Blue Dog + Bourbon @ Bijoux with Special Guest Wendy Rodrigue

By Zandra Wolfgram 

It’s the kids who bridge the art.  To be studied by a child is the best way to connect with the future and is more important than hanging on the walls with great masters.  This experience gave both me and Wendy a completely different view and impact, and maybe even a new beginning. –George Rodrigue, 2013

George and Wendy Rodrigue were married from 1997 until his death in 2013. For nearly 30 years, Wendy’s life’s work has been to share Rodrigue’s Life and Art in as broad and quality a manner as possible. Together, the couple partnered on the development of all aspects of Rodrigue’s career and life, including his galleries, museum exhibitions, a dozen books published both nationally and internationally on his art, and extensive outreach. 

Wendy Rodrigue Inspires Children

Raised in Fort Walton Beach, Wendy Wolfe Rodrigue is the daughter of an artist and grew up surrounded by the magical world of the arts. Never a painter herself, Wendy immersed herself in the study of Art History, and graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She began graduate studies in Art History at Tulane University in 1989, and spent a year studying Austrian Art and Architecture at the American University in Vienna, Austria.

“Before I loved George, I loved his art. And before George’s art, I loved Picasso…and Klimt and Pollock and Rodin….” she says.

Established in 2017, The Life & Legacy Foundation with Wendy Rodrigue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that inspires children of all ages and diverse backgrounds with a unique programming centered on the life and art of American artist George Rodrigue.

Using original paintings and personal narrative, Wendy expands her late husband’s vision by showing how one person can overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams, while also making a positive difference in the world. Projects include education initiatives, museum exhibitions, an ongoing public lecture series, and written and online publications.

Now in its sixth year, this hands-on programming includes personal visits to more than 100 schools, reaching more than 45,000 students in eight states. 

An award-winning public speaker, Wendy was honored in 2019 as a New Orleans Business Woman of the Year and a New Orleans Person to Watch for her tireless commitment to her Life & Legacy Foundation. In November 2021, Wendy visited George Rodrigue’s alma mater, Catholic High in New Iberia, Louisiana, her 100th school.

Partners Driven by Passion

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) began partnering with the Rodrigues in 2011. With shared missions for art advocacy and community outreach — this partnership is based on shared passions. This year, Wendy returns to as a special guest taking her Art Tour to seven local Florida schools February 14-18 and … as special guest for a first-ever benefit event — Blue Dog + Bourbon @ Bijoux.

Save the Date for Blue Dog + Bourbon @ Bijoux 

This special event will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17 at Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits in Destin. Art lovers can meet Wendy and see George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog paintings in an exclusive petite exhibition of rarely seen original artworks from the artist’s private collection. 

This exciting evening includes a palette of bourbon tastings and the culinary masterpieces of Chef Jack McGuckin of Bijoux. 

“MKAF ArtsReach is thrilled to continue our exciting art education journey with the Life & Legacy Art Tour,” says MKAF education director Melanie Moore. “Wendy has a remarkable gift for bringing the story of George Rodrigue to life. Students are mesmerized by her and connect with his original artworks in a tangible way. “

Tickets are $175 for MKAF members and $195 for Not Yet members. Proceeds benefit MKAF and its community engagement and ArtsReach initiatives throughout Northwest Florida.

Purchase tickets online here. 

A Look Back at 2021

Demetrius Fuller Leads MKAF to Record Successes, Fun 

By Zandra Wolfgram 

When Demetrius Fuller was named CEO of Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) in December 2020, top on his priority list was to expand MKAF’s community outreach efforts—the drumbeat of MKAF’s mission, increase membership, and “up the fun factor.” 

Looking back on this CEO’s first full year at the helm shows he’s succeeded on all counts … and then some. MKAF’s coffers are up 60 percent over 2020, which was a strong year; ArtsReach programming was more than doubled; MKAF membership saw a boost and Festival of the Arts enjoyed record attendance. 

Here are just a few highlights from MKAF’s 26th year. 

