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This week’s Art of Island Life is all about celebration, reflection, and new beginnings. After three and a half wonderful years as owner of Padre Island Art Gallery, I’m thrilled to officially reveal the next chapter—Evoke Studio & Gifts. It’s a boutique-style gallery that blends fine art, design, and connection in fresh, meaningful ways. A place to linger, laugh, and return often—to design a hat, find a thoughtful gift, or simply be inspired by creativity in all its forms.

Celebrate the magic of Halloween with Melissa Mitchell’s Art of Island Life—a heartwarming look at family traditions, creative costumes, spooky tablescapes, and easy Halloween recipes like Witch’s Fingers and Mummy Treats.

Behind the scenes with artist and designer Melissa Mitchell as she turns the mundane into magic. From barcodes to beautiful new creations, this Reflections post captures how creativity and purpose shape the next chapter—debuting November 9.

This week’s Art of Island Life celebrates color, creativity, and community as local artist Kaleigh Glover Ardoin is announced as the 2026 Barefoot Mardi Gras Official Artist. Her vibrant coastal work reflects the joy of Island living—and there’s more excitement ahead as Padre Island Art Gallery steps into a bold new chapter.

A heartfelt reflection on growth, creativity, and reimagining what comes next. Melissa shares her thoughts on change, intention, and the quiet excitement that comes when a new chapter begins.

Padre Island Art Gallery hosts Surf Art & Poster Show with master wave artist Wade Koniakowsky—November 8. Join us for his workshop Gulf Coast Oceanscapes on November 7.

At the Sea Turtle Festival, Melissa Mitchell joined fellow Island makers to share art, stories, and community—rediscovering her own work in a new light with a change of view.

A reflective series by Melissa Mitchell exploring art, creativity, and the quiet lessons found in coastal living—where everyday moments become stories worth remembering.

Discover fall on Padre Island through art, cozy traditions, and Melissa’s original pumpkin spice mini muffins recipe—warmth without the falling leaves.

Free gifts of encouragement and creativity! Download 15 Days of Grace, Grit, and Getting Through It (includes Melissa's Chocolate Chunk cookie recipe) and join Bayview Brush & Bar this fall.

Artist update: Joseph Raymond is shifting gears. Enjoy 10% off his work through year-end, see featured pieces at Wine Down Wednesday, and ask about commissions.

If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have room for more art,” this week’s column is for you. When wall space is limited, discover creative ways to style art in even the smallest areas of your home. From seasonal tablescapes to charming coffee table vignettes, Melissa shares decorator tips and inspiration for bringing small spaces to life with personal touches and coastal flair.

Discover the hidden meanings in coastal art—from lighthouses and anchors to 'mermaid money'—and explore the personal story behind Rising Up, Melissa Mitchell’s collaboration across time with the late artist John Olvey. Featuring local icon Kent Ullberg’s swordfish sculpture and a special screening of Ullberg: Wind in the Sails.

Discover how 2025’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, brings coastal warmth and grounding to island-inspired homes—and why forecasters predict Transformative Teal will be the next wave in coastal design.

In this week’s The Art of Island Life, we’re sharing a story where surfing, art, and community meet on the same wave. The Texas Gulf Surfing Association (TGSA) has been chosen for Texas A&M–Corpus Christi’s ONE DAY campaign, pairing student creativity with a mission to grow and inspire surfers of all ages.

In this week’s column, we’re talking fresh starts, celebrating our neighbors at Island Family Eyecare, sharing under-$20 gift ideas for that favorite teacher, and getting ready for our Wine Down Wednesday grand finale on August 20. 👀 Don’t miss this week’s scavenger hunt clue—it’s a wise one.

Keeping cool on the coast? Padre Island Art Gallery & Prancing Paws offer breezy tips for summer fun—plus this week’s gallery clue!

In this week’s Art of Island Life, Melissa Mitchell shares a peaceful beachside morning, finding treasures in the sand, and sharing the next clue in the Padre Island Art Gallery Summer Scavenger Hunt—reminding us to pause, breathe, and find joy in simple things.

Discover the story behind Melissa Mitchell’s feature in Island Living Magazine, where art, storytelling, and island life come together. Explore her creative journey, inspiration, and coastal community impact.

Join the First Annual Summer Gallery Scavenger Hunt at Padre Island Art Gallery—weekly clues, prizes, and a grand art-filled finale you won’t want to miss!