Bringing together art, awareness, and advocacy.

Turtles About Town is a community art project created by Turtle Island Restoration Network and Clay Cup Studios showcasing the City of Galveston and the conservation efforts of Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) to protect endangered sea turtles on the upper Texas coast.

Turtle lovers of all ages have the opportunity to see 61 colorful Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle statues that have been installed around Galveston Island, Texas since 2018.

Businesses and organizations graciously sponsored the turtles while local artists were commissioned to give each one its own personality and meaning.

Map

Visiting the Turtles About Town statues is a fun, free, and safe outdoor activity the entire family will enjoy.

When you see a sea turtle, take a “shelfie” and be sure to tag Turtle Island Restoration Network in your images on Facebook and Instagram and use the hashtag #TurtlesAboutTown! 

Virtual Tour

Get up close and personal with colorful Kemp’s ridleys without leaving your home! Click here to view in fullscreen.

Statues, Artists & Sponsors

Turtle Island Restoration Network and Clay Cup Studios would like to express their deepest gratitude to the talented artists who bring the sea turtles to life, and the gracious sponsors who have shown their enduring support for their community and this community art project.

Pelican Island

Spirit of Sea Aggieland

Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston, 200 Seawolf Pkwy, Galveston, TX 77554
Artist: Nick Dominique
“For this turtle, the inspiration came from the city of Galveston and the Texas A&M Galveston Campus.”
Sponsor: The Department of Liberal Studies, Texas A&M University at Galveston
“The Department of Liberal Studies – on behalf of its new Tourism and Coastal Community Development program – was excited to sponsor and raise awareness of the Kemp’s Ridley turtles. The program aligns with our goal of educating students to become leaders in the tourism industry, while also helping coastal communities develop sustainably!”

Zeke

Location: Galveston Naval Museum at Seawolf Park, 100 Seawolf Park Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Brian “Visker” Mahanay & Hannah Claudia James
“Zeke was inspired by one of our museum’s main attractions, the USS Cavalla WWII submarine.”
Sponsor: The Galveston Naval Museum
“The Galveston Naval Museum was proud to sponsor Turtles About Town because we believe in the TIRN’s mission.”

Bolivar

Timmy

Location: Crenshaw Environmental Science and Magnet, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach, TX 77650
Artist: Bonita Comeaux
Sponsor: Galveston ISD Texas ACE

Galveston East End

Dr. Tommie Tortuga

Location: UTMB Health, 712 Texas Ave., Galveston, TX 77555
Artist: Sabrina Stachowski
“Being part of this project puts a smile on my face unlike any other.”
Sponsor: UTMB Health
“Dr. Tommie Tortuga is a colorful reminder not only of our mission to improve health but also of the Gulf Coast region UTMB Health calls home.”

Ridley

Location: Menard Park, 2222 28th St., Galveston, TX 77555
Artist: Rachel Wiley-Janota
“I was honored to be asked to paint a turtle for a Galveston public park, and to be able to help support two island nonprofits in the process.”
Sponsor: Better Parks for Galveston
“BPG fosters ‘PARKnerships’ to enrich our island which Ridley represents and it is part of our Art in the Park program.”

Sunny

Location: Sunshine Center, 1726 21st St., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Doug Hiser
“The turtle project was challenging and inspiring at the same time. My students loved helping with the painting and planning and they felt such a big part of something bigger than just an art project. The impact of including teen students on art projects creates a passion for art and for completing projects of their own. We were proud to have contributed to the Turtles About Town project!”
Sponsor: The Family of Dr. AJ Jinkins Jr.
“The family of Dr. AJ Jinkins Jr. is honored to partner with the Sunshine Center in memory of his love of medicine, the Galveston community, and to contribute towards the beautification of the Sunshine Center.”

