opens the Festival, followed by Roman Street Trio (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.), Sinfonia Youth Orchestra (1:45-2:15 p.m.), Kool Breeze (2:30-4 p.m.) closes out the Festival.
The Art of Dining
The Festival has expanded its culinary arts experience, too. Cuisine on the Green will The Banana Tree Destin, Red Neck Riviera Smokers, the Rican Vegan, Fuel (Saturday), Spork (Sunday), Sugar & Co., RJ’s Popcorn & Pork Rinds and Mama’s Lemonade. Foodies can toast the arts with select wine, beer and cocktails in the Beer & Wine Garden.
More Festival Amenities
Buy Festival Merchandise — This year's official Festival guide, poster, and t-shirt feature the coastal-inspired artwork of Niceville, Florida-based artist Kathy Schumacher. Signed and numbered poster prints and souvenir t-shirts featuring Schumacher’s vibrant oil on canvas entitled Symphony in Sails —a vibrant, textured, impasto oil that features three jewel-toned sailboats ready to take the viewer on a magical voyage— will be available for sale in the Souvenir Tent. Visit this year’s featured poster artist in tent No. 60.
Win Art! — Be sure to also visit the Art Drawing Tent and enter the charity benefit drawing for chances to win a range of original artwork generously donated by the Festival artists. The drawing will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m., but you do not need to be present to win.
Online Auction – New this year an exciting array of valuable auction prizes up for auction. Register for the online auction (bids close on Oct. 28 at noon), bid on your favorites, and support MKAF and its ArtsReach efforts.
Get the Guide —A complimentary four-color Festival Guide containing a roster of all artists, a map of the Festival site, the entertainment lineup, a list of food & beverage vendors, and other helpful hints on how to navigate through the Festival is available at the entrance.
Free Parking & Shuttle Service — Park for free at Destin High School located adjacent to the Cultural Arts Village. The Cultural Arts Village is designed as an ADA-compliant venue with available handicap parking. Park at Destin City Hall, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail and hop on a free shuttle to the Festival.
Convenient Art Pick-Up — Purchasers of large artwork or multiple pieces can obtain an “art pickup” pass from the Festival Main Entry Tent. For Festival fans using the art shuttle, simply retrieve your vehicle and display your pass on your dashboard to gain access to the Festival entrance.
Get Involved — The Festival is sponsored, in part, by local businesses and media partners, and is produced with the help of a team of more than dedicated volunteers. Volunteer shifts are available by contacting Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Shea (850) 217-2833 or email her at sshea@boemortgage.com. To sign up to Volunteer, click here https://signup.com/go/gufParr.
The Festival is free and open to the public and runs Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are welcome. Proceeds benefit Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and its ArtsReach initiatives serving local K-12 students, individuals with disabilities, and active-duty military and veterans throughout Northwest Florida and the Southeast.
To purchase tickets to Arty Kick-Off Party and more information about the Festival of the Arts, visit www.MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.
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.
