CONNECT TO THE ARTS

THIS WEEK

Sept. 10 - 17

Dive into Adventure with a Free Screening of Finding Nemo

Saturday, September 13, 8 p.m.

The Backyard Pool & Social Club

3820 N Roosevelt Blvd., Key West

Grab your goggles and floaties—Dive in Flicks is making a splash. Presented in partnership with The Blue Flamingo, Southpoint Divers, and Reef Relief, this family-friendly event combines fun and purpose by supporting local ocean education and conservation efforts.

Click HERE for more information.

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

CORTADITO 

Saturday, September 13, 6 p.m.

FUSION VAYU & DJ SUPA KUNDUKTA

Sunday, September 14, 3 p.m.

Florida Keys Brewing Company

611 Old Hwy., Islamorada

Sponsored by Community Arts and Culture which provides under-served neighborhoods with a platform to participate in cultural arts programs and experiences and nurtures an array of local and international musical artists that exemplify the diversity of our community.  

Click HERE for more information.

Key West Sunset Celebration

Daily one hour prior to sunset

The Dock at Mallory Square, Key West

A nightly arts festival of arts and crafts exhibitors and psychics, street performers, food carts, and of course the thousands of tourists from around the world who visit this Key West art show. 

Click HERE for more information.

Happy Hour with the Historian: Building the American Riviera: The Gilded Age Hotels of Henry Flagler

Thursday, September 11, 6 p.m.

Comedy Club

218 Whitehead St #5, Key West

American industrialist Henry Flagler played a crucial role in transforming Florida’s East Coast into a luxury destination during the Gilded Age. A co-founder of Standard Oil, Flagler turned his attention to Florida in the late 19th century, recognizing its potential as a winter retreat for wealthy Americans and international travelers. Through his Florida East Coast Railway and a chain of opulent hotels, he opened up one of the last frontiers on the eastern seaboard.

Click HERE for more information.

Immerse Yourself: Creating a World-Class Museum with Co-Founder Dr. Sally Bauer

Wednesday, September 17, 7 p.m.

History of Diving Museum

82990 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada

During their respective medical careers, Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer also accrued expertise as marine biologists, scuba divers and diving historians. They passionately researched the evolution and history of man’s entry into the sea, emphasizing early milestones and technology prior to the development of scuba. Together they built and researched their extensive collection of historic diving gear over more than 40 years, opening the History of Diving Museum to the public in 2005

Click HERE for more information.

Mario Sanchez

Daily, 2 p.m.

Gallery on Green

606 Greene St, Key West

Mario Sanchez, 1908 American, whose art tells the unwritten history of Key West and in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American art Museum, and the American of Folk Museum in New York.  

Click HERE for more information.

Seawall Society Youth Poetry Workshop

Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Fort East Martello

3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West

A Collaborative Program from the Seawall Society and the Key West Art & Historical Society. Are you a young poet with something to say? Whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for a while, this free workshop is a welcoming space to explore your creativity and strengthen your voice.

Click HERE for more information.

Key West Writers Guild

Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

La Brisa, Poolhouse

901 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West 

Meets monthly for writers’ critiques, fellowship and provides workshops and advice for new writers. Newcomers welcome.

Click HERE for more information..

Keys Writers Meeting

Wednesday, September 17, 1 p.m.

Big Pine Library Conference Room

Winn-Dixie Shopping Plaza, Big Pine Key

Explore writing in a fun, supportive environment with the Keys Writers Group! All styles and abilities are welcome. Participants may bring up to five pages, double spaced, to read aloud. If you can, bring 5-7 copies to share. The group offers feedback in a friendly, constructive way. Not ready to share? Come to a meeting to get acquainted and offer feedback. "Writers need readers!"

Keys Choral Arts Seeking Singers for 2025-26 Season

Rehearsals Every Tuesday, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Grace Lutheran Church

2713 Flagler Ave, Key West

It’s not too late! Keys Choral Arts will be accepting new singers for their 2025 Fall/Winter season through the end of September. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday. The chorus is preparing for Holiday concerts, to be held on December 7 and December 14, 2025. Alto/Soprano and Bass/Tenor sectional rehearsals are held at 6:15 on alternate weeks. Free parking is available at the church. 

