'Tis the season of art shows in the Florida Keys and thousands of visitors at Art Under the Oaks Jan. 14 got a preview of what's in store as the art show season runs through Easter.
Painted peace bells created from recycled scuba tanks, handmade wrap bracelets with Greek leather (www.justminecreations.com) and homemade colorful rag quilts and purses and hand-painted light switch plates were among the original offerings at Art Under the Oaks. The peaceful setting of San Pedro Catholic Church enabled easy relaxation, while parish’s men’s and womens guilds provided homemade chili and desserts, along with hot coffee and hot chocolate for the many attendees. Amazing paintings by the half-Cherokee, half Latino Ruben Machado, formerly of Taos and now of the Florida Keys, realistic underwater scenes by B.J. Royster who is opening a new gallery in downtown Islamorada soon, useful sculptures of fish platters and planters for orchids, ferns and air plants; hand-carved wooden tikis and bamboo poles, multi-hued creatures such as shore birds with long necks and lizards and other reptiles were fashioned out of metal, and much more made for interesting browsing and conversations.
When hit, the peace bells emit a resounding musical note that sounds somewhat like a wind chime. A clear-coat finish allows years of enjoyment, and the purchase supports Keys to Peace a 501-c-3 organization (http://www.keystopeace.com/).
Artistic enjoyment continues as Islamorada hosts an art walk this week and a fine art expo and art show. For details, see my story: http://www.examiner.com/florida-keys-travel-in-miami/art-on-tap-jan-19-22-as-art-show-season-heats-up-the-florida-keys.
Please click on the slide show to see 11 photos from Art Under the Oaks.
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