Permanent Fishing History Exhibit Unveiled

Islamorada, FL – A house on Pigeon Key. A view into Fort Jefferson. Capt. Skip Bradeen’s original Blue Chip boat. Bonefish. Tarpon. Roseate Spoonbills. Sailing in Key Largo. Herman Lucerne’s houseboat at Flamingo Marina. San Pedro Catholic Church. Keys Jewish Community Center. Capt. Al Flutie’s boat.

These are a glimpse into the vast subject matter represented in The Art of Millard Wells. More than 50 original watercolors, culled from nearly 30 private collectors, is  now on display at the Keys History & Discovery Millard High ResCenter in Islamorada. The June 19 opening of The Art of Millard Wells is in conjunction with Millard Wells Days, June 19-22, hosted by Morada Way Arts & Cultural District and Pasta Pantaleo.

Wells (1921-2012) was a member of the prestigious American Watercolor Society beginning in 1966 and was one of the most prolific watercolor specialists in Florida. He was a founder and past president of the Florida Watercolor Society. He is best remembered locally for this many contributions to the Upper Keys community, particularly through his paintings given as awards in countless fishing tournaments.

In addition to the Wells exhibit, the Keys History & Discovery Center is pleased to unveil its first of many permanent exhibits – Legends of the Line. It is a historical perspective of the development of sportfishing in the Upper Keys, including high-profile fishermen like the prolific Zane Grey and baseball’s iconic Ted Williams. Legends of the Line explores, not only the characters that helped develop fishing practices used today, but also the development of a brand new industry – tourism.

The exhibit runs Thursday, June 19 through Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, at the Discovery Center in Islamorada, MM 82, located at the Islander Resort. The exhibit is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $12. Admission for seniors is $10 and children 13-under are free. The exhibit is sponsored by the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, a not-for-profit organization formed to develop and operate the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center. For more information, call 305-922-2237 or visit our website at www.keysdiscovery.com.