STUDIOS OF KEY WEST OFFERS ARTISTRY AND INSPIRATION

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Though established just three years ago, The Studios of Key West has become an integral part of Key West's artistic and cultural identity, offering stimulating workshops and programs, exhibitions of fine art and photography, concerts and creative opportunities for artists and art lovers.

Headquartered in a meticulously restored historic armory building at 600 White St., the not-for-profit cultural organization is dedicated to supporting Key West’s creative community, fostering new artistic projects and partnerships and advancing the cultural life of the island.

Today, The Studios of Key West includes a main hall for workshops, lectures and exhibitions, 12 studios for local artists in varying disciplines, a landscaped sculpture garden, an artist-residency cottage and four affordable living spaces for Key West artists.

The organization is a vibrant center for island city culture, with a wide range of art, music, theater and literature programs and presentations to entice visitors and Keys residents.

Creative spirits can expand their talents through one-day or multiday workshops conducted by acclaimed artists and writers, lectures and free professional development opportunities.

Past workshop subjects have included narrative nonfiction, poetry techniques, fiction writing, plein-air painting, watercolor, digital portrait photography, decorative furniture painting, collage, mixed media, precious metal clay, beading, mosaic making and writing culinary memoirs.

Also offered to entertain and inspire are live music concerts by renowned musicians. The work of talented artists can be viewed at exhibitions and monthly gallery walks, while weekly life-drawing sessions and community potluck dinners round out the calendar of creativity.

In addition, The Studios of Key West pioneered a cultural-manager-in-residence program, inviting influential American arts leaders to share their insights during sojourns in the island city. The organization also partners with local cultural organizations including the annual Key West Literary Seminar and Robert Frost Poetry Festival to host events, share resources and develop creative experiences for locals and visitors.

Despite its relatively brief history, The Studios of Key West has forged a place for itself as an innovative and intriguing artistic hub. To explore current offerings, visit tskw.org, e-mail info@tskw.org or call (305) 296-0458.