“Tony the Turtle” in memory of Antonio Smecca

Location: Mario’s Seawall, 628 Seawall, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Tracy Van Horn Reed
“I was proud and excited to be selected to create Tony the Turtle for Mario’s Italian Restaurant. Being involved in community art projects is something very important to me, and bringing awareness to the plight of sea turtles made it even more special. Plus, I learned a lot about Italy, so now I need to go!”
Sponsor: A. Smecca Family
“Tony was inspired by our beloved Nonno Tony, the patriarch of our family, as well as the Italian culture.”

Aloha Honu

Location: Galveston Children’s Museum, 2618 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Sharon Stephens and Alex Camacho
“I’m honored to be part of and being inspired by important missions of GCM and TIRN with messages of encouragement, kindness, and love. Thank you, Alex, for your collaboration, artistry, and talent!” -Sharon Stephens
“I was very honored and lucky to be chosen with Sharon to collab on yalls important project… I can never thank ya’ll enough for this accomplishment and invitation… Sharon and I did our magic and we performed.” -Alex Camacho

Sponsor: Galveston Children’s Museum
“We love being a part of this project bringing awareness to the struggle of sea turtles as well as our impact on the environment. Our turtle, Aloha Honu, which means “Kindness Turtle,” is a lovely reminder that we all need to be kind to each other.”

Melvin Moody

Location: Moody Early Childhood Center, 1110 21st St., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Carlos Villasana
“Giving every Galveston child the opportunity to soar.”
Sponsor: Moody Early Childhood Center
“Melvin Moody represents not only Galveston and the Texas Gulf Coast culture we all love, he also represents our children and their creativity, imagination, and enthusiasm for learning new things. He has dinosaurs, astronauts, butterflies, castles, unicorns, rocket ships, and of course our Moody Kite painted on his shell. We love having Melvin here at school with all his unique art on display and love having families and children stop to find something new on him each time they visit.”

Wheels

Location: Salt Water Gift Shop, 1728 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Alexandra Kontrimas
Sponsor: Salt Water Gift Shop

“I think sea turtles are incredible creatures and the fact that so many of them trust Galveston Island with their nests is amazing. When we had the chance to put a Turtle Around Town at our shop and have him commemorate the bike culture of Galveston – we couldn’t think of a better thing to do – iconic! We hope all the visitors to Galveston will stop and take a picture with Wheels.”

 

Alice

Location: Kempner Park, 2704 Avenue O, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Derek Anderson
“I believe you have to give to the island what the island gives to you.”
Sponsor: Alice Taylor Gray Foundation
“ATG Foundation sponsorship is in honor of Ms. Gray’s commitment to improve the lives of children and animals in Galveston.”

Dorado

Location: The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Ray Cosgrove
“Sun reflections and a breath of air.”
Sponsor: The Bryan Museum
“The Bryan Museum supports the conservation and plight of the sea turtle.”

Waters

Location: 1124 24th Street
Artist: Alexandra Kontrimaite
It was a super special day experience participating in Turtles About Town as an artist. Particularly because of the subject matter Chris & Tina Mathers chose for their turtle. They wanted a scene honoring the history of their neighborhood. I got to learn a lot in the process on top of connecting with the community and contributing to a cause important to me.
Sponsor: Chris and Tina Mathers
Nature and wildlife need our help. This was just one small step in doing our part.

Shellback

Location: VFW, 1014 24th Street
Artist: Therin Edwards and Kara Ward
Sponsor: Friend of the Veterans of Foreign Wars

D. Gale

Location: The Meridian Retirement Community, 2228 Seawall Blvd.
Artist: Elizabeth Punches
I was ecstatic to be a part of this project. Experiencing these turtles in person is an instant tie between local artists, our community, our tourism industry, and the original cause behind the turtles. Watching people interacting with them on a daily basis gives me great joy, and great pride for the artists as well as the sponsors. These unique variations on a theme are in hundreds of photographs from visitors already, and help visually landmark each sponsor in the best way imaginable. I hope there are more of these projects in the future, and already throw in my hat for enthusiastic participation.
Sponsor: The Meridian Retirement Community “Supporting the Seniors of Galveston” and Galveston Kiwanis Club “Supporting the Children of the World”

Austin

Location: 2201 Ave K
Artist: Vanessa Celest Herrera
Sponsor: Dr. Bill Boudreaux and Fran Hutchison
“Initially I sponsored my turtle to support a cause that I believe in and since the installation I have enjoyed the smiles of the hundreds of people who pass by each day. It is often a conversation starter with neighbors I did not know and visitors to the Island.” 

