Blogs

By Zandra Wolfgram  As the days grow longer and the Emerald Coast comes alive with springtime energy, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation invites you to experience one of Northwest Florida’s most anticipated events: Concerts in the Village. Recently named one of the “Top 10 Things to Do” by The Florida Travel Guide, this beloved 10-concert series […]

By Zandra Wolfgram Artist Kelly Pierre hails from South Louisiana’s vibrant culture, where his Cajun French-speaking family owned shrimp boats. Summers spent learning the shrimping business along the Gulf Coast deeply connected him to the seafood industry. “I got to touch and hold all kinds of marine life. They are beautiful and amazing, and I […]

By Bridget Gorder By popular demand, Adam Ezra Group returns to cap the Concerts in the Village series on Thursday, June 6. Combining elements from pop, rock, soul, and folk, the band is bold and unique, dazzling audiences with a wide variety of musical tastes. From patron living room shows to sold-out headline concerts, this […]

By Bridget GorderThe Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Concerts in the Village series is in full swing, and this week’sshow is one you won’t want to miss. Gotta Groove Band is traveling all the way from Land OLakes, Florida, to showcase their musicianship with you on Thursday, May 16.Here are five reasons why you should groove […]

Featured Guest Artist at the Festival of the Arts Arty Kick Off Party,Friday, Oct. 27 at Henderson Beach Resort In her words …Although I didn’t start painting until mid-life, I was always blessed with acreative side.  After following my military husband around the world andraising two beautiful children, I jumped both feet into my art […]

By Zandra Wolfgram Zentangle is a form of meditative drawing that involves creating intricate patterns using simple strokes. The practice was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, who discovered that drawing repetitive patterns had a calming effect on the mind. Zentangle has since gained popularity around the world as a way to reduce stress […]

By Zandra Wolfgram  Hey there, music lovers, it’s your “lucky” day! The New York-based brass band Lucky Chops has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique fusion of brass, funk, jazz, and rock for over a decade. On Thursday, May 11, they are coming to Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Cultural Arts Village in Destin! But before […]

MKAF ArtsReach Brings Wendy Rodrigue Magnus’ Life & Legacy Tour to Fort Walton Beach High School By Zandra Wolfgram  “I came 1,600 miles across eight states to see you,” Wendy Rodrigue Magnus said to more than 100 art students at Fort Walton Beach High School.  Standing before a half dozen works of art resting on […]

By Zandra Wolfgram  Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) celebrates 10 years of good wine, good food and good community outreach with the 10th Annual Wine Walkabout. This year’s event is Thursday, Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. To toast the occasion, we bring you 10 fun facts. Cheers!  Global grapes Grapes […]

Fall is here. That means it’s time for Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s annual Festival of the Arts. This year’s celebration of art, music, food and family fun is set for the weekend of October 29-30 at the scenic MKAF Cultural Arts Village in Destin.   The Festival is free and open to the public and […]