Art & Cultural Happenings
NOTEWORTHY GALLERIES
ART & CULTURAL HAPPENINGS
MUSEUMS
International influences, a laid-back atmosphere and unrivaled natural beauty have made the Florida Keys and Key West a magnet for creative spirits. The vibrant art scene here is constantly evolving and you’ll find numerous local galleries from Key West to Key Largo, as well as many cultural and performing arts venues. Combine all of this with the Keys’ rich history, diverse culture and beautiful tropical locale, it’s no wonder that this small slice of paradise is now considered a world-class destination.
Please confirm details with event organizers or venues in case of changes or cancellations.
NOTEWORTHY GALLERIES
KEY WEST
Alan S Maltz Gallery
1210 Duval St
Key West, Fl 33040
305-294-0005; alanmaltz.com
Daily 10am
Florida’s Official Wildlife & Fine Art Photographer
Author of five award-winning coffee table books, fine arts photographer Alan S Maltz uses his camera as both brush and palette. Whether photographing wildlife or daily life, this self-taught artist follows the light and creates masterpieces.
Amanda Johnson Fine Art
518 Fleming St
Key West, Fl 33040
Open Daily
305-414-8396; amandajohnsonfineart.com
Living Life One Painting at a Time
This boutique art gallery and studio features original oil paintings and limited editions by local artist, Amanda Johnson who is renowned for her vivid use of oils on canvas. Working with a palette knife and brush, she creates bold works that are thickly textured and impressionistic. Each piece conveys her passion for paint and captures the beauty of our tropical island paradise. Her “Spirit of Palm Series” and iconic “Rooster Collection” are especially wonderful.
Collections Key West
6810 Front St
Stock Island/Key West, Fl 33040
305-923-4778; collectionskeywest.com
Daily 11 am – 3:30 pm
A Gallery of the Ages
Artist/owner Karen Wray has lived on Stock Island for over 35 years, and her collection of work is astonishing. More than just an art gallery, Collections Key West is a tropical art “happening” that showcases everything from paintings, Cuban art, sculpture, and glass, to antiques, island collectibles, and local fine art furniture. Oils and acrylics; impressionism, art, magical realism; variety is one of our main components. The show is ever-changing and always unfolding. Find her funky space just down the dock from the Hogfish Bar & Grill, behind the double red doors. Call for an appointment if the doors aren’t open.
Gallery On Greene
600 Greene St
Key West, Fl 33040
305-294-1669; galleryongreene.com
Open Daily 10 am – 6 pm
Key West’s Premier Art Gallery
“Miami has Art Basel; Key West has the Gallery on Greene.” This premier gallery showcases a mind-blowing collection of authentic, historic, museum-quality regional art. Gallery Director Nance Frank is a powerhouse curator and handpicks works from 37 listed artists. Including Pulitzer Prize-winners Jeff MacNelly and Annie Dillard; legendary painters and sculptors Mario Sanchez and Suzie DePoo; master impressionist Peter Vey, and many other highly acclaimed Key West names. The works here span a wide variety of mediums and attract both casual buyers and serious art collectors. Frank also arranges art tours to Cuba.
Jag Gallery
1075 Duval St C23
Key West, Fl 33040
305-407-6202; jaggallery.art
Daily Noon – 5 pm
Great Works by Renowned Local Artists
Founded by acclaimed painter Letty Nowak, Jag Gallery represents many of Key West’s most known and relevant contemporary artists. In addition to Nowak’s work, you’ll find Key West greats, including John Martini, Rick Worth, Lincoln Perry, Carol Munder, B. Lucy Stevens, Aase May, Sharon McGauley & Cathy Rose. The gallery also exhibits guest artists and hosts the annual Small Works Exhibit, which takes place from Dec17 – Jan 9. If you’re in the market for exceptional local art, this is a “must-see” gallery.
Key West Art Center & Gallery
301 Front St
Key West, Fl 33040
305-294-1241; keywestartcenter.com
Open Daily 10 am – 5 pm
Home for Local Art & Artists
Key West’s oldest art gallery is a popular forum for local artists who showcase various styles that capture the colors and mood of Key West. The Center also produces some of Key West’s biggest art events, including Old Island Days Art Festival.
Key West Woodworks
6810 Front St
Stock Island/Key West, Fl 33040
305-394-5249; keywestwoodworks.com
Open Daily 11 am – 3:30 pm
Wood is Good
Key West Woodworks is the longest-running custom woodworking shop in the Keys. Having their sawmill affords access to the islands’ exotic tropical hardwoods: Cuban Mahogany, Woman’s Tongue, Jamaica Dogwood, Buttonwood, and Tamarind, to name but a few. Whether you are interested in a one-of-a-kind dining room table or you want to purchase raw wood slabs for your projects, these guys can show you a wealth of wood.
