Melanie Moore Reflects on ArtsReach, Access, and a Creative Future
By Zandra Wolfgram
When Melanie Moore first joined the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) in 2015, she had a handful of outreach programs, a few local school connections, and a big vision. A decade later, Moore, now the foundation’s director of education and community engagement, has cultivated that vision into a dynamic, community-changing initiative known as ArtsReach—a lifeline of creativity that now delivers more than 150 programs annually across Northwest Florida.
“This work is a calling,” said Moore. “These are the populations that don’t get to experience art in the same way others do. To bring magical moments to kids and adults of all abilities—it just the right thing to do. It’s the kind of impact that’s not always seen by the public, but it’s deeply felt by those who need it most.”
Over the past 10 years, Moore has redefined what outreach means at MKAF—reaching K–12 students, individuals with special needs, and active-duty and veteran military with visible and invisible injuries. Under her direction, ArtsReach has expanded to more than 100 schools and partner agencies, serving more than 420,000 individuals through its mission to provide access, inclusion, and joy through the arts.
2024–2025: A Year of Memorable Moments
This past season offered a powerful reflection of what Moore has worked so hard to build.
In May, MKAF hosted Kevin Spencer, a renowned illusionist and inclusive teaching artist, who brought his acclaimed Hocus Focus and Healing of Magic programs to five partner sites in one week. Students at Richbourg School, South Walton Academy, Emerald Coast Autism Center, Advanced Sacred Hope Academy, and Westonwood Ranch experienced hands-on workshops that blended magic, therapy, and fun.
“Kevin’s approach is so powerful,” said Moore. “He’s able to create immediate connection, and you see students who are typically nonverbal or disengaged engage and participate. That’s why we do this work.”
When Moore reflects on a decade of art outreach, highlights include the first-ever MKAF residency with Zot Artz, an inclusive art experience designed for individuals with disabilities. Participants used adaptive art-making tools to create vibrant, large-scale murals. “To see kids light up and make their mark using tools built just for them—that was a moment I’ll never forget,” Moore shares.
During a Hands On with Zig workshop at Silver Sands School, a student stunned everyone by playing a sophisticated rhythm on a cencerro or “cowbell”—perfectly on beat. “It was one of those unexpected, beautiful moments that showed just how powerful and universal music really is,” she says.
Warrior Arts & Festival Recognition
Among the most deeply personal programs Moore has built is Warrior Arts, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. Designed to serve veterans and active-duty military members recovering from physical and emotional trauma, Warrior Arts uses artmaking, journaling, and mindfulness to create safe, healing spaces.
This year’s Festival of the Arts featured a moving Warrior Arts exhibition, highlighting the creativity of veteran artists. “To see their work on display—framed, professional, respected—it validated our participants as real artists,” Moore said. “The Zentangle demonstrations allowed the public to see what it’s all about.”
Moore, a certified Zentangle instructor, often leads Warrior Arts sessions herself, introducing veterans to the meditative benefits of focused drawing. “I like to tell my students, ‘When you tangle up, you power down,’” she said. “The act of making art becomes a form of mindfulness. It’s a tool for healing.”
Looking Ahead: MKAF’s 30th Season
As MKAF prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary season in 2025–2026, Moore remains grounded in the belief that access to the arts is a right, not a luxury.
“We’re reaching more communities and growing programs like Warrior Arts onto the national stage,” she said. “But I always want us to stay true to our mission—providing meaningful arts experiences right here in Northwest Florida.”
She credits MKAF’s leadership and supporters for turning vision into action. “When I first met with Demetrius Fuller, he asked me to create a wish list of all the programs I wanted to bring to our community,” she recalled. “I expected a multi-year plan—but he said, ‘Start booking it.’ That’s the difference at MKAF. We’re not just dreaming. We’re doing.”
How You Can Help
MKAF’s life-changing ArtsReach programs are made possible through generous donors, sponsors, and members who believe in the power of the arts. Every membership and donation helps fund creative programming that reaches thousands of individuals each year.
“When you support MKAF, you’re giving someone a chance to feel seen, heard, and empowered through art,” Moore said.
To become a member or make a donation, visit MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.
