The Key West Art & Historical Society Welcomes Families to Fort East Martello Museum for the First Family Day of the Season

September 23, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Sunday, October 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., join the education staff of the Key West Art & Historical Society at its Fort East Martello Museum, located at 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard, for a free family program that will explore one of the island’s Civil War-era forts and its exhibits which explore our rich and diverse history.  Dubbed “Family Museum Day,” the program is designed to correspond with the Society’s “Community Day,” a day offering free museum admission for Monroe County residents the first Sunday of each month.

While visiting the museum property, families are invited to take a self-guided tour of the fort and citadel, explore the outdoor sculpture garden, visit with the legendary Robert the Doll, and view works of art created by celebrated Keys folk artist, Stanley Papio.  In addition to free admission to the museum, children and adults are welcome to join Society education specialist, Kassandra Collett, and art educator, Jenni Franke in the air-conditioned Lee Garrison Classroom to create take-home art projects inspired by Florida’s flora and fauna.

“This month’s Family Day art activity takes inspiration from an exhibit on view at the Key West Museum of Art & History.  The exhibit, “Flora and Fauna: Early Naturalists in Florida” highlights some of the beautiful works of art created by Florida ecological artists.  Some of these artists, such as John James Audubon, made it all the way to Key West in search of rare bird species,” says Collett.  “Their expeditions, which frequently lasted for years, resulted in a collection of specimens and drawings that were later used to create vibrantly painted, often life-sized, images of plants and animals that the world had never seen before.  During our first session of the season, children will have a wide selection of mediums to choose from while creating art that's inspired by nature.”
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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/whats-on.  You can also contact Collett at 305-295-6616 x504 or [email protected].