The Key West Art & Historical Society Hosts Free Mario Sanchez Art Program at Fort East Martello Museum

September 14, 2023 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Sunday, October 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., join the staff of the Fort East Martello Museum, located at 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard, to explore one of the island’s Civil War-era forts and its exhibits which encompass our rich and diverse history.  Dubbed “Family Museum Day,” the program is designed to coincide with the Society’s wildly popular Community Day, a day offering free museum admission for Monroe County residents the first Sunday of each month.

While on the property, families are encouraged to take a self-guided tour of the fort and citadel, explore the outdoor sculpture garden, and view artwork created by celebrated Keys folk artist Stanley Papio.  In addition to free admission, adults and children are welcome to explore the history of Florida’s indigenous people in the air-conditioned Lee Garrison Classroom by joining Society education specialist, Kassandra Collett, and art educator, Jenni Franke to create paper kites inspired by late Cuban American folk artist Mario Sanchez.

“Sanchez’s whimsical wood carvings portraying Key West’s past have captivated visitors for years.  His ability to capture everyday life in the community with such precise details allow observers to connect with a simpler time, one that will never be forgotten,” says Collett. “Kites are often shown soaring through the skies of Mario’s work, but few people realize that he also crafted paper kites for family and friends.  We invite families to the museum on Family Day to fashion their own kites that they can take home.”
​
The Family Museum Day program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required, and all supplies will be provided by the Key West Art & Historical Society.  For additional information about the program, visit kwahs.org/upcoming-events.  You can also contact Collett at 305-295-6616 x504 or [email protected].  This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, with additional support provided by The Helmerich Trust.  Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.
​