Did you know that Key West is at the Olympics in Australia?
According to Joe Pais, there is a heavy Key West presence at the Florida World Pavilion in Sydney. Pais, formerly with the Key West Art & Historical Society here and now with the State Division of Historic Resources in Tallahassee, helped put together the art and artifacts now on display at the pavilion.
"Many Australians are visiting the pavilion specifically to see things from Key West," he said. "They want to know more about where their sons, daughters, relatives and friends are working as carpenters, masons, waitresses and exotic dancers.
"They want to see this paradise where the con leche breaks are as long as an Aussie pint is tall and where you can work when you damn well please."
Pais said the premiere art piece in the exhibit is Key West artist Mario Sanchez' "Monkey Man," one of his older wood carvings.
A Lilly Pulitzer dress is also on display. Pulitzer has a strong Key West connection. Her original fabrics were hand-printed here.
Paintings of Florida historic sites by Key West artist Carol Sadowski are also on display in Sydney.
And, of course, gold and silver coins from Spanish shipwrecks in area waters are on display.
The Florida World Pavilion opened on Sept. 8 and will be open through Oct. 8.
Info: http://www.floridapavilion.com