Located on Galveston Island, built in 1893, and having survived the Great Storm of 1900 among many others, shaded by a 100-year-old tree, Blackbird Cottage serves as the retreat, art sudio, and writing hideaway of author and artist Elena Sandovici. Occasionally, the cottage comes alive with art parties or dinners with readers. The most notable of these events is celebrated annually during Horse Week (iykyk).
Through the generous contribution of the Blackbird Society, the cottage is also home to the Blackbird Artist Residency Program. Twice a year, an artist is awarded a creative stay at the cottage and encouraged to let the Island setting inspire them to create a small series of paintings.
Our very first Blackbird Resident Artist was Amita Bhalla in the summer of 2025. Below, you can see pictures of some of her beautiful works, all created during her stay at Blackbird Cottage.
Our upcoming resident artist is Olga Porter. We are absolutely thrilled that she accepted the Blackbird Residency and cannot wait to see what she creates!
Would you like to become a Blackbird Society member and help sponsor this program? You get a chance to meet the artists and be among the first to hear about their experience at Blackbird Cottage and see their new works! You also get to meet a lovely group of fellow art lovers and go on fun outings with us! Please email Elena Sandovici at elenasandovici@gmail.com to learn more about the Blackbird Society, its mission, and the community it fosters.
