March 28, 2023 – (KEY WEST, FL). On Thursday, April 6, join folk artist, third generation Cuban American and Key West native Wayne Garcia as he presents a night of storytelling spotlighting Old Key West as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series. His talk entitled, “Key West: Stories the Island Forgot” takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street.
During his presentation, Garcia will delight attendees with tales of Old Key West, his memories from growing up, and several of the island’s most infamous characters and events. Stories include “The Bunny Man,” “Cory’s Fish Parade,” and “The Best Damn Lawyer in Key West.” His tales will be accompanied by his colorful woodcarvings and vintage photographs depicting the island’s incredible and idiosyncratic past.
“The Society is delighted that Wayne has once again agreed to present an evening of Key West stories, using his striking artwork and the characters within as a visualization tool,” says Dr. Cori Convertito, curator for the Society. “Wayne deftly weaves together thoughtful yet lighthearted accounts of the people, the places, and the events that make us long for Old Key West, wishing we could be transported back to the island’s simpler times.”
The presenter, Wayne Garcia, is a third generation Cuban American and Key West native. He learned the techniques of carving on wood from watching legendary folk artists Mario Sanchez and Papito Suarez. Garcia’s delightful accounts of Key West’s past should not be missed. He literally and figuratively paints a picture of an island paradise rich in community and culture, validating all the reasons why many of us have chosen Key West as our home.
To reserve tickets for the lecture; visit kwahs.org/dss-garcia – $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for non-members. This program is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, The Helmerich Trust, Aloys & Carol Metty, and the John & Marilyn Rintamaki Family Charitable Fund. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
###
IMAGE 1: Long forgotten Key West stories and characters will be the topic for the Key West Art & Historical Society’s upcoming Distinguished Speakers Series talk, “Key West: Stories the Island Forgot” with Key West native and folk artist Wayne Garcia on April 6. (Photo Credit: Wayne Garcia)
