Karla Klay, Executive Director of Artist Boat, recently called to see if I could produce a video of an artist creating a plein air painting at the Coastal Heritage Preserve. I had no idea what I was about to experience when I said “yes.”

The video was commissioned by Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM). The goal of the video is to provide a relaxing and enjoyable viewing experience for the hospital’s audience, while also sharing the beautiful nature of Galveston. The center is unique in the country, with a mission to effectively translate the collaborative potential of arts and medicine to the healthcare environment. Find out more about the center, here.

On a windy but beautiful sunny afternoon, I packed up my camera gear and headed to the Helen and Edward Oppenheimer Bird Observatory at Artist Boat’s Coastal Heritage Preserve. I met by Karissa Laffey, Eco-Art Education Coordinator for Artist Boat, and started recording as she setup an easel and began painting her view. It was one of most tranquil and enjoyable experiences I’ve had in a while.

Artist Boat’s Eco-Art allows artists to share the natural wonders of our bay and Gulf. I hope Karla calls me again so I can experience this process in other locations around the island.

Find out more about Artist Boat by visiting their website.