Key West’s Old Island Days Art Festival to Spotlight 100 Fine Artists’ Wares

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Aficionados of fine art can discover creative offerings by approximately 100 artists, chosen from several hundred applicants from around the United States and Canada, during the 57th annual Old Island Days Art Festival. 

Presented by the not-for-profit Key West Art Center & Gallery, the nationally recognized open-air show takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26-27, in the southernmost city in the continental U.S. 

First held in 1965 and originally called the Clothesline Art Show, the festival is to feature artists in media ranging from watercolor, acrylics and oils to sculpture, collage and photography. Additional attractions include jewelry, functional ceramics and pieces in fiber.  

The show is juried to ensure high-quality offerings. Competition is so keen to display fine art in Key West’s subtropical setting that festival organizers decided in 1985 to limit participation to 100 exhibitors. 

The two-day event typically features a blend of Florida Keys talents and fine artists from other locations, all gathered to showcase their work to connoisseurs, collectors and other attendees during the free-admission show.

Their colorful booths are to be set against the backdrop of Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park, a large enclave with landscaped green space and panoramic blue-water vistas. The Truman Waterfront Park is located at the end of Southard Street past the Truman Annex neighborhood. 

Proceeds from the Old Island Days Art Festival support the Key West Art Center’s programs and maintain the historic 301 Front St. building that houses its gallery.  Event information: keywestartcenter.com