Lady Gem’s Tea by the Sea

Location: Turtle Island Restoration Network, 1028 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Janes Young French
Sponsor: Sharna and Chad Brumfield & Steen Christensen
“Galveston has always been a favorite spot to visit for our family. We would take mum to look at old homes and search for the turtle statues around town. When my mum passed, I wanted to honor her in a joyful artistic way befitting the amazing woman she was. Sponsoring this turtle helps a wonderful organization preserve wildlife and will bring a smile to everyone that sees it just like mum did.”

Downtown Central

The Protector

Location: Galveston City Hall, 823 25th St., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: GABRIEL
“Our protectors serving this island with knowledge and love.”
Sponsors: Lynch Family Fund, Dominick and Barbara Sasser, Peaches and Shrub Kempner
“We are pleased to be part of the sponsor group who are helping to heighten the awareness of the plight of the sea turtles.”

Sargasso Susan

Location: Galveston Art League, 2117a Postoffice St., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Leroy LeFlore
“The colors represent the Sargasso Sea and the Flower Gardens Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico.”
Sponsor: Galveston Art League
“The turtle promotes those things the members of the Galveston Art League hold dear: nature, wildlife, conservation, local history, and art. It was a good match.”

Mermaid + Turtle = Mertle!

Location: Clay Cup Studios, 2219 Postoffice St., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Tracy Van Horn Reed
“Perfect project for my services to a worthy cause.”
Sponsor: Tom’s Galveston Real Estate
“An innovative and fun way to increase the quality of life in Galveston.”

SUNDAE

Location: Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream, 2120 Postoffice St., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Shay McAnally
“There is nothing quite like that last bite of half melted ice cream in the bottom of the waffle cone, and there is nothing like swimming with a 70-year-old sea turtle in waist high water.”
Sponsor: Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream
“Hey Mikey’s is happy to support the turtles as they represent the fantastic community of Galveston coming together for a great cause.”

Guardian of the Galaxy

Location: Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Ave., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Isabella Carlin Alvarado
“Art can take you anyplace, anywhere. Just like a good book.”
Sponsor: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Galveston County
“Guardian of the Galaxy represents a watchful eye and the endless opportunities that can be achieved. It also gives hope for anyone who needs a reminder each day. So grateful to support environmental awareness and alleviate extinction of our turtles.”

Tiger Lily

Location: Therapeutic HealthWorks Day Spa, 2114 Sealy St., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Isabella Carlin Alvarado
“Calming atmosphere for the spa and still bright and colorful.”
Sponsor: Therapeutic HealthWorks Day Spa
“Art, Galveston, and a worthy cause all blended into one great program inspired THW to participate!”

Flora

Location: Strand Brass & Surf Styles, 2115 and 2119 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Kathryn Zimmerman
“Kemps Ridley sea turtle body surfing along a vibrant current of native island flora.”
Sponsors: Strand Brass and Christmas on the Strand and Surf Styles,
“Surf Styles and Strand Brass love the idea of bringing art to The Strand with the ‘Turtles about Town Tour,’ raising awareness for the Kemps Ridley sea turtle was an amazing avenue to get that done!”

Siren’s Tide

Location: Ronald McDonald House, 301 14th St., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Mary Ruth Brown
“Mermaid inspired by early 20th century Galveston advertisements.”
Sponsor: Harbor House Hotel & Marina
“We wanted to be part of this experience of Turtles about Town.”

