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MARCH/APRIL 2016
• FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SALES
• LOCATED IN THE CRYSTAL BEACH PLAZA
• SUPERIOR IN-HOME MAINTENANCE & CLEANING
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• 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
• SUPERIOR QUALITY & PROFESSIONALISM
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2 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
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Charles Michael Custom Homes is proud to bethe first homebuilder to break ground in Seagrass Beach, Bolivar Peninsula’s premier real estate development. Our homes are expertly crafted to the highest standards, ensuring that you’ll enjoy your property at this exclusive destination for generations to come.
2,153 sq. ft. 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath floorplan features:• Gulf views from the master suite•Groundfloorloggias• Large kitchen and bar area for entertaining• 1,300 square foot of decking• On the path to pool and green spaces• Access to unique amenities including the beachfront pool, six poolside cabanas, two communal lawns, beachsidefirepit,andthreestockedfishingponds
HOMES STARTING AT $500K
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Your home comfort specialists.H O M E • C O M M E R C I A L • I N D U S T R I A L S E R V I C E SA / C A N D H E A T I N G S E R V I C E & I N S T A L L A T I O N
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March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 5
Beach Vibes17 SPRING STAPLES Checkout what's hot at the beachthis season
In the Community28 REAL WORKS OF ARTGet to know 8 area artistsand their works of artcelebrating the BolivarPeninsula
Local Business34 A SHORE VENTURELearn how one couple isworking to bring artistsand visitors together, plusoffer new experiences onBolivar Peninsula
Explore36 11,000 FEET ATSEA LEVEL Skydiving withan ocean view
IN EVERY ISSUE
editor's note 7
by the sea 8
local events 20
sea & be seen 42
theCONTENTSTHE LOCAL MAGAZINE March/April 2016
36LUXURY
PROPERTYFEATURE
Tour this island-inspiredextraordinary escape in
Rancho Carribe,page 12
12
6 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
FREE DELIVERYAND SET UP
4002 BroadwayGalveston, TX 77550409.621.9540
baysidechicgalveston.com
409-684-2400SUN-THURS 7AM - 9PMFRI-SAT 7AM - 9:30PM
P.O. BOX 2327 • 2385 HWY 87 • CRYSTAL BEACH, TX 77650
theLOCALBolivar Peninsula’s Magazine
EDITORCREATIVE DIRECTOR
DESIGNERDestiny Martin
CONTRIBUTORSDr. Melanie Wallace
Cody Martin
PHOTOGRAPHY & ARTCONTRIBUTORS
Chris Estetter
Cody Bess Photography
Crystal Beach Local News
Lance LaRue
FOR ADVERTISING INFO 650 Media Group, LLC
P.O. Box 1747Crystal Beach, TX 77650
The LOCAL, Bolivar Peninsula’s Magazine is produced by 650 Media Group, LLC. All rights
reserved. The LOCAL is not responsible for facts represented by authors or advertisers. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced
without written consent of the editor.
ABOUT THE COVERGraphic designer and copywriter Lance
LaRue of Beaumont includes Bolivar
in his Vintage City Poster Series, a
retro-themed collection illustrating
forgotten towns and cities across Texas.
LaRue describes the tongue-in-cheek
tourism ad for Port Bolivar as an
“affectionate satirical poster with doses
of history, humor and nostalgia.” For
more information about Lance or his
series, visit www.larueartandcopy.com
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 7
SINCE STARTING The Local magazine, I have been blessed to meet dozens ofunique individuals who are passionate about Bolivar Peninsula. Most of my encounters
are with business owners in pursuit of another successful season, but lately I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know a few locals with an abundant amount of creative
talent, hoping too, that their voice is heard.
With a formal education in Fine Arts, and now an owner of a small business, I can fully respect both perspectives. As I reflect on our issue for March/April, I recognize that
the difference between the Homegrown Entrepreneur and the Local Artist really isn’t all that different. Both individuals need consumer support to flourish, and both enrich
our community, ultimately making Bolivar Peninsula a one-of-a-kind place to be.
In this issue, we’ll share with you a select group of artists whose works of art celebrate the dynamic beauty and culture of our beloved peninsula (p. 28). Then, take an
exclusive tour inside the home of local silkscreen artist Patricia Hagstrom on page 23. And finally, meet owners Debbie and Kurt Ploeger of A Shore Venture in our Local
Business feature (p. 34) to learn how they are collaborating with local artisans to bring unique experiences to visitors of our esteemed community.
Feeling adventurous? See the Bolivar Peninsula on a whole new levelin our EXPLORE feature on page 36.
Until next time, keep it local.
EDITOR’S NOTE
8 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
BY THE SEA
Inch by Inch. Row by Row.BY MELANIE WALLACE, ED.D.
