Key West Craft Show

Sunday I treated myself to a meander at the 26th Annual Key West Craft Show and was mesmerized by the gorgeous and original work against a dazzling backdrop of blue sky and rich green palms swaying. It was a perfect Key West day.

I arrived fairly early on Sunday and within a half hour the place begin to fill.

Lois Songer, Key West Art Center director, told me that by all estimates there were between 25 and 30,000 visitors to this show and that artisans were happy with the turnout. The timing was perfect because two cruise ships docked just in time to drive up sales. The festival was well-attended – throngs of people made their way through the offerings last Saturday and Sunday. The pace was leisurely and the dress, of course, casual – fashionable in a Key Westy sort of way.

Sunday was Susan’s birthday and she looked fabulous. I spotted her in a crowd and she graciously allowed me to take her picture.

I wonder why her friend kept calling her “lips”?

This show, now in its 26th year, is sponsored by the Key West Art Center. Over the past 10 years, the Key West Craft Festival has been recognized by the Sunshine Artist’s Magazine as being among the top 200 craft shows in the nation. The reason for all the accolades should become obvious in the following photographs. As usual I have compiled an eccentric and highly subjective collection of some of my favorite vendors at this year’s show.

This piece is quite ingenious. Designed and created by Tabitha Thomas of Astoria designs, this piece can be worn 6 or 7 different ways. Click on photo to go to website.

This piece is also ageless. It can hide a multitude of sins – or reveal a bounty of attributes – and for the truly faint of heart, it can be fashioned into a scarf. Hand dyed silk and silk & rayon.

Ronald Lemoine of Metal Studio told me he doesn’t have a website because he’s not in a hurry. Call or email – but only if the spirit moves you. He can be reached at ronlemoine@yahoo.com

New this year, Teresa Haun of Mind’s Eye Journals makes handmade books. Her booth felt like the library of a sorceress. Click on image to go to Mind’s Eye Journals website.

Treasure maps, plenty of room for a plan or two . . . secret thoughts, maybe a spell . . .

Very secret thoughts . . .

According to Lois Songer, locals remarked on the exceptionally high quality of original work by new and returning artists. This year showcased wearables, yard art, leather work including hand bags and journals with handmade paper; also Jewelry, wood, glass, and pottery. Artisans were pleased with sales and many stated that this was their best show ever.

Even though the crowds were thick, there was so much room that I never felt hemmed in or rushed.

As I strolled through the gates to the Truman Annex, I was stopped in my tracks by the gorgeous work of Pat McCaffrey artisan and owner of Swampware Pottery. I have never seen this style before. She uses images from old photographs and paints them on pottery. The work is weirdly modern and vintage at one and the same time.

Click on the image below to go to her website.

Locals are probably familiar with the signature t-shirts and other wearables by Sue Handman. Her work is available locally at Commotion and can also be ordered from her website. Click on Sue’s fabulous hair to go to her website.

The Studios Key West exhibited a few of the art bikes that will be raffled off on Saturday February 26 at 7pm – 600 White street. Public welcome to enjoy a performance by Howard Livingston and the MM 24 Band. Free admission.

Two TSKW intrepid volunteers! Click on image to go to TSKW.

Bikes that will be raffled off include art bikes painted by Rick Worth, Debra Yates, Eric Anfinson, Priscilla Coote and Lady Outrageous. Here’s a pic of Rick Worth’s bike. O yah!