Haitian Art

Key West Has The Key To My Heart

Key West is, as the name suggests, the westernmost island of the chain of islands stretching back from Florida’s southern tip backwards into the Gulf of Mexico.  Originally known as Cayo Hueso, or Island of Bones, the island was first formally claimed for the U.S. by Commodore Matthew Perry in 1821. For many years, it was a maritime base of operations against pirates of the Caribbean. Civilian settlement followed, and by the late 19th century, Key West was the most thriving area in Florida. For many years, the only means to access Key West was by boat or train (a railroad was in place by 1912), but since the extension of U.S. Highway 1 in 1938, the area has been readily accessible by car.

Key West is rich in history, particularly when it comes to American literature. Novelist Steven King makes his home in the Keys for part of the year, but he is only the most current in a host of American literary figures who have been residents in this area, which most notably include late playwright Tennessee Williams and novelist Ernest Hemingway. The dwelling once owned by Hemingway has been affirmed a U.S. National Historic Landmark and it is here that he later said he did some of his best writing.  At the La Concha Hotel, Tennessee Williams penned the original draft of A Streetcar Named Desire, and he made his home in Key West for the last 34 years of his life. Nowadays, a theater on the campus of neighboring Florida Keys Community College bears his name.

There are beautiful Florida Keys vacation rentals all through the chain of islands to rent for short or long term.  If you haven’t ever been to the Islamorada Florida Keys, this stretch of the Keys is a great scene.  Islamorada is comprised of six islands that include Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.  This might be the only area on Earth where it is possible to catch a sailfish in the morning, and then venture into the backcountry in pursuit of bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish in just inches of water.  There are also numerous Islamorada vacation rentals obtainable that are charming and tranquil.

 

Old Town Key West offers a large range of interests that include water sports such as deep sea fishing, diving and snorkeling as well as a generous number of cultural events throughout the year.  In fact, in an area four miles long and two miles wide, there are no less than 89 art galleries exhibiting a wealth of paintings and sculptures by local residents and include works by Cuban and Haitian artists in exile.

In addition, the Florida Keys are residence to the regions only nonprofit independent film multiplex, where film buffs can attend screenings of foreign and independent films that are shown in very few other venues.  The Tropic Cinema is only one of the must see points of interest in Key West. In addition to pictures, live theater is flourishing at venues such as the Marathon Community Theater, which presents musicals and other plays that recently included Guys and Dolls, Deathtrap and a full Broadway review.

Nature lovers may discover a great deal about the local flora and fauna at the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, which has a fine art gallery of its own. You can also experience some of the early history and archeology of the area by going to the Crane Point Museum Nature Center and Historic Site, which is situated on one of the oldest existing home sites on the island.

Key West is an island off the coast of Florida with a lively history and flavorful present day ambiance.  There are numerous Florida Keys vacation rentals accessible on this terrific island.   

Haitian art life heals after quake

Abel with Fighting Cock, 1961 (oil on canvas) by Izabella Godlewska de Aranda – Mug – Standard Size $14.50 This mug is created using the finest dye sublimation techniques and creates a stunning dishwasher safe finish. Great as a gift, or for promotional items. Each of our mugs come individually boxed for protection in transit….

Abel with Fighting Cock, 1961 (oil on.. – 3×2 inch Fridge Magnet – large magnetic button – Magnet $4.99 Rectangular wrap-around refrigerator magnet and a glossy mylar cover.Large 2×3 inch rectangle fridge magnet or ‘buttons’ as they are sometimes known in the USA.Crop shown is automated for display purposes only. All magnets are hand finished and the best most appropriate crop will always be selected to best show the full image. Therefore, actual product may vary slightly from crop shown – this can …

Abel with Fighting Cock, 1961 (oil on.. – Mouse Mat Art247 Highest Quality Natural Rubber Mouse Mats – Mouse Mat $12.99 Natural Rubber Mouse MatAll products are produced from the highest quality natural rubber.Heavy Weight Traditional Mousemats actual size: 250 x 190 x 6mmCrop shown is automated for display purposes only. All mousemats are hand finished and the best most appropriate crop will always be selected to best show the full image. Therefore, actual product may vary from crop shown….

Haiti: A Painted History [VHS] $19.95 A series of well-known Haitian painters describe through their works 500 years of Haiti’s turbulent and often bloody political history in this 56-minute-long documentary, which, originally produced in French, includes voice-overs in English. Made in 1997, this program introduces the viewer to the history of Haiti, beginning with its conquering by the Spanish after Columbus landed in 1492. Performe…

Rezistans (English Version) [VHS] This award-winning film chronicles the political events and human tragedy surrounding the 1991 military coup d etat in Haiti and the bloody dictatorship that followed. It presents a searing indictment not only of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency s role in the turmoil, but also that of the powerful and reclusive Haitian bourgeoisie. Unlike the mainstream media, REZISTANS does not portray …

Rezistans (Haitian Creole Version) [VHS] $35.00 This award-winning film chronicles the political events and human tragedy surrounding the 1991 military coup d’etat in Haiti and the bloody dictatorship that followed. It presents a searing indictment not only of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency s role in the turmoil, but also that of the powerful and reclusive Haitian bourgeoisie. Unlike the mainstream media, REZISTANS does not portray …

Divine Horsemen:The Living Gods of Haiti: A Film by Maya Deren $17.07 As a voodoo initiate in the 1940s, filmmaker Maya Deren was able to record arcane rituals where devotees were “possessed” by the god-like Loa. Years later this footage was assembled to give the viewer an astounding look at the many mysteries behind the voodoo religion. 52 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English….

The Keeper $2.99 …

Large Multicolored Metal Haitian Handpainted Sea Turtle $19.99 This 36″ Diameter extra large Haitian Metal Art piece is hand-painted greens, reds and, yellows; sure to brighten any space! The distinct features of Mr. Sea turtle are truly artistic….

Abel with Fighting Cock, 1961 (oil on.. – Greeting Card (Pack of 2) – 7×5 inch – Art247 – Standard Size – Pack Of 2 $6.50 This photographic Greeting Card is created on 300gsm FSC approved card. The result – a stunning reproduction at an affordable price. Actual size 7×5 inch.Greeting card comes with high grade white envelope as standard.This is an automated preview only. Actual Greeting Card design may vary. All products are hand finished by our expert manufacturers and the best crop available will always be selected…