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Thursday, April 27, 2023Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Draws Record Crowd For 2023 Concerts In The Village
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) kicked off its highly-anticipated 2023 Concerts in the Village on Thursday, April 20 with Post Modern Jukebox. The first of 10 concerts drew record-breaking attendance with nearly 3,000 music lovers flocking to the Dugas Pavilion in the tree-lined Cultural Arts Village in Destin. “The kickoff to the 28th annual MKAF Concerts in the Village was a stellar success with an incredible range of patrons who showed up in full force to support the organization. Proceeds from the
Thursday, March 16, 2023Can you help? We Are Seeking Awesome Volunteers
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation is seeking volunteers for the upcoming Concerts in the Park! Sign up here.
Tuesday, March 07, 2023Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Calls For Artist Applications And Poster Art Artists For 28th Festival Of The Arts
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's Festival of the Arts is one of the Southeast's premier festivals and showcases more than 100 artists from across the U.S. The Festival is a celebration of art, music, food, and family fun and features a live music lineup, a food bistro, a wine and beer garden, art activities for kids, merchandise, and more. The 28th annual Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Florida. This is a juried show that
Friday, February 03, 2023Reminder: Join Us for our 2023 ArtsReach Lunch Blue Dog @ Bijoux
See George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog paintings like never before in this mini-exhibition of rarely seen original artworks from the artist’s private collection, shared by his widow, Wendy Rodrigue. This one-day-only creative event includes the culinary masterpieces of Chef Jack McGuckin of Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits in Miramar Beach. Purchase tickets here
Tuesday, January 10, 2023Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation announces the lineup for its 2023 Concerts in the Village.
Step into spring 2023 with a song in your heart. Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) announces the lineup for its 2023 Concerts in the Village. The area’s first live concert series is held each spring on Thursday evenings at the MKAF Dugas Pavilion in Destin. This year’s 28th annual family-friendly series will run from April 20 to June 22. The 10-concert live music series will feature premier regional and national musicians and bands performing everything from classic rock, reggae, and disco to modern
Monday, November 14, 2022Sinfonia Gulf Coast Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller is Appointed to Prestigious Young Conductor Artists Board of Directors
Young Concert Artists (YCA), the prestigious New York-based international advocacy organization to champion young classical musicians, has honored Sinfonia Gulf Coast Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller with an appointment to its Board of Directors. "We are delighted to welcome Demetrius Fuller to the YCA Board of Directors,” said YCA president, Dan Kellogg. “Maestro Fuller has a long association with our organization and has engaged many YCA artists over the years. He cares deeply for our mission
Monday, October 31, 2022Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Awards $10,000 to 29 Artists in the 27th Annual Festival of the Arts
The 27th Annual Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Festival of the Arts, held Oct. 29 and 30, in the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Florida, featured exhibits of more than 100 artists from across the United States showcasing a diverse palette of artistic styles in nearly 20 different art mediums. Highlights of the cultural weekend celebrating art, music, food, and family fun featured six live music appearances, a kid's creative corner, pop-up photo booths, street performers, and more than
Friday, October 07, 2022Rotary Club of Destin Announces New Board, Rotarian of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Scholarship Winner
The Rotary Club of Destin recently announced its 2022-23 Board of Directors: President Marcia Hull, Brenda Gray, Christian Carlee, Michael Burgess, John Prudhome, Zhalman Harris, Bekah Manley, Mackenzie Mainland, Les Porterfield, Shannah Hanks, Shantelle Dedicke, Lori Leath Smith, Ryan Simus, Dave Morrow and Lockwood Wernet. These community leaders will spearhead the club’s fundraising efforts this year to support various charities including Food For Thought, Harvest House Destin, the Mattie Kelly Arts
Thursday, September 29, 202227th Annual Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Festival of the Arts Showcases More Than 100 Visual Artists
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) celebrates the cultural arts by enhancing the offerings of its annual Festival of the Arts set for Oct. 29-30 at the scenic MKAF Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Florida, on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast. One of the Southeast's premier art festivals, the two-day signature event features art exhibits of more than 100 artists (including the juried and collaborative exhibit) from 17 states showcasing a diverse palette of artistic styles in a range of different art
Monday, September 12, 2022Last Call to Put Your Business in the Spotlight
Wednesday, September 07, 2022Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Calls for Volunteers for the 27th Annual Festival of the Arts Oct.28-30
Do you have a heart for art? Then feel free to lend a hand. Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation is seeking volunteers for the 27th Annual Festival of the Arts to be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin. Various shifts are available including set up (on Friday, Oct. 28), main entry, artist relief, children’s tent, and beverage booths as well as break down and more. All volunteers are welcome to arrive prior to their assigned shift or after their
Tuesday, September 06, 2022Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Announces Call for Adult Collaborative Artists for 27th Annual Festival
