More than 50 artists will take part in the ornament competition and online auction at the 19th annual Islamorada Holiday Fest on Friday, Dec. 1. The event, put on by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, will go from 4 to 10 p.m. at Founders Park.
“I love creating an ornament for the festival; it is a fun way to kick off the season and get into the holiday spirit,” said Taylor Hale, this year’s featured artist. A Key Largo native, Hale draws inspiration from a lifetime on the water in his island hometown. He can be found daily painting in his gallery — Taylor Hale Studio & Gallery in the Arts District.
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 with online auction bids at www.32auctions.com/ICC-2023. Bidding will begin Sunday, 26 at 12:30 p.m., and end at 9 p.m. on festival night. A portion of proceeds from the auction will benefit the local arts community.
A 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.
