The universe must have a special plan for “The Red Nun,” an art installation in the Middle Keys. Or maybe it’s just a testament to artist Jamie Emerson’s perseverance. He started the work in 2015, installed it in New York City in 2016. Then in 2017, it was dismantled to be shipped to the Keys as part of the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail. Hurricane Irma delayed its actual installation until March of 2020, and then came COVID. This past week, the artist returned to Marathon to put the finishing touches on, and host an art seminar at Crane Point Hammock.
Essentially, all of the artwork on the inside of the triangle needed to be refreshed.
“It’s about 400 square feet,” said Emerson.
The columns were also installed and a new coat of sealant applied.
Emerson gave a seminar on Jan. 23 at Crane Point Hammock, explaining the piece’s origins and themes.
The Red Nun was renamed for its rebirth in the Florida Keys. Formerly called “Bridges,” the name was suggested to Emerson by a passerby as he was working on it next to Marathon’s busiest intersection.
“The man told me that Red Nun is a navigational term — the floating red markers have a peaked top,” he said. “It’s part of the ‘red, right, returning’ mnemonic.”
Emerson said he will be returning to his home in France soon, with plans to work on a mobile theater project.
“This is the best incarnation of this sculpture,” Emerson said. “We’re really happy with it.”
The work, open to the public, is located in front of Crane Point Museum, 5550 Overseas Highway, Marathon.
