Artists, builders, assemblers, and aficionados of the wild and wacky are busily preparing for Key West’s Annual Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade, which magically takes off at noon on Saturday, April 22.
Inspired by, and named for, the late Keys’ “junkyard” artist Stanley Papio. The event pays homage to the humorous metal artist who artfully welded together discarded car parts, appliances, pipes, and wire into incredible sculptures – long be-fore it was hip to be rusty.
Spearheaded by the Key West Art & Historical Society, the parade includes colorful sculptural floats and tricycles with exotically costumed riders. Fantastically decorated bicycles and other moving works of art — all powered by human effort alone. And while none of Papio’s original sculptures were intended to move, the parade reflects his rebel approach to art and life.
In addition to the parade, you can enjoy many of Stanley Papio’s works at the Fort East Martello Museum & Gallery in Key West. The permanent exhibition includes more than 100 restored sculptural objects and other three-dimensional constructions from the whimsical to the dramatic. It also explores Papio’s life in Key Largo and how the rebellious junkyard artist fought back against his combative neighbors.
The exhibition is truly a sight to behold, and you can see it daily from 9:30 am – 5 pm at the Fort East Martello Museum & Gallery, 3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West. Info: 305-296-3913; kwahs.org.
