FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL OF THE ARTS
Press Release
Contact: Liz Young
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 305-295-4369
03/03/22

Arts Council and Gallery on Greene present Reynerio Tamayo exhibit at the Gato Building

In celebration of Key West’s 200th anniversary, the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, The Studios Key West, Old Island Restoration Foundation and Gallery on Greene are proud to announce the upcoming exhibit: “Play Ball!” a collection of baseball caricature paintings by Cuban artist Reynerio Tamayo. Tamayo is one of the world's top five baseball historians and artists.  His work has shown at the Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the Washington Arena, The Kennedy Center and many venues from Seoul Korea to Europe and Key West.

The opening reception will be held Friday, March 11th from 5:30 till 7:00 p.m. at the historic Gato building, located at 1100 Simonton Street in Key West. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.  

This celebration reflects both the cultural history of Cuba and our own, local history; and the shared love of baseball present in both island cultures. We celebrate our connections as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the City of Key West. Mayor Teri Johnston asked for ideas and exhibits about Key West.  Baseball is our passion! This exhibit is part of a larger celebration with additional exhibits at The Studios of Key West, and a concert by Key West's own Major League Pitcher Bronson Arroyo, grandson of Norma Dopp and runs through March. 

Reynerio Tamayo is an important contemporary caricaturist whose works transcend the genre to offer pointed and often comic commentary on art and politics in painting and sculpture. Tamayo is a heartfelt painter who spoofs in English and Spanish, he is known for his mockery of the art establishment as well as politics, with comic book heroes, notorious gangsters and art historical icons serving as proxies to explore contemporary issues. Tamayo is also one of Cuba's truly accomplished hyper-realist painters. 

The exhibit is part of the Arts Council’s Art in Public Buildings program, designed to offer an opportunity for artists to exhibit their work beyond a traditional gallery space and enhance the environment of those who work and visit the Gato Building. The show will continue through March, and the Gato Building is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. Free Parking is available.

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