‘Connections Project’ Events Celebrating Florida Keys Art and Music
FLORIDA KEYS — Fans of visual art can find it in galleries throughout the Florida Keys, while music lovers can attend concerts and shows around the island chain. But only at the Connections Project’s multi-creativity events, scheduled through April 16, can they discover how music and art blend to create memory-making experiential connections.
Previously a showcase for visual art alone, the annual Connections Project has been reimagined for 2024 to highlight both the musicians and artists who make the local creative community so distinctive.
At each of five receptions from Key Largo to Key West, cultural enthusiasts can enjoy performances by outstanding local musicians while viewing one of five unique Connections Project murals.
A different mural is to be unveiled at each reception, with each mural to consist of 24 colorful 6-by-8-inch canvases. Canvases are adorned by Keys artists and assembled into a mosaic by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the Connections Project’s founding and organizing entity.
The small canvases typically feature works in oils, watercolor, photography, collage, mixed media, quilting, beadwork and more, depending on the individual artist’s whim and talent.
The first reception occurred Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Kona Kai Resort in Key Largo. Bassist Cliff Stutts and acoustic/pop performer Leah Sutter provided musical accompaniment to the viewing experience. The second took place Feb. 15 at The Hale Gallery in Islamorada with musical performances by Micah Gardner and David Feder. The third reception took place March 14 in Marathon with music by Adrienne Z, John Bartus and Cory Young. The Lower Keys reception was held March 28.
The grand finale of the Connections Project takes place Tuesday, April 16, at Williams Hall in Key West with a reception that is free and open to the public.
Attendees who donate $100 to the Arts Council can select and take home a small canvas of their choice. As well as making a permanent connection to the Keys arts community, those who purchase a canvas benefit the council’s grants for artists living and working in the island chain.
Connections Project information: keysarts.com or 305-295-4369
Canvases that make up Connections Project murals are adorned by Keys artists and assembled into mosaics by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.
This year's Connections Project features five murals. There are five different receptions throughout the Keys, each featuring one of the five murals created in 2024, along with performances by local musicians.
Each mural consists of 24 colorful 6-by-8-inch canvases featuring the work of Keys artists.