In addition to the Keys’ world-renowned water-related and environmental activities,
our island chain also offers a rich tapestry of cultural activities from lively visual arts to vibrant theater and musical events.
These offerings now include an 81-mile Florida Keys Sculpture Trail.
Extending from Islamorada to Key West, the trail consists of nine large-scale sculptures at locations along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. Because the highway is the only road stretching throughout the island chain, the sculptures are easily viewable by people traveling around the Keys.
Created by artists participating in the prestigious Art Students League of New York’s “Model to Monument” program, these large-scale artworks originally stood in Manhattan’s Riverside Park South along the Hudson River before being relocating to the Keys.
Works include “Leaves of Grass” by Markus Holtby, standing in Marathon at The Art Studio at 12353 Overseas Highway; and “Avis Gloriae et Lavdis,” or “bird of glory and praise,” and “Nature Eternal” — both by Sheila Berger and welcoming visitors at the Key West International Airport.
“Wind Tower,” a collaborative piece by all seven of the “Model to Monument” sculptors, is located at 258 Cunningham Lane, the site of Grimal Grove, on Big Pine Key.
“Stand Tall, Stand Loud” by Aaron Bell and “Everyone Breaks” by Tanda Francis share the landscape at Marathon’s oTHErside Adventure Park at 59300 Overseas Highway.
Sarah Thompson Moore’s “Everything Between,” installed in Islamorada Gardens at 81001 Overseas Highway, is soon to be joined by James Mikhel Emerson’s “Bridge.”
The other sculpture awaiting installation is “Fragments” by Shiho Sato, to be placed in Islamorada’s Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.
Visitors eager to travel the trail and view the artistry can find an easy-to-use map in the arts council’s 2018 Gallery Guide. It can be accessed and downloaded at keysarts.com.
Sculpture Trail information: keysarts.com or 305-295-4369