The Florida Keys Sculpture Trail
The vision of Key West philanthropists Mr. John Padget and the late Mr. Jacob Dekker launched the public art sculpture trail project in 2017 along U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway, an All-American Road. The trail features 15 sculptures created by The Art Students League of New York’s Model to Monument Program, and is a generous gift to the residents and visitors of Monroe County, Florida.
A. Wavehenge by Damon Hamm and Jeff Sundheim, 2020.
Wavehenge was conceived as a site-specific piece for people to sit by the water and enjoy the view. It functions as a daily sundial and solar calendar — the shadow lands on the curved outline of one ‘raft’ bench when the hour and minute of the day matches the month and day of the year, for summer and winter solstice, and spring and fall equinox. Located at Truman Waterfront Park, on the quay, Key West
jeffsundheim.com/about-wavehenge
damonhamm.com/wavehenge
B. Avis Gloriae et Lavdis MMXVI by Sheila Berger, 2017.
(Bird of Glory and Praise) seeks to shake us out of taking nature for granted. The tiny sparrow is elevated in her position on a large pedestal similar to the Greek gods throughout history.
Located at Key West International Airport, 3491 S. Roosevelt Blvd, MM 4, Key West.
C. Nature Eternal by Sheila Berger, 2017.
Is a kinetic sculpture playfully placed within a city bench where the Bird is able to gaze longingly at the tree.
Located at Key West International Airport, 3491 S. Roosevelt Blvd, MM 4, Key West.
D. Gaea by Gaia Grossi, 2020.
The artist draws strength and inspiration from the figure of Mother Earth, (Gaea in Latin), and her fascination with Japanese gardens. As a woman artist, she felt a strong need to focus on feminine energy and simplicity. Her commitment and sacrifice to her art created opportunity and new beginnings for her life. Located at Mote Marine Laboratory, 24244 Overseas Hwy, MM 24, Summerland Key.
E. Moire 3 by Frank Michielli, 2020.
These pieces are inspired by the vibrant, physical qualities of the wave, captured by setting up a dynamic relationship between the layers and components of the sculpture. It’s structural properties, the double curvature of the bent steel rods, are similar to the anatomy of a seashell.
Located at Big Pine Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Drive, MM31, Big Pine Key
F. Wind Tower by Aaron Bell, Sheila Berger, James Mikhel Emerson, Tanda Francis, Markus Rudolph Holtby, Sarah Thompson Moore and Shiho Sato, 2017.
A collaborative work by all seven M2M 2016 sculptors exploring the theme of air and sound.
Located at Grimal Grove, 258 Cunningham Lane, MM 30, Big Pine Key.
G. Life Dance by Susan Markowitz Meredith, 2024.
Features three intertwining three-dimensional forms, representing the concept of mutual arising. Drawing inspiration from intertwining spiral forms found in nature, the three central shoots rise from a common source and engage with one another. There is a progression of transparent step-like forms that serve as metaphors for an intangible growth process, suggesting that individual experiences are not isolated, and that society grows and flourishes by embracing our differences and recognizing our interconnections. Located at the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, 31020 Overseas Hwy., MM31, Big Pine Key.
susanmarkowitzmeredith.com
H. Red Nun by James Emerson, 2020.
The artist uses contemporary iconography in a classic pyramid to promote and cultivate goodness for humanity. The title Red Nun is a metaphor for the channel marker signaling “Home”.
Located at Crane Point Hammock, 5550 Overseas Hwy, MM 50, Marathon.
I. Our Gates by Marco Palli, 2023.
This artwork honors the evolving spirit of the United States—rooted in founding principles and ever shaped by change. Two open arches rise: one to enter, welcoming all who seek to belong, to grow, and to try again; one to exit, offering the freedom to explore new paths, to reinvent, and to return if called. “Our Gates” invites both locals and newcomers to engage with dignity in the collective journey of progress. It celebrates the pursuit of sustainable, equitable opportunity. Together, the gates stand in mutual support—like the diverse communities they represent.
Located at Crane Point Hammock Park, 5550 Overseas Hwy. MM50, Marathon.
J. Leaves of Grass by Markus Rudolph Holtby, 2017.
The artist considered Walt Whitman’s classic text within the history of the original installation location, Riverside Park, being a re-purposed industrial park.
Located at The Sailor’s Dog Spa, 12535 Overseas Hwy, MM 53.6, Marathon.
K. Stand Tall, Stand Loud by Aaron Bell, 2017.
This sculpture cites Martin Luther King, Jr. as inspiration to generate dialogue for common decency and respect for others.
Located at The Lagoon, 59300 Overseas Hwy, MM 59.3, Marathon.
L. Everyone Breaks by Tanda Francis, 2017.
This piece takes inspiration from ancient 13th century Yoruban sculptures.
Located at The Lagoon, 59300 Overseas Hwy, MM 59.3, Marathon
M. Fragments by Shiho Sato, 2017.
Three monumental human-scale figures reflect the artist’s hope to create ongoing dialogue with visitors and passersby within the calmness of nature.
Located bayside, MM 80.1, Islamorada.
N. Everything Between by Sarah Thompson Moore, 2017.
Seeks to heighten one’s senses and alter perspectives for the viewer and serves as a beacon. The piece is meant to create a space for inspiration and contemplation.
Located at Islamorada Gardens, 81001 Overseas Hwy, MM 81, Islamorada.
O. Portrait of T by Sophie Kahn, 2024.
Portrait of T is part of a series of 3D scanned portraits of individuals who have experienced life-altering physical transformations. The finished work depicts individuals who often seem caught in private moments of reflection or reverie. Even though they are fragmented by technology, their gestures still read as emotional and very human.
Located at Key Largo Professional Building, 95360 Overseas Hwy. MM 95.3, Key Largo.
About the Art Students League of New York
The Art Students League of New York is one of America’s premier art schools. It was founded in 1875 by artists, for artists, to provide affordable studio-based art education of the highest quality. Great artists have trained, taught, and exhibited at the League throughout its rich history. Classes, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and professional development programs continue the League’s legacy of supporting students who intend to make art a profession and cultivating a spirit of community among artists. Among its prominent instructors and students, the League counts Thomas Eakins, Frederic Remington and Reginald Marsh, Georgia O’Keeffe, Norman Rockwell, Jackson Pollock.
About the Florida Keys Council of the Arts
The Council is the acting Public Art Administrator for both the Monroe County and City of Key West ‘s prestigious 1% for Public Art programs. Executive Director, Elizabeth Young and Art in Public Places County Chair, Susann D’Antonio co-curated the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail on behalf of benefactors, John Padget and the late Jacob Dekker.