Story
Festival of the Arts at MKAF Cultural Arts Village Oct 27 & 28
October 25, 2018 by SoWal Staff
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents the annual Festival of the Arts October 27 & 28 at the MKAF Arts Village in Destin.
Recognized as one of Northwest Florida's premier fine arts shows, the Festival of the Arts, produced by MKAF, is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year on the Emerald Coast. This year's 23rd annual event is set for October 27-28, 2018 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin.
During the Festival, more than 100 premier artists from across the United States and Europe 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 more in order to compete for $10,000 in cash prizes in 27 award categories, including the coveted "Best in Show" and "People's Choice Award" which is selected by festival fans.
The Festival also features a Collaborative Art Exhibit, which showcases select artwork of more than 60 community adult and student artists.
A celebration of art, music, food and family fun, special features of the Festival include a live music lineup, hands-on arts and craft activities for children, souvenir posters and t-shirts, art raffle and more. A diverse menu is served up by local restaurants and food trucks, along with a wine and beer garden, and water/soft drink beverage stations. Convenient on-site parking and free shuttle service are also available.
Adult admission is $5, kids 12 and under are free. MKAF members are also free.
Saturday Oct 27: 9AM-5PM
Sunday Oct 28: 10AM-4PM
Free parking at Grace Lutheran Church or take the free art shuttle from Emerald Coast Centre (near Beall's Department Store)
ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday
Jones & Company - 9:30 AM
Roman Street - 12:00 PM
Jeff Glickman & the Panhandle All Stars - 2:30 PM
Sunday
Then & Now - 10:00 AM
Drew Tillman - 11:30 AM
Mari Gleason - 2:00 PM
CUSINE ON THE GREEN: THE ART OF ALFRESCO DINING
Festival fans can relax and dine alfresco with table seating while listening to the stellar music line up taking to the stage at the Dugas Pavilion.
790 On the Gulf
Gumbo and Cajun cuisine
The Big Red Truck
Street tacos, wedge salad, burgers and more
Jim N’ Nicks Bar-B-Que
Chicken, pulled pork, cheese biscuits and sides
Mas Wasabi
Sushi bowls, rolls and bites
Mark’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice & Funnel Cakes
BEER & WINE GARDEN
Foodies can toast the arts with select wines from Vintage Distributors and craft beers from 3rd Planet Brewing and Destin Brewery. Bottled water and sodas will also be available for purchase.
Please, No Pets!
Unfortunately, the event venue is not pet friendly. Pets are often intimidated by crowds and can react unpredictably. For the comfort and safety of all of our patrons, people with pets will be asked to leave the event area, which is enforced through city ordinance. All registered service animals are welcome.
Click Here for Volunteer Opportunities
HURRICANE RELIEF: ART SUPPLIES
Hurricane Relief to benefit Bay Arts Alliance
We encourage festival guests to donate new student art supplies at the festival entrance (non-toxic for safety standards)
MKAF Festival of the Arts Poster Art 2018
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) selected Estelle Grengs of Freeport, Florida, the 2018 Festival of the Arts poster contest winner Estelle Grengs, born and raised in New Hampshire, is a self-taught artist with a passion for fine art. Throughout her career she has molded a unique and whimsical folk art style that embraces both her experience growing up in New Hampshire as well as her adventures as an Air Force spouse. Her medium of choice is acrylic but she also enjoys the versatility mixed media art offers. Grengs gravitates toward the use of vivid colors and drew inspiration for her winning artwork titled, "Lobster", from the natural beauty found along the Emerald Coast. Grengs lives in Freeport, Florida with her husband Matthew, and their two dogs Hap Arnold and Lulu.
I love art; love it. In any shape or form, I truly enjoy it.
- Estelle Grengs, Poster Contest Winner, 2018 MKAF Festival of the Arts
For more information, visit mattiekellyartsfoundation.org call (850) 650-2226 and follow Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation on Facebook.