Seascapes and Sculpture Key West

A beautiful opportunity to combine the art of nature and the art of human hands awaits when you visit Sculpture Key West through April 15. Not only am I impressed with the creativity of our many local artists, but appreciate the recognition this event has gained around the world. This year, we have artists from Italy and Korea, as well as from nine other states in the US.

Sculpture Key West has been held annually since 1995 when it was started by local sculptor, Jim Racchi. That year a few Key West sculptors exhibited their work on the seawall near Fort Zachary State Park. This year, the exhibit will again combine sculpture with the natural beauty of Key West. Sculptures are located at the Key West Garden Club, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, and the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.

Sculpture Key West grew quickly over the years and is now established as a not-for-profit organization which benefits our community and local school children. The group believes that art should be part of our everyday experience where we can view it, touch it, and feel its benefit to our lives and the world.

Sculpture Key West places artwork in our community, where residents and visitors to Key West can enjoy it on a daily basis. Currently, some of the sculpture includes artist Robert Chambers’ “Propane Dog” at the Key West Weather Station, Emil Adamec’s “The Gateway” at Bayview Park, and Lori Nozick’s “Diaspora Series” at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. Last year, Sculpture Key West collaborated with our local art and photography instructors; over 200 students benefited from the opportunity to study sculpture, and explore how sculpture intersects with other parts of their studies.

The 2011 exhibition includes a 10-foot winged Italian coffee pot, a calypso music sound installation, a breathing rock, and a 15 foot-tall palm tree pencil. All of the artists are leaders in the international and national world of sculpture. The sculptures are offered for sale, and more information on purchasing sculptures or contacting individual artists is available at 305-295-3800. Information on the exhibition is also found at the Sculpture Key West website.

A special Champagne Benefit Brunch will be held on Sunday, April 10 at a favorite local restaurant, Café Solé. My mouth waters as I envision what they will serve for first course, entrée, and dessert along with Champagne and Mimosas. If you would like more information about this event, you may call Ashley Kamen at 305-766-6825.

The wonderful creativity and generosity of Key West residents is one of the many, many reasons why Key West has been my home for over 25 years. Give me a call at 305-304-8505 today to explore all of your creative home options in Key West!

Photo used with permission from Sculpture Key West. “Sal, non Sal, 124” by Lori Nozick