The 21st annual Pigeon Key Art Festival has a special guest in 2015. Renowned marine life artist, Wyland, will be the featured artist for the February event. Plans are underway to incorporate a videographer who will capture Wyland’s techniques in real time as he creates his signature ink drawings.
“He’ll be shown on a big screen at the park so everybody can experience his technique at once,” said Denise DeCrow, event coordinator and Pigeon Key Board member. The drawings will then be auctioned by the artist himself, splitting all proceeds between his charities and the Pigeon Key Foundation.
The Pigeon Key Art Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7-8 in 2015. This nationally celebrated art festival will be held at Marathon Community Park (MM 49, Oceanside). The two-day fundraiser is organized to support the preservation of the tiny island known as Pigeon Key, located in the center of the 7 Mile Bridge.
A crowd of 5,000 patrons and 80 different artists are expected to attend.
“I’m a Keys resident to the core,” Wyland said, adding he’s been a frequent visitor to the Keys since he was in high school. “I made a road trip all the way to Key West when I was 17 and thought to myself, ‘I’m going to come back here.’”
Wyland attributes his inspiration to the natural world and was initially struck by the inspiring underwater views throughout the Keys.
“It’s an honor for me to put my name behind the Pigeon Key Art Festival,” Wyland said. “It’s a great place for artists to launch their career and even greater place for the community to familiarize with the local artists.”
Artists and craftsmen will exhibit their work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Artwork including pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography and much more, is sure to offer something for all ages and artistic tastes. Organizers have also arranged for food and beverage booths, and local musicians who will grace the main amphitheater stage.
And bring the kids. There will be a designated children’s area, plus Wyland might have something up his sleeve for the youngsters, too.
“My main focus has always been about kids and art — my hope is that we can inspire the next generation of artists,” he said.
Admission is $7 per person for adults and free for children under 12. All event proceeds will benefit the Pigeon Key Foundation, which will help maintain the island, restore historic buildings and expand educational programs offered by the foundation.
Artists can register at pigeonkeyartfestival.com. For questions and further information, contact pkartfestival@gmail.com.
Hold on to admission ticket stubs for the Pigeon Key Art Festival. They will be good for a buy-one, get-one free ferry trip to Pigeon Key island within one week of the festival.
