Electronic Newsletter from The Studios of Key West
There are plenty of opportunities to get creative this fall at The Studios of Key West. Over the next couple of weeks the Armory will be home to workshops taught by John McBride in mask making and head dress construction, a short story workshop with TSKW's writer-in-residence Kristen-Paige Madonia, pastel painting with Caren Ragan, and creating artist websites with Joe Kukella.
As always, we'll be offering our informal life drawing sessions on Wednesday nights, and now you can spend your Tuesday evenings at TSKW too, by joining us for Rick Worth's popular Painting Boot Camp. Rick's setting a new scene each week, and will offer a perfect, casual opportunity to advance your painting skills.
Coming up at the Armory...
"Second Sundays" at TSKW
Are you a local writer, artist, performer or musician with a work-in-progress you'd like to share with an audience? Well TSKW has a new forum for you and your creative projects in development.
Beginning November 9, TSKW will host a new series called Second Sundays, as a proving ground for
new works. On the second Sunday of every month (get it?), friend and veteran theatre producer Juliet Gray will present an evening of staged “Works in Progress” in a cafe-style setting at the Armory. We'll be serving appetizer-sized portions of completed works or new works in progress by Key West actors, dancers, writers, artists or any other type of performer. Anything local artists are working on is fair game...
On any given Second Sunday, the public is invited to attend and discover a reading from a soon-to-be-published book, a song or two by a newly-formed Bluegrass trio, or even a freshly-minted piece by a spoken-word poet. But this is no mere open-mic night. The Second Sunday evenings will be presented in the traditional style of vaudeville and variety shows, flowing from one performer to the next.
If you are interested in performing in Second Sundays should contact Mistress of Ceremonies
Juliet Gray at 917-756-7536 or julietgray@gmail.com
Look for details about what's happening at the TSKW Second Sundays in the coming weeks.
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Starting Tonight!
Painting Boot Camp
with Rick Worth
Every Tuesday Evening, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Beginning October 7
Rick Worth will be bringing his popular weekly painting class to the historic Armory Building.
A new Key West scene will be created each week. Simply follow the drill and march out after each
evening session with your very own painting. All skill levels welcomed--first-time painters too. This is the type of discipline you can repeat week after week.
All materials are provided, including hot java. Materials include: canvas, mixing boards, paints, brushes.
TSKW Members: $25 per session / Non-Members: $30 per session
SAVE: 4 sessions paid in advance, only $80 for TSKW Members
Walk-in's are welcomed, although RSVPs are appreciated.
Please call 296-0458 and we will have your space ready.
Find more info at http://www.tskw.org/workshops_item.php?ws_id=48
___________
John McBride comes to TSKW
(and he's brought his menagerie of masks with him!)
15 years ago a small improbable store called Maskerville opened in a quiet Key West neighborhood. It quickly aroused interest and its reputation spread further upon moving to Bahama Village in 1996. In 2002, fortified by a Cirque Du Soleil contract, owner John McBride relocated to mid Florida, shifting Maskerville focus from retail to wholesale. Five years on, with his masks as best sellers in Cirque’s world boutiques, John continues his craft in spacious surroundings on the Withlacoochee River. Maintaining contact with his customers via craft fairs, exhibitions, and personal engagements, the crown jewel is his annual return to Key West for Fantasy Fest.
TSKW is proud to welcome John McBride back for a series of October activities about and in celebration of the mask! Join us, and experience the Maskerville workshop, lecture and two upcoming workshops...
The History of the Mask
Presentation and Reception
Friday, October 10, 8:00 pm
No admission fee
John McBride gives a slide show and presentation on the colorful history of the mask.
He'll discuss the mask as a global phenomenon throughout history, how they function
today, and why we all need carnival.
Presentation will be followed by wine reception and informal Q & A. A large selection
of McBride's mask will be on display and available for purchase that evening.
Maskerville Store
in the Armory Main Hall
October 10-26
Buy your own one-of-a-kind mask or head dress for Fantasy Fest.
McBride's signature style is feathers but he also used designer fabrics, leather, faux finishes and metallic leaf. If you'd like to make your own mask or head dress, check out the following workshops...
Mask Making Workshop
October 11, 9am-12pm
TSKW Members: $75/ Non-Members: $90
Plus additional required $25 supply fee
In three hours students will learn McBride's techniques, develop a unique design,
and come away with a completed mask for Fantasy Fest. For details, see
http://www.tskw.org/workshops_item.php?ws_id=57
Carnival Head Dress Workshop
October 11, 1:30 - 4:30 pm
TSKW Members: $75/ Non-Members: $90
Plus additional required $25 supply fee
ISimilar to the above workshop, but students come away with a completed head dress
that's perfect for Fantasy Fest. For details, see
http://www.tskw.org/workshops_item.php?ws_id=15
* For students who enroll in both the morning mask making and afternoon carnival head dress class, a catered lunch will be provided between sessions and will be included in the cost.
___________
Intro to Pastels
with Caren Ragan
October 13-27, 9 am - 1 pm
(Over three Monday mornings)
TSKW Members: $125
Non-Members: $150
This course will get students comfortable enough with the pastels so they'll feel comfortable tackling any subject. Students will learn about composition, creating effects, how to treat the edges of the subject, how to incorporate the color of the paper into a painting, and layering pastels. Each class a new still life will be setup in order to take on different challenges.
Find more info at http://www.tskw.org/workshops_item.php?ws_id=50
___________
Short Story: A Dialogue Between Writers
with TSKW writer-in-residence, Kristen-Paige Madonia
October 15-17, 12 - 3 pm
TSKW Members: $100
Non-Members: $120
This workshop has been designed to provide writers at all stages of development with the opportunity to explore the craft of the short story. Students will address narrative techniques including voice, language, dramatic action, point of view, setting, and theme. Visiting artist Kristen-Paige Madonia, who is using her time here to also research Key West setting for her fiction, will lead this seminar-style workshop.
Madonia's fiction has recently been published in The South Dakota Review, Inkwell, and
Pearl, and her collection of short stories was listed as a semifinalist for the University of Iowa Press Short Fiction Awards and the Spokane Prize for Fiction. She also received the Marianne Russo Scholarship to attend the 2008 Key West Literary Seminar and advanced fiction workshop.
___________
Create an Artist’s Website in a Day (or Two)
with Joe Kukella
November 1 & 8, 1 pm - 5 pm
(Over two Saturday afternoons)
TSKW Members: $100
Non-Members: $125
This two-day workshop is designed to give artists an overview of the options available for making their work available to a world-wide audience using online web-based tools. These tools make it easy to create effective websites for those who don't specialize in web design. Topics covered include how to prepare pictures of your work for use online, how to create web pages to showcase your work, and how to promote yourself on the internet. Students will create a fully functional website using pictures of their own work.
Students will complete the class with their very own ready-to-launch website.
___________
Call to Artists
Has our Armory home been your muse?
In celebration of our grand and historic headquarters at the HIstoric Key West Armory, TSKW is planning an exhibition, lecture, and other cultural events inspired by the building.
Submissions, stories, photographs, and ideas are now being accepted for "The Armory Show: Images
and Inspirations of the Historic Armory Building of Key West," which is scheduled to be on view in the main hall from November 18 to December 12. We invite painters to contribute Armory paintings, writers and residents to offer their stories, photos, historical documents, and even anecdotes relating to this singular Old Town edifice.
If you are interested, or have something to contribute, please contact program coordinator, Martha Barnes, at martha@tskw.org for submission details. We have set a deadline of October 20, and this opportunity to have work included in the exhibition is open to all TSKW/Friends members. Works may be in any medium or size, and final selection will be announced by November 1. Armory Show works already selected include art created by Sandford Birdsey, Frank Boza, Marc Caren, Lauren McAloon, Michael A. Philips, Peter Vey, and William Welch. Let the building be your Muse, and join them!
___________
Life Drawing
Bring Your Paints, Pastels, Paper and
Pencils for our weekly session
Every Wednesday 6-8pm
$5 Friends/TSKW- $10 non-members
The Studios of Key West is proud to offer weekly life drawing sessions, yet another opportunity for creative development and artistic exploration. Every Wednesday, from 6 to 8pm, we provide tables, easels, light music and model. Participants bring their materials, enthusiasm, and creative spirit. Just bring your enthusiasm and favorite materials. Each session begins with several 1-5 minute warm-ups and then progresses to longer 10-20 minute poses.
To learn more about this and other on-going creative development opportunities at TSKW, contact us at 296-0458.
___________
Membership and Patronage
Our kind of creative people
Our annual members are the foundation of TSKW. We began the Friends group one year ago,
and now have over 225 generous households. We are grateful for your charitable support, which
has allowed our campus, programs, and organization to grow in wonderful ways.
If you became a friend last year, please look for a renewal notice in your mailbox in the coming
weeks. Thanks for making our first year such a success. All of us at The Studios of Key West
hope you'll continue to be part of this new kind of creative community.
And if you are not a Friend and would like to support TSKW, please visit our office in the historic Armory or request membership information by email at info@tskw.org
Thanks for making our programs and projects possible.
___________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bob Muens, Chairman
John Martini, Vice Chairman
Lynn Kaufelt, Secretary
Fred Troxel, Treasurer
Lynne Bentley-Kemp
Peyton Budinger
Mary Grusin
Rita Linder
Kerry Shelby
Rosi Ware
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
07 October 2008
Joyce Stahl's Nutcracker Key West begins life at the Armory
Dozens of local children, fishes, and chickens are dancing their parts in preparation of the 2008 production
After a short summer break, the main hall of the Historic Armory is again buzzing with the sounds of creative people. This time, it's the pitter-patter of little feet, as dozens of Key West children come together each week to rehears their roles in Joyce Stahl's beloved Nutcracker. The island-flavored production, adapted by Stahl to our unique Key West setting, opens at the Tennessee Williams Theatre in late November. Until then, the youthful cast can be seen (and heard) practicing its first act in the renovated main hall of The Studios of Key West, 600 White Street. As parents look on, and the adult cast members help guide their steps, the talented young people of Key West are crafting another wonderful perfomring arts experience for us all. Learn more about Stahl's extraordinary production, and the story behind it here
www.nutcrackerkeywest.org
After a short summer break, the main hall of the Historic Armory is again buzzing with the sounds of creative people. This time, it's the pitter-patter of little feet, as dozens of Key West children come together each week to rehears their roles in Joyce Stahl's beloved Nutcracker. The island-flavored production, adapted by Stahl to our unique Key West setting, opens at the Tennessee Williams Theatre in late November. Until then, the youthful cast can be seen (and heard) practicing its first act in the renovated main hall of The Studios of Key West, 600 White Street. As parents look on, and the adult cast members help guide their steps, the talented young people of Key West are crafting another wonderful perfomring arts experience for us all. Learn more about Stahl's extraordinary production, and the story behind it here
www.nutcrackerkeywest.org
06 October 2008
The Art of the Mask in Key West
John McBride returns to the Historic Armory for a festival of Mask-making and Design
The Studios of Key West will kick off the 2008 Fantasy Fest revelries when John McBride returns for a creative frenzy of masked fun. From October 10 to 27, McBride will set up his Maskerville workshop inside the historic Armory, where the public can explore his unique craft and acquire one of the artist’s many original designs. As part of the lead-up to Fantasy Fest and Halloween, The Studios and McBride are offering a lecture on the tradition and history of the mask, October 10 at 8pm, followed by two special workshops in mask-making and carnival head-dress construction on October 11. Places are limited for these early-season workshops, and registrations can now be made by calling 296-0458.
“We got a taste of John’s remarkable artistry last year, when he brought an extremely popular workshop to the Armory,” said Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator. “This year, we’re not only increasing the creative opportunities, but also installing John’s workshop and creations here at The Studios.”
Fifteen years ago, a small improbable store called Maskerville opened in a quiet Key West neighborhood. It quickly aroused interest, and its reputation spread further upon moving to Bahama Village in 1996. McBride’s creations continue to develop, and in 2002 he got his first commission from Cirque Du Soleil. With increasing demand, the artist relocated to mid Florida, shifting Maskerville’s focus from retail to wholesale.
“John’s dedication to his craft, and the long tradition of the mask in our culture, is truly incredible,” said Barnes, “and we are eagerly anticipating his return to our campus and our creative community.”
Six years after leaving Key West, with his masks as best sellers in Cirque’s world boutiques, John continues his craft in spacious surroundings on the Withlacoochee River, amid Hernando County’s rolling horse and grove lands. Maintaining contact with his customers through craft fairs, exhibitions, and personal engagements, the crown jewel of McBride’s year remains his annual return to Key West for Fantasy Fest.
McBride’s 2008 residency will kick off with an free public presentation “Why We Must All Mask,” a pre-Fantasy Fest event that will offer an overview of the art form throughout history and different cultures. The artist will also discuss the function of the mask in contemporary culture, carnival celebration, and the various roles, characters, and archetypes represented by certain designs. McBride’s lecture is scheduled for 8pm on Friday 10 October, and is free and open to all.
This coming Saturday, 11 October from 9am to noon, the artist is offering his popular Maskmaking 101 workshop, followed by a 1:30pm to 4:30pm class in head-dress design and construction. After an initial overview of design principals and materials, students will learn essential skills with gluegun, scissors, beading, and feather application—and go away with a new original design in time for Fantasy Fest. Enrollment is limited, and a place can be reserved by calling The Studios of Key West at 296-0458.
The public is also invited to visit the artist’s Maskerville shop, featuring McBride’s own designs and head dresses. The temporary workshop will be installed at The Studios of Key West main hall thorugh 27 October. To learn more about this and other cultural events at The Studios of Key West, please see www.tskw.org or contact the organization’s office at 296-0458 or by email to info@tskw.org
The Studios of Key West will kick off the 2008 Fantasy Fest revelries when John McBride returns for a creative frenzy of masked fun. From October 10 to 27, McBride will set up his Maskerville workshop inside the historic Armory, where the public can explore his unique craft and acquire one of the artist’s many original designs. As part of the lead-up to Fantasy Fest and Halloween, The Studios and McBride are offering a lecture on the tradition and history of the mask, October 10 at 8pm, followed by two special workshops in mask-making and carnival head-dress construction on October 11. Places are limited for these early-season workshops, and registrations can now be made by calling 296-0458.
“We got a taste of John’s remarkable artistry last year, when he brought an extremely popular workshop to the Armory,” said Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator. “This year, we’re not only increasing the creative opportunities, but also installing John’s workshop and creations here at The Studios.”
Fifteen years ago, a small improbable store called Maskerville opened in a quiet Key West neighborhood. It quickly aroused interest, and its reputation spread further upon moving to Bahama Village in 1996. McBride’s creations continue to develop, and in 2002 he got his first commission from Cirque Du Soleil. With increasing demand, the artist relocated to mid Florida, shifting Maskerville’s focus from retail to wholesale.
“John’s dedication to his craft, and the long tradition of the mask in our culture, is truly incredible,” said Barnes, “and we are eagerly anticipating his return to our campus and our creative community.”
Six years after leaving Key West, with his masks as best sellers in Cirque’s world boutiques, John continues his craft in spacious surroundings on the Withlacoochee River, amid Hernando County’s rolling horse and grove lands. Maintaining contact with his customers through craft fairs, exhibitions, and personal engagements, the crown jewel of McBride’s year remains his annual return to Key West for Fantasy Fest.
McBride’s 2008 residency will kick off with an free public presentation “Why We Must All Mask,” a pre-Fantasy Fest event that will offer an overview of the art form throughout history and different cultures. The artist will also discuss the function of the mask in contemporary culture, carnival celebration, and the various roles, characters, and archetypes represented by certain designs. McBride’s lecture is scheduled for 8pm on Friday 10 October, and is free and open to all.
This coming Saturday, 11 October from 9am to noon, the artist is offering his popular Maskmaking 101 workshop, followed by a 1:30pm to 4:30pm class in head-dress design and construction. After an initial overview of design principals and materials, students will learn essential skills with gluegun, scissors, beading, and feather application—and go away with a new original design in time for Fantasy Fest. Enrollment is limited, and a place can be reserved by calling The Studios of Key West at 296-0458.
The public is also invited to visit the artist’s Maskerville shop, featuring McBride’s own designs and head dresses. The temporary workshop will be installed at The Studios of Key West main hall thorugh 27 October. To learn more about this and other cultural events at The Studios of Key West, please see www.tskw.org or contact the organization’s office at 296-0458 or by email to info@tskw.org
29 September 2008
The Studios of Key West Season Starting Early
Residents and visitors will have plenty of opportunity to get creative this Fall as a warm-up to the island’s full cultural season.
The Studios of Key West will begin its second full cultural season ahead of schedule with a handful of great creative workshops and opportunities this Fall. The 2008/09 programs, planned for the main hall of the historic Key West Armory building, will include over forty classes in a comfortable and nurturing environment, taught by highly-qualified creative practitioners.
