April 22, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Friday, May 10, join folk artist, third generation Cuban American and Key West native Wayne Garcia as he presents a night of eerie storytelling spotlighting the island’s ghost stories as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series.  His talk entitled, “They Only Follow Us At Night” 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 yarns of old Key West, his memories from growing up, and several of the island’s lesser-known ghost stories.  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, and I am eager to hear about the spirits that only come out at night.”

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, 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.

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IMAGE 1: Key West ghost stories and characters will be the topic for the Key West Art & Historical Society’s upcoming Distinguished Speakers Series talk, “They Only Follow Us At Night” with Key West native and folk artist Wayne Garcia on May 10.  Tickets can be purchased by visiting kwahs.org/dss-garcia (Photo Credit: Wayne Garcia)

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