Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) announces talented artist, Estelle Grengs, this year’s Festival of the Arts poster contest winner. Born and raised in New Hampshire, Estelle is a self-taught artist that molds a unique and whimsical folk-art style that embraces her experiences growing up in New England as well as her adventures as an Air Force spouse. Estelle uses mostly acrylics, but enjoys the versatility that mixed media art offers her pieces. Through vivid, bold colors, Estelle continues to create lively and happy artwork for her each and every customer. You can find Estelle’s work on her website estellegrengsart.com, at her new gallery located in Freeport, FL, and at many galleries along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
“Winning this prestigious award back in 2018 blossomed my art career. To win the Mattie Kelly poster contest again in 2021 is a complete honor. I am forever grateful to the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation for continuing to support my dreams as an artist,” says Estelle.
As the annual poster art contest winner, Estelle’s award-winning art receives a cash prize of $500. The winning poster becomes the signature artwork to promote the 26th 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 Estelle’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 and a festival t-shirt.
“We’re excited to have Estelle’s vibrant, colorful artwork this year for our posters and t-shirts. This represents Estelle’s fourth win in the poster competition. All festival goers can find her original artwork in booth #1,” says 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 26th annual event is set for Oct. 30 – 31 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin. This event is FREE to attendees.
During the Festival, artists from across the U.S. 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, arts, and craft activities for children, souvenir posters, t-shirts and more.
For more information on MKAF events, community outreach programs, volunteering, or investing in the arts, visit online at MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226 to get involved.
