The Connections Project II- A Mosaic of the Keys.

 

Here is the "call to artists" that went out from the Florida Keys Council of the Arts late last year.  400 canvases, each 6"x 6" were distributed to artists and art lovers throughout Monroe County

 

The Florida Keys council of the Arts would like to invite everyone in the community to participate in The Connections Project II- A Mosaic of the Keys.

We will provide one 6 x 6 inch blank canvas for you to create a piece of artwork. People of all abilities and skill levels are encouraged to participate. After all individual works are collected; almost 400 canvases will be assembled and exhibited as one project; featuring the talents, diversity and uniqueness of the artists and citizens of the Florida Keys. Then we will take our show on the road county-wide! With the support of our business partner, Royal Furniture, we invite you to join us at seven receptions.

We invite YOU to CONNECT!
Create a canvas.
Attend an opening reception.
Connect and collect: make a $40 donation at a reception or online to receive a randomly selected completed canvas in the mail!
Proceeds directly benefit artists and arts organizations in the Keys through our grant programs.

The canvases will be numbered at random and you will not be able to choose which artwork you receive. Each work will be accompanied by an artist’s statement that will provide insight into the origin of the work and the artist’s thoughts and inspiration.

 

 

To facilitate this process I gave a workshop at The Key West Art Center on 12/14/2013 for 26 artists.

 

FKCA provided the canvases, The Key West Art Center and I provided the paints and brushes, and the artists provided their enthusiasm.  I was assisted by Sue D'Antonio, FKAC board member and mixed media artist.



The group didn't mind the tight space and the sharing of paints.





Here is satisfied artist, Gary Young.





Everyone was having so much fun they were updating their Facebook status and posting their paintings.




Some of the artists had photos on their phones they referenced.







I brought in some of my rooster photos.



 

 

Last Light
6 x 6" acrylic on canvas
For the Keys Connections Project II
©Maggie Ruley 2013

 

Schedule of the receptions

THE CONNECTIONS PROJECT II: A Mosaic of the Keys
Opening Receptions throughout the Keys:

Join US! 5:30 – 7:30 pm - Refreshments will be served.

Key Largo - January 22nd – Royal Furniture

Key Largo - January 28th – Murray Nelson Cultural Center

Islamorada - February 20th –Islamorada Library Community Room

Marathon - February 27th - Royal Furniture

Big Pine Key - March 14th – Artists in Paradise Gallery

Key West - (new town) March 24th - Royal Furniture

Key West - (old town) April 4th - Gato Building

To make a donation for the Mosaic Project Click Here

The Monroe Council of the Arts Corporation dba Florida Keys Council of the Arts is an IRC 501(c )(3) organization and your contribution is tax deductible.

You will receive a randomly selected canvas from our project. We hope that you will consider joining the Arts Council if not already a member. Memberships and contributions support our programs and grants for all the ARTS in Monroe County.

 

 

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What's up with all the chickens?

Saturday and Sunday, January 25 - 26, 2014, the Key West Art Center is hosting the annual Key West Craft Show.  Every year fine craft artists come from all over the country to share their work and enjoy a little warm weather.  The Craft Show takes place on Whitehead Street between Caroline St and Greene St, just a few steps away from the Art Center.  If you are in town head down to see it.


The Key West Art Center
entrance 310 Front Street, Key West, Florida
©Maggie Ruley 2014

I don't have a booth there this year, but I did go into the Art Center yesterday with some cute small paintings for them to sell.  I have been adding some roosters and chickens to my small paintings because they are so much a part what makes Key West the interesting place it is.

Today's Key West Question

One of the most frequent questions people ask is,

"What's up with all the Chickens?" 

Visitors want to know why they are all over town, and if they belong to anybody.

I am not sure there is any one answer, but it is my theory that there is a direct correlation between the crack down on cock fighting in the late 80's and early 90's and the increase in the chicken population.

