Original. Elegant. Valuable. Lasting. Irreplaceable.
The same words that describe the original creations in the upcoming Anne McKee Art Auction also accurately characterize the auction’s namesake.
McKee, who will turn 98 in July, created the Anne McKee Artists’ Fund in the mid-1990s to help cultivate — and support — Key West’s creative spirit. McKee knew artists were constantly asked to donate original creations that would be auctioned or sold to help various charities. But the Newfoundland native with a background in banking also knew that plenty of the island’s artists could scarcely afford paints and canvases. They certainly weren’t always in a position to donate their livelihood. And yet many of them always did.
McKee created the fund to provide grants that enable Key West artists — painters, sculptors, writers and performers — to complete specific projects. The fund’s biggest annual fundraiser is a fine art auction of original Key West works. Since its inception, the Anne McKee Artists’ Fund has distributed more than $300,000 in grants to local artists.
But no one is asked to donate paintings, sculptures or photographs.
The sale proceeds of each piece are divided evenly between the artist and the fund, which uses the money raised to distribute more grants in a beautiful and beautifying sort of circle.
As COVID changed everything, organizers were forced to alter this year’s auction, usually a one-night live gala, into an online event.
“We’re actually hopeful that this makes the auction and its artwork available to everyone, anywhere in the world, rather than those who happen to be in Key West the night of the live auction,” said co-organizer Roberta DePiero. “If this works as well as we’re hoping, we may consider doing a hybrid event next year. But we’ll see. Who knows what next year may bring?”
This year’s online auction will take place Feb. 4-17 with online viewing and bidding available at mckeefund.org.
Up for bid are original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber arts, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry and more. Collectors can choose from the works of celebrated and renowned local masters to fresh new talents.
“Think of all the galleries, exhibition openings and artist talks that make our community so culturally rich. That only happens if together we support our art makers,” said McKee Fund board president Kalo Clarke.
For those who do happen to be in Key West and would like to see the artwork in person, The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St., is showing the work from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
For viewing art, auction link and other information, visit mckeefund.org.
