Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm
With almost a quarter century of “artists helping artists” behind them, The Studios is proud to host the annual Anne McKee auction, where aficionados gather for one of the most popular art events of the year. Proceeds help fund the vital grant program for Keys artists.
Key West is one of those quixotic places that magnetically attracts artists of all kinds with its character, color and intellect; but does not offer up a living easily. Paradoxically, many of the islands non-profits and arts organizations rely heavily on donations from artists to support their missions. Knowing and understanding the needs of local artists, Anne McKee and a group of like-minded associates orchestrated the auction and the fund. Now, every year, highly collectable premier and emerging artists participate in the auction, and receive 50% of the amount realized on the sale of their pieces. The remaining 50% supports the fund that awards yearly grants that help artists produce their creative visions. These grants are coveted not only because the funds help bring artistic aspirations into being, but also because of the recognition and visibility that results.
The history of Key West’s charming cottages, historic homes, and island architecture is examined and reimagined in this exhibition. Ruley’s revisionist approach to painting our historic jewels blends the before and after with color and whimsy.
RELATED PROGRAMS
Children of Bal Ashram Film Screening
Sat Feb 9, 7PM
This film documents the life’s work of Sumedha Kailash, who spent forty years rescuing children from bonded labor and child marriage. At Bal Ashram, a refuge built by Kaliash, newly arrived child laborers enter a new community, their nightmarish pasts receding amid rough and tumble play, under the careful eye of Sumedha.
Bought & Sold: Voices of Human Trafficking by Kay Chernush
On view Feb 1-28, 2019
Bought & Sold is an outdoor photographic installation that speaks to the experiences and suffering of the hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children caught up in slavery’s web. The exhibit asks viewers to consider their plight from their perspective. Looking outward through the victims’ eyes, the images challenge us to imagine the daily horrors, tedium, desperation and ambiguities of their lives—and to take action.
Blind Spots is a three-part exhibit developed by Key West resident Erika Biddle to encourage action against human trafficking and child exploitation. Featuring powerful images by Robin Romano, an American documentary filmmaker, producer, photojournalist, and human rights activist + installations by Key West artists Cricket Desmarais and Gretchen Mills.
This exhibition is one of a series of programs shining light on a hidden subject. Also included is the screening of Children of Bal Ashram on Sat Feb 9, 7PM at The Studios and an exhibition across from the African cemetery memorial on White St. and Atlantic Blvd., Bought & Sold: Voices of Human Trafficking by Kay Chernush.
Blind Spots exhibition sponsored by Sinz Burritos & Garbo’s Grill
Bought & Sold presented by ArtWorks For Freedom and sponsored by Keys To Be The Change at the African Cemetery
RECEPTION: THU FEB 7, 6-8PM
Sanger Gallery
Construction artist and painter Marks presents a breadth of work that synthesizes past and present. The collection of all new work highlights the emotional content of memory while exhibiting a consciousness of current societal issues.