“FantaSea” Traveling Art Exhibit at Key West Library 

BY MAGGIE OLIVE KLEIN
KONKLIFE STAFF WRITER AND EDITOR

The traveling exhibition, Dive Into Art: Fantasea, is composed of student art from eight Florida Keys high schools, making this exhibit the largest collaboration to date! The work ranges in material and structure from giant story panels to sculptural hard cover books. Originally, it was a part of the Art Guild of the Purple Isles’ fourth collaborative annual art show, and it is now available for viewing at the Key West Library! Be sure to visit before Labor Day, though, because it will then be taken down for preparation to be shown at the Islamorada Library. 

The limited-time exhibit portrays fantasy elements tied to the ocean, including mermaids, pirates, sea monsters and more, with literary themes such as fairytales, epics, and fantastical poems. The opening of the exhibit took place at the History of Diving Museum, where teachers, students and families from the schools were invited for an afternoon preview. The participating schools were Coral Shores High School, Key Largo School, Key Largo Middle School, Ocean Studies Charter School, Plantation Key School, Stanley Switlik Elementary School, and Treasure Village Montessori. Students and parents alike were proud to view the work that was displayed, and after the preview, Art Guild of the Purple Isles board members hosted a virtual walkthrough of the space, as well as an in-person tour. 

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Culture Builds Florida, and the Monroe County Tourism Development Council sponsored the traveling exhibit. The History of Diving Museum partnered with the Monroe County Libraries, granting students the chance to view their work as it traveled throughout the Florida Keys in various libraries for patrons of all types. 

Appreciation for the arts, whether the creator is a child or a seasoned adult, is what keeps our creativity and visual consumption alive. So, before it’s too late, be sure to head to the Key West Library to view all the amazing work! Or, be sure to follow it to its next location, Islamorada Library!

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