As 2025 approaches, Galveston’s beloved ArtWalk is on the brink of transformation, thanks to new leadership at the Galveston Arts Center (GAC). Teresa Potter, who stepped into her role as Executive Director in early 2024, is spearheading a significant shift in the event’s format, moving from eight yearly events held every six weeks to a monthly schedule with 12 yearly events. 

 For more than three decades, ArtWalk has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene, drawing art enthusiasts, collectors, and tourists to the island’s Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District. 

 Now, with a fresh vision, Potter aims to increase its frequency and consistency, hosting ArtWalk on the second Saturday of each month beginning in January 2025. Potter’s forward-thinking approach stems from her experience in public service, where she honed her skills in accessibility, community building, and cultural enrichment. 

 “Before this, I was the City Librarian in League City. Public libraries are all about access for everyone, being integrated into the community, and supporting a vibrant culture,” Potter said. 

 “Galveston Arts Center is exactly all those things and more but dialed into contemporary art. I love connecting with our artists, our visitors, and our community.” 

As Galveston Arts Center’s new leader, she sees the potential to connect artists, businesses, and visitors on a more regular basis. The shift to a monthly schedule is designed to create more consistent foot traffic downtown, benefiting both the arts community and local businesses. 

 “I'm inspired by the Galveston's Own Farmers Market and their weekly hustle, and by the other markets and groups throughout the island with monthly events. 

“Similar programming like ArtWalk in cities all over the country are held monthly, too,” she said. “I think GAC and ArtWalk could have an even greater impact on the downtown district with a consistent, predictable, monthly format.” 

 The changes, though exciting, have sparked a range of reactions from the business and gallery owners who have long been involved in ArtWalk. 

 

 One such gallery owner is Karla Mock of Mock & More Gallery, located on Postoffice Street. A veteran of Galveston’s art scene, Mock has participated in ArtWalk for many years. She views the transition to a monthly schedule as an opportunity to provide more consistent exposure for her artists. 

 “I've participated in Artwalks since the late 1980s and have always considered them to be great exposure for local artists, drawing art aficionados from both on and off the island,” said Mock. 

 The gallery - located at 2215 Postoffice Street - showcases Mock’s art, as well as the work of 10 other area artists, and includes ceramics, paintings, drawings, and mixed media. 

 “Many visitors to my shop are unaware of the scheduling of Artwalks, so I'm excited to see a more regular and memorable schedule,” Mock said. “Finding the date of the next Artwalk is now easy to remember and for visitors to plan around.” 

 Mock is particularly excited about the potential for more frequent collaboration with local musicians and other artists. 

 “We love our locals and appreciate their continued support. For artists to continue to thrive, we'd love to see more bodies in the door. With more frequent Artwalks, we hope more day-trippers will be able to attend more often.” 

 Becky Major, owner of The Proletariat Gallery on Market Street, shares a similarly optimistic view.

 The business hosts regular events including Drafts and Crafts on the first Monday, open mic poetry on the third Thursday, spiritual discussions on the second Thursday, and weekly live music on Wednesdays. 

 Major said she believes maintaining a consistent Art Walk schedule is crucial, even if it does provide orchestral challenges for her. 

 “As the curator, event planner, and owner it does give me a bit of anxiety. I put a lot of effort and thought into each of our shows and each one I am proud of,” Major said.

 “I know that this new schedule will be challenging to keep up with, but it allows me to work with our wonderful team, allowing them to train during events and therefore grow in creative endeavors.” 

 After discussing the changes with Potter, Major believes the potential benefits outweigh any scheduling concerns. The Proletariat will likely adjust its exhibition cycle, allowing some shows to span two ArtWalks, she said. 

 This gives the gallery a chance to make subtle changes between events, offering repeat visitors something new to experience. The increased frequency also holds the promise of more consistent engagement with the local community, which Major sees as a positive for the broader Galveston arts scene. 

 “I don't think it's change that we fear in life, but more so the unknown. Hopefully, with more consistently scheduled dates, people will visit more regularly as they will be able to easily remember the second Saturday is ArtWalk,” Major said. 

 “We at The Proletariat are grateful for the Arts Center hosting ArtWalk for over 30-plus years. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are with the growth to come to this point.” 

 For Amy Owens, owner of Clay Cup Studios, the shift to a monthly ArtWalk couldn’t be more welcome. Her interactive art studio is already a hub for creative activities, regularly hosting events that feature local talent and engage the community in hands-on art-making. 

 Owens believes the monthly schedule will create more opportunities to showcase young and emerging artists, particularly those working in non-traditional mediums. 

 The consistency of a second Saturday event will make it easier for Owens to plan her studio’s programming and she expects the additional foot traffic to benefit Clay Cup Studios and the neighboring businesses. 

 Owens also appreciates the collaborative spirit that Potter brings to the table. As a long-time supporter of ArtWalk, Owens sees Potter’s leadership as key to revitalizing the event and ensuring that it remains inclusive and accessible to all members of the community. 

 For Owens, the logistical challenges of hosting more frequent ArtWalks are outweighed by the potential for growth and increased visibility for the arts on Galveston Island. 

 “I love Teresa. She is a breath of fresh air and has amazing ideas. She tries to work with all of the businesses around her,” Owens said. 

 Looking forward, Potter’s vision extends beyond just increasing the number of ArtWalks. 

 She plans to integrate downtown businesses and restaurants more fully into the event, with ideas like an annual ArtWalk book that would highlight the participating artists and provide local businesses with a platform to advertise. 

 In addition to the monthly events, Potter envisions “bonus ArtWalks,” one-night-only events that will feature experimental performances and temporary installations. These will offer the opportunity for galleries and artists to take creative risks, pushing the boundaries of traditional exhibitions. 

 The shift to a more frequent ArtWalk schedule may strengthen engagement from both locals and tourists, helping to further establish Galveston as a vibrant, year-round arts destination, she said. 

 “It’s also more opportunity for the local artists to interact with their community, showcase their amazing talent, and, hopefully, sell more pieces.” 

 The launch of the monthly ArtWalk in January 2025 is set to usher in a new chapter for Galveston’s thriving arts scene. The changes demonstrate a dedication to supporting the local arts community while aiming to boost its visibility and accessibility. 

 With more regular events, galleries such as Mock & More, Proletariat, and Clay Cup Studios are preparing for a more vibrant, engaging, and prosperous future - exactly what Potter had in mind.

 “The consistency and predictability of the event will help in promoting the event. We also found that with the previous model, if you missed one ArtWalk, you missed so much of the heart of the event,” Potter said. 

 “With the monthly second-Saturday model, if you miss one, you already know exactly when the next one is and it's not three months later.” 

 While GAC won’t alter its exhibition installation schedule or shorten the duration of its shows, Potter is referring to the four additional ArtWalks as "bonus ArtWalks." These events will serve as opportunities to host temporary, one-night-only experiences, such as performance art or visual light shows. 

 Potter is also encouraging participating galleries and studios to use the extra events to experiment and take creative risks - something they may have hesitated to do in the past. With the increased number of ArtWalks, she hopes galleries will think outside the box and embrace innovative ideas. 

 Potter believes that ArtWalk visitors primarily seek an enjoyable evening to stroll through downtown and to connect with art and artists. To complement this, GAC is launching an annual print publication for attendees to keep and reference throughout the year. 

 “I think a beautifully designed ArtWalk book will bring awareness to visitors about the rich arts and culture of Galveston,” Potter said.