Arts Heroes and Leaders Recognized at The Studios of Key West 

Annual Brunch Honors John Martini with a Golden Mango Award, and Christie Fifer, Margit Bisztray, Olga Manosalvas and Gary Teplinsky with Studios Hero Awards

At their Annual Patron Brunch on January 21, The Studios of Key West honored several arts leaders for their extraordinary contributions to the Keys’ community. Artist John Martini was presented with a Golden Mango Award, and Christie Fifer, Margit Bisztray, Olga Manosalvas and Gary Teplinsky were each recognized with a Studios Hero Award.

Awarded annually since 2015, The Golden Mango was established by The Studios to recognize “a person who fosters aesthetic, social, intellectual, and monetary contributions to our island arts community and its reputation as a center for the arts.” This year, longtime Key West artist John Martini was honored with the award.

A leader and force for social consciousness in this community, and a founding board member of the Anne McKee Artists Fund as well as The Studios of Key West, John Martini moved to Key West nearly forty years ago. As one of the original artists who had studio space in Truman Annex, Martini was a pioneer of the early art scene on the island. He opened Lucky Street Gallery at its original location on Margaret Street in the early 80s, and began representing local artists, curating work from around the country, and introducing “outsider art” to Key West. Eventually, he purchased and refurbished the iconic movie theater on Emma Street where he still works today.

The Studios Hero Award is new this year, and was created as a response to Hurricane Irma, “to recognize members of Key West’s creative community, whose response to a time of need is an extraordinary call to service, helping their neighbors with selflessness and in the true spirit of One Human Family.” The Studios Hero Award is not an annual award but is given only when exceptional circumstances are the occasion for exceptional acts of generosity.

Margit Bisztray, Christie Fifer, and Olga Manosalvas and Gary Teplinsky were each presented with a Studios Hero Award.

Along with her colleague Layla Barr, Margit Bisztray spearheaded a group of volunteers cooking and delivering hundreds upon hundreds of fresh, healthy meals to residents of the Lower Keys who were faced with rebuilding their homes and businesses. An entirely grass roots effort, Nourishing the Lower Keys quickly attracted a dedicated corps of volunteers and over $28,000 of contributions through a GoFundme campaign to continue buying groceries. Margit is a writer, chef and journalist.

Christie Fifer’s boundless energy and optimism mobilized a core group of volunteers to clear homes and properties in the Lower Keys of debris. Working through grueling heat and dangerous conditions, they brought hope to many and directed their energies particularly to getting fellow artists back on their feet. Christie is a painter, costume artist, and former Studio Artist at The Studios of Key West.

Gary Teplitsky and Olga Manosalvas are the owners of Baby’s Coffee on Big Pine Key. Despite significant damage to their own business, they opened their doors quickly after the storm and made their entire inventory free to all. Baby’s quickly became a lifeline and a rallying point for residents – a vital distribution point for supplies, hot meals and other services donated from all over the Keys and beyond. Olga is an accomplished painter and sculptor who has exhibited at The Studios of Key West.

The Golden Mango award itself is sculpted by contemporary and strikingly unique artist Helen Harrison. The Studios has awarded an individual or couple a Golden Mango for the past three years. Past recipients of the Golden Mango Award include Judith and Stanley Zabar in 2017, Anne McKee in 2016), and Bill and Ann Lorraine (2015).

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