Kelly Gardner & Marcia Hull

Kim Sulipeck, Kim Cook, Susan Leger & Vivian Zack

Kiara Watson & Jessica Buchanan

Debbie Howard & Cheri Dunn

Kelli Ann Nivens & Suzanna Mixon

Justin & Kathleen Broaderick

T

he weekend of October 27 and 28 was the “Weekend of Arts,” at Mattie Kelly 
Arts Foundation’s 23rd annual Festival of The Arts Event, which has evolved 
from a small local art show to the big event it is now, as one of Northwest 
Florida’s premier cultural art festivals. The event showcased over 100 artists 

from across the United States and Europe who competed for $10,000 in cash prizes. It was 
an amazing celebration of art, music, food, and fun. 

This year’s collaborative Best in Show awarded $250 to Ora Wolfgram for her beautiful picture-

like painting. Estelle Grenges stole the show as the Poster and People’s Choice Awards winner 
with $500 and $800 prizes respectively. The Award of Merit went to 5 artists including Melanie 
Moore, Thomas Radc, Melanie Blackerby, Kathleen Broadrick, and Kelly Pierre. Three other 
individuals, including Joey Blazek, Gary Worthington and John H.C. Davis were presented 
Awards of Excellence along with a cash prize of $800. The overall Best in Show went to Kelly 
Nicole Gardner with a cash prize of $1600. This year’s judges were Paula Work, instructor of Art 
at Pensacola State College and Amanda Holcomb, Art Educator at Wiregrass Museum of Art.

photos & story by

 

Zhalman Harris

Art Roy & Katia Bernarde

   VIP Destin at Mattie Kelly Art Foundation

18   |    VIPDestinMagazine.com

18 Event Mattie Kelly Festival of the Arts.indd   1

11/27/18   10:36 AM