By Zandra Wolfgram
It’s summertime! Which means the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is in full swing.
One of Demetrius Fuller’s top priorities as CEO was to “up the fun factor and energy” of the offerings in MKAF’s 26th season.
If the smiles on the dancing crowd in the Cultural Arts Village on Thursdays is any indication. It appears to be working.
“The energy of the Concerts in the Village has been incredible,” says Fuller. “I’m hearing from concert-goers that it is a combination of the musical artists and that people just want to be out and about. Either way, we are seeing record-breaking crowds.”
The popular VIP table seating has sold out for the season and the ability to pre-order gourmet charcuterie boards crafted by Ann Marie at The Board Chef-Artisan Charcuterie have proven to be a big hit. (Be sure to order your board the day before concert by emailing annmarie@theboardchef.com or 512.650.6679.)
The summer concert series held each Thursday evening beginning at 6 p.m. runs through June 24.
“We already have a wonderful Concerts in the Village series line up to present in the fall. In September and October will present five fantastic musical acts,” Fuller says. “We also are working on revamping the Festival of the Arts (October 30-31). For now, we’ll just say it will include Arts plural.”
Another hip happening is the Artful Dining series, which kicked off with a culinary arts dinner at Vintij Food & Wine on May 25. This series of special food and wine dinners and walkabouts celebrates the local culinary arts and benefits MKAF, making it a delicious win-win. Mark your calendar for September 14 so you don’t miss the next event in this delicious series.
Arts education at the heart of MKAF’s mission. Leading the way is education director Melanie Moore. At Fuller’s urging, Moore has curated more than doubled the previous years’ community outreach programs. In Moore’s capable hands ArtsReach provides hands-on art, theater, music and even magic-based creative workshops designed especially for children, adults and populations with special needs. As part of her summer outreach, Moore, who is a certified Zentangle instructor, is offering virtual Zentangle workshops in partnership with the EOD Warrior Foundation based in Crestview.
First on Fuller’s list is growing MKAF’s reach. In addition to expanding ArtReach to more partners and more diverse audiences, the MKAF team also is building new audiences through a revamped membership program.
“We are excited to see new faces. Our new Membership program that offers many extra levels has been a rejuvenation. Taking part as an individual member helps to support the arts education and outreach that MKAF is known for. Membership is affordable and the benefits are fun. Where else can you spend $150 and get access to 15 concerts, Festival of the Arts passes and more? You just can’t.”
For the latest details on MKAF to be the first hear about events, art programs and offerings, visit the website and join the MKAF mailing list.
