Plein Air Painters Oldest House Show

The Key West Plein Air painters, invited by The Oldest House to paint the house and gardens, will share their artistic visions at the opening reception in the Oldest House Garden on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5-7pm. Painted over the past several months, these compelling paintings show the wide range of styles that can illustrate a single subject. A percentage of the art sales will benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural history of Key West.

The informal painting group, led by artist Susan O’Neill, paints year round on the streets of Key West at a different location every week. The Facebook page, Key West Plein Air Painters, publishes the group’s schedule every month. Comprised of local and visiting professional artists, the group welcomes amateurs and students as well and has been joined by artists from the United States, Canada and Europe.

The oldest house in south Florida, and the oldest all wood house in all of Florida, the one story structure was built in 1829 on Whitehead Street by William Cussans, a ship builder from the Bahamas. The house was moved to its current location circa 1836. For decades it was home to Captain Francis Watlington, his wife Emeline, and their nine daughters. Captain Watlington, who expanded the house, was a sea captain who also served as Harbor Master, state legislator, and a Confederate Naval officer.

Exhibiting artists include: Susan O’Neill, Karen Beauprie, Elizabeth Chamberlain, Nancy Beck, Nyla Witmore, Michele Byrne, Nancy Henning, Joan Cox, Mary Border, Neva Townsend, Fran Decker, Kathy Husted, Jane Knaus, Joan Cox, Suellen Crowley, and Michele Brunschvig.

The Key West Plein Air Painters Oldest House Show, 322 Duval Street, Key West. Opening reception Thursday, Feb. 9, 5–7pm. Show runs through Feb. 14.

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