Annual Old Days Art Festival in Key West
For more than a century, artists from around the world have sought refuge and inspiration for their creative spirits in Key West. The relaxed vibe of the Florida Keys, the brilliant natural colors, the lush climate, and the fascinating culture all work together to make Key West an artists’ playground. Once the wealthiest city per capita in the U.S., Key West fell upon hard times during the Depression. The city pivoted, and rather than succumb to economic devastation, it focused on attracting all kinds of artists from all over the world. Since then, Key West has hosted some of the best-known artists of our time, from Pulitzer Prize-winner James Merrill and Tennessee Williams to U.S. Poet Laureate Elizabeth Bishop and John James Audubon.
Today, Key West’s literary and artistic heritage is well-established, with fine galleries lining the streets of the Old Town District and a variety of art-themed festivals and celebrations to punctuate our years, including the 58th Annual Old Days Art Festival. The festival takes place on Sunday, February 26, 2023, and is hosted by the Key West Art Center, a non-profit gallery and workspace.
The Old Island Days Art Festival is a descendant of the Old Island Days 10-week tourist season celebration, during which new events would be unveiled weekly. The festival began humbly, with just over a dozen artists gathering and displaying their work, but has grown exponentially over time. Today, the festival hosts about 100 artists showcasing their work all along Whitehead and Caroline Streets.
This show is open to the public, who are welcome to visit any time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on both Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th. It will feature a wide range of artists and artworks, including:
Painters
Graphic artists
Collage artists
Photographers
Fiber artists
Metalsmiths
Sculptors
Woodworkers
Glassblowers
Jewelers
The show also offers not only fine art but arts-and-crafts works to bring visitors a truly unique set of offerings. Each piece is handmade by the artists, and the juried show focuses on originality and quality, ensuring an unparalleled experience for art aficionados and the artists themselves.
The 58th Annual Old Days Art Festival in Key West will take place on Whitehead Street near its original location on Duval Street and on Caroline Street, which is located in a gated community with the Historical Presidential Gates opening just for the show.
At Mangrove Marina, we invite you to drop your anchor and stay a while! We’re conveniently located in Tavernier at mile marker 91.7 on the bayside and have more than 100 wet slips for transient and liveaboard boaters. A full-capacity marina, we can accommodate boats reaching 70 feet in length with 24-foot beams. Our marina also offers houseboats and resort-quality amenities, including a heated freshwater pool, gardens, an on-site bar and grill, and much more. We’re committed to helping you take your next Florida Keys vacation to the next level. Visit us today to find out more or to plan your visit to the Old Island Days Art Festival.
