Held as a fundraiser for the tiny historic island called Pigeon Key in the tropical Florida Keys, the two-day juried Pigeon Key Art Festival attracts exemplary artists and quality buyers from across the globe. The event takes place February 4 & 5 at the Marathon Community Park, MM49, Marathon FL. and offers more than 70 fine artists and craftsmen, delicious local cuisine and live art and auction by preeminent celebrity marine life artist, Wyland. Enjoy historical reenactments, entertainment, children’s activities and educational programming highlighting the Pigeon Key Foundation’s important projects. New this year is world-champion sand artists creating a giant sculpture of the island and 7-mile bridge and a family-friendly live music event Saturday evening featuring the Beatlemaniax!

“People know Pigeon Key is the tiny island under the Seven Mile Bridge. But what a lot of people don’t know is that we operate a Marine Science Center (PKFMSC) on the five-acre island”, explained Executive Director Kelly McKinnon. The center gravitates towards hands-on learning, turning the island and surrounding ecosystem into the classroom. “Students are provided with a pivotal, one-of-a-kind experience that will be invaluable to them the rest of their lives,” he said. For over 25 years, PKFMSC has provided private, customized programs to more than 30,000 participants from more than 1,000 schools throughout the United States. Programs are tailored for all ages—elementary school to post graduate—and are designed and endorsed by some of the most respected marine scientists in the US. The Pigeon Key Art Festival is the only fundraiser hosted by the non-profit foundation to help support these educational efforts.

It was with this in mind the Festival organizers decided to invite some of the other area research organizations and create a showcase of the important eco-tourism organizations that dominate the middle keys. At the Festival, guests will find exhibits and displays, touch tanks, hands-on activities and even a puppet show that bring marine and wildlife education to life. Participants include Aquarium Encounters, Dolphin Research Center, Friends of the Marine Sanctuary, Marathon Wild Bird Center @ Crane Point Hammock, Save a Turtle, and The Turtle Hospital.

The Pigeon Key Foundation’s mission includes historical preservation of the Island and the Keys heritage will play a part in the two-day celebration with support from the Key West Art and Historical Society, Historic Tours of America (HTA) and the Friends of Old Seven. There will be story-telling and period re-enactors that will help visitors understand the historical significance of this cultural landmark. Champion sand artists Marianne Van Den Broek and Dan Belcher will transform 15 tons of beach sand into a beautiful temporary sculpture of the island and 7 Mile Bridge as guests watch the progress. Festival goers are encouraged to retain their admission ticket stubs and redeem them for a half-price ferry trip within one week of the show to experience Pigeon Key themselves.

Of course, as an Art Festival there will be ample art, as well. In addition to the fine artists and craftsmen offering everything from paintings to pottery, furniture to heirloom jewelry, there will be a raffle art auction, live art paintings, classes and demonstrations. Wyland returns for a third year and will create his signature drawings and auction them on the spot at 11 am and 2 pm each day. “This is an amazing opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind Wyland original that was created just for you,” said Denise DeCrow, Pigeon Key Board Member and Festival Chair. “In fact, we have so many amazing artists from around the country exhibiting their work our guests will have a hard time choosing.” In addition, Wyland will paint a mural with kids and the Switlik School art program will offer hands-on projects.

Artist booths will close at 5 pm on Saturday but the fun continues as the south Florida-based Beatles Tribute band, the Beatlemaniax, take the Marathon Park band shell stage. Admission is included in the Festival entry donation for this family-friendly event. “The Beatlemaniax capture the look and excitement of a real Beatles concert wearing the unique style clothing and ‘mop-top’ hair and playing the same brand/model instruments the Beatles used,” explained Don Hiller, Pigeon Key Foundation Board President. “The concert is an opportunity for the community to hang out and get to know the artists, Pigeon Key Board and our supporters while listening to some great music.” Performing classic Beatles songs from their touring years, 1962-1966, the arrangements have been kept as close to the original recordings as possible and all members are featured during the show. Food, soft drinks and adult beverages will be available for purchase and lawn chairs and blankets allowed.

Festival hours are 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, February 4 with the concert 5 to 8 pm and 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, February 5. Two-day entry is $7 for adults and free for children under 12. All donations stay local to help the Foundation carry out its mission to promote and preserve History, Education and Research. Parking is free at the Marathon Community Park.