Key West has been a haven for writers ever since Hemingway set down roots
here in the 1930s. Over the years, our tiny island has blossomed into a thriving
arts community dedicated to nurturing creative minds, hearts, and souls.
At the center of it all is The Studios of Key West. Located just one block from the hustle and bustle of Duval, TSKW has hosted Pulitzer prize-winners, world-renowned artists, authors, performers, and other creatives, as well as an extraordinary lineup of America’s finest singer-songwriters.
A beacon of cultural activity since 2006, TSKW boasts a 200-seat professional
theater; the island’s largest gallery devoted to contemporary art; nine studios for practicing artists; and two dedicated classrooms, including a cutting-edge digital media lab. Books & Books, a locally owned, independently minded neighborhood bookstore, also makes its home here.
In season, TSKW’s rollicking concert series features roots-oriented music from folk and blues to world music and jazz. You can also expect to see a lively lineup of dance, performance art, and small-scale theatrical productions.
On top of it all is Hugh’s View where sunset Happy Hours and other fun events create “aha” moments. This hip rooftop terrace offers the best views in town and is an ideal spot to catch spectacular sunsets and a drinks with friends. The bar is open, admission is free, and everyone looks great in the golden twilight. Takes place every Tuesday from 6 – 8 pm.
Find it all at 533 Eaton Street. Open Tu – Su from 10 am – 4 pm. For more info and events, at tskw.org or call 305-296-0458.
Here’s What’s Coming Up For Spring:
ON STAGE AT TSKW
March 21
ACT OUT!
Kids Spring Break Performance
Key West: This short, but very sweet, presentation was conceived by a small group
of local kids who spent their spring break tuning their funny bones and honing their
theatrical muscles. Showtime: 2 pm on the Hugh’s View Rooftop at The Studios of
Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
March 21 – 22
Swimming in the Dark:
Workshop of a New Opera
Key West: Set in Poland in 1980, this riveting opera explores a consuming love affair
between two young men engulfed by a political thriller in a country being torn apart.
Showtime: 8 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
March 27
Spring Has Sprung
With Libby York
Key West: A perennial Key West favorite, Libby York has curated a special collection of songs
celebrating rebirth, fresh starts, blooming flowers, falling rains, and all things fresh and new. Showtime: 7 pm on the Hugh’s View Rooftop at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St.
Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
March 28 – March 29
Vienna, Vienna, Vienna
Key West: Three generations of Jewish women from a close and complicated family arrive in Vienna for an award celebration, discussing the past, present and future while eating chocolate cake. Showtime: 8 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
April 4 – 5
Adam & Paul:
Dueling Pianos The Rematch
Key West: After last year’s showdown ended in a devastating tie, Broadway’s dueling pianists/singers are settling the score. It’s a high-energy musical battle of words, wit, and talent to claim the title of reigning champ. Showtime: 8 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
April 11 – 12
Wilma
Key West: In 1999 South Carolina, a mother tamps down her fury at the President while
her daughter vies to win a speech contest. Trapped by a flood, the two women contend with mass media, each other, and the most brutal stages of life. Showtime: 8 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
April 15 – 16
Old Town New Folk Series:
John McCutcheon In Concert
Key West: A master of the hammer dulcimer and folk music’s “Rustic Renaissance Man,”
John McCutcheon delivers an unforgettable concert blending traditional and original songs with engaging storytelling. Takes place on Tu, April 15 at 7 pm in the Helmerich Theater and on W, April 16, at 8 pm on Hugh’s Rooftop — both located at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
April 17
DAR HE: The Story of Emmet Till
Key West: This powerful story chronicles the murder, trial and unbelievable confession of
the men accused of Emmett Till’s lynching. Showtime: 7 pm at the American Legion Post 168, 803 Emma Street. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
April 18
A Game Apart
Key West: Writer, Mike Wiley gives a powerful and entertaining glimpse of Jackie Robinson’s life during a bygone era. Although the star baseball player was showered with adulation on the field, he became a second-hand citizen when he walked off the diamond. Showtime: 7 pm at the American Legion Post 168, 803 Emma Street. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
April 26
ReMARCable Dance Project
Key West: A special benefit for MARC House, this innovative dance program, combines
the talents of Dance Key West, Blue’s Clues’ Steve Burns, and everyone’s favorite
“ReMARCable” Citizens. Showtime: 4 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
ART EXHIBITIONS AT TSKW
Now – March 27
