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A colorful waterfront setting, arts and
crafts by skilled Florida Keys artisans and tunes by talented local and
visiting musicians are top attractions at the 11th Annual Schooner Wharf
Open Air Art & Music Affair. The event is set for 10:00 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday, March 5th, in Key West’s Historic Seaport.
This eclectic festival highlights the creative talents of the
free-spirited artists of Key West. The Old-Town Historic Seaport provides
the perfect backdrop, with the traditional tall ships along the boardwalk,
and the ocean breeze wafting through Schooner Wharf Bar, “A last little
piece of old Key West”. |

Event Organizers, Evalena, Carl and Kate Peachy |
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Rebecca Burg and
her nautical artwork |
This one of a kind show
features award winning local and national artists and crafters whose work
isn’t shown anywhere else. Negotiate directly with the designers, or watch
as they create a custom piece for you. Enjoy many personal demonstrations
of technique, including glass bead blowing, jewelry making, and painting
“En plein air.” There will be approximately forty artists exhibiting this
year. |
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Last year there was 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 was on hand to spin clay with his FKCC students and protégés,
George Clark and Mark Hacker. Special guest artist from Japan, Hiro
Tashima, was also on hand showing 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 were also 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 displayed her vibrant oils, and Mira Negron, who is
well known for large murals in and around Key West showed her oils in
several series; musical motifs, detailed flora, and tropical scenery.
William Welch was 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 look 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.
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Robin Pierson showed 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 were 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.
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Student, Robin
Gogin, Evalena Worthington, Jay Gogin and fountain
sculpture |
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Bob
Suret - 2007 Art Affair |
Your hosts at Schooner
Wharf, Evalena & Paul Worthington, spearheaded a Haiti Relief effort
during the Open Air Art and Music Affair last year.
Two separate satellite bars
offered icy cold tropical libations, where 100% of the monies for
cocktails as well as all the bartender’s tips, and a portion of the
service staff’s tips went to the families of Schooner Wharf crew
effected by the tragedy.
In addition, a Silent
Auction also took place, a 9’ inflatable dinghy, VHF marine
radio, Master Suite at the Gardens Hotel, Water Adventures, and art
work donated by participating artists were some of the items that were
offered. 100% of the auction monies also went to the cause.
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On the stage, fourteen solid
hours of live music kicked 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 was filled with The Doerfels -- a family of ten talented
young musicians, whose average age is only 17! The band entertained 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, intensified 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 the 2009 show included, Stoli O Vodka, L’Attitudes, Key 93.5,
Heineken Light and Sun 99.5. |

2007 Schooner Wharf Art Affair Entrance |

Evalena & William DeBilzan - Art Affair 2007 |
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Jay Gogin
sculpting fountain |

Kate
Peachy of Kate's Gallery and her original paintings |
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In between The
Schooner Wharf Bar promises a session of “surprise”
entertainment sure to
delight.
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2011
Flyer
(click for larger view)
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For more information, do not hesitate to call Evalena
or Sheree at 292-3302
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