Galveston Monthly - Exploring Your Island Paradise

This Month

Impressive Circle of Artists

Tucked inside Galveston’s lively arts district on Postoffice Street, AOP Art on Postoffice Gallery (formerly The Shoppes on Postoffice) is home to a trio of Texas artists whose distinct styles create a compelling tapestry of expression. Basia Hawicz adds a whimsical and theatrical flair with her handmade masks and ornate Pisanki eggs, drawing on her background in theater and architecture. Her fantastical and cultural sculptures invite viewers to consider the many faces that color our world.

Melty, Gooey, and Oh-So-Craveable

Cheese and bread have been a timeless pairing in European kitchens for centuries. The grilled or toasted cheese sandwich remains a beloved staple across many cultures, known by various names. In the U.K., it’s a 'cheese toastie,' while in France, it’s the elegant 'croque monsieur,' and in Italy, the 'panini' has been enjoyed since as early as the 16th century. However, its American version didn’t make its debut on menus until the early 1900s, cementing its place in culinary history. The story of the American grilled cheese sandwich began in 1915...

Wenk Brothers Tenant House

The large home at 1211 Winnie was once a much smaller cottage property. Known as the Wenk Brothers Tenant House, it was built in 1886 as a one-story frame house. It was built by brothers Jacob “Jake” Wenk (1844-1898) and Joseph “Jo” Wenk (1851-1920). It featured a central hall plan, a small front porch, and a full west porch. Born in Quebec, Canada, the Wenks established themselves as well-respected merchants on Galveston Island, first working for other dry goods companies and eventually establishing their own. Jacob was the first to gain success on the island in a partnership with Jacob Sonnenthiel.

Container Gardening Made Easy

Gardening in Galveston comes with its own set of challenges - salty air, sandy soil, and a subtropical climate that can shift from searing heat to heavy rain in an instant. But for those who embrace these hurdles, patio and container gardening offers a flexible and vibrant solution. These compact gardens not only thrive in tricky conditions but also bring bursts of life and color to porches, balconies, and patios across this barrier island.

Mrs. Oliver’s Twist

Galveston author Saralyn Richard has long been fascinated by the dark corners of the human psyche and the secrets we carry. In her newest novel, “Mrs. Oliver’s Twist,” she raises the stakes in a chilling tale set along the Texas Gulf Coast. The novel, the second in Richard’s Quinn McFarland Mystery Series, plunges its protagonist into a mystery as personal as it is dangerous. Following the success of “Bad Blood Sisters,” a book club favorite, “Mrs. Oliver’s Twist” promises ...

Galveston Cotton Exchange Building

The Galveston Cotton Exchange building, located at the northwest corner of 21st Street and Mechanic, was a cornerstone of Galveston's economic history. Established in 1873, the Galveston Cotton Exchange was the first cotton brokerage in Texas and the third in the United States. It played a pivotal role in standardizing cotton trade practices and connecting Galveston to global markets through Western Union Telegraph services

Adopt A Beach Cleanup Apriil 26

Placeholder image Make a difference by taking part in the Texas General Land Office’s April 26 Adopt-a-Beach Clean-up. Each year, volunteers come together to protect Galveston’s coastline, ensuring the beaches remain clean and enjoyable for everyone. By dedicating just a few hours, you can have a lasting impact on the environment and the local community.

This event offers a rewarding volunteer experience, a great team-building activity, and a meaningful way to spend time outdoors. Connect with like-minded people who care about coastal conservation and take part in a simple yet powerful effort to keep Galveston beautiful.

Adopt-A-Beach will provide trash bags and non-latex gloves to clean the beach, plus gifts from Adopt-A-Beach. Consider bringing your own work gloves or trash pickers if you have them. Also, please remember to bring plenty of drinking water, especially if children will be with you.

Volunteers can go to Menard Park, 2222 28th Street at 27th and Seawall Blvd., to pick up your cleanup supplies and get suggestions on where to go or you can go clean up any area of the beach you prefer. You can pick up supplies beginning at 8:30am and then cleanup begins at 9am until noon.

What’s New on Galveston Island

The Rooftop Bar at Tremont House reopens and a new children’s boutique offering high-quality clothing opens

Folks will be pleased to hear that the rooftop bar at one of Galveston’s premier hotels, The Tremont House, is now open again for business. Galveston Monthly
sat down recently with Mitchell Willingham, Director of Sales and Marketing, to discuss the long-awaited reopening of the only rooftop bar in Historic Downtown Galveston.

Willingham encourages everyone to experience the newly reimagined spot with stunning views and expertly crafted cocktails.

“Whether you're relaxing after a day of island exploration or celebrating a special event, our rooftop oasis offers the perfect setting,” he said. “With a breathtaking view of the Gulf and historic district, join us for an evening of relaxation, sophistication, and the best sunsets in town. We look forward to welcoming you.”

The rooftop space has been completely transformed, boasting a stylish urban modern chic atmosphere complemented by nearly 360-degree panoramic views. Two walls feature accordion-style, full-glass doors that fold effortlessly, while large windows form the third wall, flooding the interior with natural light.

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Moody Gardens Launches The Art of Music Experience Exhibit

Placeholder image Moody Gardens is now featuring The Art of Music Experience, a traveling exhibit that brings the visual side of music culture to life. Celebrating the artistry behind album covers, this exhibit highlights the creators, stories, and impact of iconic album art, which has long been an essential yet often overlooked part of music culture.

The Art of Music Experience showcases large-scale, hand-painted album covers, neon displays, and themed educational exhibits from The Art of Music Collection. The collection, which spans from 1981 to 2004, features works from legendary artists and designers who created vibrant, larger-than-life reproductions that adorned storefronts and rooftops in Los Angeles.

These displays, produced by Art & Sign Productions, were designed to capture the eye and promote new music releases by artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, and Foo Fighters.

The exhibit offers a deep dive into the creators behind the artwork, including illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, and musicians. Through these works, the exhibit explores how these artists communicated the energy of music, the artist’s brand, and the symbolism behind the imagery.

In addition to the displayed artwork, The Art of Music Experience will feature special local art exhibits and musicians, demonstrations, and fan activations. Visitors will have the chance to engage with the exhibit’s creative process and see firsthand how album art brings music to life.

The exhibit will continue through January 2026 at Moody Gardens Discovery Museum. For more information, visit www.moodygardens.com.

Oleander Garden Festival April 26

Everyone is invited to the annual Oleander Garden Festival on April 26 from 9am to 1pm. Experience the beauty of nature at Betty Head Oleander Garden Park, home to over 30 stunning varieties of Oleanders.

This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend the day outdoors, surrounded by vibrant flowers, a vendor market featuring local goods, and live music. Oleanders, local plants and goods will be for sale. Enjoy live music by the talented Galveston Ukulele Society from 10am to 12pm. Door prizes, raffle Items and concessions available.

Brought to you by the International Oleander Society. Betty Head Oleander Garden Park is located at 2624 Sealy Avenue.

Home & Garden
Enjoy inspirational interiors, decorating and gardens from those that help shape Galveston Island style.

Food & Drink

Where to find lunch, brunch, dinner covering casual to fine dining. These places are not afraid to try new things. Hope you're hungry.

Arts & Culture

Beaches aren't all Galveston has to offer. Local theater productions, contemporary art exhibits and other family events that always inspires.