Pigeon Key Art Festival Celebrates 25 Years of Art, History and Community Through Feb. 3
MARATHON, Florida Keys — Styled as “a big show for a tiny island,” art enthusiasts can enjoy the Pigeon Key Art Festival's silver anniversary edition, underway now through Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019.
The 25-year-old open-air showcase is to transform Marathon Community Park at mile marker 49 into a tropic-themed oasis of exemplary artwork including pottery, paintings, glass, sculpture, photography, jewelry and more.
Attendees can enjoy historical elements, entertainment and educational programming spotlighting the Pigeon Key Foundation’s important preservation, research and marine biology projects.
World-famous Pigeon Key is a small island beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge that housed workers constructing the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad in the early 1900s. Since then it has appealed to artists from around the world who have captured the tranquil beauty of the unique historic spot.
During the show artists are often present at their booths, affording attendees an opportunity to learn about their techniques or watch as they demonstrate their skills.
Commemorative 25th anniversary posters and limited-edition T-shirts, imprinted with a custom piece featuring Pigeon Key created by Keys photographer and historic conservationist Perry Hodes, are to be available for purchase.
Attendees also can purchase tickets to win one of several pieces of artwork from exhibitors during the festival’s traditional art raffle held both days as well as participate in live art and auction action by acclaimed Keys marine-life artists.
A live musical concert is set for 6-9 p.m. Saturday evening at the park’s band shell, recently adorned with a coral reef–themed backdrop mural painted by local artist BJ Royster. The concert is included in the festival admission price.
Food and beverage booths, a beer and wine garden, music and children’s crafts round out the family-friendly weekend of activities.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Entry is $7 per person for both days; children age 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is free at the Marathon Community Park.
Proceeds from the creative festival support the Pigeon Key Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to delivering education to the public about the historical, environmental and cultural significance of the Florida Keys and their iconic island landmark.
Event information: pigeonkeyartfestival.com
Marathon visitor information: fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284
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World-famous Pigeon Key is a small island beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge that housed workers constructing the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad in the early 1900s.
