2024 “SHADOW & LIGHT” EXHIBITION AT A GLANCE

The Key West Art & Historical Society announces a call for entries for its new juried exhibition which is slated to open in February 2024 at the Key West Museum of Art & History.  “Shadow & Light” is open to all artists living and creating in the Florida Keys.  The new exhibition beckons artists to immerse themselves in the outdoors, capturing natural light and its interaction with everyday objects into visual expressions that evoke contemplation and introspection.  Juried by Dr. Cori Convertito of the Key West Art & Historical Society, Martha Resk from the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, Emma Starr of The Armory Studios, and Elena Devers of The Studios of Key West, the submission platform opens on December 1, 2023, and closes on January 22, 2024.

The innovative exhibition concept challenges conventional boundaries, inviting artists to create artwork that expresses ideas about the natural world.  The Society’s goal with this exhibition is to venture into the intricate interplay between the elemental forces of nature and the profound depths of human mindfulness.  We are seeking submission of original artwork that captures the essence of “Shadow & Light” that can include a range of mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, encaustic, pencil, sculpture, and mixed media.

2023/2024 “Shadow & Light” Calendar of Events & Important DATES

• Submission deadline digital submission: January 22, 2024
• Notification emails: February 9, 2024
• Accepted works need to be hand delivered (by appointment only) between February 13 to 15, 2024 to Key West Museum of Art & History, 281 Front Street, Key West, Florida 33040
• Exhibition Opens: February 23, 2024
• Public Reception: February 23, 2024
• Exhibition Closes: April 28, 2024
• Pick-up Works: April 29 – May 1, 2024

AWARDS

Best of Show and People’s Choice (no monetary awards are given)

RECEPTION & AWARDS CEREMONY

Join us at the Key West Art & Historical Society, February 23, 2024, 5-8 PM for a reception to honor the participating artists.  All participating artists, friends, family, and community members are invited to attend.

MEET THE JURORS

Cori Convertito, PhD – A graduate of the University of Exeter, Cori has worked as the curator of the Key West Art & Historical Society since 2012.  Before working for the Society, she worked for museums and non-profit arts organizations in the United Kingdom.  Currently, Cori sits on the Anne McKee Artists Fund board and on the City of Key West’s Art in Public Places advisory board.

Martha Resk – Business Manager for the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.  As the Business Manager at Florida Keys Council of the Arts, Martha oversees the financial and administrative aspects of a local arts agency that supports and promotes the cultural and artistic diversity of the Keys.  Prior to joining the Council, Martha held leadership positions in various non- profits, art galleries and centers, where she gained valuable experience in curating, outreach, and board relations. She also has a unique background in ecology and evolutionary biology, which informs her passion for art and nature.

Emma Starr – Australian-born artist at The Armory Studios.  The analogue photographer, web designer, yoga instructor and owner of Luna brings her creative thinking to the table as well as her skill-set with constructive group discussions that work toward a greater goal, especially ones that serve the community and bring growth.  She is also an active Key West Art & Historical Society board member who is committed to assisting the organization bring culturally rich exhibitions to their museums.

Elena Devers – Deputy Director at The Studios of Key West.  As Deputy Director for TSKW, Elena is responsible for the approximately 40 resident artists who make their home in Key West for a month at a time.  Each year, she and a panel of community members comb through hundreds of applications to select the writers/performers/artists who are interested in Key West’s cultural identity.

This exhibit is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, with additional support provided by The Helmerich Trust.