Stacey Brady at Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation 20th Anniversary

I went to the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's 20th Anniversary celebration and heard this speech from Stacey Brady, a current board member for the Foundation. It is inspiring and I love her discription of how art effects her. I ask if she would share it with me so I could share with you...

What a wonderful day to gather in fellowship and the spirit of community to celebrate this important milestone. It is my honor to serve as the chair of the 20th anniversary committee….and it is a privilege to speak with you today. I would like to share with you why I am here today.

I am what you would call a “theatre person.” Other theatre people know exactly what that means but I’d like to try to explain what that means to me.

I have a long love of every kind of cultural art – performance, music, concerts, art shows, festivals, dance, certainly culinary arts! I love the sense of energy and togetherness that are created when a great performance is presented. Whether a play or a piece of music – when an entire audience comes together and is on the same journey, being lead by what is being performed on the stage. I love to be romanced by a beautiful song and I love to laugh so hard that my sides hurt when I watch a hilarious show. I love the way art of all kinds opens our minds and makes us curious. I love it when art makes me wonder and ask, “what if?”

I love when I look at a piece of art and it transforms in front of me and takes me somewhere I didn’t know before. I love the sense of peace that I feel when I amble through an art festival and connect with a special piece.

I believe that art can transcend the human condition and actually brings people together and, even for a brief moment, gives a respite from our daily issues and problems of the world. Art inspires me to want to do better and to be better.

I’ve lived in Destin for almost 20 years and don’t remember a time where I couldn’t count on a program or concert or festival being presented by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. This wonderful organization helps to bring meaning to our community and it definitely improves the quality of life for us citizens. It sure has for me and for that I am grateful. So, that is why I am here today.

I’d like to thank the 20th anniversary committee, who has done such a stellar job of working on this recognition year. Your dedication is greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank our sponsors who helped make today’s program possible. Thank you to Home Depot, Big thanks to Smallcakes of Destin. Thank you to Shofar Stage Productions and many thanks to the City of Destin for making today’s proclamation.

At this time, I would like to introduce the Mayor of the City of Destin, Mayor Mel Ponder.