ART EXHIBITION: Field Theory
By Tory Mata
Key West: Mata’s latest work delves into the deeply human questions of belonging, meaning, and the passage of time. By blending scientific and spiritual themes with artistic expression, her art transforms these concepts into metaphors, shedding light on the complexities of
human life and the universal threads that bind us all together. On display every Tu – Sa from
10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
Now – March 27
ART EXHIBITION: Back Again
By Hunter O’Hanian
Key West: Hunter O’Hanian explores the intersection of history and art with digital collages inspired by LGBTQ publications of the 1940s and 1950s. This exhibition sheds light on the fight against oppression and reflects the enduring struggle for equality. On display every
Tu – Sa from 10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
Now – March 27
ART EXHIBITION: Tactile Response
By Beth Kaminstein
Key West: Combining an appreciation for space and color with a tactile sensibility,
Kaminstein draws inspiration from nature to create clay sculptures, platters, and bowls that
explore complex layering, light, and form. On display from 6 – 8 pm and continues every
Tu – Sa from 10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
April 3 – 24
EXHIBITION: A Fifty Year Retrospective
By David Wegman
Key West: More widely known for work in sculpture, John Martini’s newest exhibit unveils
a parallel universe with two dimensional works on paper consisting mainly of mono prints
and drawings. Opens Th, April 3 from 6 – 8 pm and continues every Tu – Sa from
10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
April 3 – 24
EXHIBITION: Interior
By Wendell Smith
Key West: Using alternative materials and rooted in folk traditions, Smith’s work explores
vulnerability and the resiliency of the human spirit through the lens of Caribbean society and culture. Opens Th, April 3 from 6 – 8 pm and continues every Tu – Sa from 10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
April 3 – 24
EXHIBITION: Beach Blues
By Lucy Page
Key West: Paige’s distinctive artistic styles are all united by shades of blue. Inspired by ocean landscapes, her semi-abstract paint and pen series celebrate coastal life. Opens Th, April 3 from 6 – 8 pm and continues every Tu – Sa from 10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West,
533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
April 3 – 24
EXHIBITION: This Is Key West
By Natalia Nosyk
Key West: Natalia Nosy celebrates Key West’s beauty, architecture, and vibrant spirit through oil
paintings inspired by her time spent in residency at The Studios. This exhibition captures both her plein air studies and expansive studio works, reflecting her deep connection to our unique island. Opens
Th, April 3 from 6 – 8 pm and continues every Tu – Sa from 10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of
Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
May 1 – 29
EXHIBITION: Liquid Cities
By Gerson Fogaça
Key West: Gerson Fogaça works translate Polish sociologist Zygmunt Bauma’s concept of
“liquid modernity” into art, reflecting the constant transformation of cities due to technology, migration, and climate change. Opens in the Sanger Gallery on Th, May 1 with a special
reception from 6 – 8 pm and continues every Tu – Sa from 10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
May 1 – 29
EXHIBITION: The Way It Was
By Isaac Valdes
Key West: Valdes’ intricate wood carvings capture the historical charm and vibrant culture of Old Key West. Opens in the XOJ Gallery on Th, May 1 with a special reception from 6 – 8 pm and continues every Tu – Sa from 10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
May 1 – 29
EXHIBITION: Daydreams
By Leigh Hooten
Key West: After nearly 50 years in textile, graphic design, and costuming, Hooten steps into the spotlight with personal pieces including self-portraits, animals, and fantastical beings rendered
in a fresh, illustrative style. Opens in the Zabar Project Gallery on Th, May 1 with a special
reception from 6 – 8 pm and continues every Tu – Sa from 10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
May 1 – 29
EXHIBITION: Pile It On… Take It Off
By Sherry Sweet Tewell
Key West: A distinguished mixed media artist, “Sweet T” crafts her work with an evocative
abstraction that marries vibrant color with a fluid, postmodern sensibility. Her creations, which include paintings, murals, textile designs, and book illustrations, reflect the mesmerizing light and rich hues of the Florida Keys and the Emerald Coast. Opens in the Zabar Lobby Gallery on Th, May 1 with a special reception from 6 – 8 pm and continues every Tu – Sa from
10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
June 5 – July 31
EXHIBITION: Mango Madness
Key West: This annual members show celebrates our local mango season with a bounty of
creativity in every form and style imaginable.Opens Th, June 5 with a special reception from
6 – 8 pm and continues every Tu – Sa from 10 am – 4 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
And that’s a wrap!