Beginning the season will be an ongoing Painting Boot Camp with Rick Worth, two pastels workshops with Caren Ragan, acting with Richard Grusin, and monologue study with Juliet Gray. This Fall, the Armory main hall will also host the return of John McBride’s mask-making and carnival head-dress classes, as well as new opportunities for creative people interested in short story writing, quilt-making, web-site design, songwriting, oil painting, and more. The full season, extending to mid 2009, will be finalized and announced next month. Places for all classes are limited, and registration is now being accepted for Fall and early Winter workshops.
“We’ve planned a very diverse and exciting creative agenda for Key West,” said program coordinator Martha Barnes, “including a new series of on-going and weekly opportunities to help the creative momentum continue.”
The full 2008/09 season will offer participants a chance to make small sculpture with Thomas Mann, study portraiture in art with Curt Richter, learn the Impressionist’s palette with William Welch, craft a memoir with noted journalist Diane Roberts, and learn encaustics with Kate Miller. Popular instructor Susan Sugar returns with a Solstice Sunset Painting class, Roberta Marks convenes her Abstract Painting Seminar, and author Mark Hedden offers his unique take on non-fiction writing. Places are limited, and complete information can now be found at www.tskw.org.
“The creative prospects do not end there. The Armory will also host special classes in plein air painting, children’s book illustration, watercolor fundamentals, and even the craft of songwriting,” said Barnes. “As with last season, we’ll also be presenting a wonderful series of free lectures by and about creative people, on topics that explore Key West’s storied history and heritage.”
Those wanting to get a head start on the island’s season should look into the upcoming Fall classes at the Armory. Fabric artist Margo Ellis, well-known as an award-winning local quilter, will offer a four-session class on bullseye quilt-making, beginning October 27. Her course is limited to twelve people, and is $100 for members and $120 for non-members.
Rick Worth’s Painting Boot Camp begins on October 7, as a weekly chance to learn and hone paintbrush skills throughout the season. The noted local painter and set designer will offer Tuesday evening sessions, perfect for any level, with casual enrollment always welcome. Each session is priced at $25 for TSKW members or $30 for non-members.
Accomplished painter Caren Ragan brings her talents to Armory, offering a three-session October workshop, “Introduction to Pastels.” The award-winning artist has shown and taught at museums in New York and Florida, and finds immense inspiration in the luminous qualities of Key West light, seascapes, and people. Ragan’s beginner-level workshop is planned for October 13, 20, and 27 from 9am to 1pm. Enrollment is $125 for TSKW members and $150 for non-members. The instructor encourages participants to use that experience as a stepping stone, and enroll in her follow-up course in Pastel Portraits. That will run from 9am to 1pm on Mondays between November 3 and 17.
For local emerging literary artists, writer-in-residence Kristen-Paige Madonia will present an October 15-17 workshop entitled "Short Story: A Dialogue Between Writers." The class will be an opportunity to develop new work, explore the craft of the short story, and provide motivation in a comfortable, seminar-style setting. Registration is now open for Madonia’s three-day, noon to 3pm sessions, and enrollment is $100 for TSKW members or $120 for non-members.
“This is just the tip of the creative iceberg, said Barnes, “Soon we’ll be announcing our full-blown program, and that will give everyone on the island, resident and visitor, a chance to explore the creative process, make something meaningful and special, and discover a new creative spark.”
Advance registration forms for upcoming workshops are now available at The Studios of Key West office and on the organization’s website. To learn more about the coming season at The Studios of Key West, or to become an annual members, please contact Martha Barnes at 296-0458 or martha@tskw.org.
The Studios of Key West will begin its second full cultural season ahead of schedule with a handful of great creative workshops and opportunities this Fall. The 2008/09 programs, planned for the main hall of the historic Key West Armory building, will include over forty classes in a comfortable and nurturing environment, taught by highly-qualified creative practitioners.
Beginning the season will be an ongoing Painting Boot Camp with Rick Worth, two pastels workshops with Caren Ragan, acting with Richard Grusin, and monologue study with Juliet Gray. This Fall, the Armory main hall will also host the return of John McBride’s mask-making and carnival head-dress classes, as well as new opportunities for creative people interested in short story writing, quilt-making, web-site design, songwriting, oil painting, and more. The full season, extending to mid 2009, will be finalized and announced next month. Places for all classes are limited, and registration is now being accepted for Fall and early Winter workshops.
“We’ve planned a very diverse and exciting creative agenda for Key West,” said program coordinator Martha Barnes, “including a new series of on-going and weekly opportunities to help the creative momentum continue.”
The full 2008/09 season will offer participants a chance to make small sculpture with Thomas Mann, study portraiture in art with Curt Richter, learn the Impressionist’s palette with William Welch, craft a memoir with noted journalist Diane Roberts, and learn encaustics with Kate Miller. Popular instructor Susan Sugar returns with a Solstice Sunset Painting class, Roberta Marks convenes her Abstract Painting Seminar, and author Mark Hedden offers his unique take on non-fiction writing. Places are limited, and complete information can now be found at www.tskw.org.
“The creative prospects do not end there. The Armory will also host special classes in plein air painting, children’s book illustration, watercolor fundamentals, and even the craft of songwriting,” said Barnes. “As with last season, we’ll also be presenting a wonderful series of free lectures by and about creative people, on topics that explore Key West’s storied history and heritage.”
Those wanting to get a head start on the island’s season should look into the upcoming Fall classes at the Armory. Fabric artist Margo Ellis, well-known as an award-winning local quilter, will offer a four-session class on bullseye quilt-making, beginning October 27. Her course is limited to twelve people, and is $100 for members and $120 for non-members.
Rick Worth’s Painting Boot Camp begins on October 7, as a weekly chance to learn and hone paintbrush skills throughout the season. The noted local painter and set designer will offer Tuesday evening sessions, perfect for any level, with casual enrollment always welcome. Each session is priced at $25 for TSKW members or $30 for non-members.
Accomplished painter Caren Ragan brings her talents to Armory, offering a three-session October workshop, “Introduction to Pastels.” The award-winning artist has shown and taught at museums in New York and Florida, and finds immense inspiration in the luminous qualities of Key West light, seascapes, and people. Ragan’s beginner-level workshop is planned for October 13, 20, and 27 from 9am to 1pm. Enrollment is $125 for TSKW members and $150 for non-members. The instructor encourages participants to use that experience as a stepping stone, and enroll in her follow-up course in Pastel Portraits. That will run from 9am to 1pm on Mondays between November 3 and 17.
For local emerging literary artists, writer-in-residence Kristen-Paige Madonia will present an October 15-17 workshop entitled "Short Story: A Dialogue Between Writers." The class will be an opportunity to develop new work, explore the craft of the short story, and provide motivation in a comfortable, seminar-style setting. Registration is now open for Madonia’s three-day, noon to 3pm sessions, and enrollment is $100 for TSKW members or $120 for non-members.
“This is just the tip of the creative iceberg, said Barnes, “Soon we’ll be announcing our full-blown program, and that will give everyone on the island, resident and visitor, a chance to explore the creative process, make something meaningful and special, and discover a new creative spark.”
Advance registration forms for upcoming workshops are now available at The Studios of Key West office and on the organization’s website. To learn more about the coming season at The Studios of Key West, or to become an annual members, please contact Martha Barnes at 296-0458 or martha@tskw.org.
The Studios of Key West announces its first Writer-in-Residence
Emerging novelist, Kristen-Paige Madonia, will spend October at the organization's Mango Tree House; to offer Short Story Workshop on October 15-17
The Studios of Key West continues to develop its cultural programming, and is proud to announce its first writer-in-residence, Kristen-Paige Madonia. The Virginia-based author, who completed her MFA in 2005, will reside at the organization's Mango Tree House and work on her next novel. Madonia first came to the island as the Marianne Russo Scholarship winner, awarded by the Key West Literary Seminar, and received acclaim for her readings as a talented, emerging American voice.
"At the time, we were beginning our visiting artist program," explains TSKW director, Eric Holowacz, "and Kristen-Paige began asking about various aspects of life at the Southernmost Point. When she mentioned that her second novel would be partially set in Key West, we couldn't help but invite her to apply for our residency program."
Since January, visiting artists have come from as far away as Helsinki, Finland and Wellington, New Zealand, to complete works-in-progress, connect with the local community, and find new artistic inspiration. Usually spending one month at a time in the renovated cottage and gardens in back of the historic Armory, the creative visitors have been engaged in photography, music and songwriting, paintings, mixed-media and environmental installations. Madonia, who will be in residence during the month of October, is the first literary artists to be hosted by The Studios of Key West.
"I'm hoping to mine the island for cultural details, aspects of everyday life, as well as the extraordinary opportunities like Fantasy Fest and the extremes of the tourist industry," says Madonia, whose short stories have been published in Inkwell, Pearl, and the South Dakota Review. "My next novel is about a sixteen-year old embarking on a cross-country odyssey from West Virginia to San Francisco. This trip is prompted by the discovery that she is pregnant, and by an on-going ambition to locate her paternal father, whom she has never met. I want to give voice to a character exploring the transition between childhood and adulthood."
Residents and visitors will have a chance to meet the talented young writer, and discuss her work, at the October 16 Walk on White. The Third-Thursday reception at the historic Armory will also feature the upstairs open studios and the opening celebration of a new exhibition in the main hall, by local mixed-media artist Katie Truax.
For local emerging writers, Madonia will offer an October 15-17 workshop entitled "Short Story: A Dialogue Between Writers," as an opportunity to develop literary work, explore the craft of the short story, and provide motivation in a comfortable, seminar-style class. Registration is now open for the the three-day, noon to 3pm, sessions, and enrollment is $100 for TSKW Friends or $120 for non-members.
"There is great value to the creative process in providing undisturbed work space and time for an emerging artist," says Madonia. "I would not be able to self-sufficiently spend a month working in Key West, without the generous institutional support from TSKW. There is extreme value in exploring locations outside of your comfort zone, and Key West, in particular, encourages artistic growth."
"There are so many wonderful writers associated with the island: Robert Stone, Joy Williams, Annie Dillard, Ann Beattie, Judy Blume, not to mention Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. I love them all, and am really looking forward to exploring the creative community -- both the historical literary energy and the current culture that seems to be so dedicated to encouraging emerging contemporary artists."
For details about The Studios of Key West, Madonia's upcoming short story workshop, or the 2008/09 creative season at the Armory, please see www.tskw.org or contact TSKW at 296-0458.
The Studios of Key West continues to develop its cultural programming, and is proud to announce its first writer-in-residence, Kristen-Paige Madonia. The Virginia-based author, who completed her MFA in 2005, will reside at the organization's Mango Tree House and work on her next novel. Madonia first came to the island as the Marianne Russo Scholarship winner, awarded by the Key West Literary Seminar, and received acclaim for her readings as a talented, emerging American voice.
"At the time, we were beginning our visiting artist program," explains TSKW director, Eric Holowacz, "and Kristen-Paige began asking about various aspects of life at the Southernmost Point. When she mentioned that her second novel would be partially set in Key West, we couldn't help but invite her to apply for our residency program."
Since January, visiting artists have come from as far away as Helsinki, Finland and Wellington, New Zealand, to complete works-in-progress, connect with the local community, and find new artistic inspiration. Usually spending one month at a time in the renovated cottage and gardens in back of the historic Armory, the creative visitors have been engaged in photography, music and songwriting, paintings, mixed-media and environmental installations. Madonia, who will be in residence during the month of October, is the first literary artists to be hosted by The Studios of Key West.
"I'm hoping to mine the island for cultural details, aspects of everyday life, as well as the extraordinary opportunities like Fantasy Fest and the extremes of the tourist industry," says Madonia, whose short stories have been published in Inkwell, Pearl, and the South Dakota Review. "My next novel is about a sixteen-year old embarking on a cross-country odyssey from West Virginia to San Francisco. This trip is prompted by the discovery that she is pregnant, and by an on-going ambition to locate her paternal father, whom she has never met. I want to give voice to a character exploring the transition between childhood and adulthood."
Residents and visitors will have a chance to meet the talented young writer, and discuss her work, at the October 16 Walk on White. The Third-Thursday reception at the historic Armory will also feature the upstairs open studios and the opening celebration of a new exhibition in the main hall, by local mixed-media artist Katie Truax.
For local emerging writers, Madonia will offer an October 15-17 workshop entitled "Short Story: A Dialogue Between Writers," as an opportunity to develop literary work, explore the craft of the short story, and provide motivation in a comfortable, seminar-style class. Registration is now open for the the three-day, noon to 3pm, sessions, and enrollment is $100 for TSKW Friends or $120 for non-members.
"There is great value to the creative process in providing undisturbed work space and time for an emerging artist," says Madonia. "I would not be able to self-sufficiently spend a month working in Key West, without the generous institutional support from TSKW. There is extreme value in exploring locations outside of your comfort zone, and Key West, in particular, encourages artistic growth."
"There are so many wonderful writers associated with the island: Robert Stone, Joy Williams, Annie Dillard, Ann Beattie, Judy Blume, not to mention Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. I love them all, and am really looking forward to exploring the creative community -- both the historical literary energy and the current culture that seems to be so dedicated to encouraging emerging contemporary artists."
For details about The Studios of Key West, Madonia's upcoming short story workshop, or the 2008/09 creative season at the Armory, please see www.tskw.org or contact TSKW at 296-0458.
21 August 2008
Green FLash: 07
An Electronic Newsletter from The Studios of Key West
Tropical Storm Fay may have passed us by, but that doesn't mean things in
Key West have settled down.
This weekend a maelstrom of arts activity will be taking place at
The Studios of Key West.
Read on...
Join us tonight for Walk on White at the Armory
It's the third Thursday, and that means tonight we're opening the doors of the Armory
and readying for this weekend's One Night Stand theatre project. We'll be showing off
our new affordable art vending machine, and introducing our artist-in-residence
Michael Hawkins. And if that's not enough, the Armory sculpture garden now features
two striking works, by local mixed-media artists Lauren McAloon and Anja Marais.
Meet Michael Hawkins
Key West has given a warm welcome to August artist in residence, Michael Hawkins,
who comes to us from Cambridge, England. Over the past month, Michael has been
discovering the island, getting to know the locals and immersing himself in our creative
community. He made a guest appearance (and a frantic action painting) earlier this
month at the Midsummer Nights Party, as a music collaboration with Skipper Kripitz.
Now the young visual communicator is working inside the main hall of the Armory to
complete a large mural panel, entitled "The Great Promise," for the interior stairway.
Check it out, and meet the latest TSKW resident, at tonight's Walk on White.
Upstairs and in the Garden
Lauren McAloon, the hard working TSKW Facilities Coordinator, recently installed her
2005 Sculpture Key West piece, "Skipping Waves" in the Armory Sculpture Garden. A
photo of the piece graced the cover of the 2008 Culture Magazine, but if you haven't
seen it in person, now is your chance. Lauren's steel sculpture references Civil War
era cannonballs, aimed and shot like skipping stones towards the distant waterlines of
their target ships. Joining that striking work is a haunting piece by Anja Marais and
Rudi Repenning which the artist team calls "Revolving Life, phase two - after the
storm." Rebuilt from a hurricane damaged work, the new piece is a commentary on the
life cycle, birth, death, and rebirth.
There's plenty of artistic action in the upstairs studios too. On the Armory's second
floor, you'll find new work from TSKW artists such as Sherry Tewell, who says,
"Recently I have been working on a new series of abstracts influenced by my
fascination with water. The natural patina that occur on surfaces that are exposed to it
and the many layers of colors that are reflected in water. Also in the works are new
pieces that will reflect my travels to Greece and Turkey this summer." Peter Very and
Debra Yates have been working on an uncharacteristically small scale lately. Debra
has been creating small canvas "boxes" and Peter has been working on small format
paintings of Key West and the Bahamas. And temporary studio artist Guillermo Orozco,
a new addition to our studio community, will open his door so the public can check out the
new work he's been doing. One studio that might be closed tonight is Hays
Blinckmann's. The local artist just gave birth to new son, Hugo, and our warmest
wishes go out to the happy family.
Art-o-mat
From the moment you walk through the Armory doors tonight, you'll notice something
different. Just inside the foyer walls is a shining red and chrome vending machine,
and it's filled with original, affordable works of art. Welcome to the Southernmost Art-o-
mat machine, delivered to TSKW early this week. Our Art-o-mat joins over 80 that are
now positioned around the country, including at the Andy Warhol Museum, Whole
Foods Stores, the Museum of Modern Art gift shop, and cafes and community centers.
Pick up an Art-o-mat token today, for a little more than the price of a gallon of gas, and
go home with new and interesting dispensable art. And next month, when Art-o-mat
guru Clark Whittington comes to the island, local artists will have the opportunity to
learn how to make and sell thier items through the Art-o-mat network. Become a
collector in a few easy steps: insert token, select an artist, wait for the kerplunk, open,
enjoy.
