There’s no arguing that the Florida Keys are a top destination for water junkies, anglers and party animals, alike. But that’s just the half of it. It’s also home to an amazing array of cultural activities from lively visual arts to vibrant theater and musical events. What more could anyone ask for?
How about an 81-mile Florida Keys Sculpture Trail?
Extending from Islamorada to Key West, the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail includes nine large-scale sculptures at locations along the historic Overseas Highway. Because this designated American By Way is the only road stretching throughout the island chain, the sculptures are easy to see as you hopscotch over 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 the Manhattan’s Riverside Park South before being relocated to the Keys.
Here’s what you can expect to see:
“Everything Between,” by Sarah Thompson Moore is installed in Islamorada Gardens at 81001 Overseas Highway and is soon to be joined by James Mikhel Emerson’s “Bridge.”
“Fragments” by Shiho Sato, will also soon be placed in Islamorada’s Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.
“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.
“Leaves of Grass” by Markus Holtby, also standing in Marathon at The Art Studio at 12353 Overseas Highway
“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.
“Avis Gloriae et Lavdis,” or “Bird of Glory and Praise,” and “Nature Eternal” — both by Sheila Berger welcome visitors at the Key West International Airport.
Following the Sculpture Trail is a great ride and you can download an easy-to-use map as well as more information at keysarts.com.
Happy trails!
