PRIZES FOR EACH CATEGORY: (POETRY AND HAIKU)
1st Place    – A Two Week Residency at The Studios of Key West* + $200 Cash prize
2nd Place  – $100 Cash Prize
3rd Place   – $50 Cash Prize
2 Honorable Mentions awarded each category
Top three selected entries in each category will be published at www.tskw.org

*Residencies are non-transferable and will be scheduled with the winner to fall between May 2013 and August 2013. TSKW will contact first prize winners to schedule residency dates after April 1, 2012.

TO SUBMIT YOUR POEM OR HAIKU:
ONLINE:
1. If you are submitting your poem by email and would like to pay the entry fee online, please add one item to cart per poem or haiku (1 entry/$10).

2. Please email your poem(s)/haiku(s) to poetry@tskw.org. Please include the reference number of your receipt within the body of your email.

BY MAIL:
1. Please send two copies of each poem/haiku along with a check for $10 per poem/haiku to
The Studios of Key West
600 White Street
Key West, FL 33040

GUIDELINES:
1. Poems may be rhymed or unrhymed, metered or free verse, up to 40 lines.
2. Haiku submitted should meet the following definition: a short poem of no more than 17 syllables (preferably fewer), featuring simple language, clear images rather than abstractions, and emphasizing intuitive depth and resonance rather than open statement of ideas.
3. Two copies of each typed on 8 1/2 x 11 paper and sent by mail or emailed in an electronic format.

CONTEST EVENTS:
April 12-May 6, 2012 Robert Frost International Poetry Contest Exhibition at The Studios of Key West
Winning entries on view. Public Reception, Thursday, April 19, 6-9 pm.
Space 2, Historic Armory Building, Old Town, Key West

CONTEST TIMELINE:
January 1    TSKW begins accepting submissions by email or post.
March 15    Deadline to receive submissions
April 1    Winning entries announced at: www.tskw.org

NEW CONTEST FOR CHILDREN & TEENS

This year, TSKW will launch a new program to nurture and develop the interest of young poets by hosting two juried contests for children ages 6-12 and teens ages 13-18. Poetry can be any length, based on any subject, and be rhymed or unrhymed.  Merit awards, certificates, and prizes will be awarded, and participants with winning entries will be publicly recognized. Six awards (1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place and three honorable mentions) will be selected from each age group. Each individual may enter up to 3 written works. There is no fee to enter.

TSKW will begin accept contest entries by email and mail between February 15 and March 15, 2012.

TO SUBMIT YOUR POEM ONLINE:

———–
Robert Frost International Poetry Contest
(Please designate age group)
c/o The Studios of Key West
600 White Street
Key West, FL 33040
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CONTEST EVENTS:

ADD readings & Writers’ Book Fair
April 12-May 6, 2012
Robert Frost International Poetry Contest Exhibition at The Studios of Key West
Winning entries on view. Public Reception, Thursday, April 19, 6-9 pm.
Space 2, Historic Armory Building, Old Town, Key West

CONTEST TIMELINE:

February 15   TSKW begins accepting submissions by email or post.

March 15        Deadline to receive submissions

April 1        Winning entries announced at: www.tskw.org

As part of The Studios of Key West’s 5th birthday celebration, the organization is offering a chance to win one of six gorgeous works of art created by some of the island’s most sought after artists. Raffle tickets are now on sale at TSKW, 600 White Street. The drawing will be held during TSKW’s 5th Birthday Bash on March 3, and winners need not be present to win.

“These raffle tickets are a great gift idea for yourself or for a friend, and help support The Studio of Key West — what’s not to like about that?” says Jay Scott, executive director.

The following works will be raffled off during the March 3 event, “Mermaid,” a five-foot steel sculpture by John Martini; “Historic Armory,” a beautifully rendered watercolor by Andy Thurber; and “Venice Series #1,” a striking mixed media work on canvas by Debra Yates.

In addition, three artists have created brand new hand-painted bicycles for the raffle including Rick Worth, Pam Hobbs, Sherry Sweet T.

“During our Rolling on the Rock event last year, people got such a thrill from seeing all of the painted bicycles, so we had three created special for this year’s birthday raffle,” continues Scott. “We’re excited to offer the chance to win these bicycles for the price of a raffle ticket, as many of last year’s bikes were valued and purchased outright for a buy-it-now price of $2500.”

Raffle tickets are one for $10 and 3 for $20. Ticket sales will support The Studios of Key West’s ongoing creative programs, and a portion of the proceeds will be shared with the contributing artists. Tickets can also be purchased at TSKW from now through March 3.

The public will also have a chance to view the work and purchase tickets during the Key West Art Center Craft Show (Jan 28-29) and during the Old Island Says Art Festival (Feb 25-26). Tickets will be available for purchase at both events at the TSKW booth, which can be found at the corner of Whitehead and Greene Street.