This is the time of year when thoughts turn to gardening. I love watching as the home
and garden stores start to display the bounty of the earth; first come the pansies – their little faces velvety and turned to the sun. The smell of earth and fertilizer offer a promise of some-thing wonderful to come. I always think of my grandmother when the pansies first appear. She had a raised bed of them in her garden every early spring of my childhood. I well remember the ice covering their little blossoms in the winter, thawing
in the spring sunshine. She and I both particularly loved the purple ones. Then, of course, there are the vegetable plants. Talk about a miracle! From those tiny seeds come theluscious, delicious, nutritious gifts from the earth. How does He do that? My mom and dad always had a vegetable garden. I am firmlyconvinced that Mack proposed to me only to ensure an endless supply of my mother’s fresh wilted lettuce and hot bacon salad. When she knew he was coming over to “court,” she would go out into the garden and pick a handful of lettuce, fry up the bacon,
and have the salad ready when hegot to our house. Of course, I never appreciated the garden or the hard work that went into cultivating it. In fact, as a kid, I was always just a little embarrassed about it. We were the only peoplein our upscale suburban neighbor-hood to have a backyard full of vegetables…the neighbors all had swimming pools or tennis courts where our cucumbers and eggplant took root. That was well before the green revolution, when it became cool to grow one’s own. My parents spent every Good Friday planting the
bolivar peninsulaServing the Peninsula for over 60 Yearswww.swedesrealestate.com
Call us at 409-684-3345
real estateSwede’s
explore the beautiful
© Photos by Eva
© Photos by Eva © David Harris Photography
© David Harris Photography
10 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
BY THE SEA
garden. That was their tradition, and it seemed to work. Their plants were always bountiful as well as beautiful. This is also the time of year when our pals, Doug and Marcel plant their pampered and petted tomato plants – reared with the love and care usually reserved for one’s child. These two masters of the garden universe keep us supplied with the candy-sweet treats throughout the early summer. Since knowing them and cultivating their friendships, I have assembled an entire notebook of tomato-based recipes, Bubba Gump-style: tomato pie, tomato bisque, tomato sauce, tomato jam, baked tomatoes, fried green tomatoes, fried green tomatoes with shrimp… From that first bag-full of tasty treasures that magically appears on our doorstep in early summer until the sad announcement that “this is the last batch,” our summer days are filled with the deliciousness of tomatoes. Proving that, even more important than having one’s own garden…is having a friend with a garden. It’s a good thing that I am pretty good at cultivating the friendships of gardeners…because, I am not good at cultivating a garden of my own. Mack claims that the plants in the nursery begin to quiver and quake when I walk in. “Killer,” they whisper to one another. “The ultimate brown thumb,” they gossip in their neat little rows. And, they are right. I don’t know why, but I simply can’t grow stuff. Years ago, when our boys were just babies, we moved into an old house in a tiny North Texas town.
I immediately fell in love with the old, character-filled house, but even more than the house, I fell in love with the romance of the life that I would create there for my children. We would raise chickens, I would grow a garden, we would pump water from the earth using the squeaky windmill near the big red barn. I would probably grow 6 or 8 inches, to fulfill my dream of being tall, thin and blonde. And, of course, I would always wear a floppy white hat, a flowing gauzy dress and Birkenstocks. We owned four acres – a virtual spread for city dwellers like Mack and me. He would head off to work in the city each morning, and I would continue the task of turningour circa-1906 farmhouse into a home. I spent hours during that first winter, drawing out my plans for the vegetable garden. I researched the most effective placement for my plants – deciding that I would not use pesticides or artificial anything. I was well ahead of my time in the organic food movement. I got Mack to take my hand-designed plan to work for a drafter to do a professional CADD design. It was beautiful! Icolor-coded the layout, and I was just about ready. Since Mack told me from the beginning that this was really not his thing (full disclosure!), I knew that I would have to find someone else to help me prepare my garden. First, I talked the high-dollar Master plumbers
from Mack’s office into coming out to run an irrigation pipe from the house to the back of the four acres, where the garden would be located. They dug a 6-foot deep trench from the house all the way to the back of the property, installing a state-of-the-art irrigation system that rivals what I’ve seen on commercial farms. Then, the man that I hired from town—the one with the tractor —came and dug up the area that I had staked out for my garden. I hauled in fertilizer (all natural of course), soil, compost, you name it. It was looking promising. The most fun, of course, was thepurchasing: seeds, plants, tools, well…and gardening outfits. Martha Stewart could have held a photo shoot on that half acre plot!
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 11
My garden design was extravagant. I had raised areas for the cantaloupe and watermelon, lattice for the climbing beans; my tomato plants would besurrounded with marigolds to dissuadethe bugs. It was bound to be a success! I had all of the knowledge of gardeningthat you could get from a book. Good Friday came and we plantedthe garden. It was glorious. Rich soil,sun peeking out from the clouds, happykids running through the garden rows.I was not yet tall, thin and blonde, but I did have my garden! Things did not go so well after that. We had big storms, there were weeds! I found a snake beneath the cucumber plants. It was not nearly as much fun as I had anticipated. Long story short, that summer I harvested one cantaloupe and enoughtomatoes to make six pints of salsa. The cantaloupe was sweet and juicy, certainly the most delicious I’ve ever tasted. The salsa was fabulous, too. But, by the time I bought all of the canning stuff – the big pot, the Ball jars, the tongs for removing the cans, and so forth, then added in the cost of the 6-foot deep trench, the tractor guy, dirt, fertilizer, seeds and tools, we figured that I had paid $326.37 per pint of salsa. I could have traveled to New York City for their infamous Pace Picante for a lot less money. That was my last garden. I still have dreams, though. Every time I walk through the garden department of Walmart or Home Depot in early spring, I get a little twinge. Mack says that it’s only the karma of the dead plants from my past. tL
As seen On HGTV Beach Front Bargain Hunt
Beach Homes for all Budgets
Land for Sale
Rental Properties for Sale
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LUXURY PROPERTY FEATURE
12 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
EXTRAORDINARYescape
6 8 0 V I L L A D R I V E • C R Y S T A L B E A C H , T E X A S
This 4,200+ square foot Tommy Bahama
inspired, four bedroom, four-and-a-
half bath residence occupies over one
acre of beach front property in the
prestigious golf course community
of Rancho Carribe in Crystal Beach.
