Destin Magazine Autumn 2007

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In 1935, Mattie and Coleman Kelly moved to Destin to develop a turpentine farm, bringing the first significant payroll to the community. As one of Destin’s pioneer families, the Kellys launched the Martha-Gene, the beginning of the now-famous charter boat fishing fleet. Executive Director, Marcia Hull, stated “We are on the verge of realizing Mattie’s dream of a cultural arts facility in Destin as a community amenity for all residents and visitors of Northwest Florida. The Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village will impact the region’s quality of life and validate the continued support of the arts.”

THE MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION IS AN INDEPENDENTLY OPERATED non-profit organization comprised of leading citizens along the Emerald Coast to provide resources for the promotion of the arts in Okaloosa and Walton Counties through cultural events and educational opportunities.

The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation is fully engaged in taking the arts in Destin and Northwest Florida to the next level through its plans to develop a world-class arts and education facility. The site of the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village will provide residents and visitors to Destin with a permanent centralized location to participate in a variety of arts education and cultural opportunities for exhibits and performances by local, regional and national artists.

The Foundation’s new administrative and visitor center, 4323 Commons Drive West in Destin, includes a temporary event lawn for cultural events until the first phase of the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village is constructed.

THE DREAM OF A DESTIN PIONEER

Mattie Kelly’s contributions to Destin are immeasurable. Her overwhelming drive to improve the quality of life for all citizens knew no political, social or religious boundaries. Throughout her life, she pursued dreams that brought not only progress to Destin, but educational, spiritual and cultural opportunities that Destin still enjoys today.