Call for Artists: Play Ball! Artists’ Baseball Bats

A partnership between The Studios of Key West, Old Island Restoration Foundation, Florida Keys Council of the Arts, and Gallery on Greene

Play Ball!

On the eve of Key West’s 200th anniversary, we celebrate two of the ingredients in our island’s secret sauce: our cultural roots in Cuba, and our love of baseball! A who’s who of Key West and Cuba’s most accomplished artists celebrate America’s pastime—at The Studios of Key West, the Oldest House, and the historic Gato Building.

Read more about the exhibition at The Studios.

Drawing of Bronson Arroyo playing guitar. Key West Baseball Card in black letters again blue background at bottom.

Artwork by Reynerio Tamayo

Artists Needed!

A central component of the multi-venue exhibition is our goal of 200 newly commissioned, artist-designed baseball bats. We invite artists from Key West and beyond to pick one up, use all your imagination and any materials you want, to turn it into a unique artwork, then submit it for participation. Artists will be paid 65% of the sales proceeds from any Play Ball! bats, with the balance supporting The Studios of Key West and Old Island Restoration Foundation.

Bats that can be displayed vertically (hanging by the handle) are preferred. If you have specific display requirements, we strongly suggest you provide your own hardware, and/or contact Lauren McAloon in advance at lauren@tskw.org to discuss your installation needs.

Grab a bat!

  • Now thru Sat Jan 29, 2022. Pick up your Play Ball! bat from The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton Street, during our regular box office hours (Tue-Sat, 10am-4pm).
  • Thursday-Saturday, February 17-19, 2022. Drop off your Play Ball! bat at The Studios of Key West (10am-4pm).
  • March 2022. Play Ball! on view at The Studios of Key West (opening March 3), the Oldest House (opening March 4), and the Gato Building (opening March 11).

Ready to submit your bat? Fill out your info at the Google Form below with your contact and artwork information.