Pictured: Work by sARTq artist Zach Gilliliand. Courtesty of: sARTq.

The curious community is invited to tour the artist studios and galleries at Longboat Key Center for the Arts this Saturday for Through the KEYhole – a sneak peek and behind the scenes look at the upcoming KEY Influence exhibit, where for the past two months artists from the sARTq artists collective have taken up residency within the Center’s walls to work their craft within a new and invigorating environment. Open from 2-4pm, attendees will be afforded the opportunity to not only observe the artists in their element, but also ask questions and engage in conversation about the creative process.

“It was an extraordinary opportunity that the Longboat Key Center for the Arts provided this organization,” said Tim Jaeger, member artist and co-founder of sARTq, of the KEY Influence residency program. Opening its doors, LBK made space for each of the 13 participating artists, clearing galleries and studios for the two-month residency and then the following exhibition time as well, which will include everything from painting and drawing to sculpture and installation, with plenty of room for photography and video work and much more, according to Jaeger. “Every artist has inhabited a different space and in this time it’s developed a personality,” he said.

Working in close proximity for two months, the artists also had the chance to regularly engage each other and their respective ideas and processes, to the benefit of all, according to Jaeger. “In this experience, dialogue was created, relationships were strengthened and art was explored,” he said. “In that type of environment, ideas come to life.” Though artists had to submit a proposal to the Center regarding their initial plans for the residency, none remained unchanged through this contact. “And that’s good,” said Jaeger.

But as much as the sARTq artists have flourished, Jaeger says this project and these events are not just about sARTq. It’s about rediscovering LBK and the surrounding area, he says, just like the artists did in creating their work.

“It’s a special place,” said Jaeger. “There are many people, places and things in our lives that we unintentionally avoid because of our schedules and routines. And when we finally have the opportunity and desire to participate in these things that are around us everyday – when we finally make that effort – you wish you had done it earlier.”

Through the KEYhole is this Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts from 2-4pm. The KEY Influence exhibit opens with a reception Oct. 9.

Pictured: Work by sARTq artist Zach Gilliliand. Courtesty of: sARTq.