La Calavera

Location: Asset Recovery Management Services, 2728 Market St., Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Mary Ruth Brown
“Dia de los Muertos depicts some of the main causes of sea turtle mortality.”
Sponsor: Asset Recovery Management
“We decided to participate in this program to help raise awareness about the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle as well as support our local artists.”

Terrence

Location: DSW Custom Homes, 502 20th Street Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Justin Lopez
“I really enjoyed the experience of bringing past and present together in this design, and then to display them on the most unique canvass I’ve ever painted. It was a great project.”
Sponsor: Jim & Sheila Schumer
“Really enjoyed working with Turtles About Town!! What a great symbol to unite Galvestonians!”

Chef Mamacitta

Location: Eatcetera, 408 25th Street
Artist: Presley Pyles
Sponsor: El Milagro de Compartir – “The Miracle of Sharing”
“I want to thank everyone involved in Turtle Island Restoration Network for your service to our community and for allowing me to be a small part of the Turtle About Town project in Galveston. As the name of the sponsor exemplifies, ‘El Milagro de Compartir -The Miracle of Sharing’ has been an opportunity to share the love for the environment, the love for community and the love for the hard-working people in the community.” 

Unnamed

Location: East End Historical Cottage, 1501 Post Office
Artist: Kathy Vandewalli

“It was such a pleasure to be selected to paint a second turtle! I enjoyed researching and creating a turtle design that would best reflect the interests of the East End Historic District Association; and was thrilled to continue supporting TIRN with this project.”
Sponsor: Friends of the East End Historical District

“The friends of EEHDA sponsored this turtle for three main reasons: to promote the conservation of sea turtles, to show off the beauty of the East End to those who are touring the Turtles About Town, and support local artists like Kathy VanDewalli.” 

Torte

Location: Hodge Law Firm, 1301 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Therin Edward and Kara Ward
Sponsor: Hodge Law Firm

Sangha

Location: Island Salt Air Yoga, 2420 Mechanic St, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Catherine Stroud
Sponsor: Melody and Douglas Van Kay and Island Salt Air Yoga

“‘Sangha'” means community and ‘We wanted to bring art and beauty to our community by sponsoring a turtle and creating a mural to go with her.'”

Tranquilo

Location: Rudy and Pacos, 2028 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Kathy Vandewalli
Sponsor: Rudy and Paco

Midtown

Hope

Location: Salvation Army, 601 51st Street
Artist: Rachel Dillon
Having the opportunity to paint one of the turtles was a dream of mine for a few years since seeing them on the strand and around Galveston. Art is so appreciated on the island and it was beautiful seeing it be shared by many other artists with different styles.
Sponsor: Cynthia Wander & Beverly Wander
We are happy to bring Hope the Turtle to the Salvation Army. It is our wish that her presence on the turtle tour brings awareness to an organization that is very special to our family and reminds everyone who sees her of the hope the Salvation Army brings to thousands every year.

Scoop

Location: The Daily News, 8522 Teichman Road
Artist: Tracy Van Horn Reed
It was an honor to be selected to create another turtle for Turtles About Town. Each one has given me an opportunity to give back to my community, and I’ve met some wonderful people along the way.
Sponsor: The Galveston County Daily News

Bio Louie

Location: Burnet Elementary School, 5501 Ave S
Artist: Lorena Elser
Bioluminescence is the production of light from life. Life in the deep sea is full of marine organisms that communicate, attract prey, and defend themselves by producing light! You might be familiar with the angler fish, tomotris worm, squid, comb jellyfish, and chimera fish, found on Bio Louie’s shell! Bring a black light to experience what life looks like in the deep sea as Bio Louie the Burnet Pirate travels from Galveston Island to the deep sea to find his treasure! Learn more about the animals on Bio Louie by watching this video!
Sponsor: Galveston ISD Texas ACE
At Burnet STREAM Magnet Elementary campus, we care about the world around us. Part of that caring involves learning about conservation efforts for our Earth’s oceans and coastal environments. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world, and as our Turtle About Town Bio Louie reminds us, we can each make a difference in preserving and protecting habitats and species for future generations. Each student placed their thumb print on Bio Louie, completing the artist’s vision and sealing their commitment to our world’s environment.

