Sea Turtles

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In recent days, I’ve noticed a number of painted turtle statues on display alongside the Galveston streets I frequent most often. Perhaps, they have been there for awhile; I don’t really know. But, today, I am seeing them everywhere I go. So, of course, I had to ask about them. And, I’m happy to report I learned a lot!

First, I found out that Galveston is home to five of seven species of endangered sea turtles.

Secondly, Turtles About Town, is a community art project showcasing the island city and the conservation efforts of the Turtle Island Restoration Network to protect endangered sea turtles on the upper Texas coast, specially the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle.

And, now, thanks to the network’s combined efforts, turtle lovers - of all ages - have the opportunity to see 19 colorful Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle statues all around the island city.

The first sea turtle statue I spotted was located in front of Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream, 2120 Postoffice Street. “Sundae,” as it is called, was created by artist Shay McAnally and sponsored by Mikey’s. It’s adorable, of course!

Nearby, in front of the Galveston Art League, 2117 Postoffice Street, I saw “Sargasso Susan,” a sea turtle statue created by artist Leroy LeFlore. The color of the statue represents the Sargasso Sea and the Flower Gardens Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico.

Walking to the next block, I ran into “Mermaid + Turtle = Mertle,” located at Clay Cup Studios, 2219 Postoffice Street. It is the creation of artist Tracy Van Horn Reed. It was sponsored by Tom’s Galveston Real Estate. Of course, I love anything that gives a friendly nod to the mermaid.

I found out there is another sea turtle statue, called “Alice,” at Kempner Park, so I drove over to 2704 Ave. O to see it. “Alice” was created by artist Derek Anderson.

At the Bryan Museum, I saw “Dorado,” depicting sun reflections and a breath of air. It was created by artist Ray Cosgrove.

Still another statue I saw today is called “Dr. Tommie Tortuga,” located at 712 Texas Ave. at UTMB. “Dr. Tommie Tortuga” was created by artist Sabrina Stachowski. It is a colorful reminder not only of its mission to improve health but also that the Gulf Coast region UTMB Health calls home.

After looking at all these sea turtle statues today, It dawned on me taking “selfies” by any one of them (or all of them) would have been a good idea. Unfortunately, I thought of it after the fact. Oh well, next time!

About Kemp’s Ridley
The Kemp’s Ridley, the Texas State sea turtle, is the smallest and most critically endangered sea turtle species. This turtle nests on the beaches along the Texas and Mexico shoreline and can be found in Gulf of Mexico waters off the Galveston coastline.

The Dolphins

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In 1975, The Dolphins, created by Galveston sculptor David W. Moore, was installed downtown in the center of the pedestrian corridor on Postoffice Street - that once ran between 21st and 24th Streets. Standing six feet tall, the solid bronze sculpture, is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

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The Dolphins was created in conjunction with the Al Shakis Art Foundry in Houston. The Dolphins were donated to the city and citizens of Galveston by the collective efforts of a private donor and Galveston Foundation, Inc.

When the Postoffice Street corridor was re-opened to vehicular traffic, the Galveston Commission for the Arts made the necessary efforts to relocate the statue to its current location at Fort Crockett Seawall Park, located on Seawall Boulevard at 45th Street.

About the Sculptor
Born Feb. 16, 1921, David Moore grew up in a large home in Galveston, located at 31st and Avenue O, where the Galveston Artillery Club now stands.

Moore worked for the Moore Lumber Company, a family firm and the second-oldest lumber company in Texas, and for Moore-Climatic, Inc. He was a trustee of the Rosenberg Library and helped form the Galveston Cultural Arts Council. Moore died in 2001, at the age of 80.

Other sculptures created by Moore can be found in Galveston. They include The Heron, on display at Galveston's Ashton Villa; Young Girl with Turtle, at the Rosenberg Library, and Boy with Seagulls, displayed at the Texas Seaport Museumt. The 1900 Storm Memorial, which Moore was planning long before he was commissioned to do such a work, was unveiled in September 2000.