KEY WEST, Florida Keys - Fort Zachary Taylor, a Civil War-era fort on Key West's Atlantic Ocean shore, has become a unique sculpture gallery during Sculpture Key West, through March 25 in the island city. The exhibit of large-scale contemporary sculpture is on display against the background of the fort and the Atlantic Ocean-front state park that surrounds it.

More than 80 pieces in steel, stone, wood, marble and other materials have been created by 68 artists from the United States and other countries including Argentina, Austria, Cuba, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Participating artists include leaders in the national and international sculpture world such as Rebecca Graves, Robert Hickman, Kristy Knight and Susan Rodgers. Participant Robert Chambers was the cover artist for the March 2004 issue of "Sculpture Magazine," while New Yorker Luisa Caldwell was a recipient of the International Sculpture Center Artist Grant. The work of emerging sculptors is featured as well.

Sculptures are placed inside and outside the fort, in its surrounding moat, in the park's waterfront field, along the shoreline and even in the water. Organizers encourage site-specific pieces that both enhance and draw meaning from their setting, resulting in a unique confluence of contemporary art and historic environment.

Artwork for the 2005 exhibition includes Hickman's "Singing Lighthouse," a nine-foot beacon with an inspirational musical component; Knight's "Beach Ball," a 20-foot ball floating in the fort's moat; and "Abandoned" by Anja Marais and Rudi Repining, a poignant display depicting pieces of a carousel and five horses.

Sculptures are designed specifically to be visible from air and sea as well as land, providing viewing opportunities for arriving and departing airline and cruise ship passengers and boaters in Key West waters, as well as visitors to the park and its popular beach.

Sculpture Key West can be viewed from 8 a.m. to sunset daily at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, accessible from an entrance on Southard Street past Thomas Street. Daily park entrance fees, which include a pass allowing visitors to leave and return, are $1.50 per person on foot or bike, $3.50 for a motorized vehicle and one person, $6 for a vehicle and two people and 50 cents for each additional passenger. Viewing of the exhibition is free.

For information about Sculpture Key West, and for ticket prices for its associated special events, call 305-295-3800, e-mail info@sculpturekeywest.com or visit www.sculpturekeywest.com.

For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY or explore this Web site.