KEY WEST, Florida Keys — In 1965, the Key West Art Center originated and sponsored a show of original fine art to promote the cultural image of the island city. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28, the 45th annual Old Island Days Art Festival is to continue that tradition with works by approximately 100 artists from throughout the United States and Canada.
Now a nationally recognized event, the open-air art show is still presented by the Key West Art Center in the island city’s historic Old Town district. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Key West’s Whitehead Street is to be closed to vehicular traffic from Greene to Eaton streets, creating a lively outdoor marketplace where attendees can enjoy exhibitors’ offerings in the typically balmy February weather.
Booths also are to be placed on Caroline Street within Truman Annex, a gracious enclave that includes the Harry S. Truman Little White House where the late president spent 175 days during his 1945-1953 tenure in office.
The festival is to feature pieces in media such as watercolor, oil painting, acrylic, sculpture, collage and photography. In addition, selected original jewelry, ceramics, art glass, woodcrafts, textiles and other fine crafts are to be showcased.
The show is juried to ensure the high quality of the offerings.
Admission to the Old Island Days Art Festival is free. For more information, call 305-294-1243.
For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
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