Island Arts Organization Growing in New Ways, Preparing for Major Cultural SeasonKEY WEST
One of Key West’s newest cultural organizations, The Studios of Key West, has announced the appointment of new staff in advance of its 2007/08 season. Joining executive Director Eric Holowacz, who began in May, are Elena Devers as Marketing and Projects Coordinator, Martha Barnes as Program Coordinator, and Lauren McAloon as Facilities Coordinator.
“This is an exciting time, with so many new partnerships and creative ideas coming to us from all levels of the community,” says Holowacz, who was formerly the arts officer for the capital city of Wellington, New Zealand. “We want to keep an open door, help others advance their cultural initiatives, invite locals and visitors to develop their artistic capabilities, and become a nexus of exchange and collaboration.”
Established formally as a non-profit organization in mid-2006, The Studios of Key West is based at the Historic Armory building at the corner of Southard and White Streets, and comprises a growing campus of creative facilities. Visitors can already discover a main hall filled with rotating exhibitions, new theatre, Nutcracker rehearsals, an upcoming film component, and over 50 lectures and workshops beginning in October. The campus also boasts 12 artist studios, a sculpture garden featuring local three-dimensional works, and residential cottages for visiting artists currently in development.
“In a very short time, we’ve come a long, long way towards solidifying our mission,” says Holowacz, “and our new team will be the main reason we succeed in these early years and benefit the local community always.”
Elena Devers is originally from Western Pennsylvania, but has been a presence in Key West for over 10 years. A well-known local actress, she joined The Studios of Key West as a part-time administrator in February 2007, and became the organization’s first Marketing and Project Coordinator in August. She earned a Master’s degree in Performance Studies from the University of London’s Queen Mary College, and continues to act in local productions at Red Barn Theatre and Waterfront Playhouse. Her most recent project for The Studios of Key West was the successful new theatre collaboration, One Night Stand.
“It is so exciting to watch as our board, staff, artists, and community come together to help establish a new cultural entity for Key West,” she says, “And we’re inviting everyone to participate in a coming season filled with new art, exciting collaborations, personal development opportunities, and the creative process.”
Martha Barnes, begins September 24 as Program Coordinator for The Studios of Key West. She earned her fine arts degree from Kutztown University, and has had a diverse career in arts management, project development, and cultural leadership. Cultural events coordinator at Albright College for over 13 years, she more recently served as director of the college’s Community Cultural Center in downtown Reading, PA. Her background in bridging artist and audience will be a wonderful asset in Key West.
“When I first turned the handle of the historic Armory doors, I entered into a world of possibilities,” she recalls about her first visit several months ago. “It was immediately apparent that The Studios of Key West was carefully nurturing a vision, and creating the heart of the art-making and art-appreciating community. I am delighted to have the chance to work with the island’s visual, literary and performing artists as they share their bevy of talent, and forge new partnerships and collaborations on the island.”
Rounding out the new team at The Studios of Key West, is Facilities Coordinator Lauren McAloon. Originally from New England, McAloon moved to Key West in 1990. Self-trained as a sculptor and mixed-media artist, she first began working as a part-time support person in late 2006, and started her new role in July. McAloon oversees the organization’s campus, equipment, set-up, venue rentals, and scheduling.
“These are all extraordinary people,” said Bob Muens, Chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors, “They will fuel our growth, dream up new partnerships, further our connections to the community, and find innovative ways to support and present the culture of Key West. We hope everyone will ”
The Studios of Key West staff keeps an open door, and welcomes new ideas, cultural projects, and creative possibilities. They can be reached at the The Studios of Key West offices in the Historic Armory, 600 White Street, or at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org.