In 1986 my first studio was in the Blue Heaven building (before the restaurant).  The neighborhood is called Bahama Village and it was one of the few neighborhoods that had free ranging chickens at that time.  Young boys were always running through the yards catching the roosters to take home to their Uncles, Daddies, and Cousins.  After the cock fighting crack down, no one was catching the roosters and when you have more roosters you have more chickens.  But it's just my theory.  And, no, they don't belong to anybody, and yes, the cats and dogs leave them alone.



Dog Gone, acrylic 6 x 6 inches
©Maggie Ruley 2014

This little cottage is on Ashe Street in Key West and is really cute.  I have taken many photos of it over the years.  It used to have a red jeep parked in it's drive way.  I decided a red boat would be more fun.



Dog Gone, acrylic, 6 x 6 inches
framed to 12 x 12 inches
$145

Dog Gone
acrylic
framed
$145
you can purchase directly through me or
The Key West Art Center,
Address: 301 Front St, Key West, FL 33040

Phone:(305) 294-1241

Hours: daily 10am to 5pm

Earthquake in Key West

Did you feel the earth move the week before last?  They say it was an earthquake off the Cuba coast, but I think it was a reaction to the sudden population boom here in Key West.  Surely the rhythm of all those happy feet on our downtown pavement could set up some kind of vibration that would shake up the earth's crust, right?

It's official, it's tourist season and time to share our island paradise with the world.  If you are visiting we are glad you are here and we want you to have a good time.

 I really do want you to enjoy our island, therefore while you are here.............. 

 1. If I see you standing on a street corner puzzling over a map I will ask if I can help you find something.

2. I will encourage you to get off the main streets and do a little exploring of our quaint streets and lanes if you have time.

3. I will answer your questions about Key West to the best of my ability. 
Today's question: Which is the best beach?  Well, our beaches aren't fabulous, but I think the best overall beach is Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, called Ft Zach by the locals.  It's the only beach where the water is deep enough you can swim. There is sun and shade, picnic tables and it's a great place to watch the sunset. But there is an entrance fee.

4. And I will paint some charming little gem paintings that you can take home to help you remember the fun you had. 


Duval and Greene, acrylic 6 x 6"
©Maggie Ruley 2014

Down town Key West takes on kind of a carnival atmosphere when it is busy with tourists, so Duval and Greene is painted in some fun bright colors.


Duval and Greene, framed 12 x 12"
 $145.00

Lucky, acrylic 6 x 6"
©Maggie Ruley 2014

 Lots of boats on the waters these days, I would call mine Lucky.

 

Lucky, framed 12 x 12"
$145

 

Happening now in Key West

 

Quantum Race Week 2014  Yacht Racing.  http://www.premiere-racing.com/ here is a great web site with live coverage and interviews.

 

Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25 and 26 is the Key West Craft Show.  Wonderful artists from across the country bring their art to Key West.  On Whitehead Street between Greene St and Caroline, from 10am to 5pm both days. 

 Sponsored by the Key West Art Center.

 

See you at the Craft Show this weekend!

 

 

A Contest of Sorts

This painting is a jumble of some Key West Images, and was painted as a possible commission piece. A business contacted the Key West Art Center and said they were looking to purchase a painting by a local artist that was evocative of Key West. They would purchase the original painting and would also want giclee prints of the painting to give away to people they are bringing on a cruise to Key West in January. So the Key West Art Center asked its members to submit paintings. Today the paintings have to go to the photographer and the business will get a CD with all the images. I don't have my hopes up on this but, I have ended up with a good size painting. 24" x 30"

"Island Coffee Queen"

FLIP FLOP SPOON RESTS

Here is the rest of Friday's glaze fire. The pineapple platter ($125) is really pretty and the flip flop spoon rests ($22) are cute. It has been awhile since I have made any, I forgot how cute they are.

Here is a close up of the spoon rests.

Well, March came in like a lion. I am in the process of planning a plein air event for the Key West Art Center. Today I was going to go into town and walk around the waterfront area to scout out amenities that the painters might need like restrooms and shade. But it is cold and windy so I think I will tuck myself into my studio and do my recon tomorrow or Wednesday.
I will be in the gallery tonight.