The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation has expanded and enhanced the offerings of its annual Festival of the Arts, set this year for Oct. 25-27.
This year’s event kicks off on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. with the Arty Kick-Off Party on the Henderson Beach Resort’s Piazza Plaza. Watercolor artist Melanie Moore will paint live, while guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres, creative cocktails by Black Sheep Tequila, live music by Coconut Radio, and a cash bar. Tickets to the Arty Kick Off Party are $50 per person. MKAF members get a 10% discount.
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One of the Southeast’s premier art festivals, the two-day event Oct. 26-27 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 16 states showcasing a diverse palette of artistic styles in 15 different art mediums. Admission free.
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 and a sampling of the local culinary arts scene. Also offered: entertaining street performers, lively art drawings, and the sale of colorful keepsake souvenirs.
A celebration of the arts
This year, artists will be displaying everything from oil paintings and fine photography to mixed media, mosaics, sculpture, clay ceramics, jewelry and more. After more than two 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 Reanna Watson, academy director for the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, Alabama; and Sheri O. Sanderson, who has served at LeMoyne Arts gallery since 2008 and was instrumental in developing the famed Chain of Parks Art Festival.
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 first 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 hands-on fun creating seasonal crafts and the Maxine Orange Splatter Studio.
A celebration of music
This year’s live entertainment lineup expands to seven live music performances and, new this year, a live theater scenes. Saturday (10-11:30 a.m.) Jones & Company deliver jazz, soul, and world music, then rock, blues, dance, and original music by Tillman & Taff (noon-2 p.m.), followed by Stage Crafters Community Theatre company members who will perform scenes from their upcoming fall musical production of “A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder” (2:15-2:45 p.m.). Rounding out the day is Stormfolk with their folk, bluegrass, rock and pop sounds.
On Sunday, Now & Then (10-11 a.m.) opens the festival with folk tunes, followed by Roman Street Trio (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) an instrumental band specializing in improvisational fusion of classical, gypsy, contemporary jazz and Latin vibes. Sinfonia Youth Orchestra (1:45-2:15 p.m.) performs folk, holiday seasonal, and classic favorites and Nashville duo Luke & Kaylee (2:30-4 p.m.) closes out the festival with their country music.
The art of dining
The festival has expanded its culinary arts experience, too. Cuisine on the Green will serve up samplings of Venezuelan cuisine from La Chama Venez; gourmet burgers, chicken and fish sandwiches from Fuel Burgers; Latin vegan cuisine from That Rican Vegan; Texas smoked BBQ from Red Neck Riviera Smokers; plus Italian ice and gelato from Repicci’s of the Panhandle and classic savory snacks from PJ’s Popcorn & Pork Rinds.
Foodies can toast the arts with select wine, beer, and fresh-crafted Bloody Mary cocktails in the Beer & Wine Garden.
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Festival amenities
This year’s official festival guide, poster and T-shirt feature the coastal-inspired artwork of Santa Rosa Beach artist Kelly Pierre. Signed and numbered poster prints and souvenir T-shirts featuring Pierre’s artwork will be available for sale in the Souvenir Tent.
Free parking/shuttle
Park for free at Destin High School located adjacent to the Cultural Arts Village or at Emerald Coast Centre, located on Highway 98 near Beall’s Department Store, and ride the free continuous shuttle service right to the main entrance.
Convenient art pickup
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.
How to 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 at 850-217-2833 or [email protected]. To sign up to volunteer, go to https://signup.com/go/DSXyQis.
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 Kickoff Party and more information about the Festival of the Arts, visit www.MKAF.org or call 850-650-2226.
This information was provided by MKAF.