Soaring 24’ ceilings throughout the living and dining
areas set the tone for this exquisite home, providing
gorgeous unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Enjoy sunrises from the expansive 3,000 square foot
ocean-front deck while the waves wash ashore. From
the back porch, take in the memorable sunsets of the
Bolivar Peninsula along with the ambient surroundings
of the beautiful golf course.
The premiere property at 680 Villa Drive is situated at
one of the most secluded and widest parts of the
peninsula’s accreting 27-mile stretch of coastline. Enjoy
walks on the expansive sandy beaches as you explore
its endless treasures along the shoreline.
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 13
Opposite: Abundant lighting and seating make the ocean
front deck an inviting place to enjoy time spent at the
beach. Quality brands of exterior furniture include Brown
& Jordan, teak, and Breezesta.
16 | theLOCAL March/April 201614 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
The east and west wings of the home each feature
private master retreats with luxurious bathrooms,
as well as an additional bedroom and bathroom.
Careful attention to detail and thoughtful designer
features like Therapeutic pebble flooring, Feng Shui
Jacuzzi tubs, and sweeping ocean views make all four
bedrooms with en-suite baths ideal for relaxing and
entertaining in style.
An enormous chef’s kitchen is perfect for entertaining.
The 12-foot island features 2½” bull nose granite and
a 5-burner downdraft cook top in the center. Kitchen
comes equipped with a copper sink, 36” stainless
refrigerator, built-in convection oven and microwave,
and two televisions so you never miss your sports or
movies. State-of-the-art subzero wine cooler/refrigerator
combo chills 86 bottles of your favorite wine and
champagne to the perfect temperature. The beautiful
custom solid Knotty Alder stained wood cabinets,
doors, and molding make this home its own island
oasis and the perfect setting for family and friends.
RAISING THEORDINARY...
Additional special amenities of the property include:
• State-of-the-artautomatedcontrolpanel accessible by mobile phone, iPad, and PC. Controls all televisions and surround sound throughout the home, lighting, air conditioning, and security system, even while you’re away. •Media/theaterroomfeatures120”screen, multi-levelreclinedseating,andbuffet. •Gameroomcomesequippedwithwetbarand accomodatesshuffleboardandpooltable. •Hurricanewindowsandelectricstormshutters. • 1400wattstadiumlightsilluminateproperty’s dunes, ocean and beyond.
For more information about this home, contactLibbyMitchell,RegencyRealEstateProfessionals,[email protected].
Scan this code with your smartdevice for the virtual tour andmore details.
...TO extraordinary.
18 | theLOCAL January/February 2016Photo: Lady angler with a limit of flat fish caught on Berkley Gulp!®
T H R E E D E C A D E S O F
INNOVATION &SUPERIOR SERVICE
A Family-Owned and Operated Company Since 1986
REAL ESTATE SALES • VACATION RENTALS • HOME BUILDER
Thank you for choosing Cobb to be your trusted source for real estate and vacation rentals onBolivar Peninsula. Call us today at 409.684.3790 and ask about our anniversary specials.
COBBreal estate
CobbRealEstate.com
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 17
springtimeSTAPLES
Gear up for springat the beach withthese must-haveitems
OVERSIZED TOTESIf you're making a trip to the beach,
even for the day, carry-alls are a necessity. Popular this season are
colorful bags constructed of durable fabrics and fibers. BILLABONG LARGE WOVEN BEACH TOTE, $44, LATITUDE 29.2
SURF SHOP
SLIP-ON STYLEEnjoy the ease and comfort of simple
slip-on sandals. Available in graphic printswith textured rubber soles for durable wear.
O'NEILL ARIELLE SANDAL, $44, LATITUDE 29.2 SURF SHOP
LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRTS
Lightweight long sleeveT-shirts offer protection from
the sun and are a casual wayto stay warm in the evenings when temps cool down at the
beach. CRYSTAL BEACH HOODIE,$17, LATITUDE 29.9 SURF SHOP
RITAS & CREAM
1945 Hwy 87 Crystal Beach
409.539.9660
Your Destination for Fun in the Sun
REFRESHMENT
soft serve ice creamshakes floats malts
Hawaiian Shaved Ice sno cones(spiked or traditional)
flavored Margaritas & daiquirisbeer wine wings
$2 shots! jello shots!
Spring into
Margaritas and Daiquiris (also available to-go!)made from 100% fruit puree.
“TASTY TREATS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!”
Your Destination for Fun in the Sun
Ritas & CreamWhen the heat is up this season, cool down at Ritas & Cream, your ultimate destination at the beach for tasty treats and eats. Our extensive menu includes flavored margaritas and daiquiris (also available to-go), Hawaiian shaved ice, Flavor Burst soft serve ice cream, coffees, pizza, and more. Visit our Facebook page for hours and specials.
