Artist Kate Divoll Exhibits Ode to Adolescence at The Studios of Key West: Special Preview Party on April 5

April 25, 2018 – (Key West, FL).  On Thursday, May 3, The Studios of Key West invites the public to celebrate local artist Kate Divoll and her premier solo exhibit “Sitting in the Shade: A Childhood in Key West” with a special opening reception on Thursday, May 3 in the Zabar Lobby from 6:00pm -8:00pm. Divol’s exhibit is an ode to her adolescence spent hiding from the Key West sun but basking in the island’s magic, offering illustrations, paintings, and poems inspired by the island’s traditions, understated botanical beauty, and humorous levity that have influenced the artist.

Divoll’s exhibition presents more than a dozen pieces, from small, delicate paintings to large black and white illustrations with heavy line work and light humor divided into four categories: “Things that Shine,” “Things that are Free,” “Things People Say,” and “Things that You Know.” Her imagery gives us glimpse into Key West island culture, or rather, her island culture, expressions of the world she was born and raised in: ink on canvas depicting Cuban hoop earrings, ink illustrations on paper depicting a bushel of Spanish limes, ink and watercolors on paper depicting the Cuban coffee can we know and love with a new slogan we can all relate to.

Her interest in artmaking began early with lessons from art teacher Barbara Gohringer. For more than two decades she has embraced “the magic of a life spent here,” with a nod to her family, the community, and “a constant view of the ocean” making her the artist she is today.

“It’s not often that a child can go from sketching in the graveyard to meeting Captain Outrageous within the confines of one art lesson, but that is exactly the kind of thing that my childhood consisted of.”

Unfazed by the geographic limitations of a two-by-four-mile island, Divoll instead uses its understated beauty to dive deeper into her work as she continues to explore her medium, methodology, and subject matter.

“Even in my adult life, I still find little corners that throw me into a fit of creativity,” says The Bahama Village Music Program Director (where she took lessons from the age of 6 until stepping into student teacher then director roles).  “I still take in the simple beauties of a thorny, but bright bougainvillea and the understatement of the soft, muted buttonwood leaves with childlike wonder.”

Divoll’s exhibit is free and open to the public throughout the month of May. Sponsored by Archeo Gallery and supported by the Anne McKee Artist Fund. For more information, contact The Studios at 305-296-0458 or visit TSKW.ORG.  The Studios of Key West is located at 533 Eaton Street, with gallery and box office open Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]