The Studios of Key West

Partners in Creativity & Community! The Studios is dedicated to keeping Key West’s creative spirit alive—because art isn’t just inspiring, it’s an economic driver, too! ??? A huge thank you to our Business Partners, whose generosity fuels our mission. This season alone, they’ve contributed $100K in cash and $90K in trade, strengthening our creative economy. Pictured: One of our longest-running sponsors, First State Bank! Senior VP & Market Lender Ani Madruga joins Deputy Director Elena Devers and Executive Director Jed Dodds in the Sanger Gallery, surrounded by the stunning artwork of Mabel Poblet. #PartnersInArt #CreativeEconomy #KeyWest #FirstStateBank #TheStudiosKeyWest

Meet Christina Tuya, one of the friendly faces at The Studios front desk! A proud Key West native, Christina has a deep appreciation for the island’s unique charm and the vibrant community that makes it so special. Drawn to The Studios by her love of art, she enjoys learning from the talented individuals around her and witnessing the joy that comes from self-expression. To Christina, The Studios is a place where authenticity and inspiration come together. Outside of The Studios, Christina is a hairstylist at Salty Roots Studio, where she crafts beautiful styles and builds meaningful relationships with her clients. When she’s not working, you’ll find her exploring Old Town with her daughter, Penelope, and their lovable pup, Dash—or planning their next adventure in nature. Be sure to say hi next time you visit The Studios! #TheStudiosKW #MeetTheTeam #KeyWestArts #LocalArtists #Hairstylist #SaltyRoots

Meet Matt Flynn, Theater and Facilities Manager at The Studios of Key West! Matt joined The Studios team in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in filmmaking, theater, and production management. Originally from New Jersey, Matt holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned the prestigious Dalio Foundation and Dramatic Writing Department Scholarships. He was also awarded a Sloan Foundation Screenwriting Grant and was a finalist for the Sloan Foundation Production Grant. As a filmmaker, Matt’s short film "Barbacks" won Best Comedy at festivals in Seattle and New York and was in consideration as a TV pilot for MTV Networks. He has worked as a production manager for indie film legend Hal Hartley and is currently collaborating with his cousin Kevin Flynn and Peter Farrelly on an animated TV series. Matt’s connection to The Studios began in 2018 when he was a #StudiosPEAR, and it wasn’t long before he decided to make Key West his home with a job offer from The Studios. Today, as Theater and Facilities Manager, he oversees lighting and sound design for productions, performances, and concerts, bringing creativity and expertise to every project. #MeetTheTeam #TheStudiosKW #KeyWestArts #TheaterLife

?? Creative Kickstart: Turn Your Art Into Income! ???? Got big creative dreams but not sure how to make them pay the bills? Let’s change that! Join Eric J. Lapin, author of "The Artist Entrepreneur", for an interactive, idea-packed session designed to help artists monetize their work—without losing their passion. Monday, March 17, 10AM-1PM. $65, $50 mbrs. Unlock your creative potential Master marketing & branding Simplify pricing & finances Discover funding & grant strategies No business experience? No problem! Eric breaks it all down in a fun, practical way—perfect for artists at any stage. Space is limited—grab your spot now! ??? https://lnkd.in/eqp75EKx #CreativeKickstart #ArtistSuccess #MonetizeYourArt #KeyWestArtists

Meet Kalena Petro! Originally from New York, Kalena studied graphic arts at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, where she developed a love for museums, galleries, and especially the Frick Collection. After visiting Key West in 2019, she fell for the island’s vibrant arts scene, lush landscapes, and unique architecture. In 2021, Kalena packed up her life in Brooklyn and moved to Key West with her husband (then-fiancee), John. At The Studios, Kalena wears many hats. She greets visitors as a front desk associate, coordinates and supports our amazing volunteers, and serves as a house manager for special events. Outside of The Studios, Kalena balances her creative side by working as a graphic designer and supporting a nonprofit that helps individuals in the criminal justice system prepare for entrepreneurship. In her downtime, you’ll find her sailing, biking, playing volleyball, or enjoying a rum cocktail at happy hour. ??: Mark Hedden #TheStudiosKW #MeetTheTeam #IslandLife #KeyWestArts

?? Meet Erin Stover (and Roux), our Artistic Director! Erin has been with The Studios since 2012 when she followed a job listing to the end of the road. Originally from Illinois, Erin attended graduate school in Virginia and stuck around the state for several years developing interactive exhibitions for a children’s museum, programming opera, helping to build a new film festival from the ground up, and curating countless exhibitions in a renovated shoe factory that served as the anchor for a major downtown revitalization project. At The Studios, Erin oversees all creative programming (with a primary focus on live arts) which just this year encompasses 40 unique theater and music programs, 21 exhibitions and 94 distinct workshops. Her personal goal is to cultivate a creative environment for her island community by bringing in new experiences and perspectives while keeping the programming accessible. She’s not very good at sitting still so any time she’s not at The Studios she can be found volunteering as a coach for Special Olympics, training for her sixth marathon (a strange habit she only recently adopted at the start of Covid), writing for regional publications or leading the occasional eco paddleboard tour through the mangroves. If you want to say hello though, the best place to find her is most any evening in season, greeting guests in The Studios’ lobby ahead of the next big fun thing. #TheStudiosKW #MeetTheTeam #IslandLife #KeyWestArts

Meet John Caliste, Director of Advancement at The Studios of Key West, orchid lover and #SelfieKing! John joined The Studios in October 2023, bringing an extensive background in fundraising and nonprofit leadership to our team. With a career spanning some of the nation’s most prestigious arts organizations, John has played a key role in securing transformative support for the arts. Prior to Key West, John helped raise over $50 million for the National Museum of American Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. His career began at Carnegie Hall in New York City, followed by a return to his home state of Florida, where he helped secure $150 million in private funds to create Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Along the way, John also published an arts magazine, managed a local theater in Miami, and helped write a history of jewelry for Mayors Jewelers covering prehistoric man to the 20th century. Now, as Director of Advancement, John leads The Studios’ fundraising efforts, ensuring we can continue to bring world-class arts programming to Key West. When he’s not busy making an impact for the arts, he’s enjoying island life with his cat, Rabbit. ?? We’re proud to have John on the team, championing the arts and culture that make Key West so special. #MeetTheTeam #TheStudiosKW #KeyWestArts #AdvancingTheArts

?? Kicking off 2025 with inspiration and teamwork! Our staff and board gathered last week for a retreat at the historic Wolkowsky apartment at the Kress Building on Duval, where we reflected on The Studios’ impact, explored exciting programming ideas, and strategized for the future. From break out sessions on our strategic plan to a celebratory champagne toast, it was a day full of creativity, collaboration, and commitment to the arts. Here’s our incredible team who make everything at The Studios possible. Cheers to another amazing year ahead! ?? #TeamTSKW #KeyWestArts #StrategicPlanning #Collaboration #ArtsInCommunity

? Get the First Look at a New Rom-Com by Hy Conrad! ? Experience "Write Me a Romance", a staged reading of Hy Conrad's newest play, kicking off The Studios of Key West’s “First Look” series! ?? When: Thu-Sat, Jan 30-Feb 1, 8pm ?? Where: Helmerich Theater, The Studios of Key West Known for his work on the hit TV show Monk, Conrad takes a fresh turn with this charming rom-com. Follow Joanne Marlow as she navigates the cutthroat world of publishing, an assumed identity, and a mysterious rival author named Natasha—all with romance and laughter along the way. ?? Directed by Conrad’s husband, Jeffrey Johnson, this performance offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a play’s creative evolution. Don’t miss your chance to help shape what could be the next big rom-com! Read more in Florida Weekly: https://lnkd.in/e7kpu3KG #WriteMeARomance #KeyWestArts #FirstLookSeries #HyConrad

?? Cover Reveal! ?? We’re thrilled to unveil the deliciously whimsical cover of SWEET NOTHINGS: CONFESSIONS OF A CANDY LOVER by #StudiosPEAR alum Sarah Perry, featuring stunning illustrations by the talented Forsyth Harmon and design by Yeon Kim. Mark your calendars—the book drops on 02/04/25, and pre-order links are live now! You can also tune into the NYC livestream here: https://lnkd.in/eVBTCPzg Award-winning author Sarah Perry’s sharp humor and love of candy take readers on a journey through pop culture, art, culinary history, and philosophy, all while asking the most pressing question: “Twizzlers or Red Vines?” (Spoiler: it depends on the circumstances.) Sweet, smart, and utterly delightful, this is a must-read for anyone who’s ever loved candy—or life’s little joys. Pre-order your copy today and get ready to indulge in the sweet nostalgia of Sweet Nothings! ?? #SweetNothings #CandyLover #CoverReveal #PreOrderNow #SarahPerry #ForsythHarmon #IllustratedEssays #BookLovers #PEARAlum #HarperCollins #NewBookRelease #CandyJoy #SmallPleasures