Once There Was a Railroad by Wayne Garcia

“Once There Was a Railroad” by master woodcarver Wayne Garcia brings the remarkable story of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad to life through a series of vibrant, hand-carved reliefs. Rooted in the folk-art tradition of his mentor Mario Sanchez, Garcia’s work captures vivid scenes of the railroad’s construction across the Florida Keys, honoring the local laborers and communities who made this ambitious engineering feat possible in the early 20th century. Rich in historical detail and personal storytelling, the exhibition offers both a visual journey through Key West’s past and a celebration of a living artistic legacy, further enhanced by a special artist talk sharing the history and inspiration behind the work.