I’ll admit, I had fallen into a minor snit last Thursday morning. My departure from the house was delayed when a shoe strap broke as I stepped off the front porch. Plus, I’d awakened thinking it was Friday, so was quickly disappointed. It felt hotter than it should for March and downtown, people weren’t driving particularly well.
My destination was the 600 block of Duval, and I may well have lost it if I’d had to pay $6 for an hour of “metered street parking” via the city’s Passport parking app. Instead, I mentally fist-bumped the city for the four free four hours of parking locals get in the Angela Street, Caroline Street and Truman Waterfront lots, plus the Grinnell Street garage.
The satisfaction of free parking, and the insider knowledge of the convenient cut-through to Duval Street between Onlywood & Antonia’s restaurants, had helped brighten my outlook. Somewhat.
The humidity was still unacceptable. My substitute shoes were squeaking. And it still wasn’t Friday.
But then I entered Guild Hall Gallery — and was immediately reintroduced to the island I love.
Apparently, Guild Hall Gallery, 614 Duval St., has that effect on people, as this week it celebrates its 50th anniversary, having operated as the same shared-space art gallery in the same building, even with some of the same artists, for half a century. And in a town where some businesses can disappear as quickly as an ice cube in August, that staying power says something special about a place.
It’s what I felt upon entering the gallery and being instantly immersed in all the best parts of Key West, captured in oil paints, watercolors, photography, handmade coastal-themed jewelry and so much more. There are sunsets, wildlife, shockingly bright colors like the roseate spoonbill in Jack Loudon’s award-winning photography, and lush tropical abundance that surrounds Lynn Fischer’s paintings of Key West cottages.
Ann Irvine’s watercolors and prints highlight Key West’s landmark buildings and, more recently, its fleet of fly fishing boats.
Irvine was one of the founding members of Guild Hall Gallery, which opened in 1976 when three young businessmen — Ed Swift, Moe Mosher and Chris Belland — bought the building for what today would be a jaw-dropping bargain. It was the first building the trio bought and renovated in the 600 block of Duval Street, which at the time was undergoing a renaissance of improvement known as the Downtown ’76.
The gallery building was divided into 27 individual stalls, and were rented to local artists. It’s the same way now, offering two full floors of individual artist spaces, featuring everything from jewelry and photography to watercolors and oil paintings in handmade wooden frames made from old lobster traps.
In 1980, seven female artists got together and bought the building. But the individual spaces still exist, making it possible for local artists to show and sell their creations on Duval Street without paying more than $15,000 a month — and without splitting the proceeds of all sales with a gallery owner. The arrangement also makes the price of original artwork much more accessible for shoppers, who can get original oil paintings for $400 to $1,000. The artists set their own prices.
Artist and gallery manager Lynne Fischer has been selling her paintings at Guild Hall Gallery since the 1980s. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 
Kelly Shaurette always ensures that she has ‘suitcase-sized’ paintings to make souvenir shopping easy. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 
Fran Decker’s paintings highlight current events in Key West. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 
Artist Ann Irvine was one of the first resident artists at Guild Hall Gallery. She selected her space in 1976 and remains there today. She and her husband are now co-owners of the building. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 
Marking its 50th anniversary this week, Guild Hall Gallery showcases work by 27 artists on two floors of gallery space. CONTRIBUTED 
Poochie Myers knows better than to take Key West too seriously. But she does take her painting seriously, which is evident in her work. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 
Jack Louden’s award-winning photography captures the colors and contrasts of Key West. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
“Artists just pay their monthly rent for their own space, and they keep all the proceeds from every sale,” said artist and gallery manager Lynne Fischer, another one of the longest resident artists.
Rents start at $300 a month for an upstairs space. First-floor spaces cost more and are awarded based on seniority, said Ron Van Balen, who is married to artist Ann Irvine and is one of the building’s current owners. Van Balen pointed out that Irvine selected her spot — first on the right as soon as you walk in the door — back in 1976 and has been selling her works from there ever since.
“We’re not technically an artists co-op because all the artists don’t own the building,” said Fischer, who has an easel set up on the second floor, near a window overlooking Duval Street. “But every artist has to work five hours a week, so everyone has to be local. And customers are always able to speak with at least one of the resident artists.”
Nearly every inch of Guild Hall’s walls is covered with the reasons to love Key West. I’ve lived here for 28 years, and when I entered the gallery last week, I was instantly reminded of my first few years here, when every Christmas gift I bought came from Guild Hall Gallery.
“That’s the beauty of suitcase-sized paintings,” said artist Kelly Shaurette. “But the gallery will also ship any large works anywhere in the world.”
Every once in a while, the jaded longtime locals need a jarring reminder that an irritable Thursday in Key West is better than the best Friday anywhere else. Guild Hall Gallery provided that reminder last week, and I’m grateful — for the island I love and for the people who make those Thursdays worth it.
Stop by Guild Hall Gallery next time you’re downtown. It brings out the best of Key West. Plus, they’re having special events March 19-21 to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Visit guildhallgallery.org to see each resident artist and their work plus a history of the space.
