Connections Project Mural Tour Celebrates Florida Keys Arts Community

FLORIDA KEYS — A large mosaic mural featuring art by nearly 300 Florida Keys artists is touring the island chain to celebrate the connection between the community and cultural initiatives. 

The Connections Project mural, titled “A Mosaic of the Keys” is made up of individual 6-by-6-inch canvases that were decorated by local artists and creative residents, with the completed pieces arranged into the colorful mosaic.

As well as viewing the entire mural during its "road show" tour, art lovers can see selected mini-canvases in virtual galleries on the Keys' visitor website and Facebook page. The Facebook gallery also features information about the canvases' artists and their inspirations. 

“At a time when making connections is more meaningful than ever, our Florida Keys artists have collaborated to create a mural that connects them to each other and to visiting and resident art lovers,” said Elizabeth Young, the  executive director of the Florida Keys Council of the Arts. 

The mural's creation, was spearheaded by the arts council and its individual canvases feature art in mediums including painting, photography, mixed media, beading and quilting. Subjects range from subtropical vistas and the Keys’ laid-back lifestyle to abstract images and underwater scenes. 

After its mid-February debut at Our Place in Paradise art gallery in Tavernier, the mural was displayed there for two weeks before embarking on its Keyswide tour.

Subsequent exhibition dates and venues continue now through May 3 at Big Pine Key’s Artists in Paradise Gallery, and culminating May 4-18 at Key West’s Royal Furniture.

Patrons can make a permanent connection to the mural by adding pieces of it to their own collections. They may make a $50 donation for one individual canvas or a $125 donation for three at keysarts.com. After the road show tour, each purchaser will receive a randomly selected piece or pieces of the mosaic by mail. 

Proceeds from the Connections Project benefit Keys artists and cultural organizations through arts council grants and programs. 

Connections Project information: keysarts.com or 305-295-4369