Galveston’s Hotel Lucine has announced its first artist residency program, in partnership with Houston’s Southern Kindness Gallery. The inaugural residency welcomes Papou, a talented Greek artist known for her unique "coastal cowboy" aesthetic.

This new program bridges artistic expressions from coast to coast, providing a creative platform and a place of respite at Hotel Lucine for artists to showcase their narratives in fresh and resonant contexts. Papou’s residency will run through September, during which the South Florida-based artist will stay at the hotel, drawing inspiration from Galveston’s rich culture and vibrant history. Both Hotel Lucine guests and the public will have the exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in Papou’s creative process.

Papou’s residency will culminate in a solo show on October 4 at Southern Kindness in Houston. Additionally, she will create a unique piece that will be showcased at Hotel Lucine and available for purchase at the end of the residency.

"When considering artists for a solo show in our gallery in Houston, Papou was a natural choice. The concept of a residency along the coast emerged as I envisioned a narrative journey that both tells a story and creates an immersive artistic experience,” says Magen Pastor, founder and owner of Southern Kindness. “Partnering with the stunning Hotel Lucine in Galveston, we aim to connect our two cities by supporting one another and showcasing the collaborative art between us. This residency at Hotel Lucine not only reduces the logistical challenges of shipping large-scale artworks but also provides Papou with an inspiring coastal backdrop to influence her creations."

The residency will feature a weekend retreat curated by Southern Kindness in collaboration with Hotel Lucine, offering guests the chance to engage with Papou on a personal level and enjoy various activities throughout the weekend. Highlights include a meet and greet on September 13 with live music from Luis Morales from Dem Roots, a yoga session on September 14 with 180-degree beachfront views, a private dinner with live painting on the evening of September 14, and a calming sound bath session on September 15. Guests can also visit a curated shop featuring unique finds from local Galveston boutiques.

"We're thrilled to launch our artist residency program with the extraordinary talent of Papou. Her 'coastal cowboy' style perfectly captures the essence of Galveston and the spirit of Hotel Lucine,” says Keath Jacoby, co-owner of Hotel Lucine. “This partnership with Southern Kindness Gallery allows us to create a dynamic space where art, hospitality, and community intersect. We can't wait to share Papou's inspiring work with our guests."

To reserve a spot at the September 13-15 retreat with Papou and book a stay at Hotel Lucine, visit hotellucine.com and enter the rate code “Papou” or see package details online.