Visit the Studios and Homes of Key West’s Artists March 12

Tickets now available for Self-Guided Old Town Tour

Dey Street Artists by photographer Mark Hedden. Clockwise from top left. Cayman Smith-Martin, Steve Bickis, Marlene Koenig, Andy Baxter (seated). The property that was home to the late Key West icon Suzie dePoo now serves as a creative workspace for artists and writers. Artist Marlene Koenig in her studio. Image provided by the artist.

Hop on a bike or carpool with friends and spend an art-filled afternoon exploring the homes and studios of Key West artists. Produced by The Studios of Key West, the annual Artist Studio Tours take you on a self-guided journey through the secret lanes and artist-inspired locales of Old Town. On Saturday, March 12 from 11am-3pm, The Studios gives you an all-access pass to visit the creative studios of painters, musicians, sculptors, and writers.

“One of the most popular events of the year, the Studio Tours offer a unique opportunity to  peek into the workspaces and gardens of Old Town, and to experience the island art community in a new way,” says Elena Devers, Deputy Director. “You’ll bump elbows with art aficionados, discover a new artist or fall in love with a painting, and perhaps find a unique art piece or souvenir.”

A highlight of the 2022 tour is Stop #2, the Dey Street Artist Studios. The former home of the late, legendary artist Suzie dePoo, the space is now a creative hive of activity for artists, writers, and musicians. An integral piece of Key West’s artistic history, dePoo left her indelible mark on the island with her fantastically imaginative glass sculptures and colorful textile designs. Her sprawling home and garden has changed very little since her passing, and has become a haven for local artists.

Other stops include the studio of John Martini and Carol Munder, which is instantly recognizable as the historic bright blue building in Bahama Village that was once a movie theater; the gorgeous studio and native gardens of Eric Anfinson, whose stylized portraits and luminous scene studies are widely collected; and the outdoor studio and gardens of sculptor Sally Wernicoff, which houses dozens of the artist’s creations. 

Also on the tour is The Studios’ Carriage Trade Guesthouse. Built in 1938, the classic conch-style building at 529 Eaton Street has a long and storied history as a gathering space, having served as a beauty salon, a guest house and a supper-club style restaurant. Visitors can tour the magical courtyard and enjoy demonstrations by visiting and local artists.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day-of, and can be pre-purchased at tskw.org or by phone at 305-296-0458. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the tour at Stop #1: 813 Emma Street, or Stop #5: 1616 Catherine Street.

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