The Florida Keys are bursting with art shows and holiday sales this time of year, a perfect time to pick up a unique holiday gift for friends and family. The sale items range from oil paintings by professional artists to craftsmen’s constructions to homey goods made by dabblers and hobbyists.
— Weekly Staff report
Tent sale in Marathon
Middle Keys artists will gather for a three-day event — Friday to Sunday, Nov. 28-30 — at the Winn-Dixie Kmart Plaza in Marathon. The parking lot will sprout white tents featuring the works of many local artists from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Locals’ Art Show. Offerings range from watercolors to wind chimes to silly souvenirs. Admission and parking is free.
Holiday sale set for Marathon Garden Club
The Marathon Garden Club (MM 50 Bayside) will host its annual Holiday Treasures sale and Razzle Dazzle Boutique from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 at the clubhouse. The sale will feature gently used Christmas decorations and holiday items, holiday clothing and accessories, an orchid sale, raffle items, gourmet goodies and much more. For more information, please call 305-743-4971 or visit www.marathongardenclub.org.
Lower Keys hosts Island Art Festival
Highlights of this holiday event on Saturday, Nov. 29, include live music by local entertainers, food, exhibits and booths featuring locally produced arts and crafts — honey, soap, leather bags, glass art and more. take place on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, MM 31 oceanside. Visit www.lowerkeyschamber.com or call 305-872-2411 for more information.
Monthly Artisan Market
On Sunday, Nov. 30, stop by the Key West Artisan Market — a vibrant, open air bazaar filled with artists, authors, chef-made cuisine, craftspeople, performers, fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses and flowers, craft beer and wine from residents representing the diversity of creativity, ingenuity and locally made products of the Keys & Key West. Held the first Sunday of the month, during season (thru May) outdoors at the Restaurant Store, 1111 Eaton, Key West. Free family and pet friendly event.
Christmas bazaar at St. Columba
St. Columba Episcopal Church in Marathon, Florida invites the community to its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hand-made items, ornaments, books, toys, gifts, white elephants, and baked goods are available for purchase. Purchase a raffle ticket for one of many gift baskets. Soup and beverages will be available to provide a delicious lunch break.
Come join in the holiday festivities at St. Columba located at 451 52nd Street, gulfside in Marathon. For more information, contact the church office at 305-743-6412.
Art Center holds ‘Opening Party’
The Key West Art Center will host its annual “Celebrate the Season” opening show and reception on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. Join staff, locals artists and visitors to view the art while enjoying the festivities.
The show will feature new works in a variety of media from our artist members, including well-known local artists Karen Beauprie, Christine Black, Fran Decker, Martha dePoo, Jane Grannis, Pam Hobbs, Richard Matson, Maggie Ruley, Dawn Wilkins, Mally Weaver, Kim Workman and many more. We also are welcoming in four new artist members, including Lucy Paige, Kate Peachey, Maggie Latham, and Mary Jean Connors.
Vote for your favorite artwork at the party, and help a deserving artist win this year’s $100 People’s Choice Award.
The Key West Art Center is a non-profit community art gallery located at 301 Front Street, and open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. Call 294-1241 or visit www.keywestartcenter.com for more information.
