Tuesday, May 18, 2010

A Taste of Art in Key West

I had the opportunity recently to be the featured artist in Key West for a weekly event at the Simonton Court Inn.  It was such a beautiful evening, the temperature was what I call neutral, warm but not hot and it was breezy.  This historic inn is stunning with it's large swimming pool and outdoor bar surrounded by lush tropical gardens.  The inn was full and since it is a well known local event there was a wonderful crowd.  The show was from 5PM-7PM and everyone was in a relaxed mood and eager to visit and shop. 

I met visitors from Novia Scotia, the outer banks of North Carolina, and many from Key West including the former mayor and his wife on their way to a benefit.  Two local men spent some time choosing necklaces for each of their sisters, (one of which was there) and that was also relaxed and fun!  To prepare for the show along with designing lots of new jewelry I spent an afternoon walking Duval Street inviting shop and gallery owners to stop by.  I seem to never have enough time to just wander around and there are always new shops, galleries or restaurants to check out. 

Key West is a very different place during the day then at night time.  I love both but appreciate the striking difference of a daytime stroll in the sunshine in and out of shops and a delicious seaside lunch or a grilled sandwich on Duval and the more carnival type evening atmosphere of live music of a different type in every place you pass by.  I always seem to leave Key West looking forward to my next time!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

An Afternoon of Music & Art in Key West

This is my first year to be involved with SoDu Gallery's "From a Woman's Hand" 3rd Annual show in Key West, Florida. I am honored to be chosen to join the 50 + women artists of the Keys in this celebration of art. As I am writing this I received a message that my necklace has sold...before the show even opened, but the gallery would ship it after the show. I'm so excited!


On Saturday, when I stopped by the gallery to deliver my handmade necklace entry "Blue Bamboo" I was thrilled to be greeted by Frank Decker, a painter whose work I have admired for years. The show runs May 8-23 with an opening reception on May 8th with live music, chocolate and champagne. Proceeds of the show benefit Womankind, a woman's health center in Key West.


We then headed over to Mile Marker 0 and Ocean Key Resort for the 15th Annual Key West Songwriters Fest. We have attended this event for nine years and many times with family and its always a festive way to experience the colorful flavor of Key West and enjoy some great entertainment. Ocean Key Resort on Sunset Pier is one of my favorite restaurants in Key West and an excellent songwriter venue. It's ocean view is beautiful and while sipping a cold beverage along with conch fritters and fresh ceviche you can watch it's varied boat traffic going by and an incredible sunset. It is located near Mallory Square a renowned sunset destination with unique vendors and unusual entertainment. Some of my favorite songwriters at festivals over the years have Brett James, Billy Dean, Craig Wiseman, Chuck Cannon, Scotty Emerick and Randy Houser to name a few.


Our next stop was to Simonton Court Historic Inn and the "A Taste of Art" art show where I will be the featured artist on May 15th with my Island Style Beach & Summer Jewelry. It is a charming poolside setting with an outdoor bar and gorgeous tropical foliage. That night it was 85 degrees and we were wilting in the humidity but enjoying the live classical guitar music and a chilled glass of wine while admiring the striking artwork of one of my glass idols, Mary O'Shae and a few other artists.


Life is good in the Fla Keys! Wishing you a delightful art experience!