Montage Key West
It began in 1996 when my wife Maureen and I decided to move to Key West from New Bedford, Massachusetts. A few visits to the Keys convinced us that we had to make a life in Paradise. We gave up our business as free lance visual merchandisers which catered to clients ranging from specialty shops to department stores. Within four months we were on our way!
After settling into Key West, it wasn't long before the creative itch had me photographing everything in
sight! The vibrant colors and character of Key West is a never ending photo shoot. I needed an outlet, and within six months had found a small space to rent. It was 8' x 16' at 519 Duval Street.
This is where I used my 25 years of experience in the retail industry which had given me every opportunity to explore my creativity. I had done everything from interior design, trade shows, window displays, signs, photography, and props. Now I had to create something we could make a living with. Birdhouses, fan pulls, beaded curtains, etched mirrors, and more. Nothing really clicked!
It was the day I mounted a few of my photo prints on wood, cut out into the shape of the image that changed everything! I had made six and sold four, made twelve and sold eight. We decided to make only photo plaques and filled our space with every image of Key West I had photographed.
It's been 20 years in 2017 and we are still creating what we started. We no longer maintain a shop on Duval St. and now have our on-line store.
Thank you to all our many collectors, we love you !
Each piece is individually hand cut from wood with images applied and finished with our unique embossing process. Created in Key West with pride and quality since 1997.
We are continually expanding our collection of images to satisfy the need and interest of our Montage collectors.
When visiting our website we hope that you find it interesting, informative, and amusing. Take your time and browse through the different categories of signs, vintage photos, and original graphics and photography I have created.
My original work will bear my Name and or Montage Key West on them.
Thank you for your interest. Louis A. Laferriere