Ocean Reef Art League

Ocean Reef Art League

Season 2023-24

 120 Anchor Drive
 Key Largo, FL  33037
 artleago@bellsouth.net
 305-367-2359 Fax: 305-367-2346

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

Emerson, in his essay “Nature” said: “Love of beauty is taste; the creation of beauty is Art”.  Emerson drew a parallel between nature and the beauty created by art.  What better place on earth is nature’s beauty better exhibited than our own Ocean Reef?   It is our mission at the Ocean Reef Art League to provide a venue and “a vibrant organization that promotes the arts as an important segment of our cultural community”.

The Art League, through the vision and generosity of the Palette Society works to provide a first-class facility where members can immerse themselves in their preferred art expression, or simply enjoy the works of renowned professional artists in diverse disciplines. Sculpting, painting, pottery, woodworking, photography, needlepoint, basketry, literature and more are all represented.

Our facility, provided by and supported by the Palette Society and All Charities continues to be upgraded.  Coming off last year’s new roof and exterior painting, this year saw a new tile pavement entryway, interior painting, a new sound system and new lighting. Capital improvements will continue through this year.

Our committee chairs are hard at work developing new and expanded programs, classes, art shows and off-site trips. This summer we added an afternoon art program for children attending the Ocean Reef summer camp in July. I invite you to review this catalogue and consider participating in any of the programs, classes or workshops. And please consider a membership.

I want to thank the Art League members, staff, our chairpersons, our Executive Director, the Palette Society and All Charities for their continued support and hard work. It is an honor to be part of this marvelous community of art enthusiasts. Come and join us at our gallery and explore that nascent desire to create beauty.  Thomas E Mackell, President
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

We pride ourselves in carrying out the Art Leagues’ mission in everything we do. Each season gives us the opportunity to introduce new art, artists, instructors, guest speakers, as well as bring back favorite artists, events and activities. This season is beyond packed with excitement; you won’t be able to stay away! There is something to be had for everyone at the Art League. Join us for a show in our main gallery, choose between a wide variety of workshops, weekly classes, monthly Book and Lecture club meetings, pop-up workshops, Trunk Shows, Off the Reef Excursions, and so much more. 

Our highly anticipated Plein Air Paint Out is back the first week of February! Enjoy seeing award winning artists hard at work as you roam around the reef February 1 & 2. Artists will be wrapping up painting the afternoon of February 2nd and ready to meet you in the Art League Main Gallery at 5pm sharp to showcase their works. Members are in for a surprise this season with the addition of many new artists as well as some of our past favorites. 

South Florida has an interesting history which directly influences the city, making south Florida a world- class destination for arts and culture. Immerse yourself in South Florida’s rich arts and cultural scene on one of our Off the Reef Excursions. We have partnered with Miami Native and HistoryMiami’s Resident Historian Dr. Paul George. He will join us on boat tour of Biscayne Bay’s Stiltsville Houses as well as join us here, at the Ocean Reef Cultural Center on behalf of the Art League to take you on a deep dive into South Florida’s rich history. 

As we welcome back familiar faces and meet new ones, we reflect on past seasons and people we have had the pleasure of working with. The Art League and our members have had the pleasure of working with Artist, Instructor, Mother, Wife, and Friend, Veronica Gutierrez for the past 20 years. It is with a heavy heart that I must inform everyone of Veronicas passing after a tireless battle with cancer this past summer. Her creativity and positivity will continue to live on in our hearts and here at the Art League forever. Veronica will be remembered as an incredible stained glass and mosaic artist.  

We hope this is the season you choose to spend time with us, if you haven’t already. Learn something new, discover something about yourself, make new friends and lifelong memories here at the Art League. This is going to be an exciting season. Sherri Harris, Executive Director
  • OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
    To develop the Art League as a strong, vibrant organization that is non-profit but adequately funded to accomplish all its goals. We work to promote active participation in our community to achieve focus on the arts as an important segment of the cultural community.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR 

The Art League is truly driven by a desire to enhance the Ocean Reef community through art. Your membership with the Art League signifies that you also share this desire. With your support, the Art League is able to facilitate multiple exhibitions in our main gallery, host numerous artists from all over the world, facilitate workshops and classes in multiple mediums and inspires you to become part of the creative community. Now is the time to renew your membership or join as a new member this season. We love the ideas and inspiration new members are able to bring to the Art League environment! Please join us and join the fun! Gail Noyes, Membership Chair

THE PALETTE SOCIETY 

  • The Palette Society of the Art League is a group of members who have made a personal pledge to our Endowment Fund to help maintain and support one of the most highly regarded assets in our community, The Ocean Reef Art League. To learn more about how the Palette Society works to ensure the Art League’s future, please pick up a brochure or call the office at 305-367-2359. 
Your support of All Charities provides important funding for the Ocean Reef Art League. Become a Patron Supporter! 
Call 305-367-5996 or email allcharities@oceanreef.com to learn more.

  • Please help us and them by bidding on Silent Auction items online and at All Charities Weekend events

Links:  https://oceanreefcommunityfoundation.org/     https://keysarts.com

Art League Open Studio

When there is not a class, workshop, or event taking place in one of the Art League studios, the space is available to Art League Members to use. Art League members are permitted to bring their own projects and supplies to work in an available studio. However, supplies and tools offered to students taking a class or workshop are not available to Art League members taking advantage of open studio space. If a student that is currently enrolled in a workshop or class session, finds that they will need extra time to work on a project, they are able to take advantage of open studio time if there is not an active class, workshop, or event taking place in the studio. To find out if there is an open studio available, please email artleago@bellsouth.net or call the Art League at 305.367.2359 

Wood Shop Open Studio 

The Art League's Wood shop offers an extraordinary setup of benches and high quality machine tools for all of your project needs. The woodshop will be available to wood working enthusiasts when there is no scheduled workshop. The fee to use the woodshop for the season is $425. This is for the use of all tools and equipment while working in the shop.

  • To be eligible for Open Use without a qualified volunteer present, you must take a 2-hour safety course. Please contact the Art League at 305-367-2359 or artleago@bellsouth.net to schedule an appointment for the safety training.