Even More Art, Music, Food and Fun

Get ready to immerse yourself in a true celebration of creativity, community and culture at the 28th annual Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Festival of the Arts. With a record number of artist entries, fun new interactive experiences and expanded food and beverage offerings, this year’s event is sure to be a true celebration of art, music, food and fun!

The festivities start early this year with an Arty Kick Off Party on Friday, on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m., at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin. The weekend exhibition follows on Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29, in the picturesque MKAF Cultural Arts Village in Destin.

One of the Southeast’s premier art festivals, the two-day signature event features exhibits by more than 100 artists from across the U.S. and showcases a diverse palette of artistic styles in 17 different art mediums from oil, watercolor and glass-art paintings to clay pottery, ceramics, metal sculpture, mixed media, jewelry art and more.

This year’s poster art features Flamboyant, created by Canadian artist Roger Van Lieshout, now residing in Cape Coral, Florida. The 36-by-36-inch painting, brought to life with oil on canvas, pictures a vibrant and whimsical flock of flamingos, capturing the essence of Van Lieshout’s colorful, free-spirited artistry.

Flamboyant

Attendees can witness the magic of plein air artists capturing landscapes live, watch artists demonstrating their techniques in their tented booths and experience a hands-on mini workshop by special guest artist Justin Gaffrey of Gaffrey Art.

Stroll through the Collaborative Art Exhibit, a must-see feature, to view the showcased work of 85 student and adult artists displaying up to three pieces each in competition for the McIlroy Award.

Beyond the visual arts, the Dugas Pavilion will feature two days of continual live music by six local and regional musicians and bands.

The festival celebrates the art of dining, too. Foodies will enjoy samplings of savory cuisine and sweet bites from local food trucks along with adult beverages in the Wine Bar & Beer Garden. Gather with family and friends to enjoy your meal seated at tables al fresco and in the festival scene while listening to the stellar music lineup.

New this year, the interactive Creation Station invites young art enthusiasts to suit up and unleash their creativity — and paint! — in a Splatter Studio courtesy of artist Maxine Orange. Entertaining street performers, lively art drawings and the sale of colorful keepsake souvenirs keep the party going and create a family-friendly festival feel.

Art industry judges will award $12,050 in artist prizes in the juried and collaborative art categories. On Saturday, festivalgoers are invited to vote for the People’s Choice Artist Award by casting a ballot located at the main festival entrance.

Festival producer Deb Nissley says 2023 is a banner year in the making.

“The interest in coming to our festival was so strong, we had a waiting list!” said festival producer Deb Nissley, noting 2023 to be a banner year in the making. “More than 100 talented artists cannot wait to share their beautiful artwork with our community. We hope everyone comes out with friends and family to enjoy the art, music, food and, of course, plenty of fun!”

The festival is open to the public on Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Daily admission is free. Proceeds from MKAF cultural events help fund ArtsReach — MKAF’s arts-education community outreach programs serving K–12 students, children and adults with special needs, and the Emerald Coast military community.

For more details, follow MKAF on social media channels and visit MKAF.org.

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation 

4323 Commons Drive W., destin  |  (850) 650-2226  |  MKAF.org