Festival to Celebrate Fine Art in Historic Key West Setting Feb. 25-26

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Creations by more than 100 fine artists from around the United States and Canada are to entice attendees Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26, at the 52nd annual Old Island Days Art Festival in historic Old Town Key West.

Begun in 1965 and originally called the Clothesline Art Show, the festival is to feature artists in media including watercolor, oil paint, acrylics, decorative sculpture, collage and photography. Additional attractions include handcrafted jewelry and fine craft items in clay, glass or wood.

Now a nationally acclaimed event, the open-air festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Colorful booths line Whitehead Street from Greene to Eaton streets, alongside gracious historic homes and museums, and spill into the exclusive Truman Annex enclave at Caroline Street.

Several hundred artists from around the U.S. and Canada apply each year to display their fine art in Key West's sunny subtropical setting, and the show is juried to ensure high quality. Pieces on display range from contemporary to traditional to tropical.

Approximately 25,000 art lovers browse the creative offerings each year. Artists are typically on hand to discuss the inspirations behind their work and offer insights into their techniques.

According to festival director Lois Songer, the initial "clothesline" show was held by the Key West Art Center to raise money to restore the 301 Front St. building that became the center's gallery. The organization has sponsored the festival throughout its venerable history, and proceeds continue to support its programs and maintain the historic gallery.

Event information: keywestartcenter.com or 305-294-1243

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

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