At Fuller’s urging, education director Melanie Moore has curated an unprecedented number of community outreach programs (more than 108!) Coined ArtsReach, it provides hands-on art, theater and music education programs designed especially for K-12 students, children, and adults with special needs, as well as veteran and active-duty military service members. 

January through April, Moore provided dozens of Zentangle classes and workshops through MKAF’s Warrior Arts program, which Moore created in 2016. The program partners with veteran service organizations and military partners to offer creative opportunities that promote mindfulness and resilience for our nation’s heroes with visible and invisible injuries. A specially curated range of customized programs include the Zentangle drawing method, painting classes, improv comedy workshops and more. 

What started out as five programs in 2016 was around 60 at the end of this year. No one has been more pleasantly surprised than Moore with the response. 

“I’m overcome with how well received this is,” she says. “To see it grow so much and to see it meet that demand in creative ways is very satisfying.”

In April, Moore invited Kevin Spencer to host the MKAF Arts Guild Lunch in April at the elegant new Hotel Effie. During his special guest appearance entitled “Hocus Focus: Spotlight on Arts Education,” Spencer shared his deeply personal story, explaining why he’s so passionate about using magic to help populations with disabilities, helping the audience bridge the connections between healthcare and education … and performing a little magic!

The Arts Guild Lunch gave the community a rare glimpse into MKAF’s ArtsReach efforts that are normally not open to the public. Proceeds benefitted MKAF and its ArtsReach programs. 

Then in May, Moore invited Wendy Rodrigue, husband to the late “blue dog” artist George Rodrique, to return to ArtsReach’s roster to bring her “Life & Legacy Tour” to nearly 500 students in four different school assemblies of elementary students at Dune Lakes Elementary school in Walton County. During the three-day artist residency, Wendy guided the students in exploring the evolution of George Rodrigue’s work and the processes behind it. In June, Moore presented a new offering: painting classes at county veteran centers in Bay & Okaloosa County featuring local artist Estelle Grengs.

As is tradition, May and June, MKAF presented its popular summer Concerts in the Village series featuring 10 live music acts from around the country. This year was launched in fine royal fashion with The Music of Queen, the tribute band was accompanied by the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra.  

Said MKAF Concerts in the Village committee chair Todd Wilkinson, “You had the music of Queen with the symphony behind it, which just added to the musicality. This was a magical way to both celebrate the 50th anniversary of Queen and kick off our season.” 

The MKAF CIV concerts date back to 1995 and stand as the first and longest running concert series in Destin, perhaps Northwest Florida. The Fall series featured five additional concerts. 

ArtsReach continued full “steam” ahead in September thanks to generous support from the St. Joe Community Foundation. MKAF engaged the Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth (ACT) to stage a two-week residency STEAM-themed outreach program in Walton County elementary and middle schools. ACT staged The Time Machine, a new musical based on the famed H.G. Wells’ science fiction novel. STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, investigates concepts through inquiry and problem-based learning methods used in the creative process.

Fall is also when the MKAF Festival of the Arts is ushered in. The 26th annual installation was a sensational success. It welcomed more than 110 artists, six live musicians — with a cameo by the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra! —seven food and beverage trucks and stations and record attendance topping 6,200! 

This year, Curtis Whitwam of Tampa won Best in Show, while Festival Poster Artists winner Estelle Grengs of Freeport was honored with the People’s Choice Award. 

Visual art and music weren’t the only artforms celebrated in 2021. The Artful Dining Series kicked off in January with a special send-off wine dinner at Vintij Food & Wine in Grand Boulevard to mark the retirement of former MKAF CEO Marcia Hull. Todd Newman with Dakota Shy Wines from St. Helena, California, was the guest vintner for that dinner. Two more dinners were held at Vintij in May and September. The intimate culinary series culminated with the Wine Walkabout at Ruth’s Chris in November, which showcased four California wineries, live music, a wall of wine pull, silent auction. New this year was the addition of a seated vintner dinner, which both elevated the experience and fundraising efforts. 

This unparalleled year, closed out with another ArtsReach first. “Hands On with Zig” was a percussion world music residency held in December in partnership with Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, Sinfonietta and Okaloosa and Walton County schools. 

