The Upper Keys’ Old Road Gallery, tucked between the Overseas Highway and the Old Highway at mile marker 88.8 in Tavernier, features finely crafted art in the peaceful setting of a native hardwood hammock.
Owned by artists Dwayne and Cindy King, Old Road Gallery is a working studio and gallery for artists, overflowing with handcrafted pieces of pottery, bronze and copper.
Known for her whimsical influence, artist Cindy King enjoys interacting with gallery visitors and sharing her creations with them.
It’s also an outdoor sculpture garden. And each day visitors, invited to take a tour, stroll through winding trails and learn about artistic techniques and styles.
“Every day we look forward to interacting with art lovers from all over the world and sharing with them what we have created,” said Cindy King, who is known for her whimsical influence. “Old Road Gallery is geared toward those looking for a true artistic experience combined with a tranquil, natural Keys environment.”
The Kings’ custom works can be found throughout the Upper and Middle Keys. Together, Dwayne and Cindy have created large reef murals for homes in the Ocean Reef community, a bronze lighthouse for Marathon’s oceanfront park and a copper osprey nest for Mission Wild Bird Hospital in Tavernier.
The couple especially enjoys developing a concept with a client and “making it come to life over a series of weeks,” Cindy explained. “Seeing the reaction to finished pieces is very gratifying and what keeps us going.”
The Kings purchased the half-acre property in 2014, seeking space to expand their own gallery after successfully operating Islamorada’s Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery for more than 20 years.
Dwayne King was a shipwreck salvager and jeweler before expanding the scope of his artistry.
Each is a true artist, brimming with individual creative energies and talents. The two have worked together, mostly side by side, for more than 30 years.
“We both need each other to do what we do,” said Dwayne. “I’m the mechanic and she’s more the natural artist. It’s a symbiotic relationship.”
The couple first met in Central Florida during the mid-1980s when they were in their 20s. Dwayne spotted Cindy in an aerobics class.
A recent University of Arkansas graduate with a B.A. in graphic design, Cindy was visiting her brother. Dwayne was taking a break between jobs of salvaging treasure on shipwrecks off the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, Florida’s east coast near Fort Pierce and Mexico.
It was love at first sight.
Dwayne, who grew up in the Keys, lured Cindy to the island chain in 1987. She immediately began archiving coins and artifacts in pen and ink and rendering intricate galleon scenes on ballast stones brought up from shipwreck sites.
Besides salvaging treasure, Dwayne owned and operated King’s Treasure — creating jewelry from items recovered from wrecks — with his father.
The gallery showcases an enticing, eclectic collection of handcrafted artistry in a natural Keys setting.
“Eventually, Cindy and I started casting our own bronzes. It was a natural progression to a life-sized charm instead of a jewelry charm,” Dwayne said.
When not working, the couple typically enjoys a day out on the water.
“We are so fortunate that creating art doesn’t feel like work, and that’s probably what we would be doing on our day off if we weren’t already doing it for a living,” Cindy said. “However, we still need a boat trip out to the Gulf or a quiet afternoon in our kayaks to recharge our batteries and get inspired for the next project.”
Future plans include converting a tiny on-property house built in 1936 into a facility for visiting artists to host workshops. Old Road Gallery also is an occasional venue for meetings, wedding receptions and birthday parties. Besides a gallery offering authentic Keys-crafted artworks, the Kings consider it an educational facility.
“In this age of ‘imports,’ we feel it’s important to show people what goes into creating a piece of art hands-on, from conception to completion,” Cindy said. “This way they can truly appreciate what they have purchased — and also know that they’re supporting American-made crafts.”
