Florida Travel Guide

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — An exhibition of 50 original painted wood carvings by the late Key West folk artist Mario Sanchez, comprising a pictorial chronicle of the island’s history, is to debut Friday, Oct. 10, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Sanchez’ Oct. 7 birthdate.

Titled "100 Years and Better Than Ever," the exhibition is presented at the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, 281 Front St. An opening reception is planned for 5:30 to 7 p.m.

"Mario Sanchez has been looked upon by curators and historians as the most important Cuban-American folk artist of the 20th century," said Nance Frank, guest curator and author. "The exhibition speaks directly to how Mario’s geopolitical background influenced the philosophy and artwork of this national treasure."

The exhibit’s title refers to the work of the self-taught Sanchez, created during a career that spanned some 70 years, and the island he depicted with intricate detail and affectionate humor and a lover of Duval Street in Key West, Sanchez was influenced by the Florida Keys lifestyle.

Sanchez’ scenes record his impressions of daily life in Key West during the early 20th century. His subjects are street vendors and shopkeepers peddling their wares, dancers and musicians, gossiping women and chicken thieves, mischievous children and cigar makers — all portrayed in bas-relief carvings, known as intaglios, painted with brilliant primary colors.

His pieces are peopled with creative renderings of real Key West inhabitants who shaped the landscape of his boyhood. Sanchez’ work portrays structures that were then and still are island landmarks, including Ernest Hemingway’s one-time home, the Key West Lighthouse and the San Carlos Institute.

According to Claudia Pennington, executive director of the Key West Art & Historical Society that operates the museum, the historical accuracy of Sanchez’ work is as remarkable as his artistry.

"The artist portrays everyday events and showcases many of the same buildings that stand today," said Pennington. "In addition to Mario’s carvings, archival and present-day photos will help visitors recognize these neighborhood places that are visual reminders of our history and part of our island’s character."

The exhibition also is to include Sanchez documents, photographs and a film clip of the artist at work. In addition, visitors can view his paint box and a brush he purchased in Cuba for a dime in 1948 and used until he stopped painting shortly before his death in 2005.

Ticket price for the opening reception is $10 per person. Following the reception, the Sanchez exhibition is to be on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through March 31, 2009, at the Key West Museum of Art & History.

Museum admission is $10 per person for adults, $9 for local residents and seniors over age 62 and $5 for children and students. Children under 6 are admitted free.

For more information, contact the museum at (305) 295-6616 or visit www.kwahs.com.

For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.