The Art of Reinvention by Way of Galveston
- Jessica Safavimehr
- Mar 3
- 6 min read
Galveston is a place where many artists find themselves, could it be because of its beaches, its linear path to the pyramids of Egypt or some other mythical force. We spoke to a few artists that are Galveston transplants to find out why they came to the island and how it has affected their art.
Austin Gaston
My name is Austin Gaston, a Texas singer/songwriter who officially moved to Galveston in 2021. Started songwriting in high school and has pursued a career in music ever since. Living in the Bryan/College Station area for years after graduation I would perform on the open mic circuits trying to perfect my craft. Gaining the confidence I needed, I continued to be a featured solo artist to numerous acts, productions, and festivals across the state. Needing a change of pace, my family with all their support helped me move to the island hoping I could make a difference out here.
Galveston is truly one of a kind, a special place with close local community and spectacular art made by talented artists. Ever since moving, I feel loved, respected, and a part of something I always wanted. I am honored to entertain this island with what I have created over the years. This island has shaped me into the musician I am today, the architecture, food, bars, and the people here make my world, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Follow Austin on social media: https://www.instagram.com/gastoni176/
Shelley Brant
Hello! I am Shelley Brant, owner of The Art Place. Being from Dallas, any time that I wanted a mini vacation beach get-away, I came to Galveston. Because I can work remotely as a product designer, I concluded that living where you vacation was the greatest idea. The people, the culture, and the art scene made Galveston the perfect spot for me.
I make products and surface patterns for seasonal decor, gifts, party supplies, and kids toys and crafts sold at mass market retailers like Walmart. Besides being a professional designer, I am also an avid crafter and hobby painter. I got tired of driving 30 miles to Hobby Lobby for supplies and after a couple of months living on the island decided to open an art supply store on the second floor of the Hutchings, Sealy & Co building on the Strand. I carry a full line of products for beginners to professional artists and if I don't have it – I can get it for you!
Follow Shelley on social media: https://www.instagram.com/theartplacegal/
Angela Cameron
Hi! I’m Angela Cameron, a makeup artist and hairstylist specializing in weddings, photoshoots, and creative projects. I own Salty Skin + Hair and just launched a new platform for couples planning their wedding here on the island, MarriedOnIsland.com.
I moved to Galveston in the summer of 2019 after years of living and working in Houston, and on both of our nation’s coasts. As a Houston native, I love the southern charm of South Texas, but it was Galveston’s laid-back vibe, vibrant community, and connection to the ocean that called me home. My husband and I met surfing near Pleasure Pier, and now we live just a few blocks away.
Living here has completely shaped my artistry. I can work weddings every weekend and draw inspiration from the coastal beauty and the island’s eclectic energy. The warm, supportive community allowed me to rebuild my business after COVID, and I’ve embraced a more natural, stress-free approach to both beauty and life. Galveston has taught me the importance of slowing down and being fully present in my art and relationships with clients.
Follow Angela on social media: https://www.instagram.com/saltyskinandhair
Megan Hjorth
Hello! I am Megan Hjorth, and I am the Director of Education at the Galveston Arts Center. A decade ago, my young family vacationed in Houston, TX. "Look! Space Suit Engineers are artists designing clothing for astronauts. Did you see the blueprint over there? An artist worked on that." These are the things I pointed out to my daughter, hoping to show her all the careers that use art as a complement to their profession. After the fourth or fifth time I did this, my daughter, who was entering Kindergarten in just a few short weeks, said to me, "Mom, that's cool and all, but I'm going to be an artist." Now, ten years later, working in Galveston, I am meeting and working with artists every single day, many of them having art-making as their primary or only career.
When I was young, the guidance was clear: it's neat to be an artist, but don't expect to survive, much less thrive. Art was to be a hobby, something you do on weekends when the chores are done and nothing else needs your attention. But Galveston defies that narrative. Here, artists are business owners, community leaders, and cultural innovators. They create not simply as a career but for the love of the arts and its role in shaping our community. As the Director of Education at the Galveston Arts Center, I have the great privilege of developing art education programs, and hiring working artists as instructors and outreach leaders. Art is woven into Galveston’s atmosphere, enriching its sense of place and possibility. This community has challenged my assumptions. Art doesn’t just exist in the margins; it thrives as a viable career right here in Galveston, Texas.
Follow the Galveston Arts Center on social media: https://www.instagram.com/galvestonartscenter/
Dan Braverman
My wife and I moved to Galveston in 1996. We'd been renting a weekend place on the Strand, and eventually decided to make it full-time. At the time, I fronted a hardcore rock band, da PlugUglies, we split up and I decided to make a fresh start on the island.
Having taken some drama classes at UH, I decided to audition for a play at the Strand Theatre and got the part! That part was a springboard, and I got cast in more productions making a name for myself. I had the honor of performing at the Balinese Room in a dinner theater show for its last two seasons. Around 2000, I did some indie films shot around Galveston. For a few years now, I've also dabbled in screenwriting, producing, among others, and have brought a few movies to the Island.
Amanda Mancione
I have lived here for eight years now, I moved here because of my now ex-husband's job. I left my dreams behind, so he could pursue his career. Then we got divorced and I needed to reinvent myself. Galveston has a very artistic vibe. I'm a hairdresser, makeup artist, and jewelry maker. I love making people look and feel their best.
This community supports its artists and makes them feel valued. I love seeing my "Beerings" being worn around town. Galveston has completely transformed who I am as an artist, maker, and overall creative person. The support of this community has been exactly what I needed. Find me on Ig @merkabastudio2005 & @thirdcoastbeerings
Sasha Francis
I moved here from RI in 2012 for a Biologist job at Moody Gardens. My first duo here, Northern Girls, played at Proletariat before it was a bar. Becky Major ran power from the lofts for a magical show with our friend Roz’s band from RI. When my bandmate moved, I convinced my now-husband, Sean Salinger, to play piano in public. Since 2015, we’ve been playing as a duo whenever we get time in our busy schedules as full-time educators. We go by Little Heron. Last year, we invited BOI musicians Clark Duhon and Walker Dearman to join us for an ArtWalk show at Mod. We now play some shows as a group called Midnight Heron, with a wide range of songs from 1920s jazz and rock covers to our indie originals. I love how the variety of genres in our local music scene has grown and support for one another has become stronger. The music, art, and small business community has really been looking out for each other, especially since Covid. That is something I feel is unique to smaller communities like, and it really makes you want to keep doing what you love and show up for one another.
Follow Sasha on social media: https://www.instagram.com/littleheron_midnightheron/?__d=11
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