Tree Sculptures - Galveston, Texas

While on a short vacation trip to Galveston Island, The Travelling Toe and constant companions opted to take a tram tour of the historic area of the island.  We picked up the tram tour at the Visitor's Center located in Ashton Villa.  

Aston Villa/ Galveston Visitors Center

Galveston Island Historic Tours

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Tram Tour
Galveston Island

During the tour, we were excited to see all the fun tree sculptures scattered around town.  Out of a devastating event, beauty, art and fun was created.  Hurricane Ike hit Galveston on September 13, 2008.   Due to the high winds and storm surge, many old trees were lost.   However, many homeowners decided not to chop down the dead trees but instead employed 3 tree sculptors to create works of art.  With chainsaws in hand, creative sculptures came to life.   Currently there appear to be about 36 of the tree sculptures to view.  

The sculptors and homeowner seemed to utilize a sense of humor with several of the tree sculptures that we saw.  At the home, where Hollywood director King Vidor lived as a child, you will find The Tin Man and Toto from The Wizard of Oz as he had directed the movie.   At the fire station, there is the ever watchful and faithful Dalmatian and close by is a fire plug flowing with water.  Also on the tour is a Great Dane, guitar, owl, squirrel with acorn and even Sponge Bob. Our favorite story centered on the beautiful mermaid who is often dressed for the appropriate holiday or occasion.   The homeowner named her "Tina'...and you ask why????  because "Ike" took her out!  She had on a lovely strand of pearls when we meet her.

Dalmatian

Squirrel with Acorn

The Tin Man

The three sculptors who carved the majority of the figures were Dayle Lewis, Earl Jones, and Jim Phillips.

If you are in Galveston for a visit do take the time to see these wonderful pieces of work.  You can see them on the tram tour like we did or pick up a map at the Visitors Center and make you own tour.   They just request that all visitors be respectful of the homeowner and their property.

Geisha