FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL OF THE ARTS
Press Release
Contact: Liz Young
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 305-295-4369
02/09/22

Florida Keys Council of the Arts presents Connections Project Marathon Opening Reception March 8th

FLORIDA KEYS — As we are connected by the iconic Overseas Highway, the 125-mile-long Florida Keys Island chain is also connected by a vibrant community of artists. The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is proud to announce the Marathon Opening Reception of the Connections Project on Tuesday, March 8th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Shady Palm Art Gallery, located 2888 Overseas Highway in Marathon.

Art lovers can view a travelling 24-foot mural featuring the work of nearly 300 creative spirits during a series of exhibitions throughout the Keys. “The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys” consists of nearly 300 individual canvases measuring 6 inches square that were provided to artists and arts-minded residents. Their resultant works — produced in mediums ranging from oils and watercolor to photography, mixed media and quilting — showcase subjects including birds and sea life, palms and waterfront scenes, abstract visions and local landmarks.

“The mural’s ‘road show’ tour from Key Largo to Key West celebrates the longstanding connections between the communities of the Keys,” said Elizabeth Young, executive director of the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, which spearheads the project. The exhibit will remain on view at Shady Palm Art Gallery through March 14th, at which point it moves to Artists in Paradise Gallery, located in Big Pine.

Art lovers can make a $50 donation for one individual canvas or a $125 donation for three at any reception or online at keysarts.com. Each donor will receive a randomly selected, unique piece of the mosaic by mail with an artist statement sharing their inspiration. Proceeds from the Connections Project benefit local artists and arts organizations through Arts Council grants.

To participate in the Connections Project, or for more information: keysarts.com or 305-295-4369

###