Another One Night Stand
Sometimes… one time just isn’t enough. So we’re doing it again.
TSKW's collaborative 24 hour theatre project returns to the Armory this weekend.
Starting Friday Night TSKW will be bringing together
7 caffeinated writers
5 competent and creative directors
8 marvelous artists
And about two dozen local actors with heaps of talent.
And we'll give them 24 hours to write, rehearse, create backdrops and perform 5 brand
new one act plays. Will the results be devilish or divine? The audience gets to decide
when the curtain goes up at 8:00pm on Saturday night. A pre-show reception will kick
off the evening at 7:00pm in the sculpture garden. Audience members will also have
the chance to buy raffle tickets to win a number of great prize packages, including a
season pass to Red Barn Theatre and Waterfront Playhouse, gift certificates to local
restaurants like Pisces and Commodore, and a Moet and Chandon sunset sail aboard
the Catamaran Echo.
Another One Night Stand has been blessed with a cadre of wonderful local sponsors,
who are helping us make this project happen. Thanks go to First State Bank of the
Florida Keys, Turtle Kraals & Southernmost Restaurant Group, At Home in Key
West, Bender and Associates, Michael E. Berman MD, Blue Heaven
Restaurant, Danger Charters.
Tickets for the performance have sold out, but we're keeping a waiting list in the event
that any tickets are returned before Saturday evening.
Congratulations Miss Monica!
And last but not least, a very special congratulations goes out to educator Monica
Fienemann, who has been hired away as a 3rd grade teacher at Glynn Archer
Elementary. Thanks to "Miss Monica" for all her great work last year as TSKW's
education coordinator, and for working tirelessly to make our spring and summer at
camps such a success. And as an added benefit to the educators and classrooms,
TSKW will dedicated proceeds form every Art-o-mat purchase to help acquire art
supplies for the nearby school. So get your tokens now, and her new crop of bright
young learners!
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
Tropical Storm Fay may have passed us by, but that doesn't mean things in
Key West have settled down.
This weekend a maelstrom of arts activity will be taking place at
The Studios of Key West.
Read on...
Join us tonight for Walk on White at the Armory
It's the third Thursday, and that means tonight we're opening the doors of the Armory
and readying for this weekend's One Night Stand theatre project. We'll be showing off
our new affordable art vending machine, and introducing our artist-in-residence
Michael Hawkins. And if that's not enough, the Armory sculpture garden now features
two striking works, by local mixed-media artists Lauren McAloon and Anja Marais.
Meet Michael Hawkins
Key West has given a warm welcome to August artist in residence, Michael Hawkins,
who comes to us from Cambridge, England. Over the past month, Michael has been
discovering the island, getting to know the locals and immersing himself in our creative
community. He made a guest appearance (and a frantic action painting) earlier this
month at the Midsummer Nights Party, as a music collaboration with Skipper Kripitz.
Now the young visual communicator is working inside the main hall of the Armory to
complete a large mural panel, entitled "The Great Promise," for the interior stairway.
Check it out, and meet the latest TSKW resident, at tonight's Walk on White.
Upstairs and in the Garden
Lauren McAloon, the hard working TSKW Facilities Coordinator, recently installed her
2005 Sculpture Key West piece, "Skipping Waves" in the Armory Sculpture Garden. A
photo of the piece graced the cover of the 2008 Culture Magazine, but if you haven't
seen it in person, now is your chance. Lauren's steel sculpture references Civil War
era cannonballs, aimed and shot like skipping stones towards the distant waterlines of
their target ships. Joining that striking work is a haunting piece by Anja Marais and
Rudi Repenning which the artist team calls "Revolving Life, phase two - after the
storm." Rebuilt from a hurricane damaged work, the new piece is a commentary on the
life cycle, birth, death, and rebirth.
There's plenty of artistic action in the upstairs studios too. On the Armory's second
floor, you'll find new work from TSKW artists such as Sherry Tewell, who says,
"Recently I have been working on a new series of abstracts influenced by my
fascination with water. The natural patina that occur on surfaces that are exposed to it
and the many layers of colors that are reflected in water. Also in the works are new
pieces that will reflect my travels to Greece and Turkey this summer." Peter Very and
Debra Yates have been working on an uncharacteristically small scale lately. Debra
has been creating small canvas "boxes" and Peter has been working on small format
paintings of Key West and the Bahamas. And temporary studio artist Guillermo Orozco,
a new addition to our studio community, will open his door so the public can check out the
new work he's been doing. One studio that might be closed tonight is Hays
Blinckmann's. The local artist just gave birth to new son, Hugo, and our warmest
wishes go out to the happy family.
Art-o-mat
From the moment you walk through the Armory doors tonight, you'll notice something
different. Just inside the foyer walls is a shining red and chrome vending machine,
and it's filled with original, affordable works of art. Welcome to the Southernmost Art-o-
mat machine, delivered to TSKW early this week. Our Art-o-mat joins over 80 that are
now positioned around the country, including at the Andy Warhol Museum, Whole
Foods Stores, the Museum of Modern Art gift shop, and cafes and community centers.
Pick up an Art-o-mat token today, for a little more than the price of a gallon of gas, and
go home with new and interesting dispensable art. And next month, when Art-o-mat
guru Clark Whittington comes to the island, local artists will have the opportunity to
learn how to make and sell thier items through the Art-o-mat network. Become a
collector in a few easy steps: insert token, select an artist, wait for the kerplunk, open,
enjoy.
Another One Night Stand
Sometimes… one time just isn’t enough. So we’re doing it again.
TSKW's collaborative 24 hour theatre project returns to the Armory this weekend.
Starting Friday Night TSKW will be bringing together
7 caffeinated writers
5 competent and creative directors
8 marvelous artists
And about two dozen local actors with heaps of talent.
And we'll give them 24 hours to write, rehearse, create backdrops and perform 5 brand
new one act plays. Will the results be devilish or divine? The audience gets to decide
when the curtain goes up at 8:00pm on Saturday night. A pre-show reception will kick
off the evening at 7:00pm in the sculpture garden. Audience members will also have
the chance to buy raffle tickets to win a number of great prize packages, including a
season pass to Red Barn Theatre and Waterfront Playhouse, gift certificates to local
restaurants like Pisces and Commodore, and a Moet and Chandon sunset sail aboard
the Catamaran Echo.
Another One Night Stand has been blessed with a cadre of wonderful local sponsors,
who are helping us make this project happen. Thanks go to First State Bank of the
Florida Keys, Turtle Kraals & Southernmost Restaurant Group, At Home in Key
West, Bender and Associates, Michael E. Berman MD, Blue Heaven
Restaurant, Danger Charters.
Tickets for the performance have sold out, but we're keeping a waiting list in the event
that any tickets are returned before Saturday evening.
Congratulations Miss Monica!
And last but not least, a very special congratulations goes out to educator Monica
Fienemann, who has been hired away as a 3rd grade teacher at Glynn Archer
Elementary. Thanks to "Miss Monica" for all her great work last year as TSKW's
education coordinator, and for working tirelessly to make our spring and summer at
camps such a success. And as an added benefit to the educators and classrooms,
TSKW will dedicated proceeds form every Art-o-mat purchase to help acquire art
supplies for the nearby school. So get your tokens now, and her new crop of bright
young learners!
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
30 July 2008
The Southernmost Art-o-mat
Thanks to The Studios of Key West, the island now has an affordable way to acquire small works of original art (and help the community's elementary school at the same time)!
Visitors the the Armory at 600 White Street are discovering something unique, a red and glowing machine positioned in the foyer, announcing itself as the Art-o-mat. Converted from an obsolete cigarette vending machine, the Southernmost Art-o-mat joins over 80 others now dispensing small packages of original art from Portland, Oregon to London, England.
For $5, seasoned art buyers as well as novice collectors get the chance to acquire work by twenty different creative people. The objects inside are all original, unique, and hand-made for the growing network of Art-o-mat machines. It was all the brainchild of Clark Whittington, a Winston-Salem artist who began repurposing old machines from a tobacco-country warehouse ten years ago. Thanks to The Studios of Key West, his latest creation now greets visitors to the Historic Armory building.
And next month, local artists will have the opportunity to learn how to make and sell their items through the Art-o-mat network, now numbering over 300 contributing artists. TSKW and Whittington will offer a September 4 presentation and workshop about his project, and invite Key West's painters, sculptors, and visual artists to become part of this affordable art movement.
Besides making it easy for people to obtain and collect new original art, the Key West machine has been dedicated to help nearby Glynn Archer Elementary. Proceeds from each $5 sale will support the purchase of art supplies for the school, allowing the teachers and classes to expand their creative horizons. The Southernmost Art-o-mat is now on view in the main hall foyer of the Historic Armory. Tokens are available for $5 at The Studios of Key West office, inside the lobby.
Visitors the the Armory at 600 White Street are discovering something unique, a red and glowing machine positioned in the foyer, announcing itself as the Art-o-mat. Converted from an obsolete cigarette vending machine, the Southernmost Art-o-mat joins over 80 others now dispensing small packages of original art from Portland, Oregon to London, England.
For $5, seasoned art buyers as well as novice collectors get the chance to acquire work by twenty different creative people. The objects inside are all original, unique, and hand-made for the growing network of Art-o-mat machines. It was all the brainchild of Clark Whittington, a Winston-Salem artist who began repurposing old machines from a tobacco-country warehouse ten years ago. Thanks to The Studios of Key West, his latest creation now greets visitors to the Historic Armory building.
And next month, local artists will have the opportunity to learn how to make and sell their items through the Art-o-mat network, now numbering over 300 contributing artists. TSKW and Whittington will offer a September 4 presentation and workshop about his project, and invite Key West's painters, sculptors, and visual artists to become part of this affordable art movement.
Besides making it easy for people to obtain and collect new original art, the Key West machine has been dedicated to help nearby Glynn Archer Elementary. Proceeds from each $5 sale will support the purchase of art supplies for the school, allowing the teachers and classes to expand their creative horizons. The Southernmost Art-o-mat is now on view in the main hall foyer of the Historic Armory. Tokens are available for $5 at The Studios of Key West office, inside the lobby.
24 July 2008
Free Professional Development Opportunity for Artists in the Keys
Thursday July 24 from 5-7pm at the Armroy, 600 White Street, Key West
The Studios of Key West and the Monroe County Council of the Arts have again joined forces to offer a free professional development session open to all local creative people. The focus of the July 24 gathering will be marketing strategies, promotional opportunities, and media relations. Individual artists as well as cultural organization leaders are encouraged to attend. The 5pm presentations will include a question and answer session, followed by a wine and cheese reception in the Armory's main hall.
Three local and and national marketing specialists will be on hand to discuss the variety of promotional and advertising options available to Key West artists, galleries and cultural organizations. Speakers will discuss successful strategies and publicity outlets, techniques for getting the most exposure in the media, and tips and tricks for getting the most "bang for your buck" with advertising dollars. Presenters will include Nance Frank, owner of Key West's Gallery on Greene; Carol Shaughnessy of Stuart Newman & Associates; and Jane Innis of Artnews Magazine.
No registration is required, and additional details are available by calling The Studios of Key West at 296-00458
The Studios of Key West and the Monroe County Council of the Arts have again joined forces to offer a free professional development session open to all local creative people. The focus of the July 24 gathering will be marketing strategies, promotional opportunities, and media relations. Individual artists as well as cultural organization leaders are encouraged to attend. The 5pm presentations will include a question and answer session, followed by a wine and cheese reception in the Armory's main hall.
Three local and and national marketing specialists will be on hand to discuss the variety of promotional and advertising options available to Key West artists, galleries and cultural organizations. Speakers will discuss successful strategies and publicity outlets, techniques for getting the most exposure in the media, and tips and tricks for getting the most "bang for your buck" with advertising dollars. Presenters will include Nance Frank, owner of Key West's Gallery on Greene; Carol Shaughnessy of Stuart Newman & Associates; and Jane Innis of Artnews Magazine.
No registration is required, and additional details are available by calling The Studios of Key West at 296-00458
16 July 2008
Green Flash: 06
An Electronic Newsletter from The Studios of Key West
Walk on White
Thursday 17 July from 6:00-9:00pm
A showcase of new work by (very) young artists, open studios
upstairs, and a motion-activated installation by Canadian artist
Helen Verbanz will highlight July's Walk on White
Stop in at the Armory this Thursday from 6-9pm, for a great Walk on
White experience. Visitors to the main hall will discover Seagrass, a
motion-sensitive, ecologically-inspired installation by last month's tskw
artist-in-residence, Helen Verbanz. A conceptual artist from Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Verbanz spent several weeks in Key West, researching
and building an installation based on the estuaries and mangroves
surrounding our delicate island chain.
And get a glimpse of the future of local creativity. Adorning the Armory
foyer walls will be samples of work created by the TSKW Art Academy
kids, the budding artistic talents who've been making art on our campus
every day this week. Using the Armory as their creative base, the kids
have been meeting Key West artists in their studios, learning about
Picasso, Frieda Kahlo, and Georgia O'Keefe, and making all sorts of
expressive things.
As with every Walk on White, most of the twelve upstairs studios will
open their doors and let the public in to discover the paintings, mixed-
media objects, design work, and literary arts that have been coming out
of our busy creative community. Meet great local artists and learn more
about their work: Peter Vey, Letty Nowak, Debra Yates, Deborah
Goldman, Peter Downie, Hayes Blinckmann, Marc Caren, Sherry
Tewell, Rebecca Bennett, Lisa Esposito, Mark Hedden, and new short-
term studio artist Guillermo Orozco.
To make this Thursday's art walk even more delicious, finger foods
have been generously donated by the Rusty Anchor Restaurant on
Stock Island.
__________
Announcing a special summertime offer:
One free life drawing session for first-time locals
Every Wednesday 6-8pm
$5 Friends/TSKW- $10 non-members
From now until the end of August, locals are invited to try their first life
drawing session for free at the Armory.
Every Wednesday, from 6 to 8pm, we provide tables, easels, light music
and a model. Participants bring their materials, enthusiasm, and
creative spirit. The sessions, which are untutored, begin with several
1-5 minute warm-ups and then progresses to longer 10-20 minute
poses.
So pack up your paper, pencils and paint and come along to the Armory
to explore your inner artist this summer!
__________
"The Unwinking Gaze"
The Next Spiritual Garden Movie at the Armory
Monday 21 July, 8:00pm
(Suggested donation of $5 gratefully accepted)
This is one incredible
Documentary on the Dalai Lama
as you`ve never seen him before!
Goes where no other movie or journalistic endeavor has gone before,
in tracking the daily agonies of the Tibetan leader as he tries to strike a
balance between his Buddhist vows and the real politic needed to placate
China.
David and Goliath is played out in front of us as the world's emerging
superpower and the Dalai Lama walk a tightropeover an issue of global
importance: the future of Tibet and China.
Filmmaker Joshua Dugdale was given extraordinary access to the Dalai
Lama over a three-year period. The Unwinking Gaze is not three years in
the life of the Dalai Lama. It is his life's work in three years. This film takes
you inside the Titanic struggle of one of the great spiritual and political
figures of our time, as he tries to lead his people to a peaceful resolution
with China. Director Joshua Dugdale.
70 mins.
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
Walk on White
Thursday 17 July from 6:00-9:00pm
A showcase of new work by (very) young artists, open studios
upstairs, and a motion-activated installation by Canadian artist
Helen Verbanz will highlight July's Walk on White
Stop in at the Armory this Thursday from 6-9pm, for a great Walk on
White experience. Visitors to the main hall will discover Seagrass, a
motion-sensitive, ecologically-inspired installation by last month's tskw
artist-in-residence, Helen Verbanz. A conceptual artist from Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Verbanz spent several weeks in Key West, researching
and building an installation based on the estuaries and mangroves
surrounding our delicate island chain.
And get a glimpse of the future of local creativity. Adorning the Armory
foyer walls will be samples of work created by the TSKW Art Academy
kids, the budding artistic talents who've been making art on our campus
every day this week. Using the Armory as their creative base, the kids
have been meeting Key West artists in their studios, learning about
Picasso, Frieda Kahlo, and Georgia O'Keefe, and making all sorts of
expressive things.
As with every Walk on White, most of the twelve upstairs studios will
open their doors and let the public in to discover the paintings, mixed-
media objects, design work, and literary arts that have been coming out
of our busy creative community. Meet great local artists and learn more
about their work: Peter Vey, Letty Nowak, Debra Yates, Deborah
Goldman, Peter Downie, Hayes Blinckmann, Marc Caren, Sherry
Tewell, Rebecca Bennett, Lisa Esposito, Mark Hedden, and new short-
term studio artist Guillermo Orozco.
To make this Thursday's art walk even more delicious, finger foods
have been generously donated by the Rusty Anchor Restaurant on
Stock Island.
__________
Announcing a special summertime offer:
One free life drawing session for first-time locals
Every Wednesday 6-8pm
$5 Friends/TSKW- $10 non-members
From now until the end of August, locals are invited to try their first life
drawing session for free at the Armory.
