The Studios of Key West Inviting Local Film and Video-makers to Create a New Twist on the 30-year Old Home-grown Classic
The Studios of Key West, inspired by B. J. Martin’s classic look at Key West in the late 1970’s, has announced a new project for local film-makers. The Return of The Key West Picture Show will encourage the creation of new short film documentaries as deliberate attempts to capture the cultural aspects of our present-day island community. Local media artists, working in film or video, are invited to a special meeting at the Armory building, 600 White Street, planned for Tuesday December 11. Details are available by calling The Studios of Key West at 296-0458.
“I moved here six months ago,” said executive director Eric Holowacz, “and discovering this film was like going back in time, yet it provided me with a better understanding of the special people, history, and features of my new home at this far corner of America.” Holowacz immediately screened the 45-minute film for his staff, who came up with the idea of commissioning new short films and documentaries to reveal the present-day qualities of Key West.
The project began to take shape in mid 2007 when Holowacz approached the original film’s producer, B. J. Martin, after getting a DVD version from his son (Key West artist Cayman Smith-Martin). The two discussed a project to revive the spirit of the original, but through an open call and multitude of film-makers. Martin gave his blessing for the project and whatever it might spawn as an updated study of contemporary Key West.
“We are all about developing forms of expression, nurturing the creative process, and finding ways to connect with the community,” said Holowacz. “These are core to our mission as the island’s newest non-profit organization.”
The Studios of Key West was established in late 2006, and is presently building a creative base at the historic Armory building in Old Town. More recently, the organization launched an ambitious slate of workshops, public programming, residencies, and new cultural initiatives for the coming season.
Holowacz remarked that Key West possesses a rare sense of place, made rich by an abundance of extraordinary characters and interesting stories. This project invites local film and video makers to study the unique cultural aspects of Key West—then asks them to train their cameras on local people, places, and things over the next two months.
“It’s a great idea to produce a new series of short films that complement the 30-year old 16mm film original,” said Martin, who now resides in New Smyrna Beach. “We hoped to capture something special for posterity, and that’s what new films and local documentaries will do.”
The premiere of these home-grown documentaries, as The Return of the Key West Picture Show, will be screened in early March at The Studios of Key West. For details of this and other cultural partnerships, or to become an annual member, contact the office at the historic Armory, 600 White Street, at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org
30 October 2007
01 October 2007
The Studios of Key West Continues it Free Lecture Series
Florida and Keys Folk Artists are the Topic of the October 10 event at the Historic Armory
The Studios of Key West begins its fall season of cultural and creative programs with a lecture on Florida folk art this Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm. The October 10 event will be held at the Historic Armory and is free to the public.
The presentation is the fifth in a seven-part series funded by the Florida Humanities Council, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and has been designed to explore our community’s cultural heritage and creative history. Wednesday’s talk will be led by Kristin Congdon, professor of film and philosophy at the University of Central Florida, and Tina Bucuvalas, director of the Florida Folklife program.
“These distinguished scholars are leading figures in their field” commented Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator for The Studios of Key West. “What a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the influence folk-art has made in Florida’s cultural history and discover some interesting Key West figures as well.”
The evening will conclude with a reception and book signing of “Just Above the Water: Florida Folk Art” by Congdon and Bucuvalas. The lecture is free and does not require reservations.
The Studios of Key West is located in the Historic Armory, 600 White Street, and recently announced an upcoming season of free lectures, creative workshops, innovative projects, and new partnerships. Visit the organization’s website at www.tskw.org
The Studios of Key West begins its fall season of cultural and creative programs with a lecture on Florida folk art this Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm. The October 10 event will be held at the Historic Armory and is free to the public.
The presentation is the fifth in a seven-part series funded by the Florida Humanities Council, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and has been designed to explore our community’s cultural heritage and creative history. Wednesday’s talk will be led by Kristin Congdon, professor of film and philosophy at the University of Central Florida, and Tina Bucuvalas, director of the Florida Folklife program.
“These distinguished scholars are leading figures in their field” commented Martha Barnes, Program Coordinator for The Studios of Key West. “What a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the influence folk-art has made in Florida’s cultural history and discover some interesting Key West figures as well.”
