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.
