Islamorada museum to open community art show boosting student artists

Islamorada’s History of Diving Museum will open the Dive Into Art exhibit "Stories from the Sea" with a free reception and ribbon cutting from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, ahead of the museum’s "Immerse Yourself" lecture at 7:00 p.m. The show, located at mile marker 83, bayside, is intended to connect local art, maritime history, and youth education across Monroe County.

The exhibit was fabricated in collaboration with the Art Guild of the Purple Isles. Guild members created an assortment of artwork inspired by nautical tales, and the project required more than 300 hours of volunteer time and included outreach programs to local schools. Works by Art Guild members will sit alongside pieces created by students throughout the Florida Keys, and many items will be available for sale with proceeds benefiting the museum.

The museum is also seeking community support to lower barriers for student participation. Executive Director Lisa Mongelia said the institution is accepting contributions starting at $15 to sponsor the student artists who are showcased in the exhibit. That low-dollar sponsorship model is intended to widen access and keep youth engagement affordable for families and community supporters.

Programming ties the exhibit into the museum’s broader public education effort. The "Immerse Yourself" lecture series will host artists Adrienne Z and Diane Smith of the Art Guild of the Purple Isles to discuss the making of the project and to reveal future guild collaborations with the museum. The session will be available both in person and via Zoom; register at divingmuseum.org. The lecture will be recorded and posted to the HDM YouTube channel for later viewing.

Beyond the immediate draw of art and maritime culture, the exhibit has public health and community implications. Arts engagement has known benefits for mental health, social cohesion, and youth development—particularly important in island communities where access to extracurricular programs can be uneven. Volunteer-driven initiatives and school outreach help bridge gaps in arts education, while affordable sponsorship options aim to make participation more equitable across Monroe County.

For local families, educators, and small donors, the show offers a chance to support young creators and keep cultural programming thriving in the Keys. The takeaway? Register for the lecture if you want to hear the backstory, consider chipping in even $15 to sponsor a student artist, and bring a friend—small acts help make big waves for community arts and youth opportunity. Our two cents? Support the kids, enjoy the art, and help the museum keep these programs accessible.