Ocean Blue Galleries
109 Duval St
Key West, Fl 33040
305-296-7474
oceanblue.gallery
Su – Thu 9:30 am – 10:00 pm
Fri – Sat 9:30 am 11:00 pm
Breathtaking Art from Around the World
Gallery owners Jay Shaffer and Guy Vincent are on a mission: they want to make fine art fun and affordable. And that’s exactly what they are doing. While their new upper Duval art gallery represents many of the world’s top selling and most collectible artists, it also showcases almost a dozen local artists, as well as an exclusive collection of Dr. Seuss paintings, drawings and illustrations. You can expect to pick up original pieces here for as little as just a few hundred dollars. Other Florida locations include St Petersburg and Winter Park.
Sea Sister Island Gallery
303 Duval St
Key West, Fl 33040
954-232-7248; Call for Hours seasisterislandgallery.com
A Unique Artist Boutique
You’ll find a captivating and ever-changing collection of local and international art from around the globe at this unique artist boutique. Owner Racheal Garreau specializes in all mediums of high-end contemporary visual art and world-class creations. Her curations include everything from original oils, watercolors, and photography, to bronze and steel sculptures and unique salvaged historical island Folk Art from restored shutters.
Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography
1102 White St
305-767-3769
shadeandshutterkeywest.com
Open M – Sa 11 am – 5 pm
Contemporary Artisan Ceramics & Fine Art Photography
Key West: This sleek, contemporary gallery and working studio is home to celebrated potter, Mark Klammer and acclaimed nature photographer, Sarah Carleton. The two award-winning artists share a vision for simplicity in each of their own unique designs. Klammer creates modern functional ceramics which are so very unique and deliciously different from traditional pottery. Carleton’s vibrant nature photography artfully captures her distinctive interpretation of what some may consider to be ordinary. Her large format prints preserved on recycled aluminum are especially stunning.
The Studios of Key West
533 Eaton St
Key West, Fl 33041
305-296-0458; tskw.org
Open Tu-Sa 10 am – 4 pm
Live The Creative Life
TSKW stages an extraordinary line-up of contemporary art and rotating gallery exhibits, workshops, classes, and performances. They also provide in-house residency opportunities for artists worldwide. Many world-renowned artists and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors unite with local audiences and art practitioners at all stages of their creative careers. Be sure to check out their website for upcoming events and late-breaking updates.
UPPER KEYS
Portside Gallery
8188 Overseas Hwy Suite C1
Islamorada, Fl 33036
Wed – Sat 11:30 – 4:30pm
A Young Vibe
Portside Gallery features the work of local printmaker and award winning poet, Valerie Perreault, as well as work by promising emerging artists from around the world.
Pasta Pantaleo Signature Gallery
81599 US 1
Islamorada, Fl 33036
954-290-4262; artbypasta.com
M – Sa: 10am – 5:30pm; Su 11am – 4pm
Florida Keys Marine Artist
Combining traditional techniques with often an abstract twist, Pasta is on a lifelong journey to study and paint the area’s most beautiful aquatic wildlife. His art captures the spirit and the beauty in the sport-fishing capital of the world.
The Redbone Gallery
200 Morada Way,
Islamorada, Fl 33036
305-664-2002; redbone.org
Call for Hours
Marine & Wildlife Gallery
Original oils, watercolors, sculptures and jewelry by over 90 artists including Don Ray, Kathleen Denis and Tim Borski, whose work often emphasizes fly fishing and shallow-water fishing scenes in imaginative styles. A portion of all original-art sales is donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
ART & CULTURAL HAPPENINGS
DAILY
Mario Sanchez Original Works & Lecture
Key West: Learn about the real “Old Key West” from Mario Sanchez, Florida’s most important folk artist. Nance Frank has curated multiple exhibits of famed Cuban artist Mario Sanchez with catalogs for his exhibition presented by The American Folk Art Museum, The Museum of the City of New York, and Cuba’s National Museum. Takes place daily at 2 pm at Gallery on Greene, 606 Greene St. Info: 305-304-2323; galleryongreene.com.
The Alan Maltz Collection
Key West: As the official wildlife and fine art photographer for the State of Florida, Alan Maltz’ evocative studies of birds, animals, and landscapes hang in public and private collections worldwide, including the Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta. You can see his vibrant collection of cutting-edge fine art photography and limited edition prints on aluminum, canvas, and glass at his beautiful multi-level gallery and studio at 1210 Duval Street in Key West. Open daily at 10 am. Info: 305-294-0005; alanmaltz.com.