For more information, please contact Tim Peterson at 561-445-1709 or keyschoralarts@gmail.com

The Chain: Connection in the Florida Keys – Call for Submissions 

Deadline: January 18, 2026

Palm Heart Press

We are seeking submissions of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for an anthology that highlights the connections between community and the natural environment of the Florida Keys. Selected works will be published in the titled collection supported by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

Student Art Contest - grades 6-12: Courage & Community: The People Who Dare

Deadline: October 30

ACLU Florida

The ACLU of Florida is celebrating its 70th Anniversary with a student art contest that invites young people to reflect on freedom, rights, and creative expression through visual art.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

Dancers Needed for 'Passion Project'

Key West International Dance Company

1204 White St., Key West

With an ambitious inaugural season last year featuring five original, multicultural productions at the historic San Carlos Institute, KWIDC is already making waves. KWIDC is committed to pushing artistic boundaries and celebrating the diverse spirit of Key West. Please consider joining us this year.

We look forward to seeing you.

For more information, click HERE.

2025 In Paradise for Good Grant

Deadline: Tuesday September 30, Noon

Community Foundation of the Florida Keys

It is time to apply! The Community Foundation’s signature annual grants program supports a variety of initiatives benefiting Florida Keys residents. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 and aim for tangible, positive change by September 2026. Collaborations with a partnering organization may receive awards up to $30,000.

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

Visual and Media Artists Grant & Grant Workshops Announced

Thursday, September 11, 5 - 6 p.m. (Click to register)

South Florida Cultural Consortium 

The South Florida Cultural Consortium, an alliance of the arts councils of Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties grants visual and media artists with awards at either the $15,000 or $7,500 level. These awards are among the largest such honors accorded by local arts agencies to visual and media artists in the United States. 

How are recipients selected for the South Florida Cultural Consortium Visual and Media Artists Grant, and how can an applicant improve one's chances of being recommended? Find out at one of our artist workshops via Zoom. Attendance at a workshop is encouraged, but not required.

Application Deadline FY 25-26: Monday, October 6 11:59 p.m.

Apply Here 

Click HERE for more information about SFCC..

SMALL WORKS 2025 NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS

Deadline: October 13

Jag Gallery

SMALL WORKS, now in its 18th year, has steadily grown in significance and popularity ever since. The only requirements are that artwork is current, original, and does not exceed 10 inches in any direction, (including the frame, if applicable) Accepted is 2D and 3D work; painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, textile, (no jewelry or AI please). Artists may submit up to six pieces for this call.  

Click HERE for more information and to submit.

"Shadow & Light: Island Contrast" Juried Exhibition Seeks Submissions

Deadline: October 27

Key West Art & Historical Society

The Key West Art & Historical Society is now accepting submissions for its upcoming juried exhibition, “Shadow & Light: Island Contrast,” opening December 3, 2025, at the Key West Museum of Art & History. All mediums are welcome, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, encaustic, pencil, sculpture, and mixed media.  

“Shadow & Light” encourages artists to step outdoors and observe how light transforms their surroundings. Whether literal or abstract, the works should evoke wonder, introspection, and a sense of connection to nature’s elemental forces.

Click HERE for more information and to submit.

Florida Keys Comedy Series Seeks Performers

Mile Zeros is a Florida Keys film series created by Keys locals and filmed on location in the Keys. 

When two honeymooning tourists go snorkeling during lobster mini season, they find themselves in the crosshairs of eccentric Florida Fish & Wildlife officers whose sole focus is arresting as many tourists for undersized lobsters as humanly possible. 

Contact RogueReelStudios@gmail.com or click HERE for more information.

Key West Museum Seeks Historic Culinary Artifacts for Smithsonian-Backed Food Exhibit

The Key West Museum of Art & History is calling on residents of Key West and Monroe County to dig into their pantries, storage nooks, and attics — and share the tools, traditions, and family heirlooms that tell the story of how food has shaped island life over the decades. As part of an exciting new collaboration with Florida Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), the museum is preparing to launch a landmark exhibition titled “FOOD: Celebrating Conch Cuisine”, set to open in late February 2026.

How to Contribute

Residents who own historically significant or meaningful food-related items are encouraged to share their stories for possible inclusion in the exhibition based on the museum’s curatorial needs.

