The Studios of Key West Presents King Tide by Michael Marrero on April 26 and 27 (Key West, FL) - On April 26 and 27 at 8 p.m., The Studios of Key West presents the next installment of its “First Look” staged reading series, which gives audiences an exclusive sneak peek into the realm of cutting-edge drama. Next up is King Tide by Michael Marrero, an innovative new play that offers a fresh slant on the complexities of climate change.
In a future where the climate crisis has left their hometown perpetually flooded, residents Ash and Ezra navigate survival with a blend of dark humor and stark reality, as they grapple with the choice of leaving or fighting for their submerged existence. The emotional conflict faced by Ash and Ezra as they contemplate abandoning their home or standing firm against rising waters strikes a chord in Key West, a place intimately familiar with the firsthand impacts of climate change. Michael Marrero is a Key West-born Cuban-American artist, filmmaker, and playwright. Though his works have garnered prestigious awards and international recognition, Marrero is deeply rooted in his hometown. His short films have been showcased in over 100 festivals worldwide and he is the author of several original plays. His play, Locura, was part of a historical theatrical exchange between Cuba and the United States. Recently his project, Orisha: The Lost Saints, was awarded a Knight Foundation Grant and officially selected to be exhibited at the 2021 Havana Biennial. King Tide entertains and prompts profound questions about our own community. Featuring a talented cast of local and visiting theater artists including Brandon Beach, Elena Devers, and Julio Trinidad, directed by Juliet Gray, the production is sure to stimulate meaningful conversations and leave a lasting impression. Don't miss your chance to experience King Tide. Tickets are available now through The Studios of Key West website. Visit www.tskw.org for more information and to secure your seats.
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Exploring Obsession, Manipulation, and Artistic Legacy: The Studios of Key West Presents The Papers: A Musical from April 5-7 (Key West) - From April 5-7 at 8 p.m., The Studios of Key West presents The Papers, the next installment of its “First Look” staged reading series, which gives audiences an exclusive sneak peek into the realm of cutting-edge drama. The Papers is an innovative new musical set against the vibrant backdrop of contemporary Key West. A reimagining of Henry James’ classic novella, The Aspern Papers, the musical delves into themes of obsession, manipulation, and the moral implications of pursuing artistic legacy at any cost. With book, music and lyrics by New York-based theater artists Rob Baumgartner, Jr. and Nathan Dame, this adaptation will captivate audiences, and its themes have never been more relevant than in today's world. Follow an ambitious Jewish academic from New York as he travels to the island to unearth the papers of Jeffrey Aspern, a forgotten gay literary artist from the 1950s and ‘60s. Uncertain of the papers’ contents, he stakes his entire future and scholarly reputation on being the first to uncover and interpret them. When his research brings to light shocking revelations about Aspern’s life and character, the scholar is forced to grapple with his own notions of morality, creative genius, and legacy. The Papers goes beyond entertainment; it prompts profound questions about how we navigate the art and accomplishments of flawed individuals. It asks, “how do we reconcile the achievements of heroes who may also be villains?” The cast includes a mix of local and visiting theater artists including Zach Franchini as Jason, Lauren Thompson as Lily, Belle Jampol as Paula, Debra Barsha as Juliana, and John Swann as Jeffrey Mann. The Studios of Key West is honored to present this thought-provoking production, which promises to ignite conversations and leave a lasting impact on all who attend. Don't miss your opportunity to experience The Papers, a Musical from April 5-7. Tickets are available now through The Studios of Key West website. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.tskw.org. Lunch and Learn Offered at The Studios of Key West Community members are invited to a free presentation on the benefits, challenges and logistics of donating real estate to charitable organizations. The speakers will be attorneys Samuel J. Kaufman and Suzette Alfonso from the Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A., each of whom have decades of experience in this area.
The event will be held in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from Noon-1:30 p.m. The doors will open at Noon with a light lunch and the one-hour presentation will start promptly at 12:30. The event is co-hosted by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and The Studios of Key West to encourage charitable giving to support nonprofit and faith-based organizations in Key West and the Florida Keys. The session is recommended for property owners, real estate agents, and financial professionals who want to learn more about giving options including an enhanced life estate option, with the donor gifting a home to charity but continuing to live in it (or someone else does) and gifting utilizing revocable living trusts to avoid probate. All options allow you to specify how you would like your charitable gift to be used, such as housing for nonprofit staff or clients, establishing scholarships, or supporting Florida Keys nonprofit organizations. No tax advice will be provided by the attorneys. Registration is required at cffk.org/realestate. (Key West, Fl) The Studios of Key West is pleased to announce an exciting lineup of programs this fall, including an array of special events and artist talks, art and writing classes, and a day trip to Art Basel on December 8. Registration for preseason is now open, and the full schedule can be found at www.tskw.org.
