Our History
In 1966, a small group of artists began to meet at the Islamorada studio of Miami artist, Bernice Shambaugh and this group became known as the Purple Isles Fine Arts Guild. They exhibited artwork throughout Florida as part of the Florida Federation of Art and in February 1968, hosted their first art show in the Keys.
In 1974, after withdrawing from the Florida Federation of Art, the Guild decided to operate independently to expand its membership, evolving to a fine arts Guild including photography.
The Guild changed its name to Art Guild of the Purple Isles or AGPI. Over the years AGPI has become an active group of more than 100 artists who are:
- at the center of visual fine art activities in the Upper Florida Keys,
- supportive and encourage fellow visual artists,
- committed to making art a prominent part of the community.
The mission of the Guild is to:
- foster camaraderie within our membership,
- support and encourage visual artists by providing venues for exhibiting their work,
- provide educational activities in the arts,
- develop a public awareness and appreciation of the visual arts throughout the community.