Ocean Property Corporation & DesignOcean Property Corporation and Design is a rental home management service
offering the finest vacation experience at Crystal Beach. All of our properties are well maintained, luxuriously furnished, and come equipped with amenities to make your vacation worry free and enjoyable. Contact Faith at 832.714.2524 to plan your next trip.
Manley BuildersFamily owned and operated. We design and build custom homes on time and within your budget.•Wemakeiteasyandaffordable •Fastcompletiontimes•Unmatchedlevelofattentiontodetails •QualityandcustomersatisfactionContact John at 409.540.6116 for more information.
ADVERTISEMENT
1945 Highway 87Crystal Beach, TX
20 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
MARCH5 Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department Oyster SupperPort Bolivar VFD will be holding its 46th annual Oyster Supper from noon to 8 pm. All you can eat oysters (fried only) served with french fries and cole-slaw. Come and show your support with a $25 donation. 1806 Loop 108, Port Bolivar.
12 Ocean Discovery DayStaff of the NOAA Fisheries Service and Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary would like to invite the residents and visitors of Bolivar Peninsula to their annual Open House. Meet researchers at the NOAA facilities and learn about their projects, as well as participate in hands-on activities. It is the only day sea turtles can be viewed aside from a scheduled tour! Join us from 9 am to 3 pm at 4700 Avenue U in Galveston.
26 Easter Bunny AppearanceThe Easter Bunny will be visiting the Big Store from 2-4 pm. Fun for all the kids, everyone welcome. Prizes will be given away.
27 Easter Sunrise ServiceThe Ministerial Alliance annual Easter "Son Rise" Service at 7 am. West Lane at the beach. Bring a chair; golf carts are welcome.
APRIL29-30 Fourth Annual Pearl Beach BBQ CookoffThe Pearl Beach annual charity cookoff will be held at Gregory Park, 2292 Hwy 87. Friday night live entertainment from 3-Way Switch from 7-10 pm. Free admission. Saturday, come watch the cooking competition, sample some BBQ and take a chance on all the raffle items. Judging of the ribs will be at 1:30 pm, with brisket judging at 3:30 pm.
30 Stingaree Saltwater SlamStingaree Saltwater Slam 2016 will be on Saturday, April 30, 6 am to 3 pm. Kids Hardhead Haul-In for children 12 & under (must be accompanied by an adult). Stingaree Restaurant & Marina.
LOCAL EVENTS
WAYNE TOUPS | MARK CHESNUTT | JERRY DIAZ & HANNA’S REEF
www.texascrabfestival.orgPRESENTING SPONSOR
Music! Fun! Art! Contests! Crabs!
Mother’s Day Weekend!MAY 6 - 8, 2016
Wayne Toups
Mark Chesnutt
LAGUNA H A R B O R
The port you’ll call home!
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 21
2016 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE
TEXAS FROG FEST is an annual music festival with the sole purpose of funding the Lone Survivor Foundation Retreat Center in Crystal Beach. This facility, built by our community, depends on the continued support of our community through events like Texas Frog Fest.
The weekend-long entertainment showcases local andnational music artists, meet and greet opportunities withcelebrities and advocates of the Lone Survivor Foundation, and regional media coverage.
What is the LSF?The Lone Survivor Foundation restores, empowers, and renews hope for our wounded service members and theirfamilies through health, wellness, and therapeutic support. Deploymentoverseas and combat action can take a serious toll on everyone involved , from the men and women on the front lines to the friends and families who wait for their loved ones to return home. The transition to post-military life, whether wounded in combat or simply adjusting to the civilian sector, will often cause difficulty for the service member and his or her family. The unfortunate reality for many service members and their families is that life changes after returning home and the effects of their experiences begin to manifest in negative ways. In short, the normalcy of life prior to their service may have been lost forever. Therefore, the Lone Survivor Foundation is here to help America's wounded service members and their families adjust to the effects of their experiences and help them transition into what may be looked at as their 'new normal' – providing an understanding and acceptance of who they are as a person, a family, and a community. To learn more, visit lonesurvivorfoundation.com.
Texas frog fesTBenefiting the Lone Survivor Foundation
2016 sponsorship opportunitiesnow available
PACKAGES AVAILABLE FROM $500 TO $25KSILENT AUCTION ITEMS • CUSTOM SPONORSHIPS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT BRIAN [email protected] OR
409-767-4464
Lone Survivor Foundation's Retreat Facility, Crystal Beach
22 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
CONSTRUCTION LOANS • LOT LOANS • MORTGAGES We do it all!
Please contact Randy Slater to learn more aboutwhat Texas First Bank can o�er you today!
