The “Garden Room” at Sweet Savannah’s of the Florida Keys is home to a gorgeous new tropical shorescape, courtesy of local art teacher and muralist Shannon Paul Wiley. Blending more than 30 colors over 24 working hours, Wiley incorporated ideas – and in some cases, even direct handiwork – from the ice cream shop’s customers and staff members as he created his final product, bringing his mural count throughout the Marathon community close to a dozen. “It’s called the Garden Room, and (owner Kate Koler) said she wanted something to make it speak to that,” Wiley said. “I sketched out a few ideas, and she gave me a lot of freedom to do what I thought. She wanted it to be more of a tropical garden than the Keys, so I added a royal poinciana and red mangroves to give it a Keys feel, but it’s like you’re in a garden looking out.” Those interested in Wiley’s art or speaking about a custom piece can email shannonpwiley@yahoo.com or call 772-979-3713. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