EXHIBITION: Underwater Photography
Islamorada: Learn about the fascinating evolution of underwater cameras, from the very first attempts in 1893, to modern GoPros and waterproof iPhone cases. What did the first underwater photos look like? Find out the answer to this and so much more. Takes place daily from 10 am – 5 pm at The History of Diving Museum, 82990 Overseas Hwy. Info: 305-664-9737; divingmuseum.org.
EXHIBITION: Pirates, Wreckers and Salvagers
Islamorada: From the alleged exploits of Black Caesar, the Keys’ most famous pirate, to Captain Ben Baker, the King of the Florida Wreckers, this engaging exhibit delves into the facts and fiction of those men who plied their trade along the dangerous Florida Reef. See it Tu – Su from 10 am – 5 pm at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, 82100 Overseas Hwy on the Islander Resort property. Info: 305-922-2237; keysdiscovery.com.
EXHIBITION “The Collecting of Key West: The Works of Mario Sanchez.”
Key West: Regaled as the greatest living Cuban-American folk artist of the twentieth century, Mario Sanchez’s whimsical carvings brought the unwritten story of Key West to life. During his seventy-plus-year career, and with no formal training, Sanchez produced over 600 paintings and woodcarvings. His memory of events was precise, and he adamantly believed that “every generation should tell the next one about its ancestors.” His work also spotlights historic structures that were, and still are iconic Key West landmarks, including Ernest Hemingway’s home, the Key West Lighthouse, and the San Carlos Institute. This limited-time event takes place daily from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm at the Key West Historical Society’s Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org. Collectors take note: Several of Mario Sanchez’s original works are actually available for purchase at Nance Frank’s acclaimed Gallery On Greene at 600 Greene St in Key West. Info: 305-294-1669; galleryongreene.com.
Weekly
Tuesday – Saturday
Movies at the Museum
Islamorada: This ongoing series of fascinating “Shorts” runs throughout the day and includes films about Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, the Keys 1935 Hurricane, and an overview of Islamorada area State Parks. Films begin at 10:30 am and continue throughout the day, with the last showing at 4 pm. Takes place Tu – Sa at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, 82100 Overseas Hwy (on the grounds of the Islander Resort) in Islamorada. Info: 305-922-2237; keysdiscovery.com.
Every Sunday
Key West Artisan Market
Key West: Shop a curated outdoor market offering fine crafts and art from talented Florida Keys makers, a wide variety of food & libations, local musicians, authors, and glorious ocean views. It takes place from 10 am – 2 pm at Indigenous Park on Higgs Beach. Info: 305-731-3385; keysartisanmarket.com.
MONTHLY
Third Wednesday
Immerse Yourself!
Islamorada: This free monthly presentation occurs on-site at the History of Diving Museum or virtually so you can tune in from wherever you are. Experts cover maritime history, archeology, diving, and marine science topics. Coming up: Salvaging the Deep (August 21), Alligator Lighthouse Restoration (September 18) and USS Monitor Salvage Operation (October 16). Takes place at 7 pm at the History of Diving Museum, 82990 Overseas Hwy. Info: 305-664-9737; divingmuseum.org.
First Thursday
Open House At The Studios
Key West: See the newest works in TSKW galleries, enjoy a drink with a view on the rooftop terrace, and explore three floors of exhibition space. Takes place from 6 – 8 pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
Third Thursday
Art Walk Key West
Key West: Take an intimate two-hour walking tour of our local galleries and studios in Key West’s Historic Seaport District and get an inside look at the island’s vibrant culture. Leaves at 9:30 am from the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. Info: 305-850-8343.
Third Thursday
Walk On White Gallery Walk
Key West: One of Key West’s original Art Walks includes exhibitions and receptions at galleries and shops in the White Street Arts District from Southard to United. Takes place from 5 – 8 pm. Info: walkonwhitekeywest.com.
Third Thursday
Morada Way Arts & Cultural District Art Walk
Islamorada: Fine arts, live music, and “culinary art” are the hallmarks of this festive local happening from 6 – 9 pm along the Morada Way Arts District on Old Hwy, MM 81.5, Oceanside. Info: 305-664-2471; moradawayarts.org.
First Friday
Upper Duval Street Stroll
Key West: Galleries, boutiques, and cafes open late for exhibitions and receptions on Duval St from Truman to United. Starts at 6pm.
