An arts and crafts festival beneath the towering shady oak trees at San Pedro Catholic Church returns for its 40th year on Saturday, Jan. 13.
Serving as the official kickoff to the Upper Keys events season, the annual Art Under the Oaks festival welcomes vendors who create and sell original artwork. Paintings and photographs are on display to view and purchase, as well as handmade jewelry, candles and seasonings, to name a few. Patrons attending the festival meander San Pedro’s lush natural grounds as they meet friendly creators and purchase their oeuvres.
Now in his third year as event chair, Keith Douglass’ Art Under the Oaks involvement dates back to his membership with the church, which followed his arrival to the Florida Keys via a 52-day sailboat voyage from upstate New York in December 1990. He’s usually seen among the volunteers in vests assisting vehicles parking behind San Pedro. Three years ago, Douglass was tapped to serve as Art Under the Oaks chair following the passing of the previous chair, Lynn Clements, due to cancer. Clements served on the steering committee for many years before taking the reins leading up to the 2020 festival.
“(Her) last wish was that the event would continue after she was gone, so the priest came to me and asked if I would do it. I said ‘I wouldn’t say no to God,’” Douglass said. “I’ve been so fortunate and blessed to have a great steering committee. My wife, Diane, serves as co-chair.”
With every Art Under the Oaks comes improvements and expansions to give patrons a better experience than the year before. Last year, Douglass said, the event expanded beverages on site. This year, beer will be added to the list of drinks, which also include soda, water and libations prepared by local chefs. And live music will add to the event’s ambiance. Patrons can also buy home-baked goods and try their luck in raffles with prizes donated by vendors.
“They come up with some really nice items,” Douglass said.
An event can’t go on without help from the community from the many volunteers, which include Coral Shores students, and from donations. Douglass credited the Upper Keys Rotary Club for pitching its tent for patrons to sit, eat and enjoy the music. He also expressed appreciation to Riva Motorsports for donating golf carts to help transport people to the event.
Proceeds from the annual Art Under the Oaks festival support the church’s ministries which benefit the local community. They include the Boy Scout and Cub Scout Pack 914, the Men’s Club and Women’s Guild which provide scholarships to local high school students, religious education for students, and supporting the local food pantry. They also provide financial and other assistance to those in need, including the homeless.
Admission is free to Art Under the Oaks, which begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. Patrons can park at the church parking lot for a $5 donation. Free parking is available at Plantation Key School. Visit artundertheoaks.com for more information.