Toby

Location: Parker Elementary, 6802 Jones Road
Artist: Abril Celeste
Working on my turtle challenged me as an artist to develop new skills and to grow personally. It also let me be seen as a legitimate artist by more than my loved ones for the first time.
Sponsor: Galveston ISD Texas ACE

TOR-tle

Location: Ball High School, 4115 Ave O
Artist: Isabella Carlin Alvarado
Sponsor: Galveston ISD, Texas ACE and Ball High National Honor Society
Ball High School’s chapter of National Honor Society, with the help of other student-led clubs, are proud to sponsor a turtle to show that we support the community bringing awareness to Turtle Island Restoration Network and local talent. Ball High hopes the community and visitors to the island enjoy our Tor-tle as much as the students of the campus do for years to come.” -National Honor Society

Joy Ride

Location: Lasker Park and Community Pool, 2016 43rd Street
Artist: Jane Young French
I have to describe my participation as an artist in the Turtles About Town project as pure joy and satisfaction. This project encompasses everything that art should be about—fun, educational, socially responsible, encourages participation, and unites community. Turtles About Town benefits the artists, the business, the visitors, the community, and most of all the turtles. What a fantastic reason to get outdoors!
Sponsor: Better Parks for Galveston
Better Parks for Galveston fosters ‘PARKnerships’ to enrich our island which Joy Ride represents and it is part of our Art in the Park program.”

Unnamed

Location: Odyssey Academy, 2412 61st Street
Artist: GABRIEL
Supporting a great cause to keep Turtles safe and happy!
Sponsor: 2019-2020 Odyssey Academy Galveston PTO
As a leadership school within the community of Galveston Island, it is important to give students an opportunity to learn and serve the community. The preservation of sea turtles is important to our environment and this is one opportunity we, at Odyssey Academy Galveston, did not want to pass up. Our staff and student leadership team partnered with PTO sponsorship. Because of our PTO parents, it allowed our students to serve the community. It was a treat to work with Joanie Steinhaus of Turtle Island Restoration Network who gave overwhelming support and guidance. Partnering with artist Gabriel Prusmack, a BOI, made our turtle that more special.

Homer

Location: Crockett Park Baseball Complex, 2601 53rd St., Galveston TX 77551
Artist: Shaifer Laine Goalen
“A colorful rendition of sweet memories on a summer day at the ball park.”
Sponsor: Better Parks for Galveston
“We sponsored the project as part of BPG’s Art in the Park initiative.”

Starla

Location: LA Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th Street
Artist: Makayla Lasley
Sponsor: Galveston ISD Texas ACE

Coral

Location: Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston, TX 77554
Artist: GABRIEL
“Protecting our ocean is important because it’s covering most of the world where WE live!”
Sponsor: Abel Longoria & Family, Oppe PTO
“To instill in our children the importance of conservation, preservation and restoration of our coastal environment.”

Queen of the Sea

Location: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX 77554
Artist: Lenexa Juliet Frances Morais
“Art brings attention to turtle conservation and our art culture.”
Sponsor: Moody Gardens
“We are working to bring attention to the challenges that face sea turtles and actions to take to improve our natural world.”

Tourist Ted

Location: Rainforest Cafe – Galveston, 5310 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77551
Artist: Mary Ruth Brown
Sponsor: The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center, Rainforest Café and Landry’s Seafood House

WAGS

Location: Galveston Island Humane Society, 6814 Broadway St., Galveston, TX 77554
Artist: Kathryn Zimmerman
“I did not think I would have the opportunity to be the artist for a second turtle. All of my fur babies came from the Galveston Humane Society. When I was approached there was only one answer for me, and it was a big yes! I’m truly honored to be the artist for this project and sponsor.”
Sponsor: Galveston Island Humane Society
“The Galveston Island Humane Society is dedicated to promoting animal welfare and we believe supporting the conservation efforts to protect the endangered sea turtles is in line with our mission. Wags is a beautiful addition to our family and we hope that when people visit her, they may also consider adopting a new K9 or feline best friend.”

