Arts and crafts by over fifty skilled Florida Keys artisans in a colorful waterfront setting and tunes by talented local and visiting musicians were top attractions at the 10th annual Schooner Wharf Open Air Art & Music Affair. The eclectic festival was a wonderful showcase with on site demonstrations for emerging artists as well as recognized masters. The energy and creativity was abundant.

Winning First Place with his whimsical and colorful depiction of Key West�s popular watering hole was painter Dwight Kalb, Catherine Doughty took Honorable Mention. The People�s Choice Award ended in a tie vote for Kathryn Leonard�s painted collage and Roby�s black and white drawing.

Event Organizers Kate and Carl Peachy, Evalena Worthington

Event Organizers, Evalena, Carl and Kate Peachy

Rebecca Burg and her nautical artwork

New this year will be a demonstration by sculptor Marianne van den Broek. Some of her sand sculptures can be seen at the Sandbox, corner of White and Virginia Streets, as well as her piece �Africa� at the Botanical Gardens. Marianne has traveled all over Western Europe and the United States to work on sand sculpture festivals carving sand.

Internationally reknown potter Jay Gogin will be spinning clay with his FKCC students and prot�g�s, George Clark and Mark Hacker. Special guest artist from Japan, Hiro Tashima, will also be on hand to show his unique throwing techniques. Tashima is known for his avant guard ceramics, his work is sought out and collected by David Bowie. Gerald Adams Elementary students will also be part of the fun getting their hands in the clay. The Art Affair is a great opportunity to watch the possibilities and creativity in progress.

Newcomer Noel Skibaand will display her vibrant oils, and Mira Negron, who is well known for large murals in and around Key West will be showing her oils in several series; musical motifs, detailed flora, and tropical scenery.

William Welch will be back to show his watercolors and oils. Welch refers to himself as an �Academic impressionist� drawing on his training in realism and expressive passion for light and color. Bill said �I am looking forward to this event, I usually show my art in exhibits and galleries, but Schooner Wharf Bar is the place to be and this is a great time of the year for an outdoor show.

Robin Pierson is showing her Decorative Window Art, when asked about her show experience she reflected �the Schooner Wharf Open Air Art & Music Affair is a special event for me because this is where my work was first introduced to Key West. In my latest works I�ve tried to capture the uniqueness of the Key West life style.� Robin creates using old and antique windows salvaged from homes on Cape Cod. Colorful glass and found objects are incorporated into each design, with no two exactly alike.

Returning perennial crowd favorites are paintings by Kate Peachy, Kathryn Leonard, Thomas Avery, Larry Batts, Carrie Disrud and Debra Peterson, wood carvings by Peter Cornell and Isaias Meondoza, Antonio Mendez�s painted feathers, and jewelry by Christeena Minopetnos, Bethy Hodgin, Gordon Mabie and Peggy Taylor among others.

Student, Robin Gogin, Evalena Worthington, Jay Gogin and fountain
sculpture

On the stage, fourteen solid hours of live music kicks off at ten in the morning, with singer/raconteur Michael McCloud, backed by Professor Pete, and Capt. Carl. A longtime local favorite, McCloud seasons his popular performances with offbeat humor and original tunes.

Then the stage will be filled with The Doerfels -- a family of ten talented young musicians, whose average age is only 16! This band will be sure to entertain every taste with their country, gospel, and bluegrass songs, interspersed with a touch of blues, jazz, swing, and classical. With banjo, fiddle, bass, cello, guitar and humor, the Doerfels put on an engaging show for all ages.

The headliners, international ten piece band Jahfe, will intensify the energy, bringing their real-deal roots reggae mixed with many other styles -- rock, dub, soul, and R&B. One of the few reggae bands fronted by a female lead singer, and the compelling, soulful sounds of saxophone, and the rhythmic beat of congas, Jahfe's music aims to connect people everywhere through its conscious-raising message. The Miami Herald said they're "...one of the hottest roots reggae groups to come out of Miami in years."

Not only is the festival a rollicking good time, it is a fantastic opportunity to meet renowned artists in a casual atmosphere, purchase a distinctive piece of art, and have a cocktail while supporting a worthwhile cause.

Come celebrate the distinctive and unique flavor of the island, with great music, food, and cocktails in a casual atmosphere where you can mingle with the artists, and watch them work. Enjoy the playful off beat spirit of Key West with great food, cocktails, unique art, and top notch music, this Saturday from 10 till 1 a.m. at Schooner Wharf.

Sponsors of this years show include, Stoli O Vodka, L�Attitudes, Key 93.5, Heineken Light and Sun 99.5

Interested parties please send e-mail to [email protected], or contact (305) 292-9520 or (305) 304-2275.

Jay Gogin sculpting fountain

Kate Peachy of Kate's Gallery and her original paintings

In between The Schooner Wharf Bar promises a session of �surprise�
entertainment sure to delight.
 

2010 Flyer
(click for larger view)

For more information, do not hesitate to call Evalena or Sheree at 292-9520

MEDIA: Contact Barbara K. Wright at 305-296-7182 for more information