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is now accepting applications for the Adult Collaborative Art Exhibit component of the 27th annual Festival of the Arts (Oct. 29-30, 2022) at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Fla. 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 in honor of the late Patricia McIlroy, Destin’s first First
Tuesday, September 06, 2022Sinfonia Gulf Coast Launches 2022-2023 Season
Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues its tradition of “redefining” the symphony experience as it enters its 17th annual season. With a mission to entertain, educate and inspire the Northwest Florida Gulf coast, the region’s only fully professional symphony orchestra led by Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller, presents a stellar lineup of scintillating concerts for 2022-2023. From world-renowned guest artists like soulful songstress Patti LaBelle and Broadway breakout star Jeremy Jordan to Holiday Pops Doo
Monday, August 29, 2022Sinfonia Gulf Coast and Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Welcome Zandra Wolfgram as First Director of Marketing and Communications
Since taking the helm of Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) as CEO in December 2020, Sinfonia Gulf Coast Music and Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller has grown patron and sponsorship support, elevated programming, and is increasing the brand awareness and reach of both art organizations by adding to his staff. As part of a synergistic partnership, Zandra Wolfgram has joined Sinfonia Gulf Coast and MKAF as Director of Marketing and Communications. “We are thrilled to welcome someone who is both a seasoned
Tuesday, May 24, 2022Hello Frances Podcast: Community Arts Initiatives with Demetrius Fuller
CEO of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Demetrius Fuller joins us again on the Hello Frances Podcast this week to share MKAF updates. Shantelle and Demetrius discuss the importance of art in a community, the mental health benefits art can provide, the impact of art on culture, and so much more. Demetrius also shares what MKAF has in store for the community for the rest of 2022. If you are not a member yet, we give you another incentive to join during this episode! Learn more about MKAF at mkaf.org.
Friday, May 20, 2022NFB Summer Series Free Outdoor Performances in June
The Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) will stage two free outdoor community performances at Grand Boulevard and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation in June. The series includes NFB’s return to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin’s Grand Park on Sat., June 18, at 7:30 p.m., for Ballet at Twilight. The second performance will take place at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation on Sat., June 25, at 7:30 p.m. Both productions feature the Northwest Florida Ballet company and international guest artists in a unique mixed
Friday, January 21, 2022Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Announces Spring 2022 Lineup of Showstopping Concerts
On Thursday, April 21, 2022, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) kicks off the 2022 Spring Concerts in the Village series with the showstopping Michael Jackson LIVE, direct from Las Vegas featuring Santana Jackson, one of the top Michael Jackson tribute artists in the world! The highly-anticipated season includes pop icon, Taylor Dane; fan favorites, Sister Hazel; and the Music of Led Zeppelin featuring Sinfonia Gulf Coast. "For 27 years, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation has been at the forefront of
Thursday, November 04, 2021Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's 26th Annual Festival of the Arts Has a Record-Breaking Weekend
Fine art welcomed a record-breaking 6,200 plus art lovers to the 26th Annual Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Festival of the Arts. The two-day signature art celebration held Oct. 30 and 31 in the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Fla., featured exhibits of more than 110 premier artists from across the United States showcasing a diverse palette of artistic style. The weekend was brought to life thanks to ideal weather conditions and live music featuring six musicians and a cameo appearance by
Thursday, September 09, 2021Put the spotlight on YOU! Sponsorships Available for 2021 Festival of the Arts
Click here for the 2021 FOA Program Ads Media KitClick here for the 2021 FOA Sponsorship Kit
Wednesday, August 11, 2021Volunteers Needed for 26th Annual Destin Festival of the Arts Presented by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
Known as one of Northwest Florida’s premier fine arts shows, the MKAF Destin Festival of the Arts is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. The 26th annual event is set for Oct. 30-31, 2021 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, and is free for attendees. "The festival is a celebration of the wonder of arts and culture. We will feature new surprises this year including free entrance to all festival-goers! I encourage everyone to stop by to enjoy beautiful art, live music,
Monday, August 02, 2021Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Names Estelle Grengs as 2021 Festival of the Arts Poster Art Contest Winner
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) names talented artist Estelle Grengs as the 2021 Festival of the Arts poster contest winner. Born and raised in New Hampshire, Estelle Grengs is a self-taught artist that molds a unique and whimsical folk art style that embraces her experiences growing up in New England, as well as her adventures as an Air Force spouse. Grengs uses mostly acrylics but enjoys the versatility that mixed media art offers her pieces. Through vivid, bold colors, Grengs continues to create
Monday, July 19, 2021Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Presents 2021 Fall Concerts in the Village
On Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) kicks off the 2021 Fall Concerts in the Village series with a fan favorite, the Velcro Pygmies, and ends the 26th season with the showstopping, Heather Hayes Experience. "The Fall Concerts in the Village are a nice encore set of events that will feature a great mix of artists and bands. Proceeds from all concerts benefit MKAF and its ArtsReach education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida." - MKAF CEO