2385 Highway 87 • Crystal Beach • (409) 370-9453
it's acolorfullifeInside the home of local silkscreen
artist Patricia Hagstrom
words + photos by DESTINY MARTIN
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 23
24 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
Standing at the handcrafted full-light double doors, I carefully examined the intricate details of bubbly glass, waiting for my tour to begin. A vibrant Patty
Hagstrom, 77, held her hand on the door-knob, building my anticipation for what I was about to behold. Proudly she asked, “Are you ready?” Six months earlier I had met Patty, a renowned silkscreen artist and resident of Bolivar Peninsula, at the grand opening of Gallery By The Gulf in Crystal Beach. As a graphic designer, I immediately related to her collection of prints inspired by sealife. The vivid colors, the crisp lines, the subject matter, it all spoke to me. We chatted about her process, among other things, until finally she nudged me and said, “Ya know, you should see my house.” Are you kidding? An invitation to share her story and lifetime of work exclusively with our readers? Yes, please! Now, back to the tour. Mrs. Hagstrom’s custom beach front home was built in 2010 by another local
artisan well respected in his trade, Mike Comeaux. Patty had been displaced for two years after Hurricane Ike, but like many others, she was determined to return home to Bolivar Peninsula. Then living in League City, she began working daily on plans for her new house, creating “cartoons” of stained glass, hand-painting tiles, molding ceramic figurines, and making more silkscreens. When Ike made landfall in September 2008, Patty was attending a show in New York. Sadly, her inventory of more than 25 unique pieces of art succumbed to the storm. The only survivors of her collection were the prints she had brought with her to the show and personal art journals. Once we entered the home, Patty first introduced me to a mixed media painting hanging in the foyer, her ode to Ike. Collaged remnants of what remained of Patty’s original homestead swirled around the canvas among natural fibers and sand, evoking in me a reverie of what once was. Her delicate fingers nostalgically pointed to each recovered vestige: shards of familial dishes, scrap pieces of art, tools of her trade, and an old photograph of
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 25
her and her beloved “Gerr.” As we gazed at their pictureaffixed on the painting, seemingly frozen in time, she shared with me the source of her inspiration... Gerry was a Jazz musician and scuba diving enthusiast who introduced Patty to recreational diving in the 80s. Shortly after they married, Patty earned her professional diving certification. It was evident by the way she spoke of him that they shared a colorful life, rich with romantic experiences exploring the wonder of the ocean together. Thus, her body of work was born. She began “graphicallytranslating aquatic environments into a rich blend of paper and paint,” vowing to only paint and draw what she personally saw and felt in the deep sea. At age 40, Patty resigned from her teaching career and chose to dedicate herself wholly to creating art. Though she is formally educated and well versed in a multitude of mediums, Patty concentrates mostly on silk screening because it demands discipline. “I’m a control freak,” she says irreverently.
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 27
The silkscreen process is essentially a refined stencil technique whereby intricate designs are hand cut from a transparent film. Stencils for each individual color are adhered, one at a time, to a large frame stretched with poly-silk fabric. Paint is then pulled over the film with a squeegee, or rubber blade, allowing the color to pass through the cutout areas onto the paper. This intensive process is repeated for every color, building the layers of the final image. The remainder of my visit was spent touring Mrs.Hagstrom’s home which as I meandered from room to room revealed itself to be an evolving work of art all its own. There’s not a surface in her 2,800 square foot house that isn’t graced by Patty’s creative genius, including the 20-foot ceiling in the living room that boasts a custom backlit medallion, which “illuminates the space at night like a cathedral window.” Among the 40 silkscreen prints hangingin her home co-exist murals, pen and ink illustrations, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media paintings, collages,
faux finishes and wood work, ceramics, and stained glass, all expertly crafted by one of the most dedicated fine artists I’ve ever met. And it didn’t stop there. Patty’s “canvas”extends beyond the interior walls of her home too, withorchestrated murals of mermaids and sea creatures playfullyadorning sun soaked turquoise walls outside. I was and still am in awe of her enormous talent. The volume of work Patty has recreated over the past six years is remarkable. She is a multifaceted character with an infectious zeal for life. Even more telling than her body of work though was the pleasure of her company and just getting to know her colorful personality. As we looked out at the ocean from her studio window, she left me with this: Never look back. Always look ahead. tL
For more information about Patricia Hagstrom or to purchase an original work of art, visit her website at www.hagstromcollection.com
28 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
bill tompkins mexican ladies or closeup crawfish
LANCE LARUE
BILL TOMPKINS
KEVIN KAVANAUGH
MELINDA MCWHITE
ELLEN SIMON
Bolivar Peninsula is home to a rich variety of local artists,with many more from surrounding areas, inspired by theculture and natural beauty of our coastal region. Get to knowthese eight artists and their works of art that celebrate ourunique community.
words by DESTINY MARTIN
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 29
LUKE MAULDIN
IN THE COMMUNITY
CAT HOLTZCLAW
MARGARET LINDOW
30 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
bill tompkinsOccupation: Painter Currently Based: Crystal Beach,
Texas Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Studio: Fine ArtPaintings, 1830 Hwy 87 Suite D Style: Figurative
kevin kavanaughOccupation: Owner of Tiki Loco Currently Based: Crystal Beach, Texas Medium: Woodcarving Studio/Exhibits: Hwy
87 at Crystal Beach Road, Crystal Beach
Bill Tompkins is a Canadian-born painter who has residedin Texas for nearly forty years. Bill worked in construction for many years, but during that time, he never put down the paintbrush, or the canvas. His large-format paintings
are hand crafted from start to finish; Bill personally builds every canvas he uses. His works are primarily inspiredby figurative (or recognizable) subject matter, and areenergetically infused by his riveting color palette and
painterly style. Bill currently manages Fine Art Paintings studio in Crystal Beach and is also co-owner of a canvas shop in Magnolia, Texas. Commissioned paintings are
available upon request.
