ABOUT THE GALLERY and OWNER
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Padre Island Art Gallery is a woman-owned business whose focus is to show and sell works of art by local, regional and internationally known artists. Explore our carefully curated collections and be inspired by the beauty you'll find on display.
We also offer commission services. A special piece can be created just for you - truly one of a kind!
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It may seem like art is just magically made, but in fact it is actually a lot of work! From conception, art direction and creation, to marketing and so much more, it takes a dedicated team to bring our talented artists' creations to the public.
I am thrilled to be able to partner with such a great group of artists and make their artworks available to our community.
We value each artist that is part of the Padre Island Art Gallery family and look forward to growing that family every year with the introduction of new artists.
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At the Gallery, we love fostering creativity by offering art classes to the members of our community. The classes are led by some of finest instructors in our area. Check our the Art Classes page to see what classes the gallery has to offer! If you have interest in a particular art technique not listed here, please reach out! I may know an artist that would be willing to teach that class.
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I am thankful to be able to bring forward the amazing talent of our local artists and to provide fun events for the residents of our Island and in the Corpus Christi area.
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After only one year of ownership, the gallery outgrew the existing building so we moved into a much larger, brighter space! We are so excited about our new home. If you haven't been by lately, you must stop by to see all of the wonderful changes and new art!
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Having art as my creative outlet is really great, but I am also no stranger to business. I grew up helping my father with sales and marketing his businesses throughout the years. Later I became a nurse and worked with hospitals in business development and marketing. After more than 20 years in that career, I opened a dog daycare, boarding and spa service that has been in successful operation since 2009. I left that business in the very capable hands of my two adult sons to be nearer to my daughter and to begin this wonderful adventure at the Gallery.
Painting is a great pleasure for me. I love creating with watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. Watercolor being my biggest passion. Each piece I paint, big or small, has some meaning for me. In most of my acrylic and mixed media art, I begin with a handwritten encouraging text or a thought of the day on the blank canvas, paper, or gessoboard. I sometimes include bits of vintage papers dating back to the early 1900's. It is a fun way to incorporate some history into my art and give it new life. I love painting intuitively - beginning with a vague idea and allowing the art piece to develop organically.
One of my favorite places to be is at the beach, but I also enjoy spending time at home entertaining and cooking for my family and friends.
I have had a love of art since childhood. My first art win was a First Place prize in an art contest sponsored by the KMart
Corporation at the age of 13 with a Haunted House landscape scene for Halloween. In later years, I dabbled around with art - painting wall murals for nurseries, church Sunday School rooms, and personal projects.
After my grown children left home, I was left with more time to devote to art and was able to finally begin taking my creative passion more seriously.
My hope is that the spirit in which my art is painted and positive messages within it will travel with each piece wherever
it may go.
If you have not stopped by the gallery lately, I would love to meet you and look forward to seeing you all soon!
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The gallery can only survive with your support, so please visit us often! Tell your friends and family!
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Click the gift box below to make a donation.
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Like, follow, and share our social media pages!
We keep our artwork displays fresh and you will find something new every week.
If you are looking for a fun evening out, join us at our Wine Down Wednesday event the third Wednesday of every month!
For your special celebration, be sure to ask about reserving our events room for after-hours private parties!
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Thank you for your continued support allowing me to bring local art & events to The Island and the Corpus Christi area!
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💖Melissa