On Saturday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Studios of Key West’s annual Artist Studio Tour comes to the Midtown West section of the island, inviting art lovers to explore a collection of working studios set beneath sweeping banyan canopies, inside airy Conch houses, and within thoughtfully designed live/work spaces. This self-guided experience offers a rare opportunity to step beyond gallery walls and into the environments where art is created.
“This tour has become one of our most anticipated events each year. It gives people the rare opportunity to step inside working studios, speak directly with artists, and experience the creative energy of a neighborhood they may not have explored before,” said Elena Devers, deputy director.
All studios are located within an easy-to-navigate Midtown stretch of just over a mile. Guests may move at their own pace, linger where something catches their eye and experience the diversity of Key West’s creative community firsthand.
The tour begins at the studio of Tom Pope at Stop #1 – 1610 Von Phister St., where visitors may purchase day-of tickets and pick up maps. Pope moved to Key West in 1974 and built a 50-year career here as an architect before turning his creative focus to watercolor painting. He now brings that practiced eye to his watercolors, capturing light, structure and atmosphere in his backyard studio.
Photographer Jill Benado will welcome guests at the former studio of her late husband, Bill Hartman, where his work — reflecting a deep connection to life on the water and the natural world — remains on view.
At the home and studio of Jean Carper — New York Times best-selling author, visual artist and art collector — visitors will encounter not only her vibrant artwork but also an impressive private collection featuring pieces by John Martini, Jack Baron, Anja Marais and others. Her stop offers an intimate glimpse into both the creative process and the art of collecting.
Sculptor Sally Wernicoff works from an outdoor studio where clay, stone and plaster take shape. Senegal-born painter Michel Delgado presents richly layered canvases blending memory, legend and everyday life. Mixed media artist Dan Bar rounds out the tour with bold, pop-inspired compositions, including a series of deconstructed bird paintings influenced by Audubon.Tickets are $35 in advance at tskw.org and $40 the day of the tours, available at Stop 1, 1610 Von Phister St.
