Despite many of the major set-backs we’ve had to overcome as creatives during the pandemic, creativity will always find a way to prevail. In today’s interview, Elizabeth Young, the Executive Director of the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, shares how the Keys has been impacted by COVID-19 and what the Council of the Arts has been doing to support local artists. 

Nancy and Liz discuss the changes being made in order to allow artists to continue their work, and the importance of them being persistent in pursuing the arts. Tune into this interview to hear more about the amazing supports the Florida Keys Council of the Arts is providing for local artists and how you can continue to support local artists through difficult times. 

Show Highlights: 

• What is life like for locals in the Keys during quarantine 
• How did COVID impact the local art scene 
• Nancy shares what the art council did to help support local artists during the pandemic 
• What changes are being made for the arts community to continue their work 
• Why the pandemic won’t stop creativity

Links: 

https://www.43keys.com

Contact Liz: 

https://keysarts.com

Today’s episode of Creatives in the Keys is an update from a previous guest. I interviewed Jessica Ann Hessing during Art Walk in Islamorada more than a year ago. So much has changed in the art world in just the last 6 months, that I wanted to bring Jessica back to give us an update on how her business has survived Covid-19 and how her business has changed because of it.

Jessica Ann Hessing is a marine life artist connecting people to a moment they shared in, on, or by the sea. Her mission is to connect you to conservation through her art. She hopes to inspire you to protect our beautiful oceans and shorelines by connecting with the work she creates. She was born and raised in the Florida Keys, you can always find her near the ocean.

Show Highlights:

• Jessica has a brick and mortar gallery in the Morada Way Art District in Islamorada.
• Since festivals and in-person art shows have been canceled due to Covid-19, Jessica has pivoted to more online art sales.
• Jessica has been working on some beautiful collections in partnership with conservation organizations.
• If you sign up for Jessica’s email list on her website, you get access to her new collections when they come out.
• Instagram is where Jessica has been spending her time and she uses the platform for live art sales too!
• Functional art is what Jessica has been adding to her collections lately, with a line of cutting boards and vases. You can check them out on her website!

Resources:

Jessica Ann Art

Follow Jessica on Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest 

Other Artists and Galleries Mentioned:

Morada Way Clay

Portside Studio

The Rum Brush

Florida Keys Brewing Company

Follow us at 43keys.com

Carving is a unique artistry that takes practice, time, and dedication. Often times, it can take years of patience before a piece speaks to you and it’s finished. In today’s interview, artist Mike Ashcraft shares what inspired him to become a woodworker, and what inspires him every day to create his pieces. Mike talks about his journey as an artist and what it’s like to be an independent artist in the Keys. Join Nancy in this interview to hear more about Mike’s work and for tangible tips for starting artists in the Keys. 

Show Highlights: 

• Mike shares what brought him to the Keys 
• Mike talks about how he got into carving and how he learned to do it 
• The wood often speaks to you and inspires what to carve 
• There are endless possibilities for what Mike can carve and the various woods he can use 
• Mike shares the story that pushed him into the shop he has now 
• Being an independent artist in the Keys can be difficult 
• Having confidence and loving what you do can help you pursue your passion 
• Mike shares how he found his passion and how it saved him 
• Giving your work all of your time is important to get started 
• The business side is the most important part to navigate 
• Keeping a journal and having contracts for everything can help you long term 
• Mike discusses how you price things as an artist 

Links: 

https://www.43keys.com