Press release

Participation Encouraged in Sixth Annual Key Women Artists Exhibit

“Hurricane Dennis apparently stole our thunder for the announcement of the Sixth Annual Key Women Artists exhibit” says Norman Aberle, Curator of the Key West Art & Historical Society. “So we’re extending the application deadline to August 15.”
In previous Key Women Artists shows, a wide range of work by talented visual artist has been exhibited; some by artists with national and international reputations, and others who are just starting to explore their creativity. This is a non- juried show, so everyone gets a chance to exhibit.
The Key Women Artists exhibit, provides exposure to women artists from Key Largo to Key West, and is celebrated for its diverse range of media and styles. The exhibit opens with a champagne reception on September 7 at 5:30 pm and runs through October 21.
According to Aberle, last year’s exhibit featured the works of 83 women artists living in Monroe County that were viewed by more than 2,000 visitors who came to see the exhibit during its six-week run. “We were able to include all the works submitted last year, which made it even better,” he said.
Many of the participants from earlier years have once again applied and there are many new applicants as well. “We have enough submissions now to make a really nice show, but let’s fill these gallery walls” said Aberle.
Since its inception in 1999, the Key Women Artists exhibit has given visitors to the Custom House the opportunity to view the works of artists like Darlene Pruess, who received the South Florida Cultural Consortium Grant in April 2005. The grant will allow Pruess to persue her area of artistic interest with a $15,000 stipend to assist her along the way.
Other notables have included Roberta Marks, Claudia Richards, Letty Nowak, Sharon McGauley, C.J. Groth, Martha De Poo, and Janet Meuller, to mention only a few. “This show is also intended to give new and developing talent a chance to show their work and to exchange ideas with their peers.” says Claudia Pennington, Executive Director of the Key West Art & Historical Society and Custom House Museum.
Women artists interested in participating in the Key Women Artists exhibit should complete an application form, which can be found on the Key West Art & Historical Society website: www.KWAHS.com. Completed forms may be faxed to 305-295-6649. Exhibitors, who are selected through a random drawing, will be contacted by Aug. 22. Works will be accepted for hanging during the same week. For more information or questions about submitting an application, call Norman Aberle at 305-296-6616 ext. 14.

Loan Agreement/Applications for the lottery process are available at the Custom House, (or print your own by clicking here)

If you are a member of the media and would like to receive more information and/or pictures, please contact: communications@kwahs.org