Every Wednesday, from 6 to 8pm, we provide tables, easels, light music
and a model. Participants bring their materials, enthusiasm, and
creative spirit. The sessions, which are untutored, begin with several
1-5 minute warm-ups and then progresses to longer 10-20 minute
poses.
So pack up your paper, pencils and paint and come along to the Armory
to explore your inner artist this summer!
__________
"The Unwinking Gaze"
The Next Spiritual Garden Movie at the Armory
Monday 21 July, 8:00pm
(Suggested donation of $5 gratefully accepted)
This is one incredible
Documentary on the Dalai Lama
as you`ve never seen him before!
Goes where no other movie or journalistic endeavor has gone before,
in tracking the daily agonies of the Tibetan leader as he tries to strike a
balance between his Buddhist vows and the real politic needed to placate
China.
David and Goliath is played out in front of us as the world's emerging
superpower and the Dalai Lama walk a tightropeover an issue of global
importance: the future of Tibet and China.
Filmmaker Joshua Dugdale was given extraordinary access to the Dalai
Lama over a three-year period. The Unwinking Gaze is not three years in
the life of the Dalai Lama. It is his life's work in three years. This film takes
you inside the Titanic struggle of one of the great spiritual and political
figures of our time, as he tries to lead his people to a peaceful resolution
with China. Director Joshua Dugdale.
70 mins.
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
04 July 2008
Green Flash: 05
An Electronic Newsletter from The Studios of Key West
We at The Studios of Key West would like to wish you a very happy
and safe holiday weekend. Happy Birthday America!
This summer our staff is busy at the Armory planning the workshops,
lectures, exhibitions and projects you can look forward to in our upcoming
2008-2009 season. We welcome your ideas, input, and feedback, as
we shape our sophomore year of diverse cultural programming.
Details of our season will be posted to our website as they emerge, so
please visit www.tskw.org to learn about creative opportunities and
eventsthis summer, fall, and beyond.
And peruse this edition of The Green Flash, our electronic newsletter, for
a snapshot of what's coming up during the lazy days of summer
__________
Seagrass: Opening Reception
Please join us to celebrate a new installation and
meet our Artist in Residence, Helen Verbanz
Tuesday 8 July 5:30-7:00pm
TSKW Artist in Residence, Helen Verbanz, has finished her installation
in the main hall of the Historic Armory. Before she heads back to Halifax,
Nova Scotia, we'd like you to celebrate her presence and work
at The Studios of Key West. Her interactive installation, "Seagrass", is
inspired by the plant life indigenous to the shallow waterways of the
Lower Keys. Please join us for a wine and cheese reception, and an
opportunity to meet the artist on Tuesday 8 July from 5:30 in the main hall.
__________
Walk on White
Thursday 17 July from July 6:00-9:00pm
We fling open the doors, bring out the food and drink, open up the upstairs
studio spaces, and treat the public to an inside look about what's going on
here at the Armory. Join us every Third Thursday of each month, for the
lively creative environment known as Walk on White, and be sure to ramble
down the street to see what's happening at the other local businesses on
White Street that make it all happen.
During the July 17 Walk on White, visitors to the Armory can meet many of
our studio artists and learn about the creative work they do. And in the
main hall, they can discover Seagrass, a new mixed media installation by
Artist-in-Residence Helen Verbanz. See listing above for details, and contact
TSKW at 296-0458 for more information.
__________
Life Drawing
Bring Your Paints, Pastels, Paper and
Pencils for our weekly session
Every Wednesday 6-8pm
$5 Friends/TSKW- $10 non-members
The Studios of Key West is proud to offer weekly life drawing
sessions, yet another opportunity for creative development and
artistic exploration. Every Wednesday, from 6 to 8pm, we provide tables,
easels, light music and model. Participants bring their materials,
enthusiasm, and creative spirit. Just bring your enthusiasm
and favorite materials. Each session begins with several 1-5 minute
warm-ups and then progresses to longer 10-20 minute poses.
To learn more about this and other on-going creative development
opportunities at TSKW, contact us at 296-0458.
__________
"Short Cut to Nirvana"
The next Spiritual Garden Movie at the Armory
Monday 7 July 8:00-10:00pm
(Suggested donation of $5 gratefully accepted)
Short Cut to Nirvana is an award-winning documentary about the Kumbh
Mela spiritual festival which takes place near Allahabad, India, every 12
years. The Kumbh Mela also happens to be the biggest gathering in history,
attracting 70 million pilgrims.
From this incredible event comes a powerful and uplifting message of
harmony, unity and peace for all humanity. Yet almost no-one outside
India has ever heard of the Kumbh Mela or its message.
Until now....
__________
Summer Art Academy
Only a few spots left...
July 14-July 18
Fun and creative summer program
explores different art themes
(for rising 2nd-5th graders)
Led by Montessori-trained educator, Monica Feinemann, The Studios of
Key West summer art academy will allow children to explore different
arts themes, creative traditions, and the work of famous artists such as
Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georgia O'Keefe.
Kids will also undertake related field trips, including studio tours
with local artists and and fun activities on our wonderfully creative island.
Sessions will be held from 9am-2pm each day.
($175 per child/per week with Friends/TSKW family membership of $195
per/child per week for non-members)
This day camp-style academy will also include a variety of art experience,
from watercolor painting to drawing to collage. Snacks will be provided.
If you have a creative kid, age 7-11, sign up now for this great summer
experience.Contact The Studios of Key West for at 296-0458 for
registration and program information.
_________
ONE NIGHT STAND, the second stage
Key West's highly collaborative 24-hour theatre project
returns to The Studios of Key West in late August
THE PROJECT
One Night Stand is a collaborative summer theatre event at The Studios of
Key West. We tried it last summer, and had a blast.The project features an
array of home-grown talent, one intensive day of creative dramatic activity, and a
single stage where the stories and magic unfold before an eager audience.
The first effort, in August 2007, combined dozens of local creative people, a standing
room only crowd, and four rollicking theatre experiences during the otherwise
lazy days of summer. In August 2008, four teams of writers, directors, actors
and artists will again assemble for a shut-in at the Armory. There they will write, rehearse,
design, and craft intimate one act theatre pieces for One Night Stand 2008. Exactly one
day later, on a Saturday evening, the doors are opened, the audience is seated, the first set
is revealed, and the new home-grown stories begin to unfold.
THE RULES
The rules to One Night Stand are simple. At the start, actors assemble and head shots are
taken. These are put into one pot, and writers take turns blindly picking their
cast. All writers are given the same first opening line and another closing line,
and a uniform prop is also furnished. These must be worked into the new play. Directors
are assigned to the teams, and writers have twelve hours to complete
and return with a draft of a new one-act play. On Saturday morning,
rehearsals and set designs begin, culminating in a frenzied rush to the 8:00pm
curtain time and the debut of the island's freshest theatrical fruit.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Studios of Key West seeks a handful of generous local arts supporters to help us
underwrite this year's One Night Stand project. We're also looking for local restaurants
and businesses who can donate meals for actors, materials for sets and props, or prize items
for the audience-choice awards. All sponsors will receive complimentary tickets, special access
to the creative environment, and acknowledgment in the One Night Stand program
and all event promotions. And if you'd like to participate as an actor, director, artist, or a creative helper,
please contact us soon, as the entire cast of characters is almost set!
To learn more about the 2008 One Night Stand, to make a contribution, or to become
a creative participant, please contact project manager Elena Devers at
The Studios of Key West: 296-0458 or elena@tskw.org
Details about the 2008 One Night Stand will follow in upcoming editions of The Green Flash.
Tickets will go on sale in early August. Let's do it again!
__________
Become a Friend/TSKW
Show your support and help us grow!
Our board of directors, small staff, and community of artists would like to
invite you to become an annual member of friends/tskw. In late 2007, we began
asking our neighbors, local businesses, and those who love Key West to join our
organization as annual supporters. As of July 2008, we count over 200 generous
people as Friends or Patrons. Thank you all for helping us develop into a
dynamic arts organization.
Members receive discounts on our workshops and cultural events, receive our
advance season brochure and special invitations to opportunities at TSKW,
and other treats. Joining is as easy as replying to this message, calling us at 296-0458,
or stopping by the Armory to pick up a membership packet.
TSKW is a non-profit charitable organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
Your donation will help support our programs, community projects, free lectures,
professional development for artists, and the growth of or Old Town campus.
If you are not a current member, but would like to support the future of TSKW please
let us know, We are grateful to everyone who is making Key West an incredible
creative community.
__________
LUCKY DIP
For those of you who have read all the way to here, we've got a special offer...
The first three TSKW Members, active Friends or Patrons, to reply to this message
with the subject line "Lucky Dip" will get their choice of one of the following
wonderful items form Key West's cultural identity:
-a DVD of the 1978 classic mock travel documentary film,
The Key West Picture Show
-a copy of issue 3 of The Secret of Salt: an Indigenous Journal,
the compendium of local writing, images, history and thinking
-a copy of recent instructor Crescent Dragonwagon's
delicious new culinary book, The Cornbread Gospels
-a CD of The Key West Guitar and Garden Club, featuring 13
home-grown tracks by local songwriters and musicians
Items can be picked up by our lucky Friends/Patrons
next week at the Armory.
NOT FEELING LUCKY?
And if you are not a current annual supporter of
The Studios of Key West, here's an offer for you...
Call us to request a membership packet, join and make your
tax-deductible contribution before the summer is over,
and you too will receive a special gift for becoming part of our
creative community. It might be a book, maybe a film,
perhaps a nice new writing pen. Try your luck soon...
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
We at The Studios of Key West would like to wish you a very happy
and safe holiday weekend. Happy Birthday America!
This summer our staff is busy at the Armory planning the workshops,
lectures, exhibitions and projects you can look forward to in our upcoming
2008-2009 season. We welcome your ideas, input, and feedback, as
we shape our sophomore year of diverse cultural programming.
Details of our season will be posted to our website as they emerge, so
please visit www.tskw.org to learn about creative opportunities and
eventsthis summer, fall, and beyond.
And peruse this edition of The Green Flash, our electronic newsletter, for
a snapshot of what's coming up during the lazy days of summer
__________
Seagrass: Opening Reception
Please join us to celebrate a new installation and
meet our Artist in Residence, Helen Verbanz
Tuesday 8 July 5:30-7:00pm
TSKW Artist in Residence, Helen Verbanz, has finished her installation
in the main hall of the Historic Armory. Before she heads back to Halifax,
Nova Scotia, we'd like you to celebrate her presence and work
at The Studios of Key West. Her interactive installation, "Seagrass", is
inspired by the plant life indigenous to the shallow waterways of the
Lower Keys. Please join us for a wine and cheese reception, and an
opportunity to meet the artist on Tuesday 8 July from 5:30 in the main hall.
__________
Walk on White
Thursday 17 July from July 6:00-9:00pm
We fling open the doors, bring out the food and drink, open up the upstairs
studio spaces, and treat the public to an inside look about what's going on
here at the Armory. Join us every Third Thursday of each month, for the
lively creative environment known as Walk on White, and be sure to ramble
down the street to see what's happening at the other local businesses on
White Street that make it all happen.
During the July 17 Walk on White, visitors to the Armory can meet many of
our studio artists and learn about the creative work they do. And in the
main hall, they can discover Seagrass, a new mixed media installation by
Artist-in-Residence Helen Verbanz. See listing above for details, and contact
TSKW at 296-0458 for more information.
__________
Life Drawing
Bring Your Paints, Pastels, Paper and
Pencils for our weekly session
Every Wednesday 6-8pm
$5 Friends/TSKW- $10 non-members
The Studios of Key West is proud to offer weekly life drawing
sessions, yet another opportunity for creative development and
artistic exploration. Every Wednesday, from 6 to 8pm, we provide tables,
easels, light music and model. Participants bring their materials,
enthusiasm, and creative spirit. Just bring your enthusiasm
and favorite materials. Each session begins with several 1-5 minute
warm-ups and then progresses to longer 10-20 minute poses.
To learn more about this and other on-going creative development
opportunities at TSKW, contact us at 296-0458.
__________
"Short Cut to Nirvana"
The next Spiritual Garden Movie at the Armory
Monday 7 July 8:00-10:00pm
(Suggested donation of $5 gratefully accepted)
Short Cut to Nirvana is an award-winning documentary about the Kumbh
Mela spiritual festival which takes place near Allahabad, India, every 12
years. The Kumbh Mela also happens to be the biggest gathering in history,
attracting 70 million pilgrims.
From this incredible event comes a powerful and uplifting message of
harmony, unity and peace for all humanity. Yet almost no-one outside
India has ever heard of the Kumbh Mela or its message.
Until now....
__________
Summer Art Academy
Only a few spots left...
July 14-July 18
Fun and creative summer program
explores different art themes
(for rising 2nd-5th graders)
Led by Montessori-trained educator, Monica Feinemann, The Studios of
Key West summer art academy will allow children to explore different
arts themes, creative traditions, and the work of famous artists such as
Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georgia O'Keefe.
Kids will also undertake related field trips, including studio tours
with local artists and and fun activities on our wonderfully creative island.
Sessions will be held from 9am-2pm each day.
($175 per child/per week with Friends/TSKW family membership of $195
per/child per week for non-members)
This day camp-style academy will also include a variety of art experience,
from watercolor painting to drawing to collage. Snacks will be provided.
If you have a creative kid, age 7-11, sign up now for this great summer
experience.Contact The Studios of Key West for at 296-0458 for
registration and program information.
_________
ONE NIGHT STAND, the second stage
Key West's highly collaborative 24-hour theatre project
returns to The Studios of Key West in late August
THE PROJECT
One Night Stand is a collaborative summer theatre event at The Studios of
Key West. We tried it last summer, and had a blast.The project features an
array of home-grown talent, one intensive day of creative dramatic activity, and a
single stage where the stories and magic unfold before an eager audience.
The first effort, in August 2007, combined dozens of local creative people, a standing
room only crowd, and four rollicking theatre experiences during the otherwise
lazy days of summer. In August 2008, four teams of writers, directors, actors
and artists will again assemble for a shut-in at the Armory. There they will write, rehearse,
design, and craft intimate one act theatre pieces for One Night Stand 2008. Exactly one
day later, on a Saturday evening, the doors are opened, the audience is seated, the first set
is revealed, and the new home-grown stories begin to unfold.
THE RULES
The rules to One Night Stand are simple. At the start, actors assemble and head shots are
taken. These are put into one pot, and writers take turns blindly picking their
cast. All writers are given the same first opening line and another closing line,
and a uniform prop is also furnished. These must be worked into the new play. Directors
are assigned to the teams, and writers have twelve hours to complete
and return with a draft of a new one-act play. On Saturday morning,
rehearsals and set designs begin, culminating in a frenzied rush to the 8:00pm
curtain time and the debut of the island's freshest theatrical fruit.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Studios of Key West seeks a handful of generous local arts supporters to help us
underwrite this year's One Night Stand project. We're also looking for local restaurants
and businesses who can donate meals for actors, materials for sets and props, or prize items
for the audience-choice awards. All sponsors will receive complimentary tickets, special access
to the creative environment, and acknowledgment in the One Night Stand program
and all event promotions. And if you'd like to participate as an actor, director, artist, or a creative helper,
please contact us soon, as the entire cast of characters is almost set!
To learn more about the 2008 One Night Stand, to make a contribution, or to become
a creative participant, please contact project manager Elena Devers at
The Studios of Key West: 296-0458 or elena@tskw.org
Details about the 2008 One Night Stand will follow in upcoming editions of The Green Flash.
Tickets will go on sale in early August. Let's do it again!
__________
Become a Friend/TSKW
Show your support and help us grow!
Our board of directors, small staff, and community of artists would like to
invite you to become an annual member of friends/tskw. In late 2007, we began
asking our neighbors, local businesses, and those who love Key West to join our
organization as annual supporters. As of July 2008, we count over 200 generous
people as Friends or Patrons. Thank you all for helping us develop into a
dynamic arts organization.
Members receive discounts on our workshops and cultural events, receive our
advance season brochure and special invitations to opportunities at TSKW,
and other treats. Joining is as easy as replying to this message, calling us at 296-0458,
or stopping by the Armory to pick up a membership packet.
TSKW is a non-profit charitable organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
Your donation will help support our programs, community projects, free lectures,
professional development for artists, and the growth of or Old Town campus.
If you are not a current member, but would like to support the future of TSKW please
let us know, We are grateful to everyone who is making Key West an incredible
creative community.
__________
LUCKY DIP
For those of you who have read all the way to here, we've got a special offer...