Known for its excellent class offerings, several favorites return to The Studios this fall, including Novel Writing with Hays Blinckmann on November 21 and 22; Enjoyable Astronomy with Larry Halstead on November 21 and 22; Intuitive Painting with B. Lucy Stevens on December 10; and the ever-popular The Artist’s Way, a 12-week course designed to unlock creativity, Tuesday evenings starting December 5. The course is taught by beloved instructor Rosalind Brackenbury. “I'm really excited to be beginning a new 'Artist's Way' class in December; each one turns out to be a revelation, and totally surprising - which is why I love teaching it,” said Brackenbury. “I also delight in the 'family' spirit we seem to grow into over 12 weeks of the class.” Other classes on offer this fall include Plein Air Painting, Portrait Drawing, Poetry Writing, and Paint Pouring. The Studios also offers a lineup of special events including an artist talk on November 9 with actress and award-winning filmmaker Tipper Newton, best known for her role as Karen in The Mindy Project. Studios Artistic Associate Stephen Kitsakos sits down with Newton to discuss her filmmaking and acting career, as well as screen a curated selection of short films. The Studios is also offering an all-day chartered coach trip to Miami’s Art Basel on December 8. Day trippers will arrive at the largest, coolest, most cutting-edge contemporary art event in the country, spend the day taking it all in, have a relaxed dinner, and on the way home, will have the opportunity to take a nap, have a glass of wine, and swap celebrity-sighting stories. Visit www.tskw.org to learn about all the opportunities on offer at The Studios this fall, including their Winter Members’ Exhibition, open to all members, and their Holiday Artisan Fair, now accepting reservations from vendors. Jed Dodds, The Studios of Key West’s Executive Director since 2012, has been selected for the prestigious Leadership Florida program as a member of its 41st Cornerstone Class. Dodds will be among fifty-five Florida leaders aged 40 and over, including corporate CEOs, business owners, educators, elected officials and non-profit executives, participating in a nine-month, multi-city educational program exploring critical issues facing the State of Florida.
“Our mission at Leadership Florida is to bring together committed leaders from all over the state to recharge their leadership skills and expand their network,” said Wendy Spencer, president and CEO of Leadership Florida. “Through this powerful community, our class participants are able to find the knowledge and inspiration to take on some of Florida’s biggest challenges.” In his time at The Studios, Dodds has spearheaded the development of its downtown campus, anchored by their iconic flagship building at the corner of Eaton and Simonton. Busy with exhibitions, concerts, plays, classes, a bookstore and rooftop terrace, The Studios is at the center of the island’s cultural life. Just next door, the arts organization is currently completing a $2.5M renovation of the PEAR House, which welcomes artists in residence from around the world to create new work in Key West. Group photo caption: Winners of the 2023 Robert Frost Poetry Contest for kids and teens attend a winners’ ceremony at Hugh’s View, The Studios of Key West. Back row, from left: Rose Centonze (Second Place Teens), Dzyre Nesbitt (Third Place Teens), Tania Hull (First Place Kids), Kaden Savedra (Third Place Kids), Zyaire Allen. Front row: Emilia Serissky, Sam Mendez, Isaiah Ruiz (First Place Teens). Not pictured: Lily Sobchenko (Second Place Kids), Antonio Gomez, Naomi Johnson, Jeremiah McLoud. Photo by Johnny White. Congratulations to the winners of the Robert Frost Poetry contest for kids & teens! The winners and their families and friends gathered on Saturday, May 27 to celebrate the amazing accomplishment of placing in the top 3% of entries. The contest, administered by The Studios of Key West, received over 400 entries this year and honored 12 students with awards. The winners were also able to read their poems aloud to the crowd of over 50 proud supporters.