First Fridays
First Fridays On Fleming
Key West: “The Fabulous 500 Block of Fleming Street” showcases boutiques, galleries, and eateries with all kinds of cool events, including jewelry trunk shows, art openings, book signings, tastings, and libations. Takes place from 6 – 9 pm. Info: 305-304-9001; fabflemingkw.com
Second Saturday
I Love Stock Island Art Stroll
Key West/Stock Island: Local artists showcase sculptures, woodworking, mosaics, screen printing, soaps, fabric art, and more at several locations around Stock Island. It takes place from 11am – 5 pm at the Stock Island Arts District. Info: 305-731-5780; ILoveStockIsland.org.
Special Events
Now – May 18
EXHIBITION: “The Collecting of Key West: The Works of Mario Sanchez.”
Key West: Regaled as the greatest living Cuban-American folk artist of the twentieth century, Mario Sanchez’s whimsical carvings brought the unwritten story of Key West to life. During his seventy-plus-year career, and with no formal training, Sanchez produced over 600 paintings and woodcarvings. His memory of events was precise, and he adamantly believed that “every generation should tell the next one about its ancestors.” His work also spotlights historic structures that were, and still are iconic Key West landmarks, including Ernest Hemingway’s home, the Key West Lighthouse, and the San Carlos Institute. This limited-time event takes place daily from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm at the Key West Historical Society’s Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org. Collectors take note: Several of Mario Sanchez’s original works are actually available for purchase at Nance Frank’s acclaimed Gallery On Greene at 600 Greene St in Key West. Info: 305-294-1669; galleryogreene.com.
April 22 – 26
Art Tour to Cuba
Key West: If you want to visit some of the most cutting-edge artist studios in Cuba, this intimate trip to the Pearl of the Caribbean may be right up your alley. Havana’s famous Biennial Festival will be in full swing, and it’s an incredible opportunity to meet with internationally recognized artists and discuss their work. Best of all, you can go there legally and in style! To find out more about arranging your fascinating visit, contact Nance Frank, Owner/Curator at Gallery on Greene, which features the Florida Keys’ and Cuba’s finest regional art. Find it at 606 Greene St. Info: 305-304-2323; galleryongreene.com.
SOUTH MIAMI DADE
MONTHLY
First Fridays Gallery Night
Coral Gables: Each first Friday of the month, the Coral Gables Museum opens its doors to the public as part of Coral Gables Gallery Night! Enjoy live music, wonderful exhibitions, and a cocktail bar before heading for your Friday night plans! Takes place at the Coral Gables Museum from 6 – 9 pm at 285 Aragon Ave. Info: 305-603-8067; coralgablesmuseum.com
Second Saturdays
Family Day on Aragon
Coral Gables: Packed with educational, fun and creative activities, Family Day on Aragon is an enjoyable outing for both children and adults. Uncover the wonders of history and culture, enjoy interactive exhibits, participate in a workshop, and more! Free admission. Takes place from 10 am – 6 pm at the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave. Info: 305-603-8067; coralgablesmuseum.org.
Third Sundays
Gables Bike Tours
Coral Gables: This fun, educational bike tour through “The City Beautiful” offers a different theme and route each month. Bike tours are organized by Bike Walk Coral Gables in partnership with the Coral Gables Museum. FYI: Bring your own bike. Helmets are required for children under 16. Kicks off at 10 am from the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave and is included with general admission. Info: 305-603-8067; coralgablesmuseum.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS.
March 8 – 9
18th Annual Jazz in the Gardens
Miami Gardens: Regaled as one of the most important live jazz and R&B events in the world, Jazz in the Gardens celebrates the diversity, music, and art of Black culture with some of the biggest names in jazz, R&B, and gospel, as well as several terrific local homegrown acts. Takes place at Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Dr, Info: 305-943-8000; miamiandbeaches.com/event/jazz-in-the-gardens.com.
MUSEUMS
East Martello Museum & Gallery
3301 South Roosevelt Blvd
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-3913; kwahs.com
Open Daily 9:30am – 5pm
Home Of Robert The Haunted Doll
Built in 1862 by the US Army to protect Key West’s Ft. Zachary Taylor from Confederate attack, this historic military fort is filled with unique artifacts and memora-bilia. You can tour the grounds and see displays of Florida Keys’ history, meet Rob-ert, the haunted doll, and view junkyard sculptures by Stanley Papio and the paint-ed wooden carvings of acclaimed artist Mario Sanchez.