The first three TSKW Members, active Friends or Patrons, to reply to this message
with the subject line "Lucky Dip" will get their choice of one of the following
wonderful items form Key West's cultural identity:
-a DVD of the 1978 classic mock travel documentary film,
The Key West Picture Show
-a copy of issue 3 of The Secret of Salt: an Indigenous Journal,
the compendium of local writing, images, history and thinking
-a copy of recent instructor Crescent Dragonwagon's
delicious new culinary book, The Cornbread Gospels
-a CD of The Key West Guitar and Garden Club, featuring 13
home-grown tracks by local songwriters and musicians
Items can be picked up by our lucky Friends/Patrons
next week at the Armory.
NOT FEELING LUCKY?
And if you are not a current annual supporter of
The Studios of Key West, here's an offer for you...
Call us to request a membership packet, join and make your
tax-deductible contribution before the summer is over,
and you too will receive a special gift for becoming part of our
creative community. It might be a book, maybe a film,
perhaps a nice new writing pen. Try your luck soon...
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
18 June 2008
Green Flash: 04
An Electronic Newsletter from The Studios of Key West
Walk on White
June's gallery walk will be sweeter than usual at TSKW
Join us at this month's Walk on White on Thursday 19 June from 6-9pm
when the Rotary Club, local businesses and TSKW will serve
up food and fun as a special fundraiser for the businesses
that were affected by the White Street fire earlier this month.
Start your stroll at the Coldwell Banker office at 1201 White Street,
where you can check-in, learn more about the participating
businesses and purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket.
Enjoy a glass of wine or beer and make your way down White Street to
hear live music at the White Street Deli Cafe, check out new artwork
at local businesses, and stop in at the Truman and White Chevron Station,
where they'll be grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs all evening.
Finish your evening at the Armory, where in addition to
the usual festivities, we'll be serving a selection of delicious
desserts generously provided by First State Bank.
Also on at the Armory during Walk on White:
Stock Island: Closing Reception
If you haven't already seen the exhibition of new work
by studio artist Letty Nowak, this Thursday evening
is your last chance.
In over twenty small oil-on-canvas paintings, Letty presents her
unique take on the distinct architectural features,
industrial landscapes and familiar faces of Stock Island.
That night, you can also meet Letty and learn about the
beginning oil painting classes that she'll
be teaching later this month at the Armory.
(see class details below)
Images from Jim Racchi's
recent visit to Hong Kong
As part of Walk on White, local sculptor Jim Racchi will present
an informal slide show detailing his recent experiences from
his month-long stay in Hong Kong.
Jim took part in the 2008 Hong Kong Tin Sui Wai International
Sculpture Symposium. While there he created a steel sculpture
entitled Walking Couple #5. The work remains in a Hong
Kong park along with the sculptors by nine other artists.
This month, visitors can view an earlier sculpture in the series
entitled Walking Couple #2 in the main hall of the Armory.
__________
Also at the Armory this month:
Two Special Oil Painting Classes
with Letty Nowak
Class One: Introduction to Oils
(3 session-class/limit 20 students)
Saturday 21 June 9am-12pm
Tuesday 24 June 6-9pm
Thursday 26 June 6-9pm
(final class will conclude with a group portrait
and wine and cheese reception)
$150 for friends/tskw or $180 for non-members
This class is designed to introduce beginners to the pleasure of
painting with oils. Nowak will demonstrate this traditional
medium step-by-step, through the processes of mixing colors and
applying paint to develop their own 12 x 12 inch painting.
Learn more at http://www.tskw.org/workshops_item.php?ws_id=105
__________
Class Two : Oil Painting Portraits
(3 session-class/limit 20 students)
Saturday 28 June 9am-12pm
Tuesday 1 July 6-9pm
Thursday 3 July 6-9pm
(final class will conclude with a group portrait
and wine and cheese reception)
$150 for friends/tskw or $180 for non-members
In this class students will work with traditional oils on canvas to make a non-
traditional contemporary portrait of a person they choose. Nowak will
demonstrate step-by-step how to get the initial drawing right, how to
mix colors, and how to get a well-developed painting that looks
just like the subject.
Learn more at http://www.tskw.org/workshops_item.php?ws_id=15
Demonstrations will begin each session and
a notebook and camera are suggested.
Call 296.0458 or stop by the Armory to register.
__________
And, TSKW offers two unique creative
opportunities for kids this summer:
Summer Music Academy
Kids will explore all aspects of musicality
at two week summer experience
The Studios of Key West is proud to partner with Robin Kaplan and
Skipper Kripitz, two legendary local music educators,
to launch this summer music academy for Key West kids.
Students will make a creative summer break while honing their
listening, singing, and rhythm skills, developing music
appreciation, and learning to play instruments.
This performance-based program will explore many styles including pop,
rock, jazz, classical, and world music. The two-week experience
will run weekdays from June 23 to July 4 at the Armory and will
culminate in a performance on the lawn of the Casa
Marina on July 4, for the big annual Hospice picnic and celebration.
Grades K-2 will meet from 1:00 to 2:00 pm each day
($100 with Friends/TSKW family membership or $120 for non-members)
Grades 3-5 will meet from 2:30 to 4:00 pm each day
($150 with Friends/TSKW family membership or $175 for non-members)
Grades 6-8 will meet from 4:30 to 6:00 pm each day
($150 with Friends/TSKW family membership or $175 for non-members)
Contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 for
registration and program information.
__________
Summer Art Academy
Fun and creative summer program
explores different art themes
Led by Montessori-trained educator, Monica Feinemann,
The Studios of Key West summer art academy at the Armory
covers two one-week experiences. Each week, students will explore a
different arts theme, and then undertake related field trips and
fun activities on our wonderfully creative island.
Week 1: July 14- July 18
Around the World through Art and Art History
Week 2: July 21-July 25
Key West and its Local Artists
Sessions will be held from 9 am- 2 pm each day
($175 per child/per week with Friends/TSKW family membership
or $195 per child/per week for non-members)
Contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 for
registration and program information.
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
Walk on White
June's gallery walk will be sweeter than usual at TSKW
Join us at this month's Walk on White on Thursday 19 June from 6-9pm
when the Rotary Club, local businesses and TSKW will serve
up food and fun as a special fundraiser for the businesses
that were affected by the White Street fire earlier this month.
Start your stroll at the Coldwell Banker office at 1201 White Street,
where you can check-in, learn more about the participating
businesses and purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket.
Enjoy a glass of wine or beer and make your way down White Street to
hear live music at the White Street Deli Cafe, check out new artwork
at local businesses, and stop in at the Truman and White Chevron Station,
where they'll be grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs all evening.
Finish your evening at the Armory, where in addition to
the usual festivities, we'll be serving a selection of delicious
desserts generously provided by First State Bank.
Also on at the Armory during Walk on White:
Stock Island: Closing Reception
If you haven't already seen the exhibition of new work
by studio artist Letty Nowak, this Thursday evening
is your last chance.
In over twenty small oil-on-canvas paintings, Letty presents her
unique take on the distinct architectural features,
industrial landscapes and familiar faces of Stock Island.
That night, you can also meet Letty and learn about the
beginning oil painting classes that she'll
be teaching later this month at the Armory.
(see class details below)
Images from Jim Racchi's
recent visit to Hong Kong
As part of Walk on White, local sculptor Jim Racchi will present
an informal slide show detailing his recent experiences from
his month-long stay in Hong Kong.
Jim took part in the 2008 Hong Kong Tin Sui Wai International
Sculpture Symposium. While there he created a steel sculpture
entitled Walking Couple #5. The work remains in a Hong
Kong park along with the sculptors by nine other artists.
This month, visitors can view an earlier sculpture in the series
entitled Walking Couple #2 in the main hall of the Armory.
__________
Also at the Armory this month:
Two Special Oil Painting Classes
with Letty Nowak
Class One: Introduction to Oils
(3 session-class/limit 20 students)
Saturday 21 June 9am-12pm
Tuesday 24 June 6-9pm
Thursday 26 June 6-9pm
(final class will conclude with a group portrait
and wine and cheese reception)
$150 for friends/tskw or $180 for non-members
This class is designed to introduce beginners to the pleasure of
painting with oils. Nowak will demonstrate this traditional
medium step-by-step, through the processes of mixing colors and
applying paint to develop their own 12 x 12 inch painting.
Learn more at http://www.tskw.org/workshops_item.php?ws_id=105
__________
Class Two : Oil Painting Portraits
(3 session-class/limit 20 students)
Saturday 28 June 9am-12pm
Tuesday 1 July 6-9pm
Thursday 3 July 6-9pm
(final class will conclude with a group portrait
and wine and cheese reception)
$150 for friends/tskw or $180 for non-members
In this class students will work with traditional oils on canvas to make a non-
traditional contemporary portrait of a person they choose. Nowak will
demonstrate step-by-step how to get the initial drawing right, how to
mix colors, and how to get a well-developed painting that looks
just like the subject.
Learn more at http://www.tskw.org/workshops_item.php?ws_id=15
Demonstrations will begin each session and
a notebook and camera are suggested.
Call 296.0458 or stop by the Armory to register.
__________
And, TSKW offers two unique creative
opportunities for kids this summer:
Summer Music Academy
Kids will explore all aspects of musicality
at two week summer experience
The Studios of Key West is proud to partner with Robin Kaplan and
Skipper Kripitz, two legendary local music educators,
to launch this summer music academy for Key West kids.
Students will make a creative summer break while honing their
listening, singing, and rhythm skills, developing music
appreciation, and learning to play instruments.
This performance-based program will explore many styles including pop,
rock, jazz, classical, and world music. The two-week experience
will run weekdays from June 23 to July 4 at the Armory and will
culminate in a performance on the lawn of the Casa
Marina on July 4, for the big annual Hospice picnic and celebration.
Grades K-2 will meet from 1:00 to 2:00 pm each day
($100 with Friends/TSKW family membership or $120 for non-members)
Grades 3-5 will meet from 2:30 to 4:00 pm each day
($150 with Friends/TSKW family membership or $175 for non-members)
Grades 6-8 will meet from 4:30 to 6:00 pm each day
($150 with Friends/TSKW family membership or $175 for non-members)
Contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 for
registration and program information.
__________
Summer Art Academy
Fun and creative summer program
explores different art themes
Led by Montessori-trained educator, Monica Feinemann,
The Studios of Key West summer art academy at the Armory
covers two one-week experiences. Each week, students will explore a
different arts theme, and then undertake related field trips and
fun activities on our wonderfully creative island.
Week 1: July 14- July 18
Around the World through Art and Art History
Week 2: July 21-July 25
Key West and its Local Artists
Sessions will be held from 9 am- 2 pm each day
($175 per child/per week with Friends/TSKW family membership
or $195 per child/per week for non-members)
Contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 for
registration and program information.
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
03 June 2008
Green Flash: 03
An Electronic Newsletter from The Studios of Key West
It's a Wrap!
(for the 07/08 TSKW workshop season, that is)
Next week's Intensive Sunrise Painting Workshop with Susan Sugar
will mark the conclusion of the 07/08 workshop season. There are still a few spots
left for the week-long morning workshop, and students have the option of attending
just a portion of the week, by prior arrangement (see workshop details below).
We'd like to thank all the students and supporters who helped us have such a fantastic,
creative year. A special thanks also goes out to the instructors who shared their
artistic knowledge with our community this season, including maskmaker
John McBride, master watercolorist Charles Reid, critically regarded novelist Robert Stone,
and cookbook author Crescent Dragonwagon, and over two dozen others.
The Armory is still home to plenty of creative opportunities this summer, including monthly gallery
walks and new exhibitions, bi-monthly screenings of movies exploring philosophical and spiritual
topics, community projects and artist-residencies, and even a Beginning Oil Painting Class and a
Portrait Seminar with studio artist Letty Nowak at the end of June (look for details about
Letty's classes on our website early next week at www.tskw.org)
If you did join us this year for a workshop this season, or have an idea for a
workshop or class you'd like to see in the future, let us know! We need your ideas,
support and participation, so please take a few moments to respond to
this email by answering to the following questions...
1. Did you participate in a workshop this year? If so, which one(s)?
2. What was your favorite part of your experience?
3. Is there anything you would like us to do differently?
4. Are there any workshops or classes you'd like to see offered in the future?
(Those who respond to the above by Friday 13 June
will be entered in a drawing to win a basket of creative goodies
that commemorates TSKW's first workshop season.
The winner will be drawn and random and will be notified by email.)
__________
And here's what's coming up next at TSKW....
Intensive Sunrise Painting Workshop
with Susan Sugar
June 9-13, 6-9am
$300 for the full week or $60 per day
Friends/TSKW- $240 for the full week or $48 per day
The class will meet at 6am each day at a different location to paint the sunrise.
Students will engage in playful painting improvisation, seeking fresh ways
to capture the swiftly changing light of sunrise. Students can enroll
for only a portion of the workshop, by prior arrangement.
See full details at
http://www.tskw.org/workshops_item.php?ws_id=100
Call 296-0458 enroll now.
__________
Life Drawing Every Wednesday
Join us at the Armory every Wednesday from 6-8pm.
The model and easels or table are provided, so just bring your enthusiasm
and favorite materials. Sessions are untutored, with timed poses, and no
instruction is provided.
Cost is $10 per session or $5 for Friends/TSKW.
__________
The Next Spiritual Garden Movie:
"Buddha's Lost Children"
Monday 16 June, 8:00pm
at the Armory
Free (contributions gratefully accepted)
In the borderlands of Thailand's Golden Triangle, a rugged region known for its
drug smuggling and impoverished hill tribes, one man devotes himself to the
welfare of the region's children.
A former Thai boxer, turned Buddhist monk, Phra Khru Bah Neua Chai Kossito,
also known as Tiger Monk), travels widely on horseback. fearlessly dispensing
prayers, healthcare, education, and tough love to villagers far from the
protection and support of government or non-governmental
organizations. With his Golden Horse temple, he's built an
orphanage, a school and clinic.
Stunning cinematography, intimate filmmaking and a compelling story make
this film an extraordinary experience. This movie gives the term
"grassroots Buddhism" new meaning.
__________
TSKW Music Camp
Kids will explore all aspects of musicality
at two week summer camp
The Studios of Key West is proud to partner with Robin Kaplan and
Skipper Kripitz, two legendary local music educators, to launch this
summer camp opportunity for Key West kids.
Students will have a creative summer break while honing their listening,
singing, and rhythm skills, developing music appreciation, and learning
to play instruments.
This performance-based program will explore many styles including
pop, rock, jazz, classical, and world music.
The two-week camp will run weekdays from June 23 to July 4 at the
Armory and will culminate in a performance on the lawn of the
Casa Marina on July 4, for the big annual Hospice picnic.
Grades K-2 will meet from 1:00 to 2:00 pm each day
($120/$100 for Friends/TSKW)
Grades 3-5 will meet from 2:30 to 4:00 pm each day
($175/$150 for Friends/TSKW)
Grades 6-8 will meet from 4:30 to 6:00 pm each day
($175/$150 for Friends/TSKW)
Click here for details and for a printable registration form
http://www.tskw.org/news_detail.php?nid=68
__________
TSKW Summer Art Academy
Fun and creative summer camp
explores different art themes
Each week students will explore a different arts theme, and then
undertake related field trips and fun activities on our wonderfully
creative island.
Led by Montessori-trained educator, Monica Feinemann.
Week 1: July 14- July 18
Around the World through Art and Art History
Week 2: July 21-July 25
Key West and its Local Artists
Camp meets from 9 am-2 pm each day
($195 per child/per week or $175 for Friends/TSKW members)
Click here for details and for a printable registration form
http://www.tskw.org/news_detail.php?nid=66
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
It's a Wrap!
(for the 07/08 TSKW workshop season, that is)
Next week's Intensive Sunrise Painting Workshop with Susan Sugar
will mark the conclusion of the 07/08 workshop season. There are still a few spots
left for the week-long morning workshop, and students have the option of attending
just a portion of the week, by prior arrangement (see workshop details below).
We'd like to thank all the students and supporters who helped us have such a fantastic,
creative year. A special thanks also goes out to the instructors who shared their
artistic knowledge with our community this season, including maskmaker
John McBride, master watercolorist Charles Reid, critically regarded novelist Robert Stone,
and cookbook author Crescent Dragonwagon, and over two dozen others.
The Armory is still home to plenty of creative opportunities this summer, including monthly gallery
walks and new exhibitions, bi-monthly screenings of movies exploring philosophical and spiritual
topics, community projects and artist-residencies, and even a Beginning Oil Painting Class and a
Portrait Seminar with studio artist Letty Nowak at the end of June (look for details about
Letty's classes on our website early next week at www.tskw.org)
If you did join us this year for a workshop this season, or have an idea for a
workshop or class you'd like to see in the future, let us know! We need your ideas,
support and participation, so please take a few moments to respond to
this email by answering to the following questions...
1. Did you participate in a workshop this year? If so, which one(s)?
2. What was your favorite part of your experience?
3. Is there anything you would like us to do differently?
4. Are there any workshops or classes you'd like to see offered in the future?
(Those who respond to the above by Friday 13 June
will be entered in a drawing to win a basket of creative goodies
that commemorates TSKW's first workshop season.
