Arts & Entertainment Upper Keys

ART GUILD OF THE PURPLE ISLES HOSTS ANNUAL MEMBERS’ JUDGED SHOW; WINNERS ANNOUNCED

March 6, 2025

a woman standing in front of a wall with pictures on it — Artist Mickey Frankel, 99, stands next to her artwork during a Feb. 18 art show and awards ceremony inside the Keys History & Discovery Center. Photos by WILLIAM DePAULA/Keys Weekly

On an unusually hot February afternoon, one of the oldest ongoing events in the Upper Keys happened with great fanfare. The Art Guild of the Purple Isles held its annual juried art show at the Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada.

Held Feb. 18, this juried art show entered its 59th year — not many events or businesses can say they have been down here for that long.

The guild is a close-knit group of artists who support art and each other. While they have other events this is the jewel on top of the crown. The show was judged and emceed by a very enthusiastic and personable Pasta Pantaleo. He shined his light on the artists of the guild and a great time was had by all. He explained what he liked about each winning work.

“Having Pasta be our judge is a no-brainer for this event,,” said guild president David Bader. “He is a professional artist that knows what it takes to be an artist as a profession. He is also one of the most well-known artists in Islamorada.”

The oldest artist at the event was a spry and enthusiastic Mickey Frankel, who is 99.

“I love the guild because they help each other,” she said. “You might not be the best at painting something, but you attended the meetings and classes. You have to do it, every year do another work of art. You will get better and better.”

The room was crowded with artists celebrating art and each other. It was so busy, I found it hard to get around and get a good look at each work. While walking I met up with Gisela Llorens, who does a lot of work bringing the art guild to the community with classes and events. My tour around the room ended when I spoke to a longtime member, Kelly Walkotten.

“The Art Guild of the Purple Isles is an essential part of Islamorada,” she said. “It has been around for 59 years. Many of the past members are a who’s who of Islamorada personalities, celebrities and famous artists,” she said, adding that she is assembling a history of the guild that “should be ready for next year’s 60^th anniversary show.”

The Best in Show was awarded to Carol Ubben for her work “Pizza Palace.”The show is at the Keys History & Discovery Center at the Islander Resort. More information is at www.agpi.us.