Back in 1965, they called it the “Clothesline Art Show.” It was a small Key West affair intended to raise renovation money for the historic building at 301 Front Street, now the home of the Key West Art Center.
At the time, local artists actually used clothespins to display their works on a fence in front of Key West’s old Custom House, so the name was more than apropos. Competition for inclusion in the funky little fine art show became so fierce that by1985, festival organizers decided to limit participation to approximately 100 exhibitors.
Today’s Old Island Days Art Festival is still going strong fifty-eight years later.
The nationally recognized open-air show now includes over 80 exhibitors from across the country, as well as from Canada. A two-day juried fine art festival, the event showcases all kinds of media ranging from watercolors, acrylics, and oils to sculpture, collage, and photography. You’ll also see lots of jewelry, pottery, glass, and woodworks, as well as many other fine craft items.
It’s a fun day in beautiful Old Town Key West and there is no charge for admission. It all takes place on Saturday and Sunday, February 25 – 26 from 10am – 5pm at Whitehead and Caroline Streets.
Proceeds from Key West’s Old Island Days Art Festival support the Key West Art Center’s programs and maintain the historic 301 Front Street building that houses the gallery.
For more info, call 305-294-1243 or hit up keywestartcenter.com.
