Tree Sculptures

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Hurricane Ike was a major storm, one that few here will ever forget. It blew across Galveston Island on September 13, 2008, and its damaging winds played havoc on many structures and uprooted many of the island’s most beloved trees. Thousands of other trees were lost, as well. They simply could not survive the salty flood waters of a 15-foot tidal surge. (Sadly, many of the lost trees were planted right after the Great Storm of 1900 to reforest the island.)

Months after Ike, artists took matters into their own hands and began to replace the majestic oaks that once lined many neighborhood streets with whimsical tree sculptures. Now, there are more than 35 of them dotting the island landscape. Many are located in the Historic East End District.

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This morning, I decided to spend a couple of hours “playing tourist” and seek out some of these most unique masterpieces.

I had heard “3 Pelicans and a Fish” could be found near The Mosquito Cafe, so I headed in that direction first and there, behind the restaurant, I spotted it. This great work is one of 10 tree sculptures in Galveston created by Indiana artist Dayle Lewis.

I found another Lewis’ sculpture, “Great Dane,” at 1228 Sealy (facing 13th Street). The owners of the home here have a Great Dane, named Hunter. Apparently, the old tree had actually grown around the fence at the very spot where the paws in the sculpture grip the fence.

Sadly, just after “Great Dane” was finished, someone stole one of the paws. I hear the homeowner offered a reward: $50 for the return of the paw and $500 for the hands of the thief! Fortunately, the sculptor, who was still on the Island, carved and installed a new paw.

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In the yard of the red brick house at 511 17th Street, I found “Angel Cradling Bunny,” one of seven tree sculptures created by Houston artist Jim Phillips. At this house on the corner, the sculpture watches over the yard, which is a bird, butterfly and bunny sanctuary.

Happy to say, I found several other works by Phillips today. “Dalmatian” and “Fireplug” were two of my favorites. They are located on the grounds of Galveston City Hall, near the Fire Station 1.

“Tin Man and Toto,,” two more favorites, were found at 1702 Winnie. Word is King Vidor, one of the directors of the movie, The Wizard of Oz, was born in the front downstairs bedroom of this property.

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Finally, I went to see “Pod of Dolphins and Mermaid.” This one, created by painter and wood sculptor Earl Jones, is located at 902 Ball Street. The dolphins in the sculpture represent the children of the family, and the Mermaid represents the mother. This tree had been the homeowners’ “family tree.” I hear they are very happy to still have their tree, even in its new form.

So, I’ve now seen about one-third of Galveston’s treasured tree sculptures. Looking for them was fun, looking for the rest of them will be too!