Art Walk Spotlights Islamorada’s Morada Way Arts & Cultural District

Combining Islamorada’s vibrant sights, sounds and tastes, the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District’s Third Thursday Art Walk is an event where visitors can discover and enjoy stimulating fine arts, boutique shops, live music and culinary offerings.

The 6-9 p.m. Art Walk is held the third Thursday of each month, featuring artists and galleries on Morada Way between mile markers 81 and 82.

The Morada Way galleries host a selection of artists in various mediums including painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, design and even gyotaku or fish printing.

Jessica Ann Art displays owner-artist Jessica Ann Hessing’s tropical and marine life art with photography, wearable art, jewelry, gift items and unique works by other artists. She has also launched her own sustainably produced line of candles with Keys-inspired scents.

The traditional Japanese art of fish printing is on display at Gyotaku by Lisa Lee, who creates original prints of people’s catches as well as reproductions offered as art prints and on products including gift cards and glassware.

Fans can find collections of Florida’s offshore and inshore saltwater fishing art at Islamorada Art Gallery by Pasta. Artist Roberto “Pasta” Pantaleo’s paintings also depict turtles and other marine life, mangroves, birds and abstract imagery.

Pantaleo plays drums in the Lower Mat Cats band, which performs on the Blue Marlin stage during many Art Walks. Various other Keys-based musicians grace the stage in the courtyard at Limelight Studio and Gallery. 

Limelight houses the work of multimedia artist Jul Jankowski. From painting and drawing to sculpture, her work functions as a celebrative ode to light. She was recently commissioned to create the new version of the landmark roadside mermaid at Islamorada’s Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar.

Florida Keys Brewing Company is a popular spot during the monthly Art Walks, offering a wide selection of custom brews that can be enjoyed inside or in the outdoor beer garden. The brewery also is a “must-shop” stop with its own line of brightly colored custom hats, koozies, leggings, T-shirts, tank tops and other items.

Tucked away on the back side of the beer garden is the studio and gallery of painter and Key Largo native Tayler Hale. There, he may be seen working on his pieces capturing the dynamic interplay between water and light that is so distinctive to the Florida Keys.

The gallery and ceramics studio of Morada Way Clay features local potters. During Art Walk, patrons can learn about the studio’s pottery painting and clay classes. 

The new Salt & Silver Studio offers 1800s chemical process heirloom portrait photography. Also new in the district is Purple Pineapple Boutique with clothing for women, children and infants as well as unique gifts.

In addition to the galleries and studios, attendees can browse booths featuring a wide range of crafts, artwork, clothing, jewelry and information from Keys conservation groups and other nonprofit organizations.

During their stroll along the Old Highway, Art Walk participants also can enjoy wine tastes and “culinary art” from local eateries including Kaiyo Grill & Sushi, Chef Michael’s, Green Turtle Inn, Islamorada Wine Co. and a variety of food and beverage trucks.

Morada Way Art Walk information: moradaway.org

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