(MENAFNEditorial)
Summary: Key West Florida rich with artistic history hosts the 50th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival on February 21st and 22nd.
February 9 2015 Key West FL-Long before it became known as a spring break destination for people looking for their lost shaker of salt Key West Florida was considered one of the most important artist colonies of the 20th century. Dating back to the Great Depression when the WPA sent artists down to write and paint about the island in an effort to create tourism it has been home to some of the most influential artists from around the world. Next weekend that history will be celebrated with the 50th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival on February 21st and 22nd.
“The arts scene is what helped make the island become so popular and we try to do what we can to help keep that legacy alive” said Lois Songer curator for the annual juried art show. “Before the musicians before the writers it was the painters and sculptors who moved here to Key West so they could work year round on their art while being inspired by the tropical setting and exotic wildlife.”
Today the island is still a haven for artists and not just visual ones. Key West is home to a thriving theater scene including both plays and musicals is known for its cabaret and drag performances and offers dozen of live music opportunities every night. Even the Key West restaurants are known for the culinary artists responsible for creating New Island Cuisine a fusion of traditional methods of preparation with fresh seafood and tropical fruits and spices.
Part of the reason the Old Island Days Art Festival has continued to grow and be successful is the number of visitors who plan their annual vacation around the show. “We have guests we see every year this same weekend” said Wednesday Vogel owner of the Roof Top Café along with her husband Norman. “They talk about the new artists they discover and are excited to find a native type of folk art that can’t be found anywhere else in the country.”
True to the bohemian nature of the island instead of being held indoors in a gallery the festival is held every year on the streets of Key West so visitors can enjoy the weather as well as the art.
For more information on the Old Island Days Art Festival please visit their website: http://www.keywestartcenter.com/festival.html
For more information on the Roof Top Café please visit their website: http://www.rooftopcafekeywest.com/
Jack Terry is a freelance writer and artist who lived in Key West for several years.
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