Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Klay.
Karla, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in the Florida Keys. It was here, snorkeling through the coral reef, exploring the mangroves, and handling live animals, that I developed my love of coastal ecosystems. Eventually, I migrated west to Texas and studied art at Southern Methodist University before moving to Galveston to study Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
Throughout my adulthood I had worked at a number of Non-profits in Dallas and Houston teaching art and about the importance of protecting our coastal ecosystems. In 2003, I integrated my love of the ocean and art and formed the Artist Boat. We started with our Eco-Art Kayak Adventure program. I learned from my experiences growing up in the Keys that the more connected you are to a place the more likely you are to want to protect it.
The kayak is a perfect platform to immerse people in the beauty and wonder of the ecosystems of the Texas coast. Our kayak adventures are guided interpretative tours of places of natural significance. We integrate the art by providing participants with a short watercolor demonstration then everyone has the opportunity to make observations and record those observations in a plein air watercolor.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Working at a non-profit is never a smooth road but always rewarding! I think like any non-profit finding funding to support your work is always a challenge. Since Hurricane Ike, we have raised over $ 9 Million to save ~660 acres of land called the Coastal Heritage Preserve on West Galveston Island.
Most of the $ 9 million is from federal grants and private foundations. With more individual giving we could save an additional ~700 acres, steward the land, and create educational features so that more people could learn about the importance of conserving wild lands.
Artist Boat – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Artist Boat protects our Gulf Coast through land conservation and fun, educational, inspiring adventures that spark creativity, awareness, and action. We pride ourselves on inspiring and educating participants through unique coastal experiences. Artist Boat specializes in using eco-art to engage K-gray learners in coastal protection issues.
We are also a leader in conservation and restoration efforts on Galveston Island with a goal to preserve 1,400 acres. Artist Boat aims to build the Gulf Coast Environmental Center at the Coastal Heritage Preserve where visitors can come to learn, steward, and create art! Ultimately, we want to provide our participants with high-level engagement so they walk away and value the Gulf Coast and want to protect its natural beauty.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is defined by setting a goal and achieving it. My current goal is to save 1,400 acres at the Coastal Heritage Preserve. This is a big goal that will take many hours and many dollars to achieve. Right now we are at ~660 acres so we a nearly halfway there!
I also aim to change peoples perspective of Galveston Bay and the Upper Texas Coast. Lots of people look at the water and think that our water is dirty because it is not crystal clear blue like in Florida. However, our water is not dirty but highly productive! If I can change even one person’s perspective that our coast is beautiful I feel like I have succeeded.
Pricing:
- Participants can participate in our 4- hour Public Eco-Art Kayak adventure for $75/person
Contact Info:
- Address: 2627 Ave O Galveston TX 77550
- Website: www.artistboat.org
- Phone: 409-770-0722
- Email: info@artistboat.org
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/artistboat
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistBoatFanPage/
- Twitter: @artistboat
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