Siesta Key has a vibrant arts community that many visitors don’t expect. From high-end paintings to traditional art, Old Florida prints and a variety of handmade crafts, Siesta Key art has a unique and eclectic flavor that can only be influenced by coastal life on the island.
For fine art collectors, Siesta Key is a perfect place to pick up a piece that adds a splash of color to the walls back home. Below are five shops and galleries, some of the island’s best attractions, featuring home-worthy island art. They are all located within half a mile of each other right on Ocean Boulevard, just 2 miles from Peppertree Bay’s vacation rentals.
1. The Gallery on Siesta Key
One of the finest galleries on Siesta Key is an eclectic, independent shop that does all things ocean. Paintings are hung on white stucco walls, accentuating the blues and oranges – there are a lot of sunsets to paint here in the beach-inspired landscapes.
The Gallery on Siesta Key focuses on art and ocean-inspired gifts. Island paintings of sailboats on the bay and highly texturized landscape pieces from the beach are what to expect in this whimsical shop.
A substantial gallery of local wall art, jewelry, and gifts, it’s the perfect place to spend a couple hours browsing and checking a few items off your Christmas list.
2. Beach Bazaar
More surf shop than gallery, this isn’t the first place a collector would think to visit when considering investing in Siesta Key art.
This upscale beach shop has been around for more than 30 years, selling everything from bathing suits to gifts to, you guessed it, local art. Beach
Beach Bazaar is also a big supporter of artists in the community, selling paintings, prints, and beaded jewelry made on Siesta Key.
Their art for sale includes photography by Ryan Gamma, digital art by Dana Swezey, and paintings by favorite local artist Shawn McLoughlin.
3. Gidget’s Coastal Provisions
Gidget’s Coastal Provisions on Siesta Key is another great place to pick up local art, crafts, and home decor on your next vacation in Florida.
Featuring quintessential Siesta Key art, as well as gifts and beachy home décor items, this upscale beach shop is a favorite on the shopping circuit for both visitors and locals alike.
For island art, it is certainly one of the most characteristically coastal Florida galleries you can visit. Filled with local Siesta Key art, this shop and gallery is dedicated to island-inspired paintings full of life and color.
Even if you aren’t looking to invest in art, a trip to this one-of-a-kind independent shop is one of the top Siesta Key activities to consider.
4. Shawn McLoughlin
Shawn McLoughlin is a locally renowned artist who paints the local skies, birds, sunsets, and beaches. He does not own a store, but his work can be found at several venues on Siesta Key.
Shawn is a master at capturing the essence of this vacation island in every drop of paint. He paints beautiful landscapes of the island and sells prints at a fraction of what you might expect. Shawn also sells originals paintings and accepts commission work.
Shawn’s original art and prints can be viewed or purchased at Beach Bazaar, the Village Café, Crescent Beach Grocery, and Captain Curt’s Gift Shop.
5. The Siesta Key Farmers Market
The local Farmers Market is one of the many Siesta Key events where local art is sold. While it may not have the flexible hours of a typical shop (it’s only open on weekends), it is undoubtedly one of the best places to find island art on Siesta Key. The market is open every Sunday from 8 am. to 1 pm.
Aside from art, the market has a number of food suppliers, with organic and freshly produced vegetables, fruits, and spices. You can even satisfy your sweet tooth with local honey, pastries, and cake, among many other delicacies.
Many established artists have called Siesta Key their home for decades – and younger generations of artists continue to find the island a suitable temporary or permanent home for inspiration. it’s an island rich in both natural beauty and creativity, and this is showcased in the vast variety of local art that can be found.