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from the KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL SOCIETY 281 FRONT STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 295-6616 Fax: 295-6649 |
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The unveiling and dedication of a life-size bronze likeness of Ernest Hemingway drew hundreds of participants to the Custom House on July 21, as the anniversary of the authors 106th birthday was celebrated. Among the participants were the sculpture’s creator, internationally acclaimed artist Terry Jones, and David L. Copham, a Fort Myers businessman who donated the work that will remain on permanent display at the museum. Other special guests at the birthday party included “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest winners and hopefuls, and Pulitzer Prize–nominated author and Hemingway granddaughter Lorian Hemingway. Canadian playwright Brian Gordon Sinclair, who wrote and performed “Hemingway on Stage” was also in attendance, as was the Canadian Consul General, Anthony Knill. The unveiling, which was followed by a birthday cake and drinks reception, was hosted by the museum as part of Key West’s annual Hemingway Days celebration. Jones, who did much of the work on the sculpture in Key West, chose to portray Hemingway in his 30s, as he looked when he lived on the island. That pivotal era in the author’s life is now being showcased in the museum’s exhibition, “Fishing Friends and Family: Hemingway in Key West 1928-1939.” It includes many never-before-seen photographs, artifacts, letters and documents from the nationally renowned museum collection and Bruce Family Archive. Among them are Hemingway’s fishing logs, handwritten descriptions of his Key West angling adventures, the manuscript of his novel “Death in the Afternoon” and associated bullfighting memorabilia. Other objects focus on his family and recall Key West and its inhabitants in the 1930s. Using digital audio wands with narrative in English and Spanish, exhibition visitors can hear tales of Hemingway’s exploits in and around Key West, meet his local compadres, and learn about his boat Pilar, family life and Whitehead Street home.
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