The Art of Island Life: Family Fun, Local Talent, and Holiday Giving

December 13, 2024

Cold, rainy days on the island might keep you from the beach, but they don’t have to keep you from having fun! Check out the new Family Fun Page on the art gallery’s website—a space filled with downloadable coloring pages and puzzles for all ages. It’s perfect for letting creativity flow while spending time together as a family. Snap the QR code to download the free coloring sheets and games.

Family Fun Page QR Code

Mark your calendar for December 18th and join us at Padre Island Art Gallery for Wine Down Wednesday and Ugly Sweater Party from 6–9 PM. Come out for Mistletoe Mimosas and shop for your last minute gifts! 

Wear your best (or worst!) holiday sweater to earn a ticket for the raffle to win a tabletop fire pit. It’s an evening of festive fun and community cheer you won’t want to miss! Need ideas? Check out my son’s winning sweater for inspiration!

My Son's Winning Sweater for Inspiration!

Spotlight on Local Talent

This week, we celebrate one of our own—beloved local artist Kaleigh Glover. Known for her vibrant, expressive pieces that beautifully capture the spirit of the coast, Kaleigh has been honored with an invitation to showcase her work at Red Dot Miami, an internationally renowned art fair. This prestigious opportunity not only reflects her incredible talent but also shines a spotlight on the vibrant art scene we’re fortunate to have right here on The Island.

If you’re in downtown Corpus Christi, stop by Nueces Brewing and Barbecuing to see her latest holiday project adorning their windows—it’s a must-see! Be sure to follow this local talent on social media and visit her website at www.kaleighglover.com to stay inspired by her latest creations.

Gallery Artist, Kaleigh Glover at Red Dot Miami

12 Days of Christmas Giving

Looking for meaningful ways to make this season brighter? Here are 12 simple, family-friendly ideas to spread joy and connect with others:

Day 1: Around a family dinner, have each member share something they are grateful for this year. 

Day 2: Bake and share treats with friends, family, or neighbors.

Day 3: Create handmade cards for loved ones, teachers, or work colleagues.

Day 4: Decorate your workspace to spread Christmas cheer. 

Day 5: Donate winter essentials to a local shelter - Coats, scarves, and blankets.

Day 6: Leave a surprise gift for a stranger. 

Day 7: Support a local business by shopping or dining out. 

Day 8: Enjoy a family night with projects from the Family Fun Page or by playing your favorite board games.  

Day 9: Volunteer together at a food bank or community event. 

Day 10: Take a family walk and clean up the beach.  

Day 11: Plan a movie night for friends or neighbors with popcorn, hot cocoa, and a cozy holiday atmosphere.

Day 12: Deliver holiday cheer with small gifts to a hospital or nursing home spreading joy where it's needed most.

These small acts of kindness add up to big impacts, creating a ripple of holiday cheer across our community.

Wishing you and your family a season filled with warmth, creativity, and meaningful connections!

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at melissa@padreislandartgallery.com.