Discover the Coast Through Art, Adventure & Imagination with Artist Boat

Artist Boat was founded in 2003 as a nonprofit organization with the purpose of protecting our Gulf Coast through land conservation and fun, educational, inspiring adventures that spark creativity, awareness and action.

Artist Boat Galveston Activities and Camps!

Nature Together Family Camp

Ages 5 & Up

Kids and their grown-ups will discover the coastal environment through hands-on activities, creative projects, and outdoor exploration.

Together, families will learn about local wildlife and ecosystems while creating nature-inspired artwork and connecting with the environment.

September 26, 2026
Fun Fishing Adventure
Spend the morning fishing with us! You will learn different fishing techniques like how to seine or throw a cast net! Participants will also dissect a fish and learn the ancient art of fish printing.
November 28, 2026
Feathers and Flowers
Fall is one of the best times to see migratory birds on Galveston Island. Join us for activities focusing on birds, migration, and pollinators!
Campers will explore and paint like John James Audubon, while learning all about the wildlife from the soil to the sky!
January 2, 2027
Paint like Van Gogh With a Sweet Twist
Van Gogh was famous for his self-portraits—now it’s your turn! Transform yourself into a Van Gogh–style gingerbread cookie and learn expressive painting techniques.
A deliciously fun way to mix art and holiday cheer…using frosting as your paint and a cookie as your canvas.

Where the Wild Things Grow

Ages 5 & Up

Guided Hikes through the Coastal Heritage Preserve

Explore the prairies of the Coastal Heritage Preserve on a guided walk through the landscape.

Learn to identify native plants, discover animal tracks and signs, and uncover the historical and cultural significance of this unique coastal habitat.

October 4, 2026 at 9AM
November 1, 2026 at 9AM
December 13, 2026 at 9AM

Meet at the Coastal Heritage Preserve Peake Gate across from 3912 Galleon. Galveston, TX 77554

Watercolor and Wetlands

Ages 12 & Up

Learn the basics of watercolor painting while exploring the importance of wetlands.

Explore the important functions of wetlands through hands-on learning and watercolor painting.

Participants will discover how wetlands support wildlife, protect our coast, and keep ecosystems healthy while creating plein air watercolor paintings.

This program is designed to be ADA accessible and welcoming to participants of all abilities.

This activity is perfect for those new to watercolor painting, those with art skills that want to learn about wetlands and paint in a beautiful place and those that want to share nature with the next generation.

September 24, 2026 at 6PM
October 2, 2026 at 6PM
November 22, 2026 at 9AM
December 12, 2026 at 9AM

Salty Nature Journaling

Ages 12 & Up

Explore the details of the Coastal Heritage Preserve through curiosity and creativity.

Explore the Coastal Heritage Preserve through nature journaling.

Participants will slow down, notice the details of the coastal landscape, and document plants, wildlife, and natural patterns through art. This experience encourages curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the coastal environment.

September 23, 2026 at 6PM
October 23, 2026 at 6PM
December 6, 2026 at 9AM
December 20, 2026 at 9AM

FALL AND WINTER CAMPS

Explore, Observe, and Create in the Artist Boat Eco-Art Camp Sessions! Artist Boat Eco-Art Campers will experience true science and art enrichment with outdoor activities and art projects. Join us for inspirational education!

DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES AT EACH CAMP!

Due to the nature of the camps, sessions are designed for children ages 5 to 10. Registration is required and spaces are limited to 12 students to ensure small camp size and individual attention.

Fall Eco-Art Day Camp Dates

Ages 5-10
9:00 am – 4:00 pm daily

Monday, November 23rd – Feathers & Flowers
Fall is one of the best times to see migratory birds on Galveston Island. Join us for a day of camp activities focusing on birds, migration, and pollinators!
Tuesday, November 24th – Keep our Seas Plastic Free
During this time of giving back and giving thanks – join Artist Boat in beautifying a bucket for Galveston beaches. While you’re at it, learn about marine debris art and how you can find materials to make art anywhere!

Winter Eco-Art Day Camp Dates

Ages 5-10

December 21st & December 22nd
Paint Like Van Gogh with a Sweet Twist
Van Gogh was famous for his self-portraits—now it’s your turn! Transform yourself into a Van Gogh–style gingerbread cookie ornament and learn expressive painting techniques. A deliciously fun way to mix art and holiday cheer… using frosting as your paint and a cookie as your canvas.

December 28th, 29th, and 30th – Turtle Time
Bring your children to have a turtley awesome time learning about the life of the turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. Campers get to sculpt a clay coral reef, create a tissue paper turtle shell mosaic, and build a jellyfish in a bottle!
January 4th, 5th, and 6th – Whale of a Time
We whaley hope your kids will join us to discover new things about the gentle giants of the Gulf of Mexico. Campers will create an acrylic painting on canvas, an ink monoprinting, and build a whale tail out of clay!