Smitty

Location: Historic Home, 1121 33rd Street, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Elizabeth Punches
Sponsor: Brian and Helen Smith

Rovin’ Rotarian

Location: Jamail Park, 1600 61st St, Galveston, TX 77551
Artist: Kathy Vandewalli
Sponsor: Rotary Club of Galveston

Coach (In Memory of Glen and Marilyn Smith)

Location: Shields Park, 3228 Church St, Galveston, TX 77550
Artist: Tracy Van Horn Reed
Sponsor: Better Parks for Galveston

Galveston West End

Latte

Location: Sugar Bean, 11 Evia Main, Galveston, TX 77554
Artist: Shawne Moore
“Southern charm and landscaping that is so unique to Evia.”
Sponsor: Sugar Bean Coffee & Cream
“We love the turtle that we call “Latte” … because that’s “a latte turtle.”

Cam

Location: Campeche Cove Animal Clinic, 10015 Stewart Rd., Galveston, TX 77554
Artist: Jane Young French
“Cam”, was inspired by sea turtles naturally occurring patterns, with land’s best friends playfully catching a ride.”
Sponsor: Campeche Cove Animal & Bird Hospital
“Fun way to honor the environment we live in and the work that Turtle Island Restoration Network is doing to support the marine environment and sea turtles.”

Shelly Sandersun

Location: Sand ‘N Sea Properties, 13706 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Artist: Ellie Peters
“I was thrilled to be asked to be part of a project that brings awareness to the plight of the sea turtle. Our island belongs to them as much as it does to us.”
Sponsor: Sand ‘N Sea Properties
“We think it’s a great way to promote conservation and to bring attention to sea turtles; plus Sand ‘N Sea’s founder is a turtle fan!”

MiShell

Location: Sea Isle Property Owners Association, 21704 Burnet Dr., Galveston, TX 77554
Artist: Jacqui V. Stanley
“To bring ‘MiShell’ to life, and to create an important piece of art that will remind everyone that we share a responsibility to care for our magnificent turtles and all life.”
Sponsor: Sea Isle Planters Bunch
“We love our turtle MiShell, great addition to our neighborhood.”

Bubbles

Location: RE/MAX, 3616 7 Mile Rd, Galveston, TX 77554
Artist: Jane Young French
“The Turtles About Town project was an absolute dream job. When you are passionate about the subject matter, the work becomes pure joy! Thank you sponsors for the opportunity to paint what I truly love.”
Sponsor: Kelly Kelley
“Raising awareness to adults and children on how life habits on land affect our friends in the ocean through art.”

Lucky

Location: Sea Isle Fire Station #8, 21710 Shelby Dr. S
Artist: Taylor H Rich
I was honored to be able to share my love for fishing through my art and am lucky to share throughout Sea Isle. I was in tears when I found out I was chosen to be a part of such an amazing organization and blessed with the opportunity. Thank you for everything y’all do and to all the sponsors that made these turtles possible!
Sponsor: Curly Mermaid

Ohana

Location: Jamaica Beach; on Buccaneer between Edward Teach Road and Captain Kidd Road (three blocks north of FM 3005 in esplanade)
Artist: Kristie Baker Barlow
It was important for the sponsor, Jamaica Beach Improvement Committee (JBIC), that the artist was part of our community and could bring to life what it means to be part of Jamaica Beach. I was humbled and honored to have been selected as a feature artist for “Ohana.” The name “ohana” translates to “home” in Hawaiian and is fitting for a turtle representing our little slice of paradise. The images on the turtle are meant to evoke a sense of community, home, love, family, nature, conservation, flora, wonder, with just a touch of whimsy. What an incredible journey to watch it go from an idea to the beautiful work of art she is! Thank you for the opportunity to participate!
Sponsor: Jamaica Beach Improvement Committee

