Wire sculptor Ryan Stimers, a leading artisan at Key West’s nightly Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, bends and twists shining strands of wire into shapes ranging from pet portraits and blossoms to palm trees, words and subtropical symbols. He also creates keepsakes that commemorate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Whatever Stimers crafts with his assured and elegant motions, one thing is certain: it will elicit a smile.
The easygoing artist has been making wire sculptures since he was 12 years old. They proved so popular at craft fairs and other outlets that, despite earning a mechanical engineering degree and spending a brief period in the corporate world, his artistic sideline became his livelihood.
While traveling the world and selling wire sculptures, Stimers kept hearing about Key West’s Sunset Celebration that showcased street artists and performers. After several visits, he made the island his home in 2004.
Today he’s a leading presence at Mallory Square’s colorful nightly gathering, treasurer of the organization that oversees it, and a co-producer of its 2025 Summer Solstice festival. He calls the group behind the Sunset Celebration “some of the most wonderful people on the planet.”
Recently Stimers talked with the Keys Weekly about his art and his life.
Why did you choose Key West as your home? I wanted to give up the idealistic freedom of the road and do things you can’t do when you’re traveling — like join a gym, own board games, and develop friendships that last longer than a few weeks. This was the one place where I could work and make some money, and they would actually give me a permit.
How would you characterize your wire sculptures? My job is to give people little reminders of the things in the world that they love. I want them to fill their houses with little sculptures that bring to mind their favorite things: their doggies, hobbies, vacations. I do a lot of palm trees to remind them of Key West.
How do you want people to react when they see your work? The response I get most is people saying, “Aww, how cute!” But I also enjoy people saying things like, “This is going to mean a lot to my wife. This is a celebration of our anniversary, and it shows how much I care about her.” My job is to put a message in every sculpture — a message of a joyful thought, or a heartfelt thank-you or a message of love.
Didn’t you do some large Keys history-themed metal gates or panels for the Art in Public Places program? I’m very proud of the panels that line the rotary side entrance of the Waterfront Brewery. I don’t often do things of that size because it’s more labor and less creativity — so even though I think it’s a wonderful project, it’s much more fun to do little ones.
What matters most to you about the Sunset Celebration, and encouraging artists and artisans to show their work there? The Sunset Celebration exists so the creativity of the people of Key West can be showcased to our visitors. We’re trying to keep a low barrier to entry so people can create new and fun things — and it lets visitors get in touch with real locals. I like to think we are the creative spirit of old Key West.
Do you also craft sculptures onsite at events? Once or twice a month I’ll drive up to Orlando or Miami to work a fancy party where I make sculptures very fast, similar to a balloon twister. Basically, I bring a creative fun element to parties while still being stylish. Guests bring home sculptures that were personally made for them and are often meaningful, and the memories of the party last for a long time.
What do you like best about what you do? I like that what I do surprises people, and that I get to easily create treasured items for people. I always carry a roll of wire in my pocket; if anybody reading this article sees me out and about, say “hi” and if I have any wire left, I’ll make you something — no charge, just for fun.
What do you enjoy most about living in Key West? Everybody in this town is happy to be here; nobody works this hard to stay here unless they love it. When I’m talking to tourists, if I give them a little energy, they pay it back tenfold with enthusiasm.
When you’re not creating art, what fills your days? I’m the opposite of most people: I do artwork for work and computer programming for fun. But like most artists, I spent almost all my time thinking of new ways to make sculptures. It’s a job and a hobby and a passion all rolled together.
