« Key West: Food on Dry Land | Home | My Trip to Key West »
Key West: Roosters and Art
April 28th, 2009 | Stephen Bailey
(via Facebook, MySpace, Digg, email and more)
They are everywhere. The call and response between them as they hop on walls, cars, under bushes or crossing the street can be heard all around. And not just in the morning. I thought roosters only yelled their trademark yell at sunrise. No sir. Here in Key West, they bark at each other and passersby like dogs.
I've tried to track down why they are so commonplace here in Key West. One tale is that they eat insects and act as a natural exterminator. The more cynical reason is that they got out of control, caught the eyes of some tourists and are now used to lure more of those eyes.
To tourists, they are an amusement. To locals, a necessary annoyance. To artists, an inspiration. All cock jokes aside (and believe me, there are plenty), these amusing birds drew me into one of the oldest art galleries/dealers in Key West.
Red Door Gallery (812 Caroline St.) is where I met Rene, owner and artist. He only deals in original art from local artists. Some mass produced, most one off items such as the colorful painted tiles featuring iconic seascapes, cats and roosters.
Artist: Yurien, Key West
For decades, Rene has been an advocate for the arts. He says he's annoyed about the new pre-fab galleries popping up all over. One day, he had gotten a delivery of beautiful handpainted, custom furniture. About a week or so later, the gallery up the street had their own collection of painted furniture imported from China.
I told Rene that, the next time they come by to see what's going on, he should tell them about his new collection of #2 pencils or plastic bags filled with sawdust.
Anyway, there's something for any taste at Red Door Gallery. More importantly for me, all of what you see is created by local artists. To the untrained eye, sure the stuff in that place up the street seems to be of the same ilk, but it's not.
Buying local is not just a good thing in your hometown. No matter where you are in the world, it is always the best practice. I mean no offense to those fine products from China, but if similar items for comparable prices are available from folks who live where you are visiting, buy those instead. Pick up things and look for the tell-tale 'made in' stamp and go from there.
Buying local is a very simple task that really is the best way to keep the true charm, style and economy of a place thriving.
I may not fully understand the Key West obsession with rosters, but I do understand the passion Rene has for his fellow artists and artisans. And it was on a search for a rooster-themed souvenir that I met this amazing person. In that moment, their value became apparent.
Related Topics: florida, key west, travel, vacation
 TLT on FacebookBecome a fan and keep up to date with our shenanigans! |
Stephen Bailey | Comments Off
Key West: Roosters and Art
(via Facebook, MySpace, Digg, email and more)
Article comments are closed, but you can still send comments to me