Sunshine

Location: City of Jamaica Beach, 16628 Termini-San Luis Pass Road
Artist: Doug Hiser and Trinity Torres
This turtle sculpture project was like such a labor of passion and love because the City of Jamaica Beach let me paint my own design! My students loved painting with me and were a huge help! The impact of including teen students on art projects creates an intense desire for art and for completing projects of their own. The turtle is also named after Trinity Torres and has the double meaning of the Trinity. This TURTLE is my absolute favorite public art piece that I have created over the years!! We were proud to have again contributed to the Turtles About Town project!
Sponsor: Community of Jamaica Beach
“Our city supports sea turtle conservation!”

Mystique

Location: Sea Isle, 4012 Comanche Drive
Artist: Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee
I feel with art and beauty we are capable of doing so much good for the health of our marine world, this project gets me one step closer to achieving that goal. It is really humbling to know that my artwork on the turtle I painted can help our turtles that need our help now more than ever.
Sponsor: David & Ginger Mitchell and Bret & Sheri Goebel
“We are proud supporters of Turtles About Town and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles! This is a dedication to our parents who first brought us to Seal Isle in the mid 80’s and is now a place where our families have all come to love. Thank you to our artist Janavi Folmsbee for the BEAUTIFUL work she did on our turtle, ‘Mystique!’ It will be loved and help raise awareness for many years to come.”

Pointedexter

Location: Pointe West Beach Club, 4161 Pointe West Dr., Galveston, TX 77554
Artist: Pointe West Community
Sponsor: Salt Water Gift Shop

Wiggy

Location: West corner of Stewart and Settegast
Sponsor: West Galveston Island Property Owner’s Association
Artist: Jane Young French

Serenity Now

Location: 22012 Pecos Dr., Galveston, TX 77554
Sponsor: Loretta and Jeff Uzick

“We have labeled our turtle ‘Serenity Now’.” We are admirers of all wildlife but turtles bring a calm and peacefulness to our being by seeing them swim free in their natural habitat. Therefore, we have chosen to sponsor our turtle to bring awareness to the need of their protection in our Texas coastal waters.”
Artist: Doug Hiser

Unamed (Dedicated to Katherine G. McGovern)

Location: Galveston Island State Park, 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Sponsor: Friends of Galveston Island State Park
Artist: Kristie Baker-Barlow

The Kemp’s Ridley

The Kemp’s Ridley is the Texas State sea turtle and the smallest and most critically endangered sea turtle species. This turtle nests on the beaches along the Texas and Mexico shoreline and can be found in Gulf of Mexico waters off the Galveston coastline.

Turtle Island Restoration Network’s team in the Gulf of Mexico has been part of the sea turtle nest patrol on the upper Texas coast every year since 2002, supporting the protection of nesting sea turtles and their eggs and sponsoring the sea turtle rescue hotline (if you’re on the upper Texas coast and see a sea turtle on the beach, please call 866-TURTLE-5).

Clay Cup Studios

Clay Cup Studios is a Galveston Art Studio that offers paint your own pottery, canvas painting, glass fusion and Art’tini. Owner Amy Owens has a passion for her family and her community. Coming from a family heavily involved in the arts, she saw a need in Galveston for a destination that families and friends could go to relax, have fun and get creative. She makes it a point to use Clay Cup for education and community outreach.

This project encompasses so many things that make me proud to be a Galvestonian. This concerted effort to bring awareness to what public art can do for a community, as well as the conservation minded effort behind the message is beautifully done and we are proud to have the first statue here at City Hall.

Jim YarbroughMayor of the City of Galveston

How to Get Involved

Join us in protecting sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico.