Press Contact: Molly Dannenmaier, Galveston Historical Foundation, (409) 765-7834

Prizewinning Entries on Display at Art on the Spot Exhibit at the Texas Seaport Museum through October

Winners of the second annual Art on the Spot contest at the Texas Seaport Museum are on exhibit at the museum theater through October 31. First-, second- and third-place entries for each of three age categories, along with two runners-up in each category make up a maritime art exhibit of surprising range--in medium, style, and content.

The Art on the Spot contest was held at the Texas Seaport Museum on Saturday, June 14. In the Italian tradition of the “concorso di macchie,” or contest of quick paintings, the event brought together artists of all ages to create original works inspired by the restored 1877 ELISSA, the official Tall Ship of Texas, or anything else visible from the vessel’s berth at the museum on the Galveston waterfront.

More than 120 contestants had five hours to complete their work, which was judged in three categories: Young Artists, ages 18 to 12; Emerging Artists, ages 13 to 18 and Accomplished Artists, ages 19 and older. Cash prizes, donated by Pat and Bill Broussard of Galveston, were given to the first, second and third place winners in each category.

The event was sponsored by the ELISSA Maritime Society, founded recently to encourage support for the tall ship, which was restored 25 years ago by the Galveston Historical Foundation and is maintained and sailed by a small staff and a large group of volunteers.

To view a gallery of press-ready, downloadable photographs of 2007's Art on the Spot winners, click here.