Kelly Pierre named 2019 Festival of the Arts poster contest winner

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.

DESTIN, FLA — Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) has named popular Destin artist, Kelly Pierre, the 2019 Festival of the Arts poster contest winner.

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.

“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.,” said Pierre.

Born and raised in Southern Louisiana, 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.

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.

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.

“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,” said Deb Nissley, MKAF Festival Producer.

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.

General admission of $5 per person helps to fund the Foundation’s annual cultural outreach activities and programs.   Children 12 and under are admitted free. All MKAF members receive admission as a complimentary benefit of their annual investment to bring art enrichment to the community for all people of all abilities.

To make a tax-deductible donation or provide corporate sponsorships or learn more about the Festival of the Arts, visit mattiekellyartsfoundation.org or call (850) 650-2226. The deadline for sponsorship opportunities is September 20, 2019.