FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL OF THE ARTS
Press Release
Contact: Liz Young
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 305-295-4369
1/12/2022

Arts Council Presents the Connections Project 2022 Grand Opening at Baker’s Cay in Key Largo January 31st

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts invites you to join in celebrating the tenth year of the annual Connections Project with a grand opening reception at Baker’s Cay Resort, 97000 Overseas Hwy in Key Largo on Monday, January 31st from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The event features a vibrant 24-foot mosaic mural created by local artists and art lovers. The reception with refreshments is open to the public.

The Connections Project is one of the Arts Council’s innovative activities connecting community members with local arts and cultural initiatives. The Arts Council provides a 6x6 blank canvas to local professional artists and artistic residents who then create a piece of art. “People of all abilities and skill levels are encouraged to participate,” said Florida Keys Arts Council Executive Director Elizabeth Young. “We offer free workshops led by local artists, and, we’re privileged to have more than 300 Keys artists contributing a piece of art to Connections Project 2022.”

Once the completed canvases are collected, the mosaic is assembled by volunteers and taken on the road from Key Largo to Key West for seven art receptions and exhibitions. All receptions run from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Exhibits are open during regular business hours of the Arts Council business partner’s locations. The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys is generously sponsored by Royal Furniture. The mosaic mural will be on exhibit in each location for about two weeks before going on the road to the next venue. The next stop after Baker’s Cay will be Our Place in Paradise gallery, located at 88711 Overseas Hwy in Tavernier, with a reception on Saturday, February 5th.

After connecting with the art, patrons can also collect art by making a $50 donation for one canvas or a $125 donation for three at any reception or online at www.keysarts.com. Once the road show has ended, donors receive a randomly selected piece of the mosaic in the mail. Each work includes an artist statement providing insight into the origin of the work and the artist’s thoughts and inspiration.
Proceeds from the Connections Project directly benefit Keys’ artists and arts organizations through Arts Council grants, including Art Builds Community, Artists in Schools, and Special Projects grants.

For more information call the Florida Keys Council of the Arts at 305.295.4369 or visit www.keysarts.com.

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