Views of the Neighborhood – Island Holiday Market

~ John W. Howell

island Holiday Market

Yesterday the Island Holiday Market took place at the newly spruced-up Art Center. The idea is for local artists to have a venue to offer their art. The holiday season is a perfect time and the New Art Center the perfect location.

The outside porch is filled with gift opportunities.

Inside are a number of tables of artwork.

Another view of the tables and shoppers.

While taking photos, I came upon Jo Ann who told me a wonderful story about her grandson Gray. The family lives in Glen Rose, Texas which is near Fort Worth about 400 miles from Port Aransas. Gray loved to visit Port Aransas, and when he heard about the hurricane, he gathered together his ball card collection and offered to sell them to help.  What transpired was the adoption of two fourth grade classes here in Port Aransas. Gray plans to have a gift for each child. His grandmother Jo Ann and his Aunt Tammy were in Port Aransas telling Gray’s story.

The card below explains this heartwarming story further, and I’m sure the fourth-grade children of Port Aransas will be happier as a result of Gray’s compassion.

At the same time, the Market was underway the grade sixth through twelve student art show which included entrants from Port Aransas, Flour Bluff, and Seashore Middle Academy were on display.

Here is a representative look at the entrants.

Another view of the competition.

One of the first place awards

Another first  for a Ninth grader

A Seashore Academy

This was a second place but made me smile, so I put it in. The art produced by these students was inspiring. I hope you enjoyed the view this week.

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

54 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – Island Holiday Market”

  7. Local art festivals are the best. The stories, the talent, and the goodwill always draw me in. This event is particularly beautiful. Thank you for sharing another heartwarming response to a tragedy which lingers.

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  10. This is why it’s so important for communities to support the arts – it’s wonderful that your Art Center has been re-constructed in time for this sociable time of year

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  11. What a fun Sunday stroll, John. I got a kick out of the fish wearing a saddle in the first photo. That’s a heartwarming story about Gray. It was particularly wonderful to see all the fabulous artwork from the kids. Have a sublime Sunday. Hugs on the wing!

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  16. What heart-warming stories of kids helping other kids! Kinda gives you a warm fuzzy feeling knowing there’s so much compassion and generosity being shown. Interesting artwork, John. Thanks for taking us on this stroll today!

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        1. Nope. Hate that. I like to get it out of the way and then enjoy the whole season. I procrastinate wrapping so there is a little angst there, since I don’t believe in store gift wrapping my items.

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