🌅 Featured Artist: Kelly Chapman

The Camera Behind My Galveston: Adventures of a Local Tourist

At White Magnolia Galveston, we love celebrating the artists and storytellers who capture the island’s beauty in ways that inspire both locals and visitors. One of our favorite featured artists is Kelly Chapman, the creative mind behind My Galveston: Adventures of a Local Tourist.

Kelly was born on Galveston Island, making her a sixth-generation islander. She grew up in League City, Texas and currently resides in Dickinson, Texas. Kelly has salt water in her veins and a deep love for the place she calls home.

🌞 Sunrise Photography

Kelly is best known for her sunrise photography—those breathtaking moments when the light dances across the Gulf waters and Galveston comes alive for a new day. Her photos capture the soft hues of morning, the calm of the surf, and the magic of an island awakening.

Each of Kelly Chapman's photos tell its own story, reminding us to slow down and savor the simple beauty of island life. The photo on the left is at Historic Pleasure Pier and the photo in the middle and on the right are taken in the east end of Galveston Island near Beachtown.

☕ Coffee Obsession

If there’s one thing that rivals Kelly’s love of the ocean, it’s her love of coffee. She has made it her personal mission to explore every coffee house on the island, from hidden gems to well-known local favorites. Through her “coffee adventures,” she connects with the community and shares the stories behind the baristas, roasters, and flavors that fuel Galveston’s mornings.

It’s that same curiosity and joy that makes Kelly’s work feel so genuine—she doesn’t just photograph Galveston; she lives it. Coffee, left to right, is Groovy Grind, Mod Coffeehouse, and Seawall Coffee Company.

🌴 Island Happenings

Kelly is truly an adventurer at heart, embracing every opportunity to experience Galveston from new perspectives. Whether she’s flying over the island, joining a local goat yoga session, or attending one of the many island festivals, she brings contagious enthusiasm wherever she goes.

Her photos and stories remind us that Galveston isn’t just a vacation spot—it’s a vibrant, ever-changing community full of surprises waiting to be discovered. From left to right, Kelly Chapman getting ready to board a ride with Scallyway Air, capturing some pirates at the Annual Pirate Festival, and snapping a photo of a patron at the High Horse Boutique and Hat Bar.

📸 Memorable Moments at White Magnolia

We proudly feature a wall of Kelly’s work inside the home, so guests can browse, enjoy, and purchase photos as the perfect island souvenir.

Over time, Kelly has become one of our favorite guests and friends of White Magnolia. Each time she stays with us, she brings her creativity, laughter, and camera along for the journey. We love watching how she captures new angles of the property, the neighborhood, and the soul of the island.

Guests who visit White Magnolia often recognize Kelly’s photos from her popular My Galveston: Adventures of a Local Tourist page.

💖 Visit White Magnolia and Experience Local Art

When you stay at White Magnolia Galveston, you’re not just staying in a beautiful historic home built in the 1920a —you’re surrounded by stories, creativity, and authentic island culture. Contributors like Kelly Chapman add to the uniqueness of the property and we can't wait for you to experience it yourself!

Follow Kelly Chapman on Facebook at My Galveston: Adventures of a Local Tourist to see her latest photos, island adventures, and behind-the-scenes moments. This photo was taken by David James Photography.