Studios of Key West Offers Free Memberships to Monroe County Teachers

The Studios of Key West announced on December 10 that it has again provided a complimentary one year membership to all educators in Monroe County. The offer, now in its third consecutive year, gives teachers full access to exhibitions, performances, cultural events, and member discounts on workshops throughout 2026. Teachers also qualify for an additional 20 percent off one workshop of their choice in 2026, which when combined with the member discount makes many classes nearly half price.

“Teachers give so much to our community, and we want to give something back,” said Michael Ross, Director of Exhibitions and Education at The Studios. “A membership at The Studios provides a chance to connect with art, recharge creatively, and perhaps discover something new.”

Membership expands opportunities for hands on learning and creative respite. This season’s offerings include plein air painting, mala jewelry making, basket weaving, wood carving, watercolor, acrylic, collage, encaustic art, and classes in poetry, personal essay, and short story craft. Performers may enroll in improv, comedy scene study, or musical theater classes. Full class listings are available at tskw.org/all-classes-and-workshops.

For local public health and education systems the gesture has practical implications. Access to arts and cultural programming supports mental wellbeing and can serve as a low cost strategy to reduce stress and burnout among educators. Supporting teacher resilience contributes to classroom stability, continuity of instruction, and broader community resilience, particularly important in a county that relies on strong public services and local caregiving networks.

The Studios invited teachers to claim memberships in person at 533 Eaton Street during regular hours, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling 305-296-0458. Teachers must sign up before December 31 to receive the complimentary membership.

By lowering economic and logistical barriers to creative engagement, the initiative advances cultural equity for Monroe County educators and their students. The Studios of Key West positioned itself as a community hub where artistic practice meets public purpose, offering educators tools to recharge and, in turn, to bring renewed creativity into local classrooms.