KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Thirty-three contemporary sculptures are to enhance the land- and seascapes around two Civil War–era forts and a botanical garden during the 15th annual Sculpture Key West exhibition. Set for Jan. 16 through April 16, the open-air exhibition spotlights the talent of international, national and local sculptors on the subtropical island known for its lively arts community.

Among the projected highlights of the 2010 exhibition are a floating cellophane fantasy island, a pyramid constructed of bamboo at the postulated “edge of heaven,” an 18-foot-tall wooden hoop and a “musical chair” installation made from discarded brass musical instruments.

Sculptures were selected for the show by a jury led by Lilly Wei, an acclaimed New York–based independent curator and art critic.

Sculptures are slated for display beginning Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower, Atlantic Boulevard and White Street; Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park beyond the end of Southard Street, and the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, off U.S. Highway 1 at College Road near the island’s entrance.

Artists from Paris, Berlin and 11 American states are to showcase their work at the innovative exhibition. Participants include leaders in the national and international sculpture world such as Robert Chambers, Ludwika Ogorzelec, Eitan Dor, Monica Goetz and Key West residents John Martini, Susan Rodgers and Roberta Marks.

The exhibit at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is to debut with a free afternoon of viewing 3-6 p.m. Jan. 16. Regular park entry fees will be waived during the opening.

Also Jan. 16, a 5:30-7:30 p.m. reception is scheduled at the Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower. The free-admission event is to include music, light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

All sculptures are to remain on display through April 16.

For more information, visit www.sculpturekeywest.com or call 305-295-3800.

For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539), or visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.

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