The winner will be drawn and random and will be notified by email.)
__________
And here's what's coming up next at TSKW....
Intensive Sunrise Painting Workshop
with Susan Sugar
June 9-13, 6-9am
$300 for the full week or $60 per day
Friends/TSKW- $240 for the full week or $48 per day
The class will meet at 6am each day at a different location to paint the sunrise.
Students will engage in playful painting improvisation, seeking fresh ways
to capture the swiftly changing light of sunrise. Students can enroll
for only a portion of the workshop, by prior arrangement.
See full details at
http://www.tskw.org/workshops_item.php?ws_id=100
Call 296-0458 enroll now.
__________
Life Drawing Every Wednesday
Join us at the Armory every Wednesday from 6-8pm.
The model and easels or table are provided, so just bring your enthusiasm
and favorite materials. Sessions are untutored, with timed poses, and no
instruction is provided.
Cost is $10 per session or $5 for Friends/TSKW.
__________
The Next Spiritual Garden Movie:
"Buddha's Lost Children"
Monday 16 June, 8:00pm
at the Armory
Free (contributions gratefully accepted)
In the borderlands of Thailand's Golden Triangle, a rugged region known for its
drug smuggling and impoverished hill tribes, one man devotes himself to the
welfare of the region's children.
A former Thai boxer, turned Buddhist monk, Phra Khru Bah Neua Chai Kossito,
also known as Tiger Monk), travels widely on horseback. fearlessly dispensing
prayers, healthcare, education, and tough love to villagers far from the
protection and support of government or non-governmental
organizations. With his Golden Horse temple, he's built an
orphanage, a school and clinic.
Stunning cinematography, intimate filmmaking and a compelling story make
this film an extraordinary experience. This movie gives the term
"grassroots Buddhism" new meaning.
__________
TSKW Music Camp
Kids will explore all aspects of musicality
at two week summer camp
The Studios of Key West is proud to partner with Robin Kaplan and
Skipper Kripitz, two legendary local music educators, to launch this
summer camp opportunity for Key West kids.
Students will have a creative summer break while honing their listening,
singing, and rhythm skills, developing music appreciation, and learning
to play instruments.
This performance-based program will explore many styles including
pop, rock, jazz, classical, and world music.
The two-week camp will run weekdays from June 23 to July 4 at the
Armory and will culminate in a performance on the lawn of the
Casa Marina on July 4, for the big annual Hospice picnic.
Grades K-2 will meet from 1:00 to 2:00 pm each day
($120/$100 for Friends/TSKW)
Grades 3-5 will meet from 2:30 to 4:00 pm each day
($175/$150 for Friends/TSKW)
Grades 6-8 will meet from 4:30 to 6:00 pm each day
($175/$150 for Friends/TSKW)
Click here for details and for a printable registration form
http://www.tskw.org/news_detail.php?nid=68
__________
TSKW Summer Art Academy
Fun and creative summer camp
explores different art themes
Each week students will explore a different arts theme, and then
undertake related field trips and fun activities on our wonderfully
creative island.
Led by Montessori-trained educator, Monica Feinemann.
Week 1: July 14- July 18
Around the World through Art and Art History
Week 2: July 21-July 25
Key West and its Local Artists
Camp meets from 9 am-2 pm each day
($195 per child/per week or $175 for Friends/TSKW members)
Click here for details and for a printable registration form
http://www.tskw.org/news_detail.php?nid=66
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
28 May 2008
Green Flash: 02
An Electronic Newsletter from The Studios of Key West
As summer settles in and the island's pace slows,
the creative spark burns bright at the Armory.
Stop in and check out what's coming up next, including an exhibition
of new artwork, plenty of creative opportunities for kids
and new summer residencies and projects.
Stock Island
See a New Series of Oil Paintings by Studio Artist
Letty Nowak at TSKW
Exhibition Runs from 30 May-20 June
Join us at the Armory this weekend where you'll have two chances to get a
fresh look at the familiar landscapes, industrial minutiae,
and distinct architecture of our neighboring island.
Opening reception: Friday 30 May from 6-9pm
Afternoon champagne reception: Saturday 31 May from 12-3pm
__________
Creative Kids have a place TSKW this summer!
At TSKW, we think it's important for local kids to develop their
creative potential. Now they can learn about music and
the artistic process at two special summer camps...
TSKW Music Camp
Kids will explore all aspects of musicality
at two week summer camp
The Studios of Key West is proud to partner with Robin Kaplan and
Skipper Kripitz, two legendary local music educators, to launch this
summer camp opportunity for Key West kids.
Students will have a creative summer break while honing their listening,
singing, and rhythm skills, developing music appreciation, and learning
to play instruments.
This performance-based program will explore many styles including
pop, rock, jazz, classical, and world music.
The two-week camp will run weekdays from June 23 to July 4 at the
Armory and will culminate in a performance on the lawn of the
Casa Marina on July 4, for the big annual Hospice picnic.
Grades K-2 will meet from 1:00 to 2:00 pm each day
($120/$100 for Friends/TSKW)
Grades 3-5 will meet from 2:30 to 4:00 pm each day
($175/$150 for Friends/TSKW)
Grades 6-8 will meet from 4:30 to 6:00 pm each day
($175/$150 for Friends/TSKW)
Click here for details and for a printable registration form
http://www.tskw.org/news_detail.php?nid=68
__________
TSKW Summer Art Academy
Fun and creative summer camp
explores different art themes
Each week students will explore a different arts theme, and then
undertake related field trips and fun activities on our wonderfully
creative island.
Led by Montessori-trained educator, Monica Feinemann.
Week 1: July 14- July 18
Around the World through Art and Art History
Week 2: July 21-July 25
Key West and its Local Artists
Camp meets from 9 am-2 pm each day
($195 per child/per week or $175 for Friends/TSKW members)
Click here for details and for a printable registration form
http://www.tskw.org/news_detail.php?nid=66
__________
Summer = Theatre at TSKW!
Keep reading the tskw green flash over the summer
for news about the 2008 One Night Stand project, returning in late summer!
__________
A Note from Bob Muens,
TSKW Chairman of the Board
Wow! I can't believe it. It's already been a year since I joined the Board of Directors and what a year it's been here at the Studios of Key West. During this first year I have seen an intriguing concept blossom into a vibrant organization making huge contributions to the arts community of Key West.
What was the initial concept? Briefly stated: A community of artists. We envisioned a community that fosters artistic creativity by providing a facility and the tools artists require to create, a place of unfettered opportunity. We saw a center where artists would gather to express themselves within the context of a larger community.
Now we look back on our first full season and a long list of accomplishments. At about the same time I started at TSKW, we were joined by our first Executive Director, Eric Holowacz. Eric, arriving straight off a long flight from his home in New Zealand, joined our community with nothing short of astonishing effort and enthusiasm and talent.
This first year saw our lofty concept evolve into an everyday reality. Major renovations on our flagship building, The Key West Armory, were completed. This historic building was lovingly brought back to its original majesty. We even won the Historic Florida Keys Foundation preservation star award for the extensive rehabilitation. Now the Armory is the building that serves as the base for most of our endeavors. On the second floor we have constructed twelve studios, which we make available to local creative people at below market rates. This area is now the work space for a crowd of diverse and talented Key West artists.
On the Armory’s main floor everything else happens. This grand hall often serves many different functions in a single day, from exhibition site to event venue to lecture hall. Over this past year it’s been an art gallery, a theater, a home for workshops, a community dialogue space, and party central. Outside we’ve spiffed up the grounds and established a small sculpture garden with a peaceful, park-like atmosphere.
Next door to the Armory this year also saw the inauguration of the Mango Tree House, where we provide lodging for a parade of visiting artists from the United States and beyond.
As The Studios of Key West continues to move forward, expanding our scope and programming, I want to acknowledge that none of this would have been possible without the talent and energy of so many people. A community of people who create, appreciate and support the arts. I would like to thank the artists, staff, board of directors, donors, and all of our friends and neighbors, who together brought an idea to life in Key West.
Sincerely,
Bob Muens
TSKW Chairman of the Board
__________
Thanks Friends!
TSKW welcomes 188 new annual
supporters and counting.
TSKW would like to thank all of people who supported us through our first full cultural season.
Your tax-deductible donation will help support our programs, innovative projects, educational outreach,
free lectures, and the growth of our Old Town campus.
TSKW Friends receive our newsletter, invitations to special events, advance
season brochure, 20% discount on workshop registration, and other creative benefits.
If you are a TSKW supporter but would like to remain anonymous, please just let us know.
We are happy to honor your wishes, and remove your name from such acknowledgment listings.
To learn more about membership, call 305-296-0458.
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
As summer settles in and the island's pace slows,
the creative spark burns bright at the Armory.
Stop in and check out what's coming up next, including an exhibition
of new artwork, plenty of creative opportunities for kids
and new summer residencies and projects.
Stock Island
See a New Series of Oil Paintings by Studio Artist
Letty Nowak at TSKW
Exhibition Runs from 30 May-20 June
Join us at the Armory this weekend where you'll have two chances to get a
fresh look at the familiar landscapes, industrial minutiae,
and distinct architecture of our neighboring island.
Opening reception: Friday 30 May from 6-9pm
Afternoon champagne reception: Saturday 31 May from 12-3pm
__________
Creative Kids have a place TSKW this summer!
At TSKW, we think it's important for local kids to develop their
creative potential. Now they can learn about music and
the artistic process at two special summer camps...
TSKW Music Camp
Kids will explore all aspects of musicality
at two week summer camp
The Studios of Key West is proud to partner with Robin Kaplan and
Skipper Kripitz, two legendary local music educators, to launch this
summer camp opportunity for Key West kids.
Students will have a creative summer break while honing their listening,
singing, and rhythm skills, developing music appreciation, and learning
to play instruments.
This performance-based program will explore many styles including
pop, rock, jazz, classical, and world music.
The two-week camp will run weekdays from June 23 to July 4 at the
Armory and will culminate in a performance on the lawn of the
Casa Marina on July 4, for the big annual Hospice picnic.
Grades K-2 will meet from 1:00 to 2:00 pm each day
($120/$100 for Friends/TSKW)
Grades 3-5 will meet from 2:30 to 4:00 pm each day
($175/$150 for Friends/TSKW)
Grades 6-8 will meet from 4:30 to 6:00 pm each day
($175/$150 for Friends/TSKW)
Click here for details and for a printable registration form
http://www.tskw.org/news_detail.php?nid=68
__________
TSKW Summer Art Academy
Fun and creative summer camp
explores different art themes
Each week students will explore a different arts theme, and then
undertake related field trips and fun activities on our wonderfully
creative island.
Led by Montessori-trained educator, Monica Feinemann.
Week 1: July 14- July 18
Around the World through Art and Art History
Week 2: July 21-July 25
Key West and its Local Artists
Camp meets from 9 am-2 pm each day
($195 per child/per week or $175 for Friends/TSKW members)
Click here for details and for a printable registration form
http://www.tskw.org/news_detail.php?nid=66
__________
Summer = Theatre at TSKW!
Keep reading the tskw green flash over the summer
for news about the 2008 One Night Stand project, returning in late summer!
__________
A Note from Bob Muens,
TSKW Chairman of the Board
Wow! I can't believe it. It's already been a year since I joined the Board of Directors and what a year it's been here at the Studios of Key West. During this first year I have seen an intriguing concept blossom into a vibrant organization making huge contributions to the arts community of Key West.
What was the initial concept? Briefly stated: A community of artists. We envisioned a community that fosters artistic creativity by providing a facility and the tools artists require to create, a place of unfettered opportunity. We saw a center where artists would gather to express themselves within the context of a larger community.
Now we look back on our first full season and a long list of accomplishments. At about the same time I started at TSKW, we were joined by our first Executive Director, Eric Holowacz. Eric, arriving straight off a long flight from his home in New Zealand, joined our community with nothing short of astonishing effort and enthusiasm and talent.
This first year saw our lofty concept evolve into an everyday reality. Major renovations on our flagship building, The Key West Armory, were completed. This historic building was lovingly brought back to its original majesty. We even won the Historic Florida Keys Foundation preservation star award for the extensive rehabilitation. Now the Armory is the building that serves as the base for most of our endeavors. On the second floor we have constructed twelve studios, which we make available to local creative people at below market rates. This area is now the work space for a crowd of diverse and talented Key West artists.
On the Armory’s main floor everything else happens. This grand hall often serves many different functions in a single day, from exhibition site to event venue to lecture hall. Over this past year it’s been an art gallery, a theater, a home for workshops, a community dialogue space, and party central. Outside we’ve spiffed up the grounds and established a small sculpture garden with a peaceful, park-like atmosphere.
Next door to the Armory this year also saw the inauguration of the Mango Tree House, where we provide lodging for a parade of visiting artists from the United States and beyond.
As The Studios of Key West continues to move forward, expanding our scope and programming, I want to acknowledge that none of this would have been possible without the talent and energy of so many people. A community of people who create, appreciate and support the arts. I would like to thank the artists, staff, board of directors, donors, and all of our friends and neighbors, who together brought an idea to life in Key West.
Sincerely,
Bob Muens
TSKW Chairman of the Board
__________
Thanks Friends!
TSKW welcomes 188 new annual
supporters and counting.
TSKW would like to thank all of people who supported us through our first full cultural season.
Your tax-deductible donation will help support our programs, innovative projects, educational outreach,
free lectures, and the growth of our Old Town campus.
TSKW Friends receive our newsletter, invitations to special events, advance
season brochure, 20% discount on workshop registration, and other creative benefits.
If you are a TSKW supporter but would like to remain anonymous, please just let us know.
We are happy to honor your wishes, and remove your name from such acknowledgment listings.
To learn more about membership, call 305-296-0458.
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
20 May 2008
Painter Letty Nowak’s Stock Island Picture Show
The Studios of Key West to Exhibit New Series of Oil Paintings Based on Our More Industrial Neighbor
Letty Nowak, now based in a large and bright space at The Studios of Key West, has turned her attention from local faces to the industrial minutiae, familiar landscapes, and distinct architectural features of Stock Island. Her upcoming exhibition, which opens with a reception at the Armory on Friday, May 30, explores new ground both literally and metaphorically.
“The Keys have few painters as prolific and industrious as Letty,” said Eric Holowacz, director of The Studios, and a fan of the artist’s remarkable ability to capture the essence of her subjects. “And it is wonderful that her recent paintings reveal the nature and uniqueness of our neighboring island.”
It has been three years since Nowak completed her monumental Faces of Key West, a series of portraits that numbers in the hundreds. Stock Island, which is on view at the Armory through June 19, is the artist’s first solo exhibition since 2006.
“This is a show I have been working towards for years,” says Nowak. “In my new studio upstairs at the Armory, I now have the time to refine and finish this exhibition. Years back, before the Faces of Key West, I did little architectural studies of simple or industrial buildings. I discovered an entire island less than a mile north of us, full of interesting features. Stock Island, diverse and visually striking, is the perfect subject for me to return to at this point in my career.”
Some would say these paintings are also about change and transformation. The exhibition certainly represents change for Nowak’s focus, but it also tells of recent developments within Stock Island itself. A few select portraits are scattered throughout the new work in a sort of yin-yang dynamic: some depict the characters who continue to give Stock Island its raw character, and others reveal the people who are transforming the land and waterfront through redevelopment. There are paintings of landmark buildings and the new constructions-in-progress, as well as careful details of often unnoticed things.
“I relearn so much about painting with each of these canvases and every new subject I tackle,” explains the artist. “It forces me to start small and them make different decisions about line and color, compared to the hundreds of portraits I have finished over the past eight years. Perhaps the landscapes are like little studies which I might some day incorporate as a backgrounds in future portraits. Who knows?”
Nowak moved to The Studios of Key West last November after closing the Lemonade Stand Art Studio, which she ran for six years. Now based in one of the 12 affordable artist studios at the Armory, she is now able to pursue painting almost full time. She also is part owner of the new Fury Surf Shack, located in the Westin Marina.
“I’ve seen a lot of Key West paintings, but not too many Stock Island scenes in local galleries,” she says. “I find it extremely interesting out there, and if my upcoming exhibition can actually capture the sense of place, I might even turn the results into a book about what I find intriguing about Stock Island.”
Letty Nowak’s new exhibition, Stock Island, opens at the historic Armory building with a public reception from 6 to 9pm on Friday, May 30. Food for the event will be provided by beloved Stock Island restaurant The Rusty Anchor, with music provided by Stock Island singer-songwriter NAME HERE. A closing reception is also planned for the June Walk on White gallery crawl, from 6 to 9pm on Thursday June 19.
For details and information please contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org.
Letty Nowak, now based in a large and bright space at The Studios of Key West, has turned her attention from local faces to the industrial minutiae, familiar landscapes, and distinct architectural features of Stock Island. Her upcoming exhibition, which opens with a reception at the Armory on Friday, May 30, explores new ground both literally and metaphorically.
