Florida Keys Art

Florida Keys art is supported by The Florida Keys Council of the Arts. This group as well as others promotes the growth of art and culture in the Keys.

The Florida Keys art events calendar is full of opportunities to participate in and enjoy drama, music, dance, art, literature, festivals, and other celebrations.

FKCA uses various venues for its events.

The recently completed TIB Bank Amphitheatre in Founder’s Park in Islamorada (MM84) is the stage to various concerts and other community shows.

Red Barn Theatre in Key West now includes a place for ticket sales, dressing rooms, and rehearsal space as well as many wonderful theatre performances.

Key West also has a new artist community called the Studios of Key West. Studio space, classes, and seminars are available to boost art awareness and appreciation.

The Heritage House in Key West hosts the Robert Frost Poetry Festival every spring.

The Coral Shores Performing Arts center at Coral Shores High School in Islamorada (MM90) hosts everything from pageants to Dancing with the Island Stars to the Keys version of American Idol. Jazz and band concerts, holiday shows, and even a band celebrating the Beatles play here too.

The middle keys are home to the Marathon Community Theater (MM 50). Their new season kicks off with a weekend fundraising show, The Best Little Hillbillies in the Keys, on October 17 and 18. The 2008-2009 season will also include, Amorous Ambassador, Steel Magnolias, Company, Rumors, as well as a free Christmas concert.

In July, the Underwater Music Festival takes place in the lower keys. Special speakers broadcast the concert beneath the sea’s surface. This creative festival began 23 years ago.

This nonprofit agency also supports Florida Keys Art in Public places. The belief that public art enhances the community and islands of the keys is alive from Key Largo all the way to Key West.

Art exhibits are rotated in eleven public buildings and some government offices throughout the Keys. Music from local musicians is featured at the Key West airport and in some senior citizen centers. Public buildings where art is displayed include the Tavernier Fire Station, the North Key Largo Fire Station, and the Roth Building in Plantation Key.

Recently the Florida Keys Council of the Arts featured a fundraiser called, “Dolphins on Parade.” This joint effort between businesses from the community and artists from the area brought national attention to an exhibit that covered the entire Florida Keys.

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts also values art education for the students of Monroe County. AIS or Artists in Schools pairs together an artist and a teacher to enhance the art curriculum through the year.

Research has shown that arts have many positive affects on children including making students more creative, literate, and imaginative. Some studies indicate that students of the arts outperform their classmates on some standardized tests.

If culture ranks high on your list for selecting a vacation destination or future home to raise your family, consider the Keys. Our cultural events will definitely please your palette and you might decide this is just the place for you.