Fifty artists are expected to take part in the ornament competition and online auction to be held at the 17th Annual Islamorada Holiday Fest on Friday, Dec. 3. The event, put on by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, will last from 4 to 10 p.m. that evening on the beach at Founders Park.
“I love creating an ornament for the festival, as it is a fun way to kick off the season and get into the holiday spirit,” said Amy JoAn, this year’s featured artist, whose ornament, “Snowy Festivities” depicts the festival itself created on a starry navy background ready to be admired and sold to the highest bidder. JoAn can be found daily painting in her gallery Amy’s Creations of the Florida Keys at Rain Barrel in Islamorada.
In preparation for the auction, which is part of the festival’s Holiday Gift Bazaar, each artist was given an unfinished ceramic piece to use as the base for his or her original creation. Beyond that, the only design limit is their imaginations.
The finished pieces will be judged and on display throughout the festival, where they can be purchased by electronic auction bids at www.32auctions.com/ICC-2021. Bidding began on Dec. 1, and ends at 9 p.m. on festival night. A portion of proceeds from the auction will benefit the local arts community.
A true community event, the Islamorada Holiday Fest will feature a parade; visits and photos with Santa; a 30-ton snow mountain; a 35-foot tree blowing magical snow from its branches; the Holiday Gift Bazaar; delicious food and beverages; and live holiday stage performances.
For more information, call 305-664-4503 or stop by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at the entrance to Founders Park, MM 87, bayside.
BOX OUT: 2021 Festival of Trees
Are you dreading decorating for Christmas? The 2021 Festival of Trees will see live viewing of trees during the 17th Annual Holiday Fest at Founders Park on Friday, Dec. 3 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Trees will be awarded to the highest bidder and delivered to their home ( MM 75 to MM 106) the first week of December. The Festival of Trees will be graciously donating all proceeds to a Coral Shores scholarship recipient pursuing a career in health care. To bid on trees, visit 32Auctions.com/FestivalofTrees-Keys.
