Art Brokerage: 1908-2005 Legendary native Mario Sanchez, born in the Key West Cuban cigar community known as Gatoville in 1908, was the son of a cigar maker. The self taught artist started recording recollections of his Cuban emigrant community in 1930 by drawing his initials ideas on a paper bag, then carved “intaglios” and painted memories of his neighborhood on cedar boards. His art has immortalized both Mario and Cuban cultural heritage of early 20th century Key West. The folk-influenced work of legend Mario Sanchez is more than a trend in collectible art. It gives us a warm and picturesque reflection of the street scenes people, and everyday life of early 20th-century Key west. Key West Artist Mario Sanchez, who began his career by selling sketches on brown paper bags in barber shops, later was revered as one of America premier folk artists whose polychrome bas relief carvings have been valued at more than $50,000.