“The Keys have few painters as prolific and industrious as Letty,” said Eric Holowacz, director of The Studios, and a fan of the artist’s remarkable ability to capture the essence of her subjects. “And it is wonderful that her recent paintings reveal the nature and uniqueness of our neighboring island.”
It has been three years since Nowak completed her monumental Faces of Key West, a series of portraits that numbers in the hundreds. Stock Island, which is on view at the Armory through June 19, is the artist’s first solo exhibition since 2006.
“This is a show I have been working towards for years,” says Nowak. “In my new studio upstairs at the Armory, I now have the time to refine and finish this exhibition. Years back, before the Faces of Key West, I did little architectural studies of simple or industrial buildings. I discovered an entire island less than a mile north of us, full of interesting features. Stock Island, diverse and visually striking, is the perfect subject for me to return to at this point in my career.”
Some would say these paintings are also about change and transformation. The exhibition certainly represents change for Nowak’s focus, but it also tells of recent developments within Stock Island itself. A few select portraits are scattered throughout the new work in a sort of yin-yang dynamic: some depict the characters who continue to give Stock Island its raw character, and others reveal the people who are transforming the land and waterfront through redevelopment. There are paintings of landmark buildings and the new constructions-in-progress, as well as careful details of often unnoticed things.
“I relearn so much about painting with each of these canvases and every new subject I tackle,” explains the artist. “It forces me to start small and them make different decisions about line and color, compared to the hundreds of portraits I have finished over the past eight years. Perhaps the landscapes are like little studies which I might some day incorporate as a backgrounds in future portraits. Who knows?”
Nowak moved to The Studios of Key West last November after closing the Lemonade Stand Art Studio, which she ran for six years. Now based in one of the 12 affordable artist studios at the Armory, she is now able to pursue painting almost full time. She also is part owner of the new Fury Surf Shack, located in the Westin Marina.
“I’ve seen a lot of Key West paintings, but not too many Stock Island scenes in local galleries,” she says. “I find it extremely interesting out there, and if my upcoming exhibition can actually capture the sense of place, I might even turn the results into a book about what I find intriguing about Stock Island.”
Letty Nowak’s new exhibition, Stock Island, opens at the historic Armory building with a public reception from 6 to 9pm on Friday, May 30. Food for the event will be provided by beloved Stock Island restaurant The Rusty Anchor, with music provided by Stock Island singer-songwriter NAME HERE. A closing reception is also planned for the June Walk on White gallery crawl, from 6 to 9pm on Thursday June 19.
For details and information please contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org.
14 May 2008
Green Flash: 01
An Electronic Newsletter from The Studios of Key West
Stop by the Armory on Thursday 15 May from 6-9 pm for Walk on White.
It's the perfect chance to enjoy a glass of wine, hear live music, stroll
upstairs for an open studio tour and see all that's happening
at The Studios of Key West...
Four-by-Four
a quartet of installations by artists
associated with the first program year at TSKW.
Get an eyeful of fantastic diorama landscapes filled with UFO's, hot-air balloons and
natural disasters: gaze into the suspended worlds of artist
(and recent TSKW drawing instructor) Carlos Ferguson.
Explore the space where art meets ecology and organic matter meets the Armory,
in TSKW studio artist Deborah Goldman's new main-hall installation,
"Weft—an homage to Wallace Stevens"
Delight in the work of visiting painter and provocateur, Chicagoan Mike Lash, and visit
his temporary studio at TSKW. Learn a thing or two from Lash's Lies for Leo
paintings, taken from his recent children's book, as he dispels common myths
and conventional wisdom. Learn about his next project, a coloring book
for local and visiting kids, based on the peculiar and familiar aspects of life in Key West.
Then see below for the story of his much kneeded supply of arms
for the Conch Republic.
Slip into winter with the photography of conceptual artist Helen Verbanz, whose Ice Prints
are also on view in the Armory. The ten images are from her ongoing series of landscape photographs
taken over a dozen years at an ice-fishing village in Canada. In June, Verbanz will
become the next TSKW Artist-in-Residence, and will be developing an environmental installation
based on local waterways, back-country estuaries, and the ecology of the Keys.
Walk on White
We open our doors, the artists open their studios, and new creative things
are happening at every corner. This Thursday from 6 to 9pm.
Lorenzo Buhne, a New Zealand-based musician currently in residence at TSKW, will provide live music
(and a few new songs minted right here in Key West), during the May Walk on White.
And the 5th person who brings a poem, written in English or Italian, to Thursday's Walk on White,
will receive a free copy his first solo CD, Sotto Sopra! Bring a friend, catch Lorenzo
and his guitar inside the Armory's main hall, and go home with some new music!
And to follow Lorenzo's adventure from the Southernmost world capital (Wellington, New Zealand)
to the Southernmost Point, check out his ad hoc weblog here:
http://lorenzobuhne.blogspot.com/
A Whole New Season
This past season saw over three dozen great arts workshops, a free lecture series,
exhibitions by local and visiting artists, the development of our
monthly Walk on White celebrations, and wonderful
new partnerships.
Now we need your help and ideas as TSKW plans an even more ambitious slate of
creative opportunities and cultural programming for the 2008/09 season. If you have a
suggestion for a new workshop or lecture, know someone who might be interested
in our Artist-in-Residence program, or just want to talk about future collaborations,
please contact us at The Studios of Key West. Our staff and board are always
looking for the next creative spark: (305) 296-0458 or eric@tskw.org
Creative Kids have a place at TSKW
New Summer Camp opportunities emerge as we work with local arts
educators and creative people to build the TSKW Summer Art Academy
At The Studios of Key West, we think it's important for kids to explore the artistic process and
have every opportunity to develop their creative potential. That's why, as our major season
comes to a close, we've been working with local arts educators, musicians, sculptors, and creative
people who have inspired us—to establish a new Summer Art Academy for local children.
There will be music, visual art, fields trips and lots of cultural exploration. Look for an upcoming
program announcement soon, or contact TSKW Education & Outreach Coordinator,
Monica Fienemann for details: monica@tskw.org
Chicago Artist Supplying Arms to the Conch Republic
Mike Lash smuggles two hearty loaves onto the island, en route to TSKW,
to aid in the future struggle for independence
Chicago painter Mike Lash has become an avowed partisan of the Conch Republic. Invited by The Studios of Key West to be its artist-in-residence during the month of May, and to show paintings from his original children’s book, “Lies for Leo,” Lash began exploring the history and struggle of the fabled Southernmost micro-nation. “When I learned of the late unpleasantness of 1982, and the annual celebration of the island’s people who continue to thumb their noses at the Federal powers, I knew I had to do my part for the rebellion,” said Lash, from his cottage on the TSKW campus.
In late April, the artist secretly procured two substantial loaves of thick-crust bread, assembled by an underground Chicago baker, and managed to smuggle these across the mainland and over the Key West border. Dressed as a standard sun-loving tourist, he then managed to infiltrate the island’s creative community, meeting several key people who eventually led him to the battle-worn Reef Perkins, Vice Admiral in the Conch Republic Navy.
“These are most delicious armaments,” said Perkins, still smelling of stale and wet Cuban bread from the previous week’s Naval battle re-enactment with the Unites States Coast Guard. “But we dare not consume them, no matter how hungry, as the density and heft will surely prove to be an even better projectile force.”
A pivotal moment in the surreptitious arms deal occurred on the evening of 9 May, when Lash boarded the Schooner Jolly Rover, for what was billed as and actually turned out to be a three-hour cruise. Undercover again as a Midwestern tourist, in golf shirt and bermuda shorts, the artist quietly conferred with the ship's captain, known in more barnacle-encrusted circles as the Lord Admiral of the Conch Republic Navy. The artist, accompanied by an unnamed companion who had a reputation for conveying active yeast cultures across international waters, sealed the arms deal on the top deck that evening. The Jolly Rover plan was leavened and ready for the Republic's Department of Home-baked Security.
Based at a temporary artist studio inside the main hall of the Key West Armory, Lash will continue meeting with high ranking officials in the Conch Republic military and civilian government, and anyone else who comes along. The official transfer of arms, two hearty loaves of Chicago-baked bread, are to be ceremoniously handed over to the Conch Republic on Thursday 15 May, as part of that evening’s Walk on White. The public is invited to visit Lash in the main hall and inspect the loaves between 6 and 9pm. The evening will also include wine, beer, food, and live music from fellow visiting artist and newly converted Conch Republic partisan, Lorenzo Buhne.
“What better place to hand over fiber-rich armaments than the island’s historic, newly restored Armory,” said Lash, “Built in 1900 as home to the Island City Rifles of the Florida State Militia, it’s now a beautiful house of creativity, expression, and ideas.”
Lash’s new children’s book, “Lies for Leo,” will be published later this year, and the paintings are set to tour to Europe and Asia after their Southernmost exhibition at The Studios of Key West. They remain on view in the main hall of the Armory through May 23, before moving on to Paris, London, and Tokyo. While in residence, the artist will be laying the groundwork for a new project to debut in 2009: a coloring book for creative kids and adults to be based on all the idiosyncrasies, legends, folklore, and peculiar aspects of life in Key West.
“A lot of this island is tongue-in-cheek, accepting of whimsy and serendipity" said Eric Holowacz, executive director of The Studios of Key West, "and much of it is fascinating and like no other place on earth. And that's what has caught Mike Lash's recent attention, and will drive his next peculiar, provocative project."
And the 10th person who brings a loaf of bread (or other food item which we'll donate to a local shelter) to Thursday's Walk on White, will receive a free limited-edition original Mike Lash work of art.
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
Stop by the Armory on Thursday 15 May from 6-9 pm for Walk on White.
It's the perfect chance to enjoy a glass of wine, hear live music, stroll
upstairs for an open studio tour and see all that's happening
at The Studios of Key West...
Four-by-Four
a quartet of installations by artists
associated with the first program year at TSKW.
Get an eyeful of fantastic diorama landscapes filled with UFO's, hot-air balloons and
natural disasters: gaze into the suspended worlds of artist
(and recent TSKW drawing instructor) Carlos Ferguson.
Explore the space where art meets ecology and organic matter meets the Armory,
in TSKW studio artist Deborah Goldman's new main-hall installation,
"Weft—an homage to Wallace Stevens"
Delight in the work of visiting painter and provocateur, Chicagoan Mike Lash, and visit
his temporary studio at TSKW. Learn a thing or two from Lash's Lies for Leo
paintings, taken from his recent children's book, as he dispels common myths
and conventional wisdom. Learn about his next project, a coloring book
for local and visiting kids, based on the peculiar and familiar aspects of life in Key West.
Then see below for the story of his much kneeded supply of arms
for the Conch Republic.
Slip into winter with the photography of conceptual artist Helen Verbanz, whose Ice Prints
are also on view in the Armory. The ten images are from her ongoing series of landscape photographs
taken over a dozen years at an ice-fishing village in Canada. In June, Verbanz will
become the next TSKW Artist-in-Residence, and will be developing an environmental installation
based on local waterways, back-country estuaries, and the ecology of the Keys.
Walk on White
We open our doors, the artists open their studios, and new creative things
are happening at every corner. This Thursday from 6 to 9pm.
Lorenzo Buhne, a New Zealand-based musician currently in residence at TSKW, will provide live music
(and a few new songs minted right here in Key West), during the May Walk on White.
And the 5th person who brings a poem, written in English or Italian, to Thursday's Walk on White,
will receive a free copy his first solo CD, Sotto Sopra! Bring a friend, catch Lorenzo
and his guitar inside the Armory's main hall, and go home with some new music!
And to follow Lorenzo's adventure from the Southernmost world capital (Wellington, New Zealand)
to the Southernmost Point, check out his ad hoc weblog here:
http://lorenzobuhne.blogspot.com/
A Whole New Season
This past season saw over three dozen great arts workshops, a free lecture series,
exhibitions by local and visiting artists, the development of our
monthly Walk on White celebrations, and wonderful
new partnerships.
Now we need your help and ideas as TSKW plans an even more ambitious slate of
creative opportunities and cultural programming for the 2008/09 season. If you have a
suggestion for a new workshop or lecture, know someone who might be interested
in our Artist-in-Residence program, or just want to talk about future collaborations,
please contact us at The Studios of Key West. Our staff and board are always
looking for the next creative spark: (305) 296-0458 or eric@tskw.org
Creative Kids have a place at TSKW
New Summer Camp opportunities emerge as we work with local arts
educators and creative people to build the TSKW Summer Art Academy
At The Studios of Key West, we think it's important for kids to explore the artistic process and
have every opportunity to develop their creative potential. That's why, as our major season
comes to a close, we've been working with local arts educators, musicians, sculptors, and creative
people who have inspired us—to establish a new Summer Art Academy for local children.
There will be music, visual art, fields trips and lots of cultural exploration. Look for an upcoming
program announcement soon, or contact TSKW Education & Outreach Coordinator,
Monica Fienemann for details: monica@tskw.org
Chicago Artist Supplying Arms to the Conch Republic
Mike Lash smuggles two hearty loaves onto the island, en route to TSKW,
to aid in the future struggle for independence
Chicago painter Mike Lash has become an avowed partisan of the Conch Republic. Invited by The Studios of Key West to be its artist-in-residence during the month of May, and to show paintings from his original children’s book, “Lies for Leo,” Lash began exploring the history and struggle of the fabled Southernmost micro-nation. “When I learned of the late unpleasantness of 1982, and the annual celebration of the island’s people who continue to thumb their noses at the Federal powers, I knew I had to do my part for the rebellion,” said Lash, from his cottage on the TSKW campus.
In late April, the artist secretly procured two substantial loaves of thick-crust bread, assembled by an underground Chicago baker, and managed to smuggle these across the mainland and over the Key West border. Dressed as a standard sun-loving tourist, he then managed to infiltrate the island’s creative community, meeting several key people who eventually led him to the battle-worn Reef Perkins, Vice Admiral in the Conch Republic Navy.
“These are most delicious armaments,” said Perkins, still smelling of stale and wet Cuban bread from the previous week’s Naval battle re-enactment with the Unites States Coast Guard. “But we dare not consume them, no matter how hungry, as the density and heft will surely prove to be an even better projectile force.”
A pivotal moment in the surreptitious arms deal occurred on the evening of 9 May, when Lash boarded the Schooner Jolly Rover, for what was billed as and actually turned out to be a three-hour cruise. Undercover again as a Midwestern tourist, in golf shirt and bermuda shorts, the artist quietly conferred with the ship's captain, known in more barnacle-encrusted circles as the Lord Admiral of the Conch Republic Navy. The artist, accompanied by an unnamed companion who had a reputation for conveying active yeast cultures across international waters, sealed the arms deal on the top deck that evening. The Jolly Rover plan was leavened and ready for the Republic's Department of Home-baked Security.
Based at a temporary artist studio inside the main hall of the Key West Armory, Lash will continue meeting with high ranking officials in the Conch Republic military and civilian government, and anyone else who comes along. The official transfer of arms, two hearty loaves of Chicago-baked bread, are to be ceremoniously handed over to the Conch Republic on Thursday 15 May, as part of that evening’s Walk on White. The public is invited to visit Lash in the main hall and inspect the loaves between 6 and 9pm. The evening will also include wine, beer, food, and live music from fellow visiting artist and newly converted Conch Republic partisan, Lorenzo Buhne.
“What better place to hand over fiber-rich armaments than the island’s historic, newly restored Armory,” said Lash, “Built in 1900 as home to the Island City Rifles of the Florida State Militia, it’s now a beautiful house of creativity, expression, and ideas.”
Lash’s new children’s book, “Lies for Leo,” will be published later this year, and the paintings are set to tour to Europe and Asia after their Southernmost exhibition at The Studios of Key West. They remain on view in the main hall of the Armory through May 23, before moving on to Paris, London, and Tokyo. While in residence, the artist will be laying the groundwork for a new project to debut in 2009: a coloring book for creative kids and adults to be based on all the idiosyncrasies, legends, folklore, and peculiar aspects of life in Key West.
“A lot of this island is tongue-in-cheek, accepting of whimsy and serendipity" said Eric Holowacz, executive director of The Studios of Key West, "and much of it is fascinating and like no other place on earth. And that's what has caught Mike Lash's recent attention, and will drive his next peculiar, provocative project."
And the 10th person who brings a loaf of bread (or other food item which we'll donate to a local shelter) to Thursday's Walk on White, will receive a free limited-edition original Mike Lash work of art.
__________
The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit cultural organization established
in 2006 with a mission of supporting our community's creative people,
fostering new projects and partnerships, and advancing the cultural
life of our island. Find us and our campus at the Historic Armory,
600 White Street in Old Town Key West. Our current facilities
comprise a main exhibition hall and workshop space, 12 artist
studios, a sculpture garden, several residency cottages, and
small office.
Visit us there, and learn about our plans for the 2008/09 season!
