Page 12 - Ma 2023 Galveston Monthly

publisher’s NOTe

MiniMalisM Made siMple

Normally I would take the time in this column to unveil what you can expect to
find in this May issue. But this month I’m instead going to focus on a phrase I
often use - less is more.
By definition, less is more refers to the notion that a smaller amount of something
can be much more effective than a large amount or even too much of it. So I’m
keeping it short and sweet this month.
Featured on our cover this month is a new painting titled “Lifeguard Stand”
by local artist and gallery owner René Wiley. René and her husband Ben Wiley
opened René Wiley Gallery 14 years ago in the Downtown Cultural Arts District
in Galveston at 2128 Postoffice. The gallery represents award-winning painters
including René, her daughters, and several other accomplished local area artists.
This month at the gallery, René has a colorful new collection of oil paintings of
local birds in tree branches from her pastural land and coastal orchard, as well as
a series of Galveston’s lifeguard stands on beaches. For more details on her gallery
and others, check out this month’s Galveston Gallery section.
If you have been looking for a unique and luxurious living experience that also
immerses you in local history look no further than the U.S. Customs House in
downtown Galveston on Postoffice Street. This stunning building, constructed in
1861, is currently listed for sale and offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of
history while enjoying modern amenities.
The main building has approximately 25 rooms, including offices, meeting rooms,
and a reception area. The Federal courtroom on the second floor has been
converted into luxurious living quarters, complete with hardwood floors, granite
countertops, tile work, spectacular ceilings, bathrooms, kitchen and chandeliers.
One can only imagine waking up every morning in the grandeur of the courtroom,
now transformed into a spacious bedroom with all the comforts of modern living.
Additionally, the property includes approximately 10,000 square feet of parking
space and a quaint caretaker’s living quarters above an extra-large two-car garage.
To find out more about this historic property read the feature by Donna Gable
Hatch on page 30. We included a few pictures of the renovated inside including
the upstairs living quarters.
Until next month, enjoy the Island!

John hall, PUBlIShER | JOHN@GALvESTONMONTHLy.COM
JOIN THE GALvESTON MONTHLy COMMUNITy | LIkE US ON FACEBOOk

12 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | MAY 2023