Living in Key West: Island Stories Podcast. Garcia Contracting, Being an Artist, & Great Stories

Wayne's Art

Wayne's Construction Company

Watch Wayne tell stories at a past event here


Wayne Garcia is a third generation Conch, contractor, artist, and storyteller. We first met Wayne the morning after Hurricane Ian moved past Key West. We had our pups out to potty very early and he drove past us, backed up, parked and got out of his truck to check on us. Not only was he checking on us but he was checking on how we fared in the home we were renting because he and his team had built the home. It struck us as such a testament to his pride in his work and the fact that the structures he builds on this island are not only beautiful, but also keep the people of the island safe.

Wayne's contracting business is only one small part of his story. He is also an incredibly talented and passionate artist and storyteller. We could listen to Wayne tell tales of the island for hours. The way he weaves together the tales and evokes such a nostalgia for the island of the past. You can tell he is transported to past eras as he also transports you through his words. If you love Key West you will love Wayne's tales.

From Key West's cemetery roosters who were raised on black beans and rice, to the gentleman who thought he needed to direct traffic (after a few cocktails), to how Wayne met his mentor, the famous Mario Sanchez, to drug smugglers stuck in trees, to ghost dogs and so much more Wayne really took us on an adventure and we love every minute.

Wayne's art is island perfection and each piece has a fantastic story that inspired it. Be sure to stop into the Gallery on Greene to see Wayne's art anytime and keep your eyes peeled for his speaking engagements on the island. He is also available for commissions if you are looking for the perfect island fine art piece for your home or to give as a gift to the Key West lover of your life. 

If you'd like to attend one of Wayne's speaking events there is one tentatively scheduled for June 2023 with The Studios and should be consist of a conversation about the era of drug smuggling with Wayne facilitating some amazing storytelling from other speakers who were on the inside (now that the statute of limitations is up!) As more information becomes available for that event we will post on our social medias so be sure to follow us so you don't miss it.

Thank you to Wayne for the amazing interview. We truly can't wait to have him back for more stories from this beautiful island.