Eric Holowacz, Executive Director
Elena Devers, Projects & Marketing Coordinator
Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator
Lauren McAloon, Facilities Coordinator
Monica Feinemann, Education & Outreach Coordinator
01 May 2008
Chicago Artist Supplying Arms to the Conch Republic
Provocateur Mike Lash smuggles two choice loaves of hearty bread to aid in the future struggle for independence
Chicago painter Mike Lash has become an avowed partisan of the Conch Republic. Invited by The Studios of Key West to be its artist-in-residence during the month of May, and to show paintings from his original children’s book, “Lies for Leo,” Lash began exploring the history and struggle of the fabled Southernmost micro-nation.
“When I learned of the late unpleasantness of 1982, and the annual celebration of the island’s people who continue to thumb their noses at the Federal powers, I knew I had to do my part for the rebellion,” said Lash, from his cottage on the TSKW campus.
n 1982, the United States Border Patrol set up a roadblock and inspection point on US 1 just north of the merger of Monroe County Road 905A/Miami-Dade County Road 905A onto US 1 (they are the only two roads connecting the Florida Keys with the mainland), in front of the Last Chance Saloon just south of Florida City. Vehicles were stopped and searched for narcotics and illegal immigrants. The Key West City Council complained repeatedly about the inconvenience for travelers to and from Key West, claiming that it hurt the Keys' important tourism industry. In fact, Eastern Air Lines, which had a hub at Miami International Airport, saw a window of opportunity when the roadblocks were established; Eastern became the only airline to establish jet service to Key West International Airport, counting on travelers from Key West to Miami preferring to fly rather than to wait for police to search their vehicles.
When the City Council's complaints went unanswered by the Federal Government and attempts to get an injunction against the roadblock failed in court, as a form of protest Mayor Dennis Wardlow and the Council declared the Key West's "independence" on April 23, 1982. In the eyes of the Council, since the federal government had set up the equivalent of a border station as if they were a foreign nation, they might as well become one. As many of the local citizens were referred to as Conchs, the "nation" took the name of the Conch Republic.
As part of the protest, Mayor Wardlow was proclaimed Prime Minister of the Republic, which immediately declared war against the U.S. (symbolically breaking a loaf of stale Cuban bread over the head of a man dressed in a naval uniform), quickly surrendered after one minute (to the man in the uniform), and applied for one billion dollars in foreign aid.
In late April, the artist secretly procured two substantial loaves of thick-crust bread, assembled by an underground Chicago baker, and managed to smuggle these across the mainland and over the Key West border. Dressed as a standard sun-loving tourist, he then managed to infiltrate the island’s creative community, meeting several key people who eventually led him to the battle-worn Reef Perkins, Vice Admiral in the Conch Republic Navy.
“These are most delicious armaments,” said Perkins, still smelling of stale and wet Cuban bread from the previous week’s Naval battle re-enactment with the Unites States Coast Guard. “But we dare not consume them, no matter how hungry, as the density and heft will surely prove to be an even better projectile force.”
A pivotal moment in the surreptitious arms deal occurred on the evening of 9 May, when Lash boarded the Schooner Jolly Rover, for what was billed as and actually turned out to be a three-hour cruise. Undercover again as a Midwestern tourist, in golf shirt and bermuda shorts, the artist quietly conferred with the ship's captain, known in more barnacle-encrusted circles as the Lord Admiral of the Conch Republic Navy. The artist, accompanied by an unnamed companion who had a reputation for conveying active yeast cultures across international waters, sealed the arms deal on the top deck that evening. The Jolly Rover plan was leavened and ready for the Republic's Department of Home-baked Security.
Based at a temporary artist studio inside the main hall of the Key West Armory, Lash will continue meeting with high ranking officials in the Conch Republic military and civilian government, and anyone else who comes along. The official transfer of arms, two hearty loaves of Chicago-baked bread, are to be ceremoniously handed over to the Conch Republic on Thursday 15 May, as part of that evening’s Walk on White. The public is invited to visit Lash in the main hall and inspect the loaves between 6 and 9pm. The evening will also include wine, beer, food, and live music from fellow visiting artist and newly converted Conch Republic partisan, Lorenzo Buhne.
“What better place to hand over fiber-rich armaments than the island’s historic, newly restored Armory,” said Lash, “Built in 1900 as home to the Island City Rifles of the Florida State Militia, it’s now a beautiful house of creativity, expression, and ideas.”
Lash’s new children’s book, “Lies for Leo,” will be published later this year, and the paintings are set to tour to Europe and Asia after their Southernmost exhibition at The Studios of Key West. They remain on view in the main hall of the Armory through May 23, before moving on to Paris, London, and Tokyo. While in residence, the artist will be laying the groundwork for a new project to debut in 2009: a coloring book for creative kids and adults to be based on all the idiosyncrasies, legends, folklore, and peculiar aspects of life in Key West.
“A lot of this island is tongue-in-cheek, accepting of whimsy and serendipity" said Eric Holowacz, executive director of The Studios of Key West, "and much of it is fascinating and like no other place on earth. And that's what has caught Mike Lash's recent attention, and will drive his next peculiar, provocative project."
For details and information please contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org.
Chicago painter Mike Lash has become an avowed partisan of the Conch Republic. Invited by The Studios of Key West to be its artist-in-residence during the month of May, and to show paintings from his original children’s book, “Lies for Leo,” Lash began exploring the history and struggle of the fabled Southernmost micro-nation.
“When I learned of the late unpleasantness of 1982, and the annual celebration of the island’s people who continue to thumb their noses at the Federal powers, I knew I had to do my part for the rebellion,” said Lash, from his cottage on the TSKW campus.
n 1982, the United States Border Patrol set up a roadblock and inspection point on US 1 just north of the merger of Monroe County Road 905A/Miami-Dade County Road 905A onto US 1 (they are the only two roads connecting the Florida Keys with the mainland), in front of the Last Chance Saloon just south of Florida City. Vehicles were stopped and searched for narcotics and illegal immigrants. The Key West City Council complained repeatedly about the inconvenience for travelers to and from Key West, claiming that it hurt the Keys' important tourism industry. In fact, Eastern Air Lines, which had a hub at Miami International Airport, saw a window of opportunity when the roadblocks were established; Eastern became the only airline to establish jet service to Key West International Airport, counting on travelers from Key West to Miami preferring to fly rather than to wait for police to search their vehicles.
When the City Council's complaints went unanswered by the Federal Government and attempts to get an injunction against the roadblock failed in court, as a form of protest Mayor Dennis Wardlow and the Council declared the Key West's "independence" on April 23, 1982. In the eyes of the Council, since the federal government had set up the equivalent of a border station as if they were a foreign nation, they might as well become one. As many of the local citizens were referred to as Conchs, the "nation" took the name of the Conch Republic.
As part of the protest, Mayor Wardlow was proclaimed Prime Minister of the Republic, which immediately declared war against the U.S. (symbolically breaking a loaf of stale Cuban bread over the head of a man dressed in a naval uniform), quickly surrendered after one minute (to the man in the uniform), and applied for one billion dollars in foreign aid.
In late April, the artist secretly procured two substantial loaves of thick-crust bread, assembled by an underground Chicago baker, and managed to smuggle these across the mainland and over the Key West border. Dressed as a standard sun-loving tourist, he then managed to infiltrate the island’s creative community, meeting several key people who eventually led him to the battle-worn Reef Perkins, Vice Admiral in the Conch Republic Navy.
“These are most delicious armaments,” said Perkins, still smelling of stale and wet Cuban bread from the previous week’s Naval battle re-enactment with the Unites States Coast Guard. “But we dare not consume them, no matter how hungry, as the density and heft will surely prove to be an even better projectile force.”
A pivotal moment in the surreptitious arms deal occurred on the evening of 9 May, when Lash boarded the Schooner Jolly Rover, for what was billed as and actually turned out to be a three-hour cruise. Undercover again as a Midwestern tourist, in golf shirt and bermuda shorts, the artist quietly conferred with the ship's captain, known in more barnacle-encrusted circles as the Lord Admiral of the Conch Republic Navy. The artist, accompanied by an unnamed companion who had a reputation for conveying active yeast cultures across international waters, sealed the arms deal on the top deck that evening. The Jolly Rover plan was leavened and ready for the Republic's Department of Home-baked Security.
Based at a temporary artist studio inside the main hall of the Key West Armory, Lash will continue meeting with high ranking officials in the Conch Republic military and civilian government, and anyone else who comes along. The official transfer of arms, two hearty loaves of Chicago-baked bread, are to be ceremoniously handed over to the Conch Republic on Thursday 15 May, as part of that evening’s Walk on White. The public is invited to visit Lash in the main hall and inspect the loaves between 6 and 9pm. The evening will also include wine, beer, food, and live music from fellow visiting artist and newly converted Conch Republic partisan, Lorenzo Buhne.
“What better place to hand over fiber-rich armaments than the island’s historic, newly restored Armory,” said Lash, “Built in 1900 as home to the Island City Rifles of the Florida State Militia, it’s now a beautiful house of creativity, expression, and ideas.”
Lash’s new children’s book, “Lies for Leo,” will be published later this year, and the paintings are set to tour to Europe and Asia after their Southernmost exhibition at The Studios of Key West. They remain on view in the main hall of the Armory through May 23, before moving on to Paris, London, and Tokyo. While in residence, the artist will be laying the groundwork for a new project to debut in 2009: a coloring book for creative kids and adults to be based on all the idiosyncrasies, legends, folklore, and peculiar aspects of life in Key West.
“A lot of this island is tongue-in-cheek, accepting of whimsy and serendipity" said Eric Holowacz, executive director of The Studios of Key West, "and much of it is fascinating and like no other place on earth. And that's what has caught Mike Lash's recent attention, and will drive his next peculiar, provocative project."
For details and information please contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org.
14 April 2008
Four-by-four at The Studios of Key West
Quartet of artists to show their work in late April
Four artists, all associated with the first program year at The Studios of Key West, will take over the Armory main hall in late April to present a quartet of installations relating to their creative work and ideas. Canadian conceptual artist Helen Verbanz, recent instructor Carlos Ferguson, Chicago-based provocateur Mike Lash, and local artist Deborah Goldman will show four very disparate bodies of work under the one roof. The public is invited to view the exhibition, Four-by-four at TSKW, and a closing reception is set for Thursday 15 May during Walk on White.
Canadian Helen Verbanz, who will be artist-in-residence at The Studios of Key West in June, has travelled to the same village on Lac Des Deux Montagnes, near Montréal, every February for the last ten years. Ice-fishing is an age-old tradition there, and people build temporary huts on the frozen ice and meditate in the still, quiet landscape. Verbanz’s series of 11 large photographic images of this winter environment, Ice Prints, will be featured at the Armory as part of Four-by-four.
“I'm looking forward to actually being there this summer,” said Verbanz, who will use her time in Key West to research and create an audio and mixed-media installation relating to lower Keys wetlands, backcountry mangroves, and other landscapes new to her. That environmental work will be on view at the Armory in late June and July.
Tornadoes and floods, flying machines, B-movies, and suburbia, are the concerns of artist Carlos Ferguson's Suspended Worlds, also included in Four-by-four at TSKW. His installation of seven suspended dioramas is constructed of photographs, balsa-wood miniatures, and model train scenery. Blurred and sharpened when viewed through built-in magnifying lenses, Ferguson’s diminutive landscapes combine a hint of whimsy with a dose of the supernatural—contained within handmade enclosures the size of a show box.
"I had a wonderful, all too brief time in Key West this past March," said artist Carlos Ferguson, who taught a one week drawing course as part of The Studios of Key West season. "I am happy to have the chance to show my work at my new favorite island at the end of the road. I hope to return soon for more creative programming and collaboration."
Chicago artist Mike Lash makes art that is simple, yet subversive. He arrives in May, for a month-long residency at The Studios of Key West, and will be preceded by the complete illustrations from his forthcoming book, Lies for Leo. The series of paintings and text panels—inspired by a young neighbor’s inquisitiveness about the world and the inability of adults to adequately respond—will be shown in Key West before touring to Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The book will be published later this year by Agnes b., the French fashion designer, patron of culture, and and collector of contemporary art.
“I’m anxious to spend some time at the Southernmost Point, and at The Studios,” said Lash, whose residency will include research and planning for a follow-up to Lies for Leo. “This time, I’ll bring in the Keys as a central idea in the book, and explore the symbiotic relationship you have with the Ocean and local waters.”
Food, weather, light, tourism and cultural heritage will all become welcome fodder for Lash's somewhat irreverent interpretations, which one critic called ‘perfect for those growing jaded with the gallery scene’ and another labelled ‘direct, meaningful, and sloppy...with some worthy concepts behind them’.
Local practitioner and TSKW studio artist Deborah Goldman rounds out the quartet with her new installation Weft, which will create an organic veil in the front left section of the Armory and serve as an extension of the artist’s recent work in her upstairs studio.
“I’ve started a sort of fabric made from strips of aged cotton in a pattern that repeats the metal grates on the outside windows. The result is an interior web-like texture that will contain suspended sweet potatoes within, growing and flowing from their glass cylinders, with a white picket fence incorporated into the piece.”
Four-by-four at TSKW will open in late April, and will remain open to the public through Friday 16 May. The community is invited to celebrate the work of these four distinct creative people, and the art they will be bringing to the island, at the closing reception on Thursday 15 May from 6 to 9pm. For details and information, please contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org.
Four artists, all associated with the first program year at The Studios of Key West, will take over the Armory main hall in late April to present a quartet of installations relating to their creative work and ideas. Canadian conceptual artist Helen Verbanz, recent instructor Carlos Ferguson, Chicago-based provocateur Mike Lash, and local artist Deborah Goldman will show four very disparate bodies of work under the one roof. The public is invited to view the exhibition, Four-by-four at TSKW, and a closing reception is set for Thursday 15 May during Walk on White.
Canadian Helen Verbanz, who will be artist-in-residence at The Studios of Key West in June, has travelled to the same village on Lac Des Deux Montagnes, near Montréal, every February for the last ten years. Ice-fishing is an age-old tradition there, and people build temporary huts on the frozen ice and meditate in the still, quiet landscape. Verbanz’s series of 11 large photographic images of this winter environment, Ice Prints, will be featured at the Armory as part of Four-by-four.
“I'm looking forward to actually being there this summer,” said Verbanz, who will use her time in Key West to research and create an audio and mixed-media installation relating to lower Keys wetlands, backcountry mangroves, and other landscapes new to her. That environmental work will be on view at the Armory in late June and July.
Tornadoes and floods, flying machines, B-movies, and suburbia, are the concerns of artist Carlos Ferguson's Suspended Worlds, also included in Four-by-four at TSKW. His installation of seven suspended dioramas is constructed of photographs, balsa-wood miniatures, and model train scenery. Blurred and sharpened when viewed through built-in magnifying lenses, Ferguson’s diminutive landscapes combine a hint of whimsy with a dose of the supernatural—contained within handmade enclosures the size of a show box.
"I had a wonderful, all too brief time in Key West this past March," said artist Carlos Ferguson, who taught a one week drawing course as part of The Studios of Key West season. "I am happy to have the chance to show my work at my new favorite island at the end of the road. I hope to return soon for more creative programming and collaboration."
Chicago artist Mike Lash makes art that is simple, yet subversive. He arrives in May, for a month-long residency at The Studios of Key West, and will be preceded by the complete illustrations from his forthcoming book, Lies for Leo. The series of paintings and text panels—inspired by a young neighbor’s inquisitiveness about the world and the inability of adults to adequately respond—will be shown in Key West before touring to Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The book will be published later this year by Agnes b., the French fashion designer, patron of culture, and and collector of contemporary art.
“I’m anxious to spend some time at the Southernmost Point, and at The Studios,” said Lash, whose residency will include research and planning for a follow-up to Lies for Leo. “This time, I’ll bring in the Keys as a central idea in the book, and explore the symbiotic relationship you have with the Ocean and local waters.”
Food, weather, light, tourism and cultural heritage will all become welcome fodder for Lash's somewhat irreverent interpretations, which one critic called ‘perfect for those growing jaded with the gallery scene’ and another labelled ‘direct, meaningful, and sloppy...with some worthy concepts behind them’.
Local practitioner and TSKW studio artist Deborah Goldman rounds out the quartet with her new installation Weft, which will create an organic veil in the front left section of the Armory and serve as an extension of the artist’s recent work in her upstairs studio.
“I’ve started a sort of fabric made from strips of aged cotton in a pattern that repeats the metal grates on the outside windows. The result is an interior web-like texture that will contain suspended sweet potatoes within, growing and flowing from their glass cylinders, with a white picket fence incorporated into the piece.”
Four-by-four at TSKW will open in late April, and will remain open to the public through Friday 16 May. The community is invited to celebrate the work of these four distinct creative people, and the art they will be bringing to the island, at the closing reception on Thursday 15 May from 6 to 9pm. For details and information, please contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org.
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