Art+Culture

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation to host 29th annual Festival of the Arts

The Festival of the Arts, set for October 25-27, will showcase over 100 visual artists from 16 states, featuring diverse artistic styles in 15 different art mediums.

Jared Williams

The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is expanding its annual Festival of the Arts for its 29th year, offering a celebration of art, music, food, and family fun from October 25-27.

The event kicks off on Friday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. with the Arty Kick-Off Party at the Henderson Beach Resort’s Piazza Plaza. Guests can enjoy live watercolor painting by artist Melanie Moore, hors d’oeuvres, creative cocktails, and music by Coconut Radio.

The main festival, held on Saturday and Sunday at the Dugas Pavilion green in Destin, will feature art exhibits from more than 100 artists representing 16 states. The exhibits will showcase a range of artistic styles across 15 different mediums.

“Back by popular demand, our entertaining emcee Arty will be out and about once again starting on Friday with the Arty Kick-Off Party at Henderson Beach Resort,” MKAF Festival Producer Deb Nissley said. “We’re also making a splash again with Maxine Orange’s Splatter Studio, a fun immersive experience for kids.”

New to this year’s festival is master blacksmith David Sandlin, who will provide live demonstrations of his craft. The event will also include live art demonstrations, an interactive children’s art station, and continuous live music performances.

Artists will compete for more than $12,000 in cash prizes, with judging conducted by Reanna Watson, academy director for the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, Alabama, and Sheri O. Sanderson from LeMoyne Arts gallery in Tallahassee, Florida.

The festival’s music lineup includes performances by Jones & Company, Tillman & Taff, Stormfolk, Now & Then, Roman Street Trio, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, and Luke & Kaylee. The Stage Crafters Community Theatre will also perform scenes from their upcoming musical production.

For food enthusiasts, the Cuisine on the Green will offer a variety of options, including Venezuelan, gourmet burgers, Latin vegan cuisine, and Texas smoked BBQ. A Beer & Wine Garden will also be available.

The festival is free and open to the public, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Proceeds from the event will benefit MKAF’s ArtsReach initiatives, serving local K-12 students, individuals with disabilities, and active-duty military and veterans throughout Northwest Florida and the Southeast.

Free parking and shuttle services will be available at Destin High School and Emerald Coast Centre. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Arty Kick-Off Party, visit www.MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.

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