Taking a cue (and a break) from its popular annual auction of artist-made brassieres, Womankind has partnered this year with The Studios of Key West to present an exhibit celebrating femininity and the female form in all its wonder.
By turns whimsical, elegant, thoughtful and just a bit naughty, a who’s who of Key West artists are stepping up to support Womankind, Key West’s much-loved nonprofit health clinic.
With an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, the Brazibit will be on display through Oct. 26 and will feature two- and three-dimensional artwork, including photography, sculpture, paintings, costumes and more.
Womankind, a non-profit medical and wellness center in Key West, provides affordable, high-quality direct health care services to Keys’ women and girls, including many who are uninsured.
Sales from this exhibit will be split among the artists, The Studios of Key West and Womankind.
“We’re trying something new this year instead of the art bra auction,” said Cali Roberts, executive director of Womankind. “After the opening reception at The Studios on Oct. 5, we’ll have a presentation upstairs about breast cancer and about our exhibit celebrating femininity.”
In addition, Roberts said, Zonta’s ABC 5K Run/Walk for decades has raised money to provide mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women in Monroe County.
“The biggest donors to the ABC Walk, which takes place Saturday, Nov. 4, was always the Parrotheads, who were always in town for the event. But this year, they won’t be in Key West, so we’re really hoping to get a lot of local support for and participation in this year’s walk,” Roberts said. “Over the years, Zonta has raised money to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of mammograms to local women. And each year Womankind gives out hundreds of vouchers for mammograms, which are critical for early breast cancer detection and successful treatment.”
- Brazibit to benefit Womankind opens with reception on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Studios of Key West. The exhibit celebrating femininity will be on display through Oct. 26.
- Tattoos & Scars, 512 Greene St., will host its second annual Tats for Tatas fundraiser on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. All funds raised are donated to Womankind in Key West, which helps women pay for and schedule mammograms. The event includes a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, artistic bra auction and the world-famous motorboating booth. The goal is to top last year’s total of $40,000 raised. Visit Tattoos & Scars on Facebook for more information.
- Lower Keys Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Saturday, Oct. 7 and Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A discounted self-pay rate is available through October. Call 305-294-5535, extension 3308, for more information. A physician’s order is required.
- On Saturday, Nov. 4, Zonta’s ABC Run/Walk will raise money for mammograms. Registration is available online at mile0events.com and registration opens and the event starts at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 4.
