Every summer, Books & Books @ The Studios welcomes local and visiting artists to take part in a highly anticipated tradition: the Summer Bookmark Art Contest. Now in its ninth year, the contest offers a platform for artists of all styles to share their work and for the community to celebrate the power of art.
“It’s exciting to see the submissions come in,” said Emily Berg, store manager at Books &
Books, 533 Eaton St. “We’ve seen many local artists submit pieces each year, and watching their artistic growth has been wonderful. It’s also great getting to know the work of new contributors.”
This year, participants are once again challenged to reimagine a 4- by 12-inch canvas — whether with paint, pencil, collage or even 3D elements. While many submissions over the years have been inspired by beloved books, the contest is not limited to literary themes; artists are encouraged to let their imaginations roam.
All submissions will be displayed throughout October in the Zabar Project Gallery at The Studios of Key West, which is attached to the bookstore on Eaton Street.
The show will officially open with a First Thursday reception on Oct. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The public will have the chance to select the winners. Voting will take place in-person and online during the exhibit, and winners will be revealed on Nov. 1. The grand prize winner will be spotlighted on a special-edition bookmark, have their original artwork displayed at the bookstore, and receive a $25 art supply gift card. Two additional winners will be honored for receiving the most online votes and the most in-person votes, with their designs also featured on limited-edition bookmarks distributed at Books & Books.
Registration for the contest is open now and includes a 4- by 12-inch canvas. Artists can sign up online or in person at Books & Books @ The Studios, 533 Eaton St., Key West. The final deadline to register and submit artwork is 6 p.m. on Sept. 21. More information is at booksandbookskw.com.