Above: The bicycles and artwork on display at the Craft fair

From left, work by Debra Yates, John Martini, and Andy Thurber

Path to Paradise: TSKW Members’ Winter Show – Announcing the 2012 People’s Choice Award Winners plus the theme for the 2013 Members’ Winter Show…

Story

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Michael Haykin, distinguished Artist in Residence has exhibition at Lucky Street Gallery through February 13. Reception with the Artist, February 2, 6-9 pm,
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Painting Boot Camp Hats have arrived! Available for purchase for all past and present PBC students.
Story and Image

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Call to Writers for 2012 Writers’ Fair, April 19, 5-8 pm
Information

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Service Industry Raffle Winner Announced
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“There is a special kind of magic that happens when Noel and Josh come together onstage,” says Jay Scott, executive director. “Last year’s Multifaith concert was such a success, so we wanted to give audiences two chances to see these fantastic musicians this year.”

The Saturday evening concert will feature both old favorites and new selections by Stookey and White.

“I’ve been on a whirlwind writing adventure these past 11 months or so,” admits Noel, returning to Key West for his third straight year. “Certainly the audiences here enjoy tunes from the Peter, Paul and Mary era but I’m particularly struck by the focus and attention they bring to my recent songs”.

Stookey’s new creations cover a wide range of topics; a bossa nova ballad, a rewrite of America the Beautiful, a jazzy, 5/4 exposition on the connection between terrorism and the illegal drug trade and more. “Peole seem to be rediscovering folk music’s capacity to inform, inspire and entertain,” he concludes.

The next afternoon, the Armory will be infused with all the spirit of the gospel when Stookey and White perform an encore of last year’s Multifaith Celebration on Sunday, February 12 at 2 pm. Joined by the Reverend Betty Stookey, Noel’s wife of 48 years, and Key West’s own Voices of Praise Choir, last year’s celebration has been called one of the most uplifting, incredible concerts ever to come to Key West.

Reverend Betty Stookey will “season” the musical celebration with readings from many of the world’s faiths, and with passages from the literature of many cultures. The performance shifts dynamically from the spoken word to the sung word and back again, and recognizes love as the common calling to many different faiths.

Noel Paul Stookey has 45 albums to his credit—28 with Peter, Paul and Mary and the remainder as a solo artist. His music continues the tradition of social change celebrated in folk music, while also expanding adventurously into jazz improvisation and romantic ballads.

Now in his 68th year as a professional singer, actor, guitarist, songwriter and educator, Josh White Jr. is still making records and offering audiences around the world his special brand of folk/blues, spirituals, jazz and songs of social conscience.

In August 2007, a group of singers was organized to participate in a youth program that was held at Trinity Wesleyan Methodist church. The singers so enjoyed the experience that they have continued singing together ever since. Members of the “Voices of Praise” choir are workers from various churches throughout the Key West community.

Tickets for Saturday evening’s performance are $45 in advance and $50 on the day of the show, and a portion of the proceeds benefit Florida Keys Council of the Arts. Tickets for the Sunday afternoon performance are $25 in advance/$30 on the day of the show.

Lauren McAloon is a TSKW studio artist and staff member who has called Key West home for the past 20 years. She is recognized widely for her site-informed / site-specific installations,  which incorporate a variety of materials and provoke many layers of interpretation in audiences.

“A bond develops when a viewer connects with my work; it’s a very personal thread of emotional trust.” says McAloon. “That a creative work can have continuance in another person’s life is very fortifying to me.”

“Song of Passage” continues McAloon’s exploration of cultural and personal transitions and immigration through naturally produced sound and sculptural elements. Made from sixteen foot bamboo Aeolian flutes, barbed wire, and translucent boats constructed from packing tape, the installation creates an immersive pathway through which visitors are encouraged to pass.

McAloon’s installations have received numerous awards including Sculpture Key West’s,  Bob Crane Grand Esplanade Award, Duke Rood Memorial Award and the Jim Racchi Earth and Sea Award. Her sculptures have been shown in many galleries and businesses here in Key West and can be found in homes and gardens throughout the US and Europe.

The evening will also serve as TSKW’s fourth annual pre-holiday Artisan Fair. Fourteen local artisans will be on hand to present a variety of one-of-a-kind, handmade items. Unique ceramic pieces, gorgeous cocktail hats, original jewelry, infused glassworks, custom stationary, and small paintings are just a few of the items which will be available for purchase by cash or check.

“Song of Passage” will remain on view in the Sculpture Garden through early January.

Your gift recipient will receive a membership notification by mail (pictured above), and will immediately begin receiving benefits like discounts on workshop and classes and special invitations to events and receptions. Please note – orders must be received online or by phone by December 15 to ensure delivery by Christmas.