Contributors should email cconvertito@kwahs.org with the following:

Clear photographs of the item(s)

A brief description of the object(s)

Information on who in the family used the item(s) and during what time period

“This is your chance to be part of an important story—to help us preserve and share the flavors, traditions, and voices that define life in the Keys,” Convertito said.

Click HERE for more information.

Waterfront Farmers Market

Thursday, September 11 (Every Thursday), 2-7 p.m.

Farmer's Market

Truman Waterfront Park, Key West

(end of Southard Street)

Culinary, beverages, produce, seafood, apparel, gifts, and art.

For more info contact Sean@dailyplan-it.net

Island Home: Local Artisan & Gourmet Market

Friday, September 12 (Every Friday), 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Island Home

88720 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier

Pick up and indulge in Artisan Breads, Local Honey, Nut Butters, Homemade Jams, Oils, Spreads, Dried Fruits & Veggies, Baked Goods, and more! 

For more information, click HERE.

Open Air Market

Saturday, September 13, (Every Saturday), 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Mile Marker 27.5, Ramrod Key

(next to Boondocks)

This Open-Air Market brings together local artisans, handcrafted jewelry, unique creations, fresh organic produce, vibrant greens, and beautiful flowers—all in one place.

For more information, click HERE.

Florida Keys Farmers Market

Sunday, September 14 (Every Sunday), 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Islamorada Gardens Plaza

81001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

Each week features a rotating line up of chefs, artists, craftsman and vendors passionate about creating unique products and experiences for you to enjoy! Find Artisan cheeses, select meats, fresh and local seafood, delicious baked goods, farm stand fresh juices, natural and organic produce, local art, plants, orchids and so much more!

For more information, click HERE.

Key West Jazz Society Duo 

Thursdays, 4-7 pm

Hemingway Social Club

201 Simonton St, Key West

Vintage and Latin Jazz with Channing (clarinet, sax, flute) and company.

For more information, click HERE.

Jazz In The Gardens on Sundays

Sundays, 5-7 pm

The Gardens Hotel

526 Angela St., Key West

Learn to Dance with Lucy & Friends

Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m, Thursdays: 6 p.m.

Swing, Latin & Ballroom

Williams Hall, 729 Fleming St Key West

Fridays, 7 p.m. 

Salsa & Salsa Rueda

CoffeeMill Dance Studio

804 White St, Key West

Private lessons for all occasions

CoffeeMill Dance Studio

For information and private lessons call or text Lucy at 305.745.5578.

Click HERE for more information and for up-to-date calendar.

Quilting with Margo Ellis

Wednesdays

(every Wednesday for 4 weeks)

Williams Hall

729 Fleming St., Key West

4 week classes for all levels of quilters. Class project varies and/or get help with your own projects and ideas. Machine and tools provided. Fabrics and notions extra.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Workshops

Dates and Times vary

Florida Keys Watercolor Society

The mission of the Florida Keys Watercolor Society is to promote the fine art of water based painting through fellowship and education within its membership base. The Shows, Workshops, and Paint-Outs offered by the FKWCS invite its participants to immerse themselves in the joy and rewards associated with the water based medium.

Click HERE for more information.

Workshops

Studios of Key West

533 Eaton St., Key West

View and sign up for classes HERE.

Zen by Karen Moore Jewelry

ZEN Jewelry Pop-up at the Perry Hotel

Once a month, Sunday 10am - 4 p.m.

inside the lobby, 7001 Shrimp Road

Create with Karen: Bracelet Making & ZEN Jewelry Pop-up Shop

Find all the ZEN jewelry event details HERE.

Painting with Sandra Lee

Sip n Paint Parties

Weekly through summer

Life Drawing Classes, Marathon

Click HERE for full details and Schedule.

Classes - Sandra Trupcevic-West

Artist & Instructor Sandra Trupcevic-West

Fridays - TSKW 4-5pm 

533 Eaton St., Key West

Fridays - Stone Soup Gallery, 6-8p.m.

802 White St., Key West

Wednesdays -Parmer’s Resort 2-4 p.m.

565 Barry Ave., Little Torch Key

For information: 816-547-3449 or ArtintheKeys.com