Back in 1965, they called Key West’s Old Island Days Art Festival 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 by 1985, festival organizers decided to limit participation to approximately 100 exhibitors.
Now, sixty years later, the Old Island Days Art Festival and the popular Key West Craft Show have joined forces to become the new Key West Art & Craft Festival. This juried open-air show is nationally recognized. It includes 150 exhibitors from across the country and Canada vying to showcase their original creations.
In addition to special art demos and hands-on art stations, you’ll find everything from watercolors, acrylics, and oils to sculpture, collage, and photography.
This year, there’s also a massive selection of hand-crafted jewelry, pottery, glass, and woodwork, as well as many other fine craft items. Lots of fabulous art (minus the clothespins!), all backdropped by the beautiful scenery of Truman Waterfront Park, along the Quay at Truman Waterfront Park, 100 Southard St.
One of Keys West’s signature free events, the former “Clothespin Art Show” takes place from 10am – 5pm on Saturday, February 22, and on Sunday, February 23. For more info, call 305-294-1243 or hit up keywestartcenter.com.