About the Galleries
The Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries house a multi-million-dollar collection, comprising over 7,000 items that range from contemporary to classical art, including a set of 135 Salvador Dalí watercolor woodblock prints, as well as historical artifacts dating back to antiquity, such as Turkish amphorae from circa. 600 B.C., the most extensive Holzhauer Collection in the world, for which we are the international copyright holders of Holzhauer image use, and the Congressman Robert L.F. Sikes Collection. We curate the Doolittle Raiders World War II Permanent Exhibit in Raider Sports Arena and the Congressman Robert L. F. Sikes Museum in Crestview. MKAC Galleries curates and implements seasonal fine arts programming utilizing 2700 square feet of gorgeous exhibition space on the Niceville Campus. We offer workshops, guest artist presentations, faculty development opportunities, tours, internships, and an educational volunteer program.
Mission
The galleries conduct programs to enhance Northwest Florida State College’s educational mission. Serving as a teaching adjunct to NWFSC, they present exhibitions featuring national and international artists from diverse styles and media. The MKAC galleries are a valuable cultural asset for the entire campus and community.
McIlroy Gallery
The beautiful Mcllroy Gallery provides visitors with an immersive experience. With its diffused natural light and 18-foot ceiling, it’s the perfect place in which you can lose yourself among incredible works of visual art from around world. This gallery was a gift from the McIlroy family through the Northwest Florida State College Foundation.
Holzhauer Gallery
The pristine Holzhauer Gallery is named after renowned artist Emil Holzhauer, who donated a multi-million-dollar permanent collection of his works to Northwest Florida State College. This intimate room for exhibiting guest artists’ work allows visitors an opportunity they may not get anywhere else to experience what it feels like being behind closed doors with world famous works of art!
Volunteer
Would you like to learn about the art world? Help MKAC in its mission to inform and educate! The galleries have a 4500 piece collection of historic art & artifacts, plus annual exhibition seasons of national artists. We are looking for researchers, docents, object handlers, and more. For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator & Gallery Assistant, Jasmine, at 850-729-6044 or [email protected]
Note: Interview, fingerprinting, and training are required for all volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular Hours Mon. – Thurs., 10AM – 4PM
Yes, absolutely!
At the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries, we are proud to display exhibitions from acclaimed artists from around the world.
While we don’t rent our galleries to the general public for personal exhibitions, we do offer juried art competitions each year that give contest winners the opportunity to display their work in a solo exhibition. To submit your work, fill out the Call to Artists application.
Staff:
MKAC Gallery Director J. Wren Supak
Volunteer Coordinator & Gallery Assistant: Jasmine Richardson
For tours, questions or inquiries:
850-729-6044
[email protected]
Yes! Tours are free and by appointment. Please contact us at [email protected] or (850)729-6044 to schedule a tour.