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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!

Discover Al Kline’s award-winning Boat Yard watercolor series at Padre Island Art Gallery. Explore how this plein air artist captures the light, lines, and spirit of coastal life with masterful precision.

July 10, 2025 Every child deserves a reason to smile. That’s the simple, beautiful idea behind the Kaylee’s Light Toy Drive, now in its...

Celebrate the season with a fresh peach pie recipe that tastes like summer. Sweet Texas peaches, creamy filling, whipped cream—this is tradition, homemade and heartfelt.

Explore the art of layers with Bonnie King—vibrant coastal paintings, bold textures, and a new encaustic series blending cyanotype, botanicals, and light.

Discover the art of light and color with Jeanette Nickas—peaceful oil paintings that tell a story through vibrant hues, quiet beauty, and coastal inspiration.

Rediscover the joy of Island adventure—through the eyes of children, beachside wonder, and the everyday magic that makes coastal living unforgettable.