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-1136; hemingwayhome.com
Open Daily 9am – 5pm
Retrace The Footsteps Of Hemingway
A registered Historic Landmark and one of Key West’s most historic and unique legacies where the late Nobel Prize winner, Ernest Hemingway was motivated to write some of his best works including “To Have and Have Not,” a novel about Key West during the Great Depression. Take a leisurely stroll through his studio, home, and gardens and meet some furry descendants of Hemingway’s legendary six-toed cat.
History of Diving Museum
82990 Overseas Hwy (MM 83 Bayside)
Islamorada, Fl 33060
305-664-9737; divingmuseum.org
Daily 10am – 5pm
The Quest to Explore Under the Sea
Over a span of forty years, Drs Joe and Sally Bauer acquired one of the world’s largest collections of diving helmets, hand-operated air pumps, armored suits, lights and other accessory gear, plus memorabilia, prints, photographs, books, film and video. Their passion took them to virtually every corner of the world and their Museum’s collection now represents the contributions of more than 30 countries to diving history. The Museum also offers several special presentations and events throughout the year. These programs are often coordinated with a local dive shop for an optional dive or snorkel on a local reef or wreck. Check their website for upcoming events, programs, and pricing.
Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
On the Property of the Islander Resort
MM 82 Oceanside
Islamorada, Fl 33036
305-922-2237; keysdiscovery.com
Open W – Su 10am – 5pm
Where the “Old Keys” Come to Life
This fascinating educational attraction encapsulates what living in the “Old Keys” was really like through a series of engaging exhibits that include the infamous Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Henry Flagler’s Railroad, the Overseas Highway, legendary anglers and fishing guides along with a host of other special displays.
Key West Custom House
281 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-295-6616; kwahs.org
Open Daily 9:30am – 4:30pm
National Landmark & Museum
Originally home to the island’s customs office, postal service, and district courts, this
architectural marvel was built to keep pace with the increasing population and wealth
generated by Key West’s lucrative trade routes and maritime industries. Today, this beautifully restored national landmark is home to an award-winning museum and the official headquarters of the Key West Art & Historical Society.
Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters
938 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-0012; kwahs.org
Open Daily 9:30am – 4:30pm
A Tribute To Key West’s Maritime Heritage
Originally “manned” by a woman Keeper when it opened in 1848, the Key West Lighthouse is now one of the island’s most iconic attractions where you can walk up 88 steps to the top of the light for a birds-eye view of Key West and explore the belongings, photographs, and words of the lighthouse Keepers who bravely kept the light burning through threats of war and weather.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
200 Greene Street
KeyWest, FL 33040
305-294-2633; melfisher.org
Open M – Su 8:30am – 5pm;
Sa & Su 9:30 am – 5 pm
A Bounty Of Shipwreck Treasures
The legendary Mel Fisher and his team of treasure hunters come to life at this fas-cinating maritime museum that displays a bounty of precious loot salvaged from the Spanish Galleon, Atocha, which sunk off of Key West over 400 years ago. Treasure coins, gold, emeralds, swords, and more are all on display here, along with special historical exhibits that explore maritime history.
Oldest House Museum
322 Duval St
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-9501; oldesthousemuseum.com
Open 10am – 4pm Daily
Built in 1829, Key West’s oldest house was home to the wrecker Captain Francis B. Watlington, his wife Emeline, and their nine daughters. The former estate includes three buildings: the main house, the kitchen house, and the exhibit pavilion. The property showcases a treasure trove of family portraits, original furnishings, many maritime artifacts, and a gift shop, as well as works by Key West’s famous Cuban-American Folk Artist, Mario Sanchez. In the rear of the house is the spacious, peaceful “Lily’s Garden,” where you can see the only surviving Cook House in South Florida.
Truman Little White House
111 Front Street
Key West, Fl 33040
305-294-9988; trumanlittlewhitehouse.com
Open M-Su 9am – 5pm;
Guided Tours until 4:30pm
Florida’s Only Presidential Site
Originally constructed in 1890 as naval officers housing, this historical compound became the winter White House for President Harry S. Truman, who spent 175 days of his Presidency here from 1946 to 1952. It has also been used by six other Presidents including William Howard Taft, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Tours take place every 15 – 20 minutes throughout the day.
Key West Turtle Museum
200 Margaret Street
Key West, Fl 33040
305-294-0209; keywestturtlemuseum.org
Open Th-Sa 11am – 5pm
A Piece of Key West History
Located next to a former turtle cannery building, this former fish house is now home to the Key West Turtle Museum. Here you can explore the history of the green sea turtle fishing industry and see a burgeoning collection of archeological objects and turtle bones. Opened by Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, the Turtle Museum focuses on turtle conservation efforts, including promoting awareness, protecting habits, and tagging for research and study.