Artists in Paradise Gallery was created in 1994 by 14 Florida Lower Keys artists. They were able to lease a storefront for one week in the Big Pine Shopping Center. They scrubbed, painted, hammered and nailed and had an opening reception. They were overwhelmed by the community approval and patronage. They quickly began looking for a more permanent location and have evolved into the going concern you see today. The 14 artists have become 30 or more and the mediums are constantly changing as is the artwork.