The Studios of Key West Invites Creative Ideas and Partnerships
The Studios of Key West has come a long way since establishing itself in June 2006 as the island's newest non-profit cultural organization. Thanks to strong board leadership and new grants and contributions, the past year has seen the major redevelopment of the Historic Armory building, the opening of six subsidized artist studios on the first floor, the launch of a free humanities lecture series, and the completion of the first workshop season.
"It's been a whirlwind creative development," said board member John Martini, who is also a prominent Key West sculptor. "We all have great ambitions for the small but growing organization, and board and staff hope to make a positive impact on the culture and quality of life in Key West."
The Studios of Key West has been in development for several years, based on a dynamic artist community model and a mission to support local artists, audiences, and cultural experiences. The first year has seen the transformation of the Historic Armory building at 600 White Street into a multi-use campus for diverse cultural programming.
Activities have included free humanities lectures, a season of creative courses taught by notable American artists, weekly life drawing session open to the general public, and the regular exhibition of new painting, sculpture, and mixed-media works. The next phase, opening in August, involves the addition of six additional creative work spaces in the Historic Key West Armory.
"Following that, we'll be developing all sorts of programming for the local community, including an expanded workshop and lecture series for 2008," said new executive director Eric Holowacz, who took the helm in May. "I want The Studios of Key West to keep inviting people to get creative in new ways, and I want us to forge mutual partnerships with other weavers of the Key West cultural fabric."
Holowacz, who relocated to Key West from Wellington, New Zealand, has already found inspiration in the work of local artists and organizations. He cites Sculpture Key West, Literary Seminar, Fantasy Fest, Hemingway Days, San Carlos Institute, the arts council, museums, galleries, theaters, and film society as signs of a culture on the rise.
"The Studios of Key West will grow right along with them, and we hope that at the end of the day, our island will call it a bit of a renaissance."
Holowacz keeps an open door, and welcomes new ideas, cultural projects, and creative possibilities. He can be reached at the The Studios of Key West offices in the Historic Armory, 600 White Street, or at 296-0458 or director@tskw.org.
