MARATHON, Florida Keys — Nationally recognized for its fine artists and craftspeople, the 17th annual Pigeon Key Art Festival is to transform Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49, into a tropically themed oasis of artwork on the weekend of Feb. 12-13.

The critically acclaimed festival is named for Pigeon Key, a small island beneath the Middle Keys’ Old Seven Mile Bridge that housed workers constructing the Overseas Railway in the early 1900s.

Each year the park becomes an open-air gallery for watercolors, oil paintings, acrylics, sculpture, jewelry, photography, graphic arts, pottery, glass and other fine art with Florida themes. Periodically during the two-day show, artists demonstrate their skills for attendees to observe.

The park’s outdoor amphitheater sets the vibe with live music, and families can enjoy food and beverages from booths offering local delicacies and sweet treats. Also celebrating the art of food, the festival is to feature a sushi roller and cake decorating demonstrations.

Other attractions include a kids’ corner and abundant open space for picnicking and listening to music.

An art raffle beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday concludes the weekend.

Festival admission is $7 per person for adults, $3 for students and free for children under age 12. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with free parking and shuttles available from 33rd Street bayside.

Festival–goers can retain their ticket stubs and use them for free admission for a ferry trip to Pigeon Key, good for one year.

Proceeds from the event are to benefit the Pigeon Key Foundation.

Event information: www.pigeonkey.net/events.html
Marathon visitor information: 1-800-262-7284 or www.fla-keys.com/marathon
Social: www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • www.twitter.com/thefloridakeys

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