Monday, June 21, 2021Hello Frances Podcast: Baby Boomers
The Frances Roy Agency concludes its generation podcast series with baby boomers as its guests. Those that are between 55-73 years of age fall into this category and are stereotypically known for being workaholics, slow to adapt to technological advances, and resistant to change. Guests Lori Leath Smith, publisher and editor of Life Media; local realtor Gail Pelto; retired and former CEO of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Marcia Hull; and Area Director of N2 Publishing Phil Madden discuss these stereotypes
Friday, May 07, 2021Too Much Wine - Said No One Ever
Join Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation at Vin'tij Food & Wine in Grand Boulevard, on May 25, 2021, at 6 p.m., for the next ArtFul Dining series of wine dinners benefiting MKAF’s arts education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida. Vin’tij Executive Chef Iganacio Bernal will orchestrate a culinary palette to pair with the incredible wines of the Jean Charles Boisset Collection. Boisset is a family-owned collection of historic and unique wineries bound together by a common cause:
Tuesday, November 24, 2020Fall 2020 Butt Rubb an Astounding Success in an Unprecedented Time
The Rotary Club of Destin is pleased to announce a successful Fall fundraiser, despite unprecedented times. Rotary members rubbed, smoked, pulled, shredded and cooked 180 pork butts, sold 174 and donated six. Of the money raised, the Destin Rotary Club is supporting various charities, including Food For Thought, Harvest House Destin, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), and the Boys and Girls Club of Okaloosa County. The entire club participated by either selling, rubbing the butts with its secret blend
Wednesday, October 28, 2020Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Announces 2020 Festival of the Arts Artist Award Winners
Fine art welcomed more than 2,000 art lovers to the 25th Annual Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Festival of the Arts. The two-day signature art celebration held Oct. 24 and 25 in the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Fla., featured exhibits of more than 65 premier artists from across the United States showcasing a diverse palette of artistic style. "In its 23rd season, the Festival of the Arts has evolved into a signature cultural event that supports the Foundation and our Community
Tuesday, October 13, 202025th Annual Festival of the Arts Presented by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation in Destin
Known as one of Northwest Florida’s premier fine arts shows, the MKAF Festival of the Arts is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. The 25th annual event is set for Oct. 24-25, 2020, at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin. During the Festival, artists from across the United States will offer up their original artwork in the form of oil, watercolor, acrylic, and glass paintings; photography, sculpture, pottery, wood, paper, fiber, mosaics, mixed media, jewelry designs, and
Friday, September 18, 2020Tickets Available for Ruth's Chris Wine Walkabout Benefiting Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's Community Outreach Programs
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) - a not-for-profit charitable arts organization founded in 1995 to be Northwest Florida's champion of cultural arts and arts education for all - benefit from the annual event. Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Silver Shells Resort in Destin will host its 8th Annual Fall Wine Walkabout to benefit Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Community Outreach programs on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the East Bar and Courtyard. Chef Ruston Johnson has created another
Friday, August 28, 2020Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Names Estelle Grengs as 2020 Festival of the Arts Poster Art Contest Winner
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) names talented artist Estelle Grengs the 2020 Festival of the Arts poster contest winner. Born and raised in New Hampshire, Estelle Grengs is a self-taught artist that molds a unique and whimsical folk art style that embraces her experiences growing up in New England, as well as her adventures as an Air Force spouse. Grengs uses mostly acrylics, but enjoys the versatility that mixed media art offers her pieces. Through vivid, bold colors, Grengs continues to create lively
Wednesday, August 05, 2020Destin Chamber Hosts Candidates at August 14 Breakfast
Destin, Fla., August 5 – During its Aug. 14 Business Before Hours Candidates Forum, the Destin Chamber will host candidates for Florida House of Representatives District 4, Okaloosa County Commission District 5, and Okaloosa County Superintendent of Schools. The event, which takes place from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at The Henderson, is sponsored by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and features non-profit spotlight The Arc of the Emerald Coast. Cost is $20 for Destin Chamber members and $30 for non-members.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Announces Rescheduled Concerts in the Village Line-Up
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is pleased to announce a new 2020 Concerts in the Village lineup. With the safety and well-being of guests, artists, and staff as a top priority, MKAF asks that concertgoers adhere to the following social distancing measures. •Groups must be ten people or less•VIP tables spaced 10 feet apart•Maintain 6ft distance between your ten-person or less group and other concert attendees•If inline for food, stay 6ft behind the next person inline •Wash your hands frequently; you
Tuesday, May 05, 20208th Annual Destin Rotary Cajun Crawfish Bash Cancelled
The Rotary Club of Destin is sad to announce that, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 8th Annual Destin Rotary Cajun Crawfish Bash Charity Fundraiser has been cancelled. “Working with our sponsors, we decided it would be better to cancel the event versus rescheduling it and risking a lackluster turnout and erosion of our net proceeds for our charities,” said Club President, John Toombs. However, the Destin Rotary Club’s Crawfish Bash sponsors have generously agreed to donate their sponsorship fees
