DESTIN, FLORIDA - (July 8, 2019) Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) names popular Destin artist, Kelly Pierre, the 2019 Festival of the Arts poster contest winner. Born and raised in Southern Louisiana, Kelly Pierre’s passion for arts sparked at a young age. As a child, Pierre spent a lot of his time sketching marine life from the deck of his family’s shrimping boat. He uses multiple mediums, oils, acrylics, clay, wood, and metal because Pierre believes that working with just one media is restrictive to his artistic process and prefers to allow each idea to manifest on its own. Pierre’s studio is located on the Harborwalk Village in Destin where he finds inspiration in the wildlife and beauty of the local Gulf.
"People come here from everywhere, they come here for the water and it is what attracts everybody. The beautiful sand and the water. I think the vibe here is awesome and they want to take that home with them. " - Kelly Pierre, 2019 Poster Content Winner, MKAF Festival of the Arts
As the annual poster art contest winner, Pierre receives a cash prize of $500. The winning poster becomes the signature artwork to promote the 24th annual festival poster, postcards, the festival guide, t-shirts, and souvenirs, on the MKAF website, social media pages and more. Festival attendees are invited to view Pierre's winning art at this year’s Festival of the Arts, where the artwork will be available for purchase. In addition, the art is featured on this year’s official poster, festival t-shirt, and bundled note cards.
"Our Festival team takes pride in providing a unique cultural experience for art enthusiasts of all ages. Every year, we welcome back some of our previous year's award-winning artists and introduce new and seasoned artists to the eclectic mix of a premier fine arts show. " - Deb Nissley, MKAF Festival Producer
Known as one of Northwest Florida’s premier fine arts shows, the MKAF Festival of the Arts is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. The 24th annual event is set for October 26-27, 2019 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin.
During the Festival, more than 100 premier artists from across the United States and Europe will offer up their original artwork in the form of oil, watercolor, acrylic, and glass paintings; photography, sculpture, pottery, wood, paper, fiber, mosaics, mixed media, jewelry designs and more in order to compete for $10,000 in cash prizes in 27 award categories, including the coveted “Best in Show” and “People’s Choice Award” which is selected by festival fans. The Festival also features a Collaborative Art Exhibit, which showcases select artwork of more than 60 community adult and student artists.
A celebration of art, music, food and family fun, special features of the Festival include a live music lineup, hands-on arts, and craft activities for children, souvenir posters and t-shirts, art raffle and more. A diverse menu is served up by local restaurants and food trucks as well as a wine and beer garden including soft drinks and water. Convenient on-site parking and free shuttle service are also available.
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation is a non-profit member and volunteer organization that has inspired over 320,000 children in over 70 schools, and United Way agencies including children with special needs and wounded warriors. For more information on MKAF events, community outreach program, volunteering or investing in the arts, visit online at www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org or call
(850) 650-2226 to get involved.
Please contact Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's advertising firm, Frances Roy Agency, if further information is needed.
Name: Shantelle P. Dedicke, Frances Roy Agency
Phone: (307) 631-7644 (mobile, please do not publish)
Email: shantelle@francesroy.com
Image Gallery: 2019 FOA Poster Art Winner
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