Arts and crafts creators will showcase their finest works for locals and visitors to marvel at and purchase in Islamorada on Saturday, Jan. 13.
Kicking off event season in the Upper Keys, the 42nd annual Art Under the Oaks returns beneath the towering, shady oaks at San Pedro Catholic Church gardens. Items awaiting attendees run the gamut from handmade jewelry and artwork to books, candles and more.
“One of the primary reasons for the success of our festival for more than 40 years is that we are very particular in our approval process to have an artist or craftsman participate as a vendor,” said event chair Keith Douglass. “The fine art and unique crafts must be original and made by the exhibitor and there must be a website to show our vendor committee their creative process.”
In his fifth year of festival chairmanship, Douglass has seen many notable changes to elevate the experience. He took charge after the passing of Lynn Clements, the event’s previous chair. He leads the festival planning and preparation with his wife, Diane, and a committee of eager volunteers.
Awaiting festival-goers are a variety of specialty and traditional food options. Italian Food Company returns with its pizza oven-baked onsite. The Argentinean Grill also returns with a variety of steak, other sandwiches and cake. The Big Spot is offering hot dogs and other sandwiches.
It’s All Greek To Me will bring Greek food — a longtime favorite at the festival — along with seafood offerings from Craig’s Island Catering and Cousins Lobster. Douglass said the festival will also feature donuts, snow cones and smoothies. There will also be assorted breads from Granny Joy Goodies.
Live entertainment begins at noon. Local musicians and bands will provide a variety of music for all generations.
All arts and crafts vendors will donate one of their items as part of a raffle drawing for attendees to take part in throughout the event. The San Pedro Women’s Guild is selling popular baked goods and desserts in the parish hall.
“The festival is also inviting the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter and Coral Restoration Foundation, in support of these two outstanding organizations, which do so much to help children in difficult situations and enhance our fragile reef tracts,” Douglass said.
Event proceeds support San Pedro Church’s various parish ministries, which include sponsoring three local Boy Scouts of America units, including a Boy Scout troop, an all-girl Scout troop and a Cub Scout pack. The parish also provides scholarships for local students, temporary emergency support for individuals and families in need, volunteer support for a local food pantry and weekly meals program.
This is Douglass’s final year as Art Under the Oaks chair. He said he’s excited to see someone else have the opportunity to take it to the next level. Douglass said he and his wife will remain involved with the premier arts and crafts festival.
“I have had the honor of attracting and leading an outstanding steering committee of talented and dedicated volunteers, many of whom have served in various roles for years or are new to our parish and simply want to get involved helping others,” Douglass said.
More information is at sanpedroparish.org/index.php/art-under-the-oaks.
