In celebration of Tennessee Williams, the Pulitzer-prize winning literary icon that moved to Key West in 1949 and remained a resident for 34 years, Key West Art & Historical Society presents a series of arts and cultural events, launching February 28 and running through early April, sure to please Williams enthusiasts.

On Friday, February 28, Tennessee Williams Exhibit (now Museum) founders Dennis Beaver and Bert Whitt will open their Whitehead Street home for a celebration kick-off party with an open bar, hors-d’oeuvres, and entertainment. Tickets are $90 for Society members and $100 for non-members.

Literary and visual artists can immerse in creativity while competing for cash prizes and acclaim by entering the Tennessee Williams Plein Air Painting Contest, taking place in downtown Key West on March 3, and/or poetry and short-story writing contests, both of which are accepting online submissions now.

Other upcoming Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration events include Curator-led tours of the Tennessee Williams Museum at 513 Truman Ave., poetry readings at the Key West Public Library, Monday night showings of Williams’ classic films at the Tropic Cinema, performances of two one-act plays at The Studios of Key West, and a March 26 Tennessee Williams birthday party at the Tennessee Williams Museum, to include contest award presentations, bubbly beverages, and birthday cake.

For a full listing of events and locations, visit http://www.kwahs.org/events/tennessee-williams-birthday-celebration. For more information, contact Society Director of Education Adele Williams at 305.295.6616 x 115.