In this story
Galveston became a favorite pause on our family drives from Illinois to South Texas. We would walk the beach, look for shells, and enjoy time together by the water. After one of those visits, I began thinking about what a mug could hold beyond a single beach scene.
Gathering the island in photographs and drawings
On a later trip I took reference photos around the city. Back in South Texas, I began working those observations into an illustration. The Seawall gives the drawing its coastal rhythm, while Historic Pleasure Pier, the Port of Galveston, cruise ships, and the Grand Galvez bring in the island’s recreation, working waterfront, and architecture.
I enjoyed learning more about the Grand Galvez while drawing it. Each place has its own shape and history, so the work was to let those pieces feel connected as the scene wrapped around the mug.
A local home at Seawall Coffee
I reached out to the recently opened Seawall Coffee and connected with Megan and Paula. That conversation became a partnership I have loved. The design has been received warmly enough that the artwork is also available on a skinny tumbler.
Visit the Galveston Mug page to explore the full drawing and find Seawall Coffee’s shop details.
A gift idea with a real place behind it
Galveston Seawall and Historic Pleasure Pier give this design two points to recognize on a return visit. For someone who knows Galveston through trips rather than an address, pair the mug with a note about a particular stop or a plan to go back. It keeps the gift tied to an experience instead of a generic destination.
Ashley Ann
