Artists can apply for stipend-supported Papio Ambassadorship:  Meet Steve King, Papio Ambassador and Kinetic Sculpture Float Artist

Artists, engineers and assemblers with a flair for creativity are invited to apply to be one of this year’s “Papio Ambassadors,” a title that comes with a stipend to help in the creation of a kinetic sculpture (think art with parts that move) for the upcoming annual Key West Art & Historical Society Papio Kinetic Sculpture and Art Bike Parade.

Since 2016, crafters of all ages have celebrated the creativity and ingenuity of late folk artist Stanley Papio by creating kinetic sculptures and art bikes for the Parade, a fabulously colorful and eccentric processional set to roll through downtown Key West this year at 5:00pm on Saturday, May 5.

Craftsman, inventor, and boat builder Steve King is one of several artists already awarded a stipend for 2018 ambassadorship. While the 30-year Key Wester and winner of last year’s Golden Papio Award prefers to keep the details of his 2018 creation under wraps until parade day, he says it will be inspired by years of boat-building design, original concepts from unique light and clock sculptures and cameras, and a certain level of performance art for which King has become known. 

“It’s fun to wake up one morning with an inkling of an idea and to see that transform into a living, moving sculpture that can inspire others,” says King. “I love the no-rules, creative energy that Papio embodies.”

Available funds come in the form of ten $500 sponsorships for artists and six $400 scholarships for schools, made possible by ‘Papio Pals’ Historic Tours of America and Margaritaville Resort and Marina. Those interested in applying for support funds can visit papiokineticparade.com/sponsorships or contact Adele Williams at 305.295.6616 x 115 for more information. Businesses interested in becoming a Papio Pal by sponsoring individual artists, artist teams and/or school groups, contact Michael Gieda at 305-295-6616 x 103.

Inspired by and named for Stanley Papio, a humorous rebel metal-artist who explored the value of recycled materials long before it was hip to be rusty, Papio Parade events encompass a full weekend of revelry that kicks off on May 4 and runs through May 6 with workshops, presentations, museum tours, the Parade and a live concert party.

The Papio Kinetic Sculpture and Art Bike Parade is sponsored in part by Helmerich Trust, the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of the Arts and Culture and the State of Florida. Additional support provided by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

For registration information, event schedule, entry guidelines and pre-parade workshop information, visit www.papiokineticparade.com.   Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island. 

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