The philosophy of the National Endowment for the Arts is, “A great nation deserves great art.” The Galveston Arts Center and the Galveston Art League work to bring that philosophy to our community.
Every sixth Saturday night in Galveston you will see people of all ages roaming the downtown area from art gallery to art gallery. There will probably be some live music as well as food and drinks in many of the galleries. You’ll see artists answering questions about their pieces, maybe even selling a few, and you’ll see people studying the pieces they feel a connection to.
This is Art Walk and the next one is Saturday, February 28 and starts at 6 p.m., Originated by The Galveston Arts Center (GAC), an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts, Art Walk is important in that it supports the community enjoying and learning about art in alternative places.
During the summer, GAC puts on weekly art workshops with the Rosenberg Library for the library’s summer reading program for children.
GAC provides special attention to the resident children at Galveston Island Family Crisis Center by encouraging creative artistic expression. hey also give ideas to parents concerning how to include art in the home. Conversations @ he Center is a popular lecture series the GAC hosts that occurs four times yearly. Local artists give presentations about their artistic careers and what it means to be an artist today, as well as answer questions.
The Galveston Art League was founded on June 12, 1914 with the following purpose: “To foster worthwhile art in the schools and homes of the city, to solicit the cooperation of public and private groups in support of art, to encourage the artists of the city and state and to hold exhibitions.”
Its members provide a local art venue for all to enjoy. Membership is open to anyone including art lovers, professional artists, hobbyists and students. heir artists are involved in creative, original work in a variety of media: Painting, photography, jewelry making, carving, pastels, quilting, drawing and sculpture.
Since 2004, the League has been able to meet the mission established by the founding members. GAL holds workshops, children’s exhibitions, membership meetings, and three juried exhibitions are held annually and members’ art is for viewing and sale continuously.
All the openings, art walks, juried competitions and programs bring many from the mainland that help support small businesses and show of our lovely communities, continually attracting new Galvestonians.
If you are interested in more information about GAC or want to know about dates for Art Walk, galvestonartscenter.org.
To learn more about the Galveston Art League please visit galvestonartleague.com.
I have always enjoyed the phrase: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
Living in a city that values art as much as Galveston does, and having a dedicated arts center with a huge presence on the island really enhances living here. Art is a treasured medium of expression that I’m proud my home not only respects but supports.
Art and additional reasons why those of us lucky enough to live by the sea are lucky enough!