These art strolls offer a vibrant visual feast for attendees, as well as a chance to discover off-the-beaten-path galleries that spotlight the work of established artists and nurture the growth of emerging talents.

Depending on the event, featured pieces might range from vivid-hued oils and bronze sculptures to whimsical collages, handcrafted jewellery and woodwork, starkly beautiful black-and-white photographs or even the unusual fish prints known as gyotaku.

Prime among the strolls is an Islamorada event called the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District's Third Thursday Art Walkabout.

Scheduled the third Thursday of every month, the festivities feature national and Keys-based artists and art galleries at Morada Way between mile markers 81 and 82 — plus a blend of culinary art from local eateries and performances by local musicians and entertainers.

Featured galleries include the Redbone Gallery and the Pasta Pantaleo Signature Gallery, each housing collections of Florida's offshore and inshore saltwater fishing art, Gallery Morada with its original artisanal and limited-edition pieces, and Blue Water Potters.

In Key West, several regular neighbourhood gallery strolls are designed to draw art lovers. Perhaps the best known is the Walk on White, held on the island city's White Street from Southard to United streets and onto Truman Avenue the third Thursday of each month.

The popular evening features exhibitions and receptions at galleries, shops and occasionally other venues. Highlight locations include Harrison Gallery, showcasing the elegant sculptural wood pieces of Helen Harrison and the musicianship of her husband Ben Harrison; the quirky and inviting Stone Soup Gallery, whose attractions include the vibrant paintings of Sean Callahan, and The Studios of Key West, offering regular exhibitions, performances, workshops and studio space in the style of America's leading artist communities.

Art lovers who turn off White onto Truman Avenue will find fine art and functional pottery at Honest Works Island Pottery and emerging talents, multimedia and renegade art at the dynamic Art Space Key West.

A portion of Key West's famed Duval Street known for its eclectic galleries comes alive with art exhibitions, receptions and culinary offerings during the monthly Upper Duval Street Stroll. Participants can explore galleries, boutiques and food and wine emporiums during the event that usually takes place the first Friday of each month.

Featured locations include SoDu Gallery, displaying the vibrant painted tableware of Janis Childs and fine jewellery of Lainie Davia among other work; Frangipani Gallery, starring the colourful paintings of founder Fran Decker and others; Cocco and Salem Imagine Art, whose offerings are highlighted by Jim Salem's reverent studies of the avian and natural realm; Gingerbread Square Gallery, featuring the lush rainforest canvases of Sal Salinero and much more, and Kate's Studio, where Kate Peachey's paintings are showcased alongside Karen Moore's Zen jewellery.

Key West's Caroline and Greene streets and Historic Seaport neighbourhood form a lively art and design district, site of the Art and Ambiance Walks spotlighting galleries and merchants the first Thursday of each month.

Highlight stops are Gallery on Greene, whose vivid offerings include the humour-filled images of Pulitzer Prize winner Jeff MacNelly and the painted bas-relief wood carvings of iconic Cuban-American folk artist Mario Sanchez; Lucky Street Gallery, with featured artists such as renowned sculptor John Martini and painter Rick Worth, and Art@830, where collections range from fine glasswork and jewellery to colourful paintings and wood art.

In addition to these island city events, periodic group art and museum events take place in the Mallory Square area. Attractions typically include exhibits and openings at the Key West Art Center, Custom House Museum, Harry S. Truman Little White House and Audubon House & Tropical Gardens.

While other areas of the Keys don't currently stage regular art walks, their galleries are well worth a visit. Prime among them are Key Largo's Gallery at Kona Kai and Big Pine's Artists in Paradise Gallery.

For more information about Florida Keys artists and cultural events, visit fla-keys.com/culture or keysarts.com

For further information on the Florida Keys & Key West, visit www.fla-keys.co.uk

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION ONLY:
For more information and images, please contact Jo Thomas at the Florida Keys & Key West UK Press Office on 01825 763636 / jo.thomas@kbc-pr.com