The winners and honorable mentions are from Key West to Key Largo, and range in age from 6 to 17. Kids 6-12: Tania Hull (First Place,12), Lily Sobchenko (Second Place, 12), Kaden Savedra (Third Place, 12), Zyaire Allen (12), Sam Mendez (6), Emilia Serissky (9). Teens 13-18: Isaiah Ruiz (First Place, 13), Rose Centonze (Second Place, 14), Dzyre Nesbitt (Third Place, 15), Antonio Gomez (16), Naomi Johnson (16), Jeremiah McLoud (13). Read the winning poems at https://tskw.org/kidspoetrycontest/ Through funds established by the Jeane and Jessie Porter Fund at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the contest for children and teenagers was created, nurturing and developing the interest of budding poets, and their vital connection to the creative spirit of the Florida Keys. The Studios of Key West Presents the Conch Ship: A Community Powered Art Event from May 15-205/5/2023 Weeklong project includes May 15 Town Hall Session, May 16-20 Building Week, and May 20 Final Event
Climb aboard The Conch Ship! The Studios of Key West, with a crew of artists led by Chantal Pavageaux, invites the public to be a part of this one-of-a-kind art event, where The Studios will attempt the impossible – capturing the island’s state of mind in under a week as a live art performance event. The whole island is invited to participate, and there are a number of ways to get involved in the weeklong series of events. On Monday May 15, from 6-7:30pm, there’s a free Town Hall Conversation – a structured input session where snacks are served and anyone and everyone is invited to share their thoughts, dreams and fears for our island. May 16-20 is Building Week, when the ideas generated during the Town Hall are creatively transformed into The Conch Ship. Volunteers are invited to drop in and help make the magic happen, committing as much or as little time they’d like. Creative skills are appreciated, but not required, and everyone is welcome. On Saturday May 20, 6-7:30pm, The Studios presents The Conch Ship: A Community Powered Art Event. Part installation, part performance, and part social gathering, the public can experience the results of a week’s creativity, centered on the island we love, and then have some food and drink together to talk about it. Tickets for the final event are $10, and 100% of ticket sales benefit S.O.S. Food Pantry. All events take place at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton Street. Project details and tickets for the May 20 final event can be purchased at tskw.org, or by calling 305-296-0458. Made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. Director of Exhibitions and Education, Customer Relations Manager, and Director of Operations Hired at The Studios of Key West
To facilitate the ongoing development of their facilities and programs, The Studios of Key West has welcomed three new staff members to their growing team. Coming to Key West from Laurel, Mississippi, Michael Ross has joined The Studios as the Director of Exhibitions and Education. Ross has a Master’s degree in drawing from Northern Illinois University, and has spent a good part of his life in San Francisco, where he managed a large retail store in the downtown Financial District for nearly two decades. Ross has also worked as a curator at museums, community centers and galleries. When considering a move to Key West, Ross was immediately taken by the breathtaking beauty of the island, and the unique population of residents who aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd. As an artist himself, Ross has a keen understanding of the unique and specific needs of artists, and he looks forward to developing relationships and introducing The Studios' programs to new groups on the island. Elise Irwin has been hired as Customer Relations Manager, overseeing The Studios’ busy front desk operation, where tickets, artwork and donations are processed, and where visitors are welcomed. Originally from St. Simons Island, Georgia, Irwin lived in St. Augustine before moving to Key West 12 years ago. She has a background in serving the public in various roles, and has worked as a wedding planner, an office manager, a realtor, and in retail sales. She has a BFA in Art from Flagler College, she creates art and sculpture, and also designs her own line of jewelry. She’s excited to welcome guests to The Studios, and looks forward to being surrounded by art and artists every day. Andrew Zimmerman has joined the team as the Director of Operations. He has a Master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Kaplan University, a wealth of managerial experience, and enjoys providing professional coaching and development. He lived in Key West for seven years before moving to Chicago to further develop his career, where he managed high-volume retail stores. Since he relocated back to Key West earlier this year with his wife, he’s been dabbling in journaling, painting, and discovering new music. He looks forward to his new role at The Studios, where he plans to try his hand at a few classes, discover new skills, and immerse himself in the arts. To learn more about The Studios of Key West, including their upcoming creative season of exhibitions, classes and performances, please visit www.tskw.org. First Horizon Bank presents The Studios of Key West with a check to support Sea Level Stories, by artist Jane Baldridge, which is being presented in partnership with FIRM (Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe). Planned for October 2022, the exhibition will be accompanied by public programs in Key West and up the Keys raising awareness of critical issues around sea level rise. Robert Frost Poetry Contest for Children and Teens
Deadline: Tue, May 3, 2022 In celebration of National Poetry Month in April, and Robert Frost (1874-1963), The Studios of Key West is delighted to host the Annual Children and Teen Poetry Contest each year. Following spring break, the contest will be open to all Monroe County children & teens. Monroe county students are encouraged to submit poetry entries to the Robert Frost Poetry Contest for Children and Teens by May 3. Children aged 6-12 and teens aged 13-18 are encouraged to mail or drop their poems off at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton Street. Students may also submit written works by emailing poems to poetry@tskw.org. Students should include their name, parent or guardian’s name, phone number and age with submissions. Poetry can be any length, based on any subject, and be rhymed or unrhymed. Teachers may also submit the work of their students. Cash prizes are as follows: $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place, in each age category. National Poetry Month is a worldwide celebration that highlights poetry’s vital place in our culture. The Florida Keys have a special connection with Robert Frost, who won four Pulitzer Prizes for his poetry, and wintered many years at the garden cottage of the Heritage House in Key West. Through funds established by the Jeane and Jessie Porter Fund at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the contest for children and teenagers was created in his honor, and nurtures and develops the interest of budding poets, and their vital connection to the Keys’ creative spirit. Winners will be announced online and recognized at an awards reception and public reading to be held at The Studios, 533 Eaton Street, on May 21, 2022. Made possible by the Jeane and Jessie Porter Memorial Fund Contact: Michelle Boscamp, Marketing and Development Coordinator 305-296-0458 / michelle@tskw.org |
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