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
28 May 2008
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.
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