Purchase an individual membership for a friend.

Purchase a household membership for a friend.
(entitles all members of the recipient’s immediate household to benefits).

If you would like to purchase a membership for a friend in a larger denomination and would like to discuss the levels of membership, please call our Program Office at 305-296-0458.

Gift Certificates
TSKW also offers gift certificates in any denomination that can be used toward all of the workshops and classes on offer this season. TSKW offers acting classes, watercolor and writing workshops, and a variety of visual arts workshops for people looking to get inspired while having a great time. To order a gift certificate for a friend, please call the TSKW Program Office from 10 am-4 pm Monday-Friday.

From now through January, waiters, taxi drivers, chefs, bartenders, innkeepers, and concierges are invited to enter a free raffle contest through TSKW.

The package contains gift certificates to some of the island’s finest restaurants including Seven Fish, Bad Boy Burrito, 915, Mangia Mangia, and many others.

To enter by email, simply send your name, email address, and your place of employment to info@tskw.org, or just stop by the Armory, 600 White Street, during normal business hours to fill out an entry form.

The winner will be selected at random on January 19 at 8:30 pm during Walk on White. The raffle is free to enter, and only one entry per person will be accepted.

Forget the patter of reindeer paws this holiday season. Florida Keys photographer, Michael Marrero, tears open the shutters and throws up the sash with a twisted photo exhibit for a twisted season.

Drunken Santas, angry elves, and reindeer stew kick-off the holiday fare with more than 25 holiday scenes created by Marrero with well known Keys businesses that run the gamut from restaurants and brew pubs to publishers, locksmiths, beauty salons and dentists. The participants have been tight-lipped, but Marrero promises over-the-top holiday scenes featuring well-known residents indulging in outrageous holiday behavior.

“The scenes are the kind of Christmas cards you would expect from your crazy uncle – if he stopped drinking long enough to send a Christmas card.” Marrero explained.  “This isn’t a show for children. Adults who still believe in Santa or the sanctity of Christmas might want to stay at home too, but people who love the quirkiness of Key West will find this puts them right into the holiday spirit and keeps them laughing well into the new year.”

Marrero is known for his photo and video work throughout North America. His feature-length films have been shown in festivals around the world and he is a frequent contributor to shows at The Red Barn Theatre and Tropic Cinema. His most recent exhibit premiered at The Studios of Key West last November. Titled ‘ReMARCable’s’, it showcased the life dreams of Monroe’s disabled citizens and earned him the MARC House Volunteer of the Year Award, as well as being exhibited at the State Capital.

”As rewarding as last years show was I wanted to step into something more silly and fun for this years exhibit,” continues Marerro. ” To be honest, I don’t think I could have picked a project more polar opposite in terms of style and tone. The holiday images are meant to be campy, colorful, offensive and most importantly, fun.”

Happy Effin’ Holidays promises to deliver the impact of a strong Christmas nog. The 20”x30” metallic prints will be available for purchase opening night, as will the coveted Effin’ Holiday Card Set featuring all 25 scenes (and a few that were too risqué for public viewing).

The event unwraps November 17 from 6-9 at TSKW and continues through December 18. Admission is free. Stop by opening night for photos with Drunk Santa, cash bar, a miscreant elf and an unforgettable holiday experience with friends that could only happen in Key West.

This exhibition is sponsored by Santiago’s Bodega.

Terms:
$20 participation fee
Artist maintains 80% of sales
Two-dimensional work is asked to be delivered wired (no sawtooth brackets) and ready to hang. A $5 charge will be added to work that is not wired.
Email an “Intent to Exhibit” to martha@tskw.org by December 31.
Deliver work to Program Office on Friday, January 13, 10 – 4 pm or Saturday, January 14, 1-3 pm.
Shipped work will be accepted with return postage.
Pick up of work: Tuesday, January 31 from 4-6 pm. Wednesday, February 1 from 9-11 am only.

Local artists are invited to apply for a place at our annual pre-holiday Artisan Fair, to be held during the December 15 Walk on White.

For buyers and collectors, it’s a perfect pre-Christmas way to discover that hand-made, crafts traditions are alive and well in the Keys!

14 spaces will be available, $25 per space, submit a request to exhibit with website or examples of work by November 15. Selection of participants will be confirmed by November 18.

Open to emerging, as well as established artisans offering quality original work.  All styles, mediums and disciplines will be considered.  A great marketing opportunity on a busy KW social evening and 100% of sales benefit the artist. Booth space 8 ft x 6 ft deep, one 6 foot table provided.

Contact Martha Barnes, Director of Programs and Exhibitions at 305-296-0458 or martha@tskw.org.