Miles away from the foggy mornings, overcast afternoons, and chilly evenings of July in the Bay Area is the sun-warmed island of Key West, Florida, where the white sand, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back pace invite you to relax and enjoy a moment of quiet tranquility.

These moments are the ones chosen by Cuban American folk artist Mario Sanchez (1908–2005) to immortalize in his charming and singular relief panels. Sanchez was born and raised on the island, working from his home studio for over 70 years and creating a treasury of everyday scenes that harken back to a simpler time. Sanchez’s colorfully painted and carved reliefs depict landmarks like the Hemingway House and the 150-year-old lighthouse, a waterfront bait-and-tackle shop, well-loved bungalows, palm trees, and of course, the unique characters of Old Key West.

The brightly colored panel in our July auction, titled Old Key West – Everything in Profusion, shows a section of Duval Street, a main thoroughfare of the town and the center of local Cuban influence, where a fruit stand is packed with bananas and watermelons. A bicyclist pedals past, his baskets reading “Sure Cure with Doctor Santiago,” and a trio of floppy-eared dogs follow behind. The blue sky overhead, decorated with Sanchez’s signature fluffy clouds, and the vibrant hues of the flowering plants imbue the scene with a peaceful energy. This highly collectible piece of history from the United States’ southernmost city is the centerpiece of your beach house, the reminder of a fabulous vacation, or your ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Old Key West – Everything in Profusion is estimated at $20,000–$40,000.