Pigeon Key Art Festival to Benefit Tiny Florida Keys Island
MARATHON, Florida Keys — Artists around the world have captured the tranquil beauty of Pigeon Key, a small historic island beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge that housed workers constructing the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad in the early 1900s. Visitors can discover their creations at the isle's namesake Pigeon Key Art Festival set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4-5.
The festival, dubbed "a big show for a tiny island," returns to the open-air Marathon Community Park in a tropical-themed oasis of artwork such as pottery, paintings, glass, sculpture, photography, jewelry and more.
Several artists are to demonstrate their skills during the show, giving attendees a glimpse of the techniques behind their original creations.
For the festival's 23rd edition, organizers selected Key West's Terri Lynn Sergeant as the 2017 poster artist. She produced a custom piece featuring Pigeon Key to adorn the event's commemorative poster and limited edition T-shirt. Sergeant creates paintings with bold, vibrant colors from her digitally remastered photographs.
Other featured artists include 2016 poster designer Carly Majeur, a native Florida art teacher and conservationist, whose Nautical Chart Series of paintings connects marine life with geographic locations. World-renowned marine life artist Wyland is to create ink paintings to be auctioned live as part of the annual fundraiser.
Attendees can purchase tickets to win one of several pieces during the festival's traditional art raffle, held both days.
The expansive community park at mile marker 49 is an ideal setting for food and beverage booths, a beer and wine garden, music and children's crafts to round out the family-friendly weekend of activities. Other attractions include historical re-enactments, period entertainment and educational programming underscoring the Pigeon Key Foundation's important projects.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry for either day is $7 per person for adults and free for children under 12. Attendees who purchase tickets for Saturday admission can retain the ticket and return Sunday for a free encore festival experience. Parking is free at the Marathon Community Park.
Festivalgoers who retain their ticket stubs can redeem them for a half-price tour of Pigeon Key, which includes a ferry ride to the island, within one week of their show admission.
Proceeds support the Pigeon Key Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the historical, environmental and cultural significance of the Florida Keys island chain and its iconic cultural landmark.
Event information: pigeonkeyartfestival.com
Marathon visitor information: fla-keys.com/marathon or
1-800-262-7284
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram• YouTube• KeysVoices.com
The 2017 featured artist, Terri Lynn, creates vibrant colors in her paintings.
Pigeon Key is a small historic island beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge that housed workers constructing the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad in the early 1900s.
Browse among dozens of artist tents that feature original paintings, giclee prints, sculpture, pottery and much more.
Festivalgoers who retain their ticket stubs can redeem them for a half-price tour of Pigeon Key, which includes a ferry ride to the island, within one week of their show admission.