Our History

The Cedar Key Arts Center, Inc. was founded in 1994 thanks to the creativity, generosity and vision of Catherine Graham Christie.  Christie, a retired Canadian art teacher and multi-talented artist, co-founded the Cedar Key Artist Co-op in 1977 to provide an outlet for creative people in Cedar Key. The Keyhole, which was originally located in the building that now houses Tony’s Seafood, moved down the block to an auto parts across from the Cedar Key Library in 1979. 

Christie Circa 1985

Subsequently, Christie purchased the property, renovated the building, added the second floor, and donated the building to establish the Cedar Key Arts Center in 1994. The structure still houses the Cedar Keyhole Artists Cooperative on the main floor and the non-profit Cedar Key Arts Center on the second floor.

Cedar Keyhole Circa 1980

New Addition Completed 2016

In 2016, thanks again to Cathie Christie’s generous support, in addition to the hard work of many Cedar Key Arts Center members, a larger studio, second bathroom and an elevator were added. This allowed for the expansion of Arts Center Activities and made the Arts Center accessible to more people.

 The Cedar Key Arts Center will be forever indebted to vision and generosity of Catherine Graham Christie. Cathie died peacefully in her home in Clayton, Georgia on January 10, 2021 at the age of 96.

(photo – August 2017)