Known to most as “Tiki Man,” Kevin is reconized for his island-inspired woodcarvings. It’s hard to go anywhere on
Bolivar Peninsula without spotting one his works of art. He states that he’s “always had a love for tools,” and eventually became proficient at using them while practicing wood-
carving as a method of rest and relaxation. Over time, his hobby grew into a business. Kevin now carves daily and is an advocate for the local arts scene, promoting other area
artists alongside him. Visit Tiki Loco Carvings at the corner of Highway 87 and Crystal Beach Road to learn more and check out his pièce de résistance, a 14-foot siren sculpted
from one of the tallest oak trees once rooted in High Island.
[email protected] Facebook: Tiki Loco Carvings
January/February 2016 theLOCAL | 31March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 31
melinda mcwhiteOccupation: Painter Currently Based: Beaumont, TexasMedium: Oil on canvas Studio/Exhibits: Beaumont and
Galveston Art Leagues, The Art Studio, Beaumont and Brooks Shivers Dining Hall, Lamar University Style: Abstact/Figurative
lance larueOccupation: Marketing and Visual Designer Currently Based:
Beaumont, Texas Medium: Graphic Design Available At:Etsy.com Style: Collage/Pop Art
After many years practicing law, Melinda earned a Bachelorof Fine Arts from Lamar University in 2015. Originally, she
painted abstracts of natural forms such as shells, lichen, sticks and leaves. The degree of abstraction increased over time as
Melinda allowed the organic nature of her mediums to inspire her, but more recently, her paintings have been concentrated on figurative subject matter inspired by scenes from coastal environments and her travels. She seeks not to replicate the
world around her, but to convey something of the character of a person, animal or atmosphere. Melinda has a second home on Bolivar Peninsula and is currently accepting commissions
for portraits, landscapes, and cityscapes.
Lance LaRue is an award-winning graphic designer and copywriter from Beaumont, Texas who grew up visiting the Bolivar Peninsula. His Vintage City Poster Series is a personal project showcasing a collection of over 100 forgotten cities and towns across Texas. Lance’s witty
combination of words and imagery are relatable, affable, and are sure to bring a smile to your face. Most recently, Lance completed a poster representative of Port Bolivar,
which graces the cover of our current issue. For more information about LaRue Art + Copy, or to purchase an original work of art from his Vintage Texas Poster Series,
visit www.etsy.com/shop/LaRueArtandCopy.
[email protected] www.larueartandcopy.com
32 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
margaret lindowOccupation: Rentals, Re/Max on the Water Currently Based: Crystal Beach, Texas Medium: Mixed Media Studio/Exhibits:
Gallery By The Gulf, Crystal Beach and Hardheads Ice House, Crystal Beach Style: Collage/Found Objects
luke mauldinOccupation: Photographer Currently Based: Beaumont, Texas Medium: Canon Camera, Photoshop and Lightroom
Studio: On location Style: Portrait/Landscape
Margaret is a beachcombing enthusiast who enjoys exploring shorelines around the world in pursuit of shells, pebbles, bottle caps, lighters, sea glass, driftwood, sea beans of every species, and mermaids’ purses (or skate egg cases) to add to her ever-growing collection. Inspired by her travels and beach finds,
Margaret then creates mixed media works of art that are truly one-of-a-kind in an effort to educate the viewer about various sediments from the ocean and raise awareness about pollution.
Margaret is also a featured artist at A Shore Venture, a local business providing unique experiences to visitors of Bolivar Peninsula. For more info or to book a guided beachcombing
excursion with Margaret, visit www.ashoreventure.com.
Luke Mauldin is a resident of Beaumont, Texas and is a full-time professional photographer specializing in portraiture.
Originally from northeast Texas, Luke is a second-generation photographer trained by his father David, and has been
working professionally for over 18 years. He takes any chance he can to be outside and loves photographing sunrise and
sunset landscapes as more of a hobby and his own “therapy.” One client says, “Luke is an expert at capturing light. His approach to his medium and a unique appreciation of the
environments around him turn even the simplest settings into captivating works of art.” For more information, contact Luke
Facebook: Bolivar Beachcombers Instagram: @mauldinphoto
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 33
ellen simonOccupation: Artist Currently Based: Crystal Beach, TexasMediums: Acrylic, pastels, watercolor, pen and ink Exhibits:
Permanent Showing at Steve’s Landing, Crystal Beach and Mini Gallery at Tiki Loco, Crystal Beach Style: Realism
cat holtzclawOccupation: Jewelry Designer and Mosaic Artist
Currently Based: Crystal Beach, Texas Mediums:Heirloom jewelry, sea glass, pottery shards, and objects found
on the beach Studio: Home
Ellen always had a knack for art and design, but her early career in advertising temporarily sidetracked her from pursuing her
life-long dream of becoming a fine artist. Thirty-five years later, she has reinvigorated her passion for painting and drawing and is now marketing her works locally at Crystal Beach. Ellen aims to bring a fine art touch to everything she does and is skillfully gifted at realism. Her most recent projects include painting on
wood pallets, pen and ink drawings, signage, and jewelry design.She is a full-time artist with a “much beloved art supplies jobat Steve’s Landing” and is currently accepting commissionedassignments. To see more of Ellen’s work, visit Tiki Loco or
Steve’s Landing Restaurant in Crystal Beach.
Cat enjoys a challenge, like working a puzzle until all the pieces fit. Cat and her husband Tommy collect sea glass, sharks teeth,
and pottery shards, among many other things that can be found on the beach, and work together to create cherished pieces of art for their home and garden, as well as for their family and friends. The couples’ shared projects include mosaic planters
and stepping stones, wine bottle trees, sculptures, and a trio of metal palm trees that Tommy welded from exhaust pipes. Cat finds her inspiration all around her; she once counted the bars
on a Jeep grill for a pair of earrings! She is actively working on a contemporary jewelry line inspired by heirloom pieces and sea
glass, and also accepts commissioned projects.
Text: 409.659.8511 [email protected]
EXPLORELOCAL BUSINESS
It's a shore thing.Q & A with Local Business Owners Debbie and Kurt Ploeger
A SHORE VENTURE1333 Hwy 87 Crystal Beach, TXwww.ashoreventure.com • 409.926.2914
What is A Shore Venture?Initially, I envisioned an eventplanning/destination management com-pany concept providing a one-stop shop for unique, private groupexperiences on the peninsula with a focus on art workshops for women.As things progressed, my husbandKurt and I saw an opportunity to expand to families, small corporate groups, church groups, etc. as well as add a rental component, offeringbeach toys for rent like kayaks, surf-boards, bicycles, tables and chairs,and more.
Tell us more about your"Artist Workshops."Bolivar Peninsula is flooded (no pun intended) with creative talent. A Shore Venture provides artists an outlet to share those talents in a private group setting. When we have a request froma client to create a unique experiencefor their family, company, church, etc., one option is to arrange a “hunt” onthe beach for treasure that can beincorporated into art. The “hunt” isfollowed by a workshop led by one of our artists. Each event is customized with the client in mind. We have artists that work with shells, sea glass, drift wood, trash from the beach (literally), sea beans, and more. We also work with musicians and makeup artist.
What other unique andcustomizable experiences does A Shore Venture offer?We like to create experiences a visitor to the peninsula might not have experi-enced before. Things like bonfires and S’mores on the beach, crabbing with a string, arranging private dinners with a personal chef, hayrides, and more. Really, whatever the imagination and budget can accommodate!
A Shore Venture offers beach rentals, too. Howdoes one go about makinga reservation?We are starting with an inventory that includes surfboards, paddle boards, kayaks, bicycles, and more. Delivery is available at an additional charge for full-day rentals within a certain geographic area on Bolivar Peninsula. Reservations can be made by calling (409) 926-2914.
“I knew I was in for atreat, but I really had
no idea how much of a treat! Our sea glass hunt was very relaxing and all of us gals were able to
find many treasures. My necklace creation started out as questionable, but our artist teacher and my friends helped me get the hang of it. A one-of-a-kind
pendant that will holdspecial memories.”
– JaniceWenatchee, WA
About Debbie and Kurt...Debbie has always been drawn to the beauty and allure of the Gulf Coast. When she moved to Texas from Louisiana in the early 80s, she visited the peninsula a handful of times when fortunate enough to be invited by friends. Kurt, by contrast, grew up with Bolivar salt water running through his veins. His mother was a school teacher in Beaumont so the first day of summer break
they headed for the beach. When not working, he was surfing, fishing or hunting. His most memorable job, was renting surf-boards on the beach in the summer of 1970. He is looking forward to semi-retirement from the construction industry and recreating his early years by managing A Shore Venture's rental component while Debbie brings to the table 25+ years
of corporate event planning experience.
WHATCUSTOMERS
ARE SAYING...
34 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 35
CHARLES MICHAEL CUSTOM HOMESCHARLES MICHAEL CUSTOM HOMES
www.CharlesMichaelHome.com
2950 Highway 87Crystal Beach, TX 77650
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36 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
Solo skydivers RobertRocke and Jeff Patricio(foreground) make asafe landing at BlueSkies Skydiving Centerin Crystal Beach
11,000' AT SEA LEVELa n o c e a n v i e w
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 37
words by CODY MARTINphotos courtesy of CHRIS ESTETTER
and BLUE SKIES SYDIVING
There are two things of which I’m certain. First, I’ve never had a burning desire to jump out of a “perfectly good airplane” and second, visitors and residents of Bolivar Peninsula have never had a chance to jump out of said air-plane. Until now.
Recently while driving down Highway 87, a sign I hadn’t noticed before caught my attention. It read, “Skydive Here!” Initially I wasn’t sure what to make of it, but it piqued my interest enough to stop and learn more. As I approached the building at the end of a dusty airstrip behind Pat’s Tires, I was greeted by an ever-smiling Omar Bardales, owner and operator of Blue Skies Skydiving Cen-ter. Bardales and his team of certified tandem instructors offer thrill-seekers the ultimate sky-diving experience, complete with an ocean view. Maybe it was the sheer convenience or the pros-pect of trying something new, but I decided to put my knees in the wind and booked my first jump for the following weekend.
Jump Day: Step to the EdgeSomehow I was able to convince my wife that this was a good idea and although slightly apprehen-sive, she agreed to tag along. Upon our arrival at Blue Skies Skydiving Center, we were introduced to Phil Myers, my tandem instructor for the day. As a certified instructor with nearly 7,000 jumps, Phil immediately sensed my wife’s hesitation and began to quell her fears of my certain demise. “Our greatest priority is safety,” he said, showing us the state-of-the-art equipment. “At the end of the day, we all want to go home to our families.” Now a bit relieved, we began the training. Since this was my first jump and the United States Parachuting Association requires tandem jumps for beginners, training was a breeze. After a quick twenty min-
38 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 39
Check out my personal video at https://youtu.be/Vx8PC7Qk8Yo
utes of instruction and demonstration, we were ready to harness up and board the plane. At this point, I’m not sure whether I was terri-fied, excited, hesitant or anxious. Perhaps it was a combination of all of the above. Regardless of what I was feeling internally, my physical reality was that we were airborne and making our ascent to 11,000 feet. An added benefit to skydiving with Blue Skies is the expansive views of Bolivar Pen-insula. On a clear day it’s easy to pick out nearby landmarks such as the Port Bolivar Lighthouse or gaze off in the distance and count the tankers lined up offshore. Near or far, the sights are amaz-ing and it is a truly unique way to experience the beauty of the coast. Veteran skydivers Robert Rocke, or “Rocke” of Houston, and Chris Wade of Beaumont, Texas hitched a ride on the plane to make a “fun-jump” at a gutsy 6,500 feet. When asked what keeps them coming back, they replied they “never want that terrifying feeling to go away.” Watching them exit the plane simultaneously was beyond impressive. No hesitation, just professional execution. In an instant they were out of sight, freefalling to 3,000 feet where they deployed their canopies and land-ed safely back at the airstrip. After witnessing their exit, the “gravity” of my situation set in and I did not say much during the remaining 4,000’ ascent. At 11,000 feet, Phil re-viewed the training one last time as we made our way to the exit door of the plane. No turning back now. We targeted the drop zone and took the leap.It’s hard to put into words the rush of the free fall. Comparable to the drop of a roller coaster? No. 120 mph on a boat? Maybe, but I’ve never gone that fast on the water. Perhaps the reason why the sensation is so difficult to explain is because there’s literally NOTHING like it! It’s something you ab-solutely have to experience for yourself! The pure adrenaline rush of the free fall lasted between 30 to 45 seconds before Phil deployed the canopy, which thankfully opened with no problem.
40 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
713-344-8820
Skydiving : 101Altimeter
An instrument worn on the wrist to measure your altitude above a fixed level
(in this case, the ground).
CanopyThe preferred term for “parachute”
among skydivers.
DZ/Drop ZoneThe area targeted for landing.
Certified Skydiving InstructorSomeone who has held a USPA jumpmaster rating for at least one year and passed an
Instructor Certification Course.
Jump RunThe flight path taken by the jump plane to
put the skydivers in proper positioningover the drop zone.
SkygodAlthough on the surface this term refers to a superior skydiver, in drop zone use, skygod is
a derogatory term for a skydiver whose ego and maneuvers have grown faster than his or her
skydiving ability. Don’t be a skygod.
Speaking OmarYou can’t learn it in school.
WUFFODerogatory term for a non-jumper. Generally someone who says, “Why would you want to
jump out of a perfectly good airplane?”
Intensity to serenity best describes the transition from free fall to under canopy. The remainder of the descent was spent peacefully taking in the view (and catching my breath!), combined with a little showmanship of Phil’s parachuting skills. As we closed in on the airstrip we had departed from nearly thirty minutes earlier, we yelled out a victory cry to a few onlookers watching nearby from their porch and landed safely, standing up. I was back at sea level.
About Blue Skies Skydiving Omar and the crew at Blue Skies Skydiving Center are topnotch. Cumulatively between the group, they have over 20,000 solo jumps, 15,000 tandem jumps and 50 years of jumping experience. Blue Skies fosters a personal yet professional, safe yet exciting cul-ture which fits in nicely on the peninsula. The plane utilized at Blue Skies is a Cessna 206 that can carry four solo jumpers or two tandem groups each run. Blue Skies is capable of turning four tandem groups per hour, so long waits should not be an issue. They use state-of-the-art equipment maintained by professionals on a regular basis. The entire experience from the paperwork to landing can be done in a little over an hour, although, we found ourselves wanting to hang around a little longer. To learn more about Blue Skies Skydiving Center, pricing and requirements, visit their website at blueskiesskydivingcenter.com or call 713-344-8820 to book your jump. tL
March/April 2016 theLOCAL | 41
sea be seen
Evening Wake by Chris Larrabee
Cloud by Debra Deckard
Untitled by Debra Deckard
42 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
Share your #LOCAL scene.Send us photos of your favorite places, peopleand past times on the peninsula and your imagecould be featured in an upcoming issue of ourmagazine. Submit high resolution (300 dpi) imagesto [email protected]. Please include yourname, contact info and the title of the image.
Untitled by Debra Deckard
Winter Gulls by Mary Tinsley
Island Wings by Chris Larrabee
44 | theLOCAL March/April 2016
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