Meet the 2024 Homes Tour Artist – Jessica Antonelli

Each year, Galveston Historical Foundation commissions an artist to create our Homes Tour commemorative print. For 2024, that honor falls on Jessica Antonelli. Jessica, a BOI (Born On Island) artist, art instructor, and nonprofit organizer, has dedicated over a decade to fostering breakthroughs in drawing and painting through her art business.

As the Director of Operations for La Izquierda Fest, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, she champions community building in Galveston through art, music, and environmental conservation. Holding a Master’s in Art Education since 2010, Jessica taught art across all ages in GISD for five years, earning the Teacher of the Year award in 2013 for her exceptional contributions.

Seeking adventure, in 2014, she relocated to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where she established Studio Antonelli, gaining renown for her popular beginner drawing classes and her artwork. Now back on the island, Jessica divides her time between painting, leading art workshops, and volunteering with Seeding Galveston and GAIA (Galveston Art in Action), aiming to enrich her community through art and activism.

Her most recent painting series, “Venice of the South,” is an optimistic Solarpunk vision of Galveston in the year 2100. The paintings imagine the island transformed into a thriving eco-tourism hub, where gondolas glide through lush canals powered by solar energy and sustainable practices. Learn more at jessicaantonelli.com.

ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION

Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.

PLEASE NOTE:

Tickets are non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, the tour may be discontinued temporarily or for the remainder of the day. Smoking, photos, food, drinks, and pets are not permitted. If we can assist with special needs arrangements, please contact us at 409-765-7834 in advance of your visit.