18th Annual Festival of the Arts at Mattie Kelly Art Village Oct 26-27

The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) will host the 18th Annual Festival of the Arts on Oct. 26-27, 2013. One of the Southeast's premier art festivals, the event features more than 100 juried artists competing for cash prizes. Previously held at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Fla., the anticipated annual event is moving a mile north to the recently enhanced Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. 

"We are excited to relocate the festival to its new permanent home at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village," said Marcia Hull, executive director of MKAF. "The new location, just minutes from the beach, features an expansive Village Green along with easy access for parking and shuttles, an expansive restroom facility and a permanent stage covered by a majestic canopy for musical performances."

 
MKAF will welcome artists to the beautiful beaches of Destin to showcase their work and signature techniques. Representing a diverse palette of artistic styles and mediums, festival artists will feature artwork in acrylic, clay, collage, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, mosaic, oil, pen and ink, photography, digital art, pastel, pottery, sculpture, fiber, textile, wood and watercolor. The festival layout is designed to make it easy to meet the artists and learn more about their style and inspiration. Featured artist Frank Ledbetter, a prolific metal sculpture artist, will be on exhibit showcasing his new works of art and to discuss the majestic 20-foot sculpture he created for the entrance of the Cultural Arts Village.
 
There will also be opportunities for all ages to interact and immerse themselves in the vibrant art scene. For children, there will be the Kid's ArtStop in which young artists are encouraged to let their creativity flow, creating their own individual art as well as contributing to a group art mural. Artists booths, including Moore Family Folk Art, renowned for bright, colorful, southern folk art, will offer interactive art workshops where families can make their own art on board with recycled materials. Meyer Boarding Company will offer skimboard workshops that allow participants to purchase, design, paint and take home a custom creation.
 
The Dugas Pavilion is the focal point of the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village and will be the spot for live musical performances throughout the weekend. On Saturday, Singer/Songwriter Drew Tillman will kick off the weekend with his blues influenced original songs. He'll be followed by the funky, soulful sounds of Boukou Groove. Forrest Williams Band will close out Saturday with Forrest's harmonious vocals that blend beautifully with acoustic guitar. On Sunday, the smooth sounds of Al Alvarado will begin the day at 11 a.m. followed by Coconut Radio, a husband and wife duo who will bring a coastal vibe with their tropical rock music. The finale will be Season Ammons, sharing her unique musical style--a combination of Nashville writing techniques, opera vocal training and MoTown and classic rock influences.
 
Festival fans can dine alfresco by the Dugas Pavilion while enjoying local cuisine along with wine and beer and live music. A Collaborative Art Exhibit will showcase student and community art, and an art raffle will give all attendees a chance to win a stunning original piece of art. Guests can also register to win one of Alan Moore's signature folk art fish from the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village."
 
This year's festival poster, was designed by 2013 Artist of the Year Andy Saczynski reflects the Festival's friendly atmosphere and comfortable coastal setting. Saczynski has been an ambassador for the area and its thriving art scene for nearly a decade. His work has been classified as outsider or folk art and he primarily works with found objects, acrylic, recycled musical instruments, and reclaimed wood and metal. Festival of the Arts posters and t-shirts will be available for purchase at the Festival Merchandise Tent, and guests can stop by Saczynski's booth to have their poster autographed.    

Free, convenient parking and motor coach shuttle available from Emerald Coast Centre near Beall’s Department Store. Admission $3; kids under 12 free.     

Visit MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org or call 850-650-2226 to learn more.
 

 
About Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), a 501-c-3 not-for-profit charitable arts organization, was founded in 1995 on the cultural, educational and spiritual beliefs of the late Destin Matriarch, Mattie Kelly. The champion of cultural arts and education in Northwest Florida, MKAF's vision is to impact lives through art and culture.