MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES CALL FOR FOR THE 30TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS COLLABORATIVE ART EXHIBIT

DESTIN, FLA. — Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is now accepting applications for the Adult Collaborative Art Exhibit component of the 30th annual Festival of the Arts (Friday, Oct. 24 (Arty Kick Off Party) and October 25-26 (Festival weekend)) at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Florida.

One of the unique features of MKAF’s Festival of the Arts is the Collaborative Art Exhibit, which showcases the work of seasoned and emerging adult artists and local student artists competing for the $1,050 McIlroy Awards given in honor of the late Patricia McIlroy, Destin’s first First Lady and an MKAF advocate and patron.

Artwork should be of an artistic caliber associated with a juried fine art show. Artists in the Adult Collaborative Exhibit can display and/or sell up to three pieces of artwork.

The competition is open to the first 25 eligible applicants. The entry fee is $35 per person for up to three pieces of art no larger than 24” x 36.” Application deadline is Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. Download the application at mkaf.org/arts-festival/ or contact Deb Nissley at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation by email at deb@mkaf.org or call (850) 650-2226.

To make a tax-deductible donation or provide a corporate sponsorship; or for more information about the Festival of the Arts, 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 420,000 children in more than 100 schools and partner agencies. Through its community education initiative ArtsReach, dynamic programming serves K-12 students, people with special needs, and the military community along the Emerald Coast. As a presenting organization, MKAF’s Concerts in the Village 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 Collaborative Art Exhibit Artist Call