The 29th Annual Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Festival of the Arts held October 26-27 in Destin, Florida, featured exhibits of more than 100 artists from across the United States showcasing a diverse palette of artistic styles in 15 different art mediums. Highlights of the cultural weekend celebrating art, music, food and family fun featured six live music appearances, live theater, a kid’s creative station, pop-up photo booths, street performers plus six local favorite food trucks and beverage bars.

“Celebrating 29 years is a true testament to the vital role the arts play in our community, and it’s a reflection of the remarkable talents of our participating artists, musicians, vendors, board members, and volunteers. All of this comes together under the expert direction of our outstanding festival producer, Deb Nissley,” said MKAF CEO & Artistic Officer Demetrius Fuller.

Guest judges Sheri O. Sanderson, with Chain of Parks in Tallahassee, and Reanna Watson, academy director for the Eastern Shore Art Center, awarded 29 ribbons and cash prizes. Recognizing artists whose work reflected exceptional talent and craftsmanship, the judges awarded “Best in Show,” three Awards of Excellence, five Awards of Merit, 10 Judges’ Recognition Awards, and eight Collaborative Exhibit awards.

Of the honor bestowed on him, Best in Show fiber artist Janvier Ngamije of Lewisville, Texas, said, “It feels good, and it reminds me of my grandmother. She always taught me everything I put work into pays off. I feel like today I see what she’s been saying and it’s very nice.”

The Best in Show adult winner of the Collaborative Art Exhibit was awarded to Sharon Dooley of Niceville, Florida, for her grouping of fiber pieces including an intricately embroidered vintage fabric dress entitled, “BO-HO Rhapsody in Plaid with Wildflowers.”

The Best in Show South Walton High School student winner was given to Clementine Palmer for her piece entitled “Sir Richard.” The Collaborative Art Exhibit features adults and students competing for the Special McIlroy Awards in honor of the late Patricia McIlroy, Destin’s First Lady, and an MKAF advocate and patron.

Clermont, Florida, glass artist David Sandidge won the “People’s Choice” Award. He has been creating glass art for 45 years, starting his career as an apprentice at age 15. “It’s my first time doing this show. It’s a beautiful venue and I’m so honored to have won People’s Choice. My gratitude to the community,” he said.

Santa Rosa Beach artist Kelly Pierre won the 2024 Poster Art Contest with Transcendent, a soothing 24” x 30” acrylic that features an elegant octopus carefully eyeing the viewer as it floats across the canvas awash in calming sea hues.

Honored artists in the 29th Annual Festival of the Arts are as follows:

Best in Show Winner – $2,000
Janvier Ngamije, Fiber (Lewisville, Texas)
People’s Choice Award – $1,000
David Sandidge, Glass (Clermont, Fla.)
Poster Art Contest Winner – $750
Kelly Pierre, Acrylic (Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.)
Award of Excellence Winners – $850
Brian Greer, Jewelry (Falkville, Ala.)
Kipley Meyer, Mixed Media (Clarkston, Ga.) Maya Blume-Cantrell, Clay (Orange Beach, Ala.)
Award of Merit Winners – $450
Curtis Whitwam, Watercolor (Tampa, Fla.)
Paul Henry Devoti, Mixed Media, (Wake Forest, N.C.)
Thomas Wrenn, Photography (Sanford, Fla.)
Tony Cray, Glass (New Melle, Mo.)
Quincie Hamby, Jewelry (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Judge’s Recognition Award Winners – $250
Anne Schroeder, Acrylic (Alva, Fla.)
Ann McCann, Fiber (Nashville, Ind.)
Robin Holt, Jewelry (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Kelly Nicole Hatfield, Mixed Media (Prattville, Fla.)
Tom Radca, Ceramics (Point Washington, Oh.)
Mishell Theriot, Jewelry, (St. Bernard, La.)
Kelly Rysavy, Oil (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Toné Lowe, Acrylic (River Ridge, La.)
Richard Franklin, Acrylic (Pensacola, Fla.)
Katie Adams, Mixed Media (Birmingham, Ala.)
Collaborative Exhibit Winners ($1,050)
Best in Show – Adult, Sharon Dooley, Fiber Grouping
Adult First Place, Susan Julio, “Jelly Fish”
Adult Second Place, John Pope, “Piano Man”
Adult Third Place, Ora Wolfgram, “Florida A Familiar Fantasy” Grouping
Best in Show – Student, Clementine Plummer, South Walton High School, “Sir Richard”
Student First Place, Katelyn Lindsey, South Walton High School, “Fireside”
Student Second Place, Agatha Hatzidakis, Crestview High School, “Freedom”
Student Third Place, Leah McCornin, South Walton High School, “The Street”

“This year’s festival has been a banner year with perfect weather, stunning artwork from both new and returning artists, and a chance for everyone to leave their cares behind and immerse themselves in the beauty of art. We were honored to present such a diverse array of talent, and the artists were thrilled by the incredible support from our community,” said MKAF Director of Operations and Festival Producer Deb Nissley. Proceeds fund the MKAF’s community outreach mission to provide cultural outreach programs serving K-12 students, individuals with special needs, and active-duty military and veterans in our community.

MKAF will begin accepting artist and poster entry applications for the 30th Annual Festival of the Arts in February 2025. The 30th Annual MKAF Annual Festival of the Arts is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26.

To make a tax-deductible donation or provide a corporate sponsorship; or for more information about becoming a MKAF member, visit www.MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.

ABOUT MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), a non-profit arts organization with a mission to champion arts and culture for all. Since its inception in 1995, MKAF has inspired more than 400,000 children in more than 100 schools and partner agencies. Through its community education initiative ArtsReach, programming serves K-12 students, at-risk youth, people with disabilities, and the military population with visible and invisible injuries. As a presenting organization, MKAF’s Concerts series showcases the Southeast United States’ most vibrant performing artists and bands to more than 15,000 patrons each spring. More than 100 artists convene in Destin each fall for the Festival of the Arts — one the preeminent arts festivals along the Gulf coast. MKAF has long partnered with multiple regional non-profits and school districts in the communities that it serves to ensure access to the arts for all.

MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION AWARDS $12,100 TO 29 ARTISTS IN 29TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS