Ike Debris Art, by Artist and Galveston Historical Foundation Employee Brandon Ragan, to be on Display at GHF on the Strand, a New Downtown Shop, 2417 Strand, at ArtWalk, Saturday, August 22

Galveston artist and Galveston Historical Foundation employee Brandon Ragan will display a collection of Ike debris art at the GHF’s new downtown retail shop this Saturday, August 22, during Artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m.

“With a sympathetic nod towards Galveston’s historic rebirth, I use ‘found’ debris as my canvas and Broadway’s fated live oaks as my study, says Ragan. “Each piece is unique and unusual just like Galveston,” he says. Ragan is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of his art to GHF.

The shop, located at 2417 Strand in the tiny historic LeClere building, has been named "Galveston Historical Foundation On The Strand" and will also be selling a select inventory of merchandise that focuses on Galveston history, including Galveston- and 1900 Storm-themed books, reproduction postcards, vintage prints of historic Galveston sites (many no longer extant).

The shop will also be offering a Grand Opening Package Special on Historic Galveston Rebirth Merchandise that includes bronze Hurricane Ike High Water Markers (available by special order) and Historic Galveston Rebirth banners. Maps, brochures and discounted tickets to all GHF's attractions and events will be available at the shop during ArtWalk as well.

The 285-square-foot LeClere building, one of the oldest buildings on The Strand, is owned by GHF. Built by Isadore LeClere in 1875, it served as the office for his coal distribution business. After his death, the building served as a grocery store, a cigar manufactory, and a produce business. Recently, the building has served as an art gallery and a magazine business office.

When the building's most recent tenant vacated, GHF officials decided it was time to once again assume a presence on The Strand. GHF's headquarters had been located in The Strand's Hendley Building for many years before they were transferred to the restored 1861 Custom House at 20th and Postoffice 10 years ago. The new shop renews GHF's presence on Galveston's most visited downtown street, offering Strand visitors an easy way to find historic Galveston's attractions and merchandise.

The shop is open daily except Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To reach Galveston Historical Foundation On The Strand, call 409-621 2209.

Incorporated in 1954, Galveston Historical Foundation is one of the nation's largest local preservation organizations. Over the last 50 years, the foundation has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, public education, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation and stewardship of historic properties. Today, GHF has over 2,000 memberships representing individuals, families, and businesses across Texas, the U.S. and abroad and exerts a profound impact on the culture and economy of the Island.