Under Moore’s direction, ArtsReach, has served upwards of 50,000 in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. Altogether, since it was established in 1995, MKAF estimates its outreach has impacted more than 337,800 in our community.

A stellar 2022 MKAF season will be announced soon. In the meantime, you can help by renewing your MKAF Membership now for 2022. Not only will you be supporting MKAF and its ArtsReach programs, but you will be rewarded with amazing benefits. MKAK members enjoy one full season passes to the Concerts in the Village series, discounts on Festival of the Arts merchandise, and special rates on MKAF events throughout the year. There are various membership levels. Find the one just right for you. 

Already a member? 

Wonderful. 

Consider a donation to MKAF to continue to help sustain its impactful community outreach art programs. 

With all he’s doing to realize Mattie Kelly’s dream, a clear theme has emerged for Fuller. “We wanted to up our fun factor in 2021 and we thank everyone who helped us do that. We can’t wait to do even more in the New Year.”  

To view the calendar of events and to learn more about MKAF and how you can join the fun, visit MKAF.org. 

Two More Reasons to Join MKAF: Petty Hearts and Patriotic Bands

By Zandra Wolfgram

No matter your taste in music, Todd Wilkinson, chairman of the concert committee for
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), says there are plenty of reasons for everyone to
come out to the MKAF Concerts in the Village.

“It’s a great venue, a great space and a great audience, and always great music,” Wilkinson says. “It’s a perfect way to spend an evening in Destin and it’s just fun.”

Two awesome opportunities remain to show your support for MKAF as the Concerts in the Village close out the summer series.

On Thursday, June 17 Petty Hearts: Tom Petty Tribute Band takes the stage.

“This crowd pleaser is back!” Wilkinson says. “They are a super nice band and put on an
amazing show.”

Tom Petty (1950-2017) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer,
and actor. He was the lead vocalist and guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers,
formed in 1976. His hit singles with the Heartbreakers include “Don’t Do Me Like That”,
“Refugee,” “The Waiting,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More” and “Learning to Fly.”

Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Petty enjoyed hit singles as a solo act, too some of them include “I Won’t Back Down,” “Free Fallin'” and “You Don’t Know How It Feels.” In his career, Petty sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

The summer series culminates with the Air National Guard Band of the South on June 24.

“This is like two concerts in one!” Wilkinson says. “They are wonderful and are not
charging Mattie Kelly, so we are not either. This concert is a great way to lead into
Independence Day and totally free of charge!”

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Air National Guard Band of the South is the
official musical ambassador for the Tennessee Air National Guard.

The Band of the South’s Concert Band is the oldest and largest of the Band of the South’s seven performing components. This elite 35-member instrumental ensemble, formed in 1973, has thrilled audiences all over America’s southeastern states as well as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Maine and Alaska. The Concert Band presents a powerful and diverse program of marches, overtures, popular music and patriotic selections, as well as
highlighting instrumental and vocal soloists. 

The Blue Groove Jazz Ensemble generates a unique excitement through the performance of America’s only original art form: Jazz.  The ensemble mixes the sounds of yesteryear with the contemporary music of today.  From Glenn Miller big band arrangements to more
recent tunes by artists like Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars, there is sure to be
something for everyone.  

Pre-order a beautifully crafted gourmet charcuterie board by Ann Marie at The Board Chef-Artisan Charcuterie. (Be sure to place your order by noon the Tuesday before the concert
by emailing annmarie@theboardchef.com or 512.650.6679.) Tote along a picnic supper or enjoy dinner from a tasty food truck or local restaurant. The gate opens at 6 p.m. and the
concerts start at 7 p.m.

Before the concert and during intermission, don’t forget to enter the weekly raffle drawing.
Proceeds from the Concerts in the Village support MKAF’s mission and ArtsReach
programs. There are many benefits to becoming an MKAF member, including free
admission to all MKAF Concerts in the Village. Now, that is music to your ears, yes?

There are several benefit levels and options, so go to the website to find the one that is best fits you and your family.

For more information on the many MKAF Membership levels and all the concert details, visit MKAF.org.