What's up with all the chickens?

Saturday and Sunday, January 25 - 26, 2014, the Key West Art Center is hosting the annual Key West Craft Show.  Every year fine craft artists come from all over the country to share their work and enjoy a little warm weather.  The Craft Show takes place on Whitehead Street between Caroline St and Greene St, just a few steps away from the Art Center.  If you are in town head down to see it.


The Key West Art Center
entrance 310 Front Street, Key West, Florida
©Maggie Ruley 2014

I don't have a booth there this year, but I did go into the Art Center yesterday with some cute small paintings for them to sell.  I have been adding some roosters and chickens to my small paintings because they are so much a part what makes Key West the interesting place it is.

Today's Key West Question

One of the most frequent questions people ask is,

"What's up with all the Chickens?" 

Visitors want to know why they are all over town, and if they belong to anybody.

I am not sure there is any one answer, but it is my theory that there is a direct correlation between the crack down on cock fighting in the late 80's and early 90's and the increase in the chicken population.

In 1986 my first studio was in the Blue Heaven building (before the restaurant).  The neighborhood is called Bahama Village and it was one of the few neighborhoods that had free ranging chickens at that time.  Young boys were always running through the yards catching the roosters to take home to their Uncles, Daddies, and Cousins.  After the cock fighting crack down, no one was catching the roosters and when you have more roosters you have more chickens.  But it's just my theory.  And, no, they don't belong to anybody, and yes, the cats and dogs leave them alone.



Dog Gone, acrylic 6 x 6 inches
©Maggie Ruley 2014

This little cottage is on Ashe Street in Key West and is really cute.  I have taken many photos of it over the years.  It used to have a red jeep parked in it's drive way.  I decided a red boat would be more fun.



Dog Gone, acrylic, 6 x 6 inches
framed to 12 x 12 inches
$145

Dog Gone
acrylic
framed
$145
you can purchase directly through me or
The Key West Art Center,
Address: 301 Front St, Key West, FL 33040

Phone:(305) 294-1241

Hours: daily 10am to 5pm

Earthquake in Key West

Did you feel the earth move the week before last?  They say it was an earthquake off the Cuba coast, but I think it was a reaction to the sudden population boom here in Key West.  Surely the rhythm of all those happy feet on our downtown pavement could set up some kind of vibration that would shake up the earth's crust, right?

It's official, it's tourist season and time to share our island paradise with the world.  If you are visiting we are glad you are here and we want you to have a good time.

 I really do want you to enjoy our island, therefore while you are here.............. 

 1. If I see you standing on a street corner puzzling over a map I will ask if I can help you find something.

2. I will encourage you to get off the main streets and do a little exploring of our quaint streets and lanes if you have time.

3. I will answer your questions about Key West to the best of my ability. 
Today's question: Which is the best beach?  Well, our beaches aren't fabulous, but I think the best overall beach is Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, called Ft Zach by the locals.  It's the only beach where the water is deep enough you can swim. There is sun and shade, picnic tables and it's a great place to watch the sunset. But there is an entrance fee.

4. And I will paint some charming little gem paintings that you can take home to help you remember the fun you had. 


Duval and Greene, acrylic 6 x 6"
©Maggie Ruley 2014

Down town Key West takes on kind of a carnival atmosphere when it is busy with tourists, so Duval and Greene is painted in some fun bright colors.


Duval and Greene, framed 12 x 12"
 $145.00

Lucky, acrylic 6 x 6"
©Maggie Ruley 2014

 Lots of boats on the waters these days, I would call mine Lucky.

 

Lucky, framed 12 x 12"
$145

 

Happening now in Key West

 

Quantum Race Week 2014  Yacht Racing.  http://www.premiere-racing.com/ here is a great web site with live coverage and interviews.

 

Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25 and 26 is the Key West Craft Show.  Wonderful artists from across the country bring their art to Key West.  On Whitehead Street between Greene St and Caroline, from 10am to 5pm both days. 

 Sponsored by the Key West Art Center.

 

See you at the Craft Show this weekend!