MARC puts on art, car, fashion shows

MARC puts on art, car, fashion shows - A sign on the side of a car - Pickup truck

MARC – the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens – and its partnering friends are hard at work preparing for the Spring into Art & Antique Car Show on Thursday, April 5. Coconut Cove Resort will host this year’s multi-show event at its Islamorada property from 5 to 8 p.m. Entertainment will come in three forms: an art show, car show, and fashion show. DJ Dave will also be spinning tunes. Admission to all three shows is a suggested donation of $15.

Three of the artists featured in the art show have participated in the MARC program, and have begun businesses selling their art on note cards and original paintings.

Islamorada artist Heyden Feeney paints bold, colorful depictions of Keys wildlife. His original work can be found inside Midway Café, and on his Instagram page, artismbyheyden.

Under the name Florida Keys Art by Cinnamon, Cinnamon Edgar has grown her business, expanded her reach, and started a website. Edgar’s original paintings have been converted to notecards and are sold throughout the Keys. See her work at cinnamonsfloridakeysart.com.

Watercolor and acrylic artist Reese Joiner said he’s looking forward to the show for a couple reasons. Not only is Joiner presenting and selling some of his original work, he’s also one of the models in the “Looking Good” fashion show.

A painter for several years, Joiner was first mentored by artist Brooke Spaulding. Joiner credits Spaulding with helping him establish a strong foundation in watercolor and said she inspired him to approach his art, friendships, and life with all his heart. In searching for a new mentor, Joiner was caught off guard when Pasta Pantaleo volunteered to guide him. Pantaleo will be painting live at the event and will auction off his original work to a lucky bidder.

“I told him I was looking for an art mentor and he said ‘I’m it,’” said Joiner. The two meet a few times a month to work together. Look for Joiner’s note cards and originals at locations like Key Largo Chocolates, Ocean Gardens, the Green Turtle Inn, Sundiver Snorkel Tours, and gift shops.

For those who love speed and antique rides, the car show is a must.

Wayne Weatherford’s 1963 Chevy truck was his first project car. He’s kept it just for fun and as a Sunday ride. The car has been in a handful of car shows already, and usually takes first or second place, said Weatherford.

Every bit of the truck, except the engine, are original Chevrolet parts from the assembly line; even the paint is original.

Under the hood, Weatherford has replaced the engine with a 540-cubic-inch Dart engine, which, with “slight” modification, can put out a whopping 1,200 horsepower. You’ll hear the Chevy approaching before you ever see it. His beast gets about 26 miles per gallon.

After retiring from the Army, Weatherford dedicated some of his free time to his hobby and helps friends with their projects, too. He’ll be in good company at the antique car show.

Ford
Wayne Weatherford’s name may have Ford in it, but he prefers a Chevy. GABRIEL SANCHEZ/Keys Weekly

The Looking Good fashion show features clothing items that can be found at the MARC House located next to Coral Isles Church in north Plantation Key, MM 90. More than 15 models have already signed up or volunteered.

Along with gift certificates to local restaurants, auto related items, original art, gifts, and jewelry, auction items also included a few gems. Some of the top auction packages include a Pigeon Key helicopter tour for three, science plane ride for six, a $250 Publix gift card, and Kathleen Denis framed oil painting valued at $900.

All proceeds from the event will benefit MARC, which helps provide life services for Monroe County residents living with developmental disabilities. For more info contact MARC House at 305-852-3282. Coconut Cay Resort is located at MM 84.

Kristen Livengood is a Marathon High School and University of South Florida grad, mom of two beautiful little girls, and wife to some cute guy she met in a bar. She enjoys red wine, Tito's, Jameson, running (very, very slowly), and spearfishing.