The evening will conclude with a reception and book signing of “Just Above the Water: Florida Folk Art” by Congdon and Bucuvalas. The lecture is free and does not require reservations.
The Studios of Key West is located in the Historic Armory, 600 White Street, and recently announced an upcoming season of free lectures, creative workshops, innovative projects, and new partnerships. Visit the organization’s website at www.tskw.org
The Studios of Key West Invites Friends/TSKW
New Member Groups offers Special Creative Opportunities, Discounts, and EventsKEY WEST
The Studios of Key West has established a new annual membership group, Friends/TSKW, and invites local arts supporters to join. Friends benefits include a 20% discount on all TSKW workshops, advance announcements and invitations to this season’s cultural events, as well as unique Friends-only opportunities.
To kick off the season and the new group, all members of Freinds/TSKW will be treated to a free morning workshop in plein-air painting, taught by well-known Key West painter, Sandford Birdsey. The class begins at 9:00 am on Friday, October 19, with participants gathering at the historic Armory building. TSKW Friends will explore plein-air techniques at various locales throughout the Old Town neighborhood, under Birdsey’s guidance, and a group lunch will conclude the workshop. Places are limited to 14, so those interested should join now.
“As a charitable and cultural organization, our success depends on the support and participation of the community,” says Executive Director Eric Holowacz. “We’ve experiences tremendous growth during our first year, and Friends/TSKW will play a leading role in helping us continue.”
Holowacz and his staff are already planning several exhibition openings, artist talks, and workshop experiences for members of the new group in 2008. Membership in Friends/TSKW starts at $50 per year, and applications are now available at The Studios of Key West office in the Historic Armory.
Sandford Birdsey is an internationally owned artist who lives and works in Key West. Born in macon, Georgia, she studied under Emil Holzhauer at Wesleyan Conservatory, as well as at the Art Students League and Parson School of Design in New York. Her watercolors, often depicting the vibrant street scenes of Key West, are widely collected and have been shown at institutions across the country. Her half-day workshop on October 19 is free of charge for all new members of Friends/TSKW.
The Studios of Key West staff keeps an open door, and welcomes new ideas, cultural projects, and creative possibilities. Learn more about Birdsey’s workshop, Friends/TSKW, and the upcoming cultural season: stop by the main office at the Historic Armory, 600 White Street, call 296-0458 or send email to info@tskw.org.
The Studios of Key West has established a new annual membership group, Friends/TSKW, and invites local arts supporters to join. Friends benefits include a 20% discount on all TSKW workshops, advance announcements and invitations to this season’s cultural events, as well as unique Friends-only opportunities.
To kick off the season and the new group, all members of Freinds/TSKW will be treated to a free morning workshop in plein-air painting, taught by well-known Key West painter, Sandford Birdsey. The class begins at 9:00 am on Friday, October 19, with participants gathering at the historic Armory building. TSKW Friends will explore plein-air techniques at various locales throughout the Old Town neighborhood, under Birdsey’s guidance, and a group lunch will conclude the workshop. Places are limited to 14, so those interested should join now.
“As a charitable and cultural organization, our success depends on the support and participation of the community,” says Executive Director Eric Holowacz. “We’ve experiences tremendous growth during our first year, and Friends/TSKW will play a leading role in helping us continue.”
Holowacz and his staff are already planning several exhibition openings, artist talks, and workshop experiences for members of the new group in 2008. Membership in Friends/TSKW starts at $50 per year, and applications are now available at The Studios of Key West office in the Historic Armory.
Sandford Birdsey is an internationally owned artist who lives and works in Key West. Born in macon, Georgia, she studied under Emil Holzhauer at Wesleyan Conservatory, as well as at the Art Students League and Parson School of Design in New York. Her watercolors, often depicting the vibrant street scenes of Key West, are widely collected and have been shown at institutions across the country. Her half-day workshop on October 19 is free of charge for all new members of Friends/TSKW.
The Studios of Key West staff keeps an open door, and welcomes new ideas, cultural projects, and creative possibilities. Learn more about Birdsey’s workshop, Friends/TSKW, and the upcoming cultural season: stop by the main office at the Historic Armory, 600 White Street, call 296-0458 or send email to info@tskw.org.
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