A Port Aransas artist is turning Valentine’s Day hearts in the sand into lifesaving support for coastal wildlife.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As Valentine’s Day approaches, love isn’t just in the air on Mustang Island — it’s in the sand.
At Horace Caldwell Pier, the tide isn’t the only thing leaving its mark. Etched into the shoreline and framed with seashells, rose petals and driftwood, carefully crafted hearts are catching the attention and affection of couples strolling by.
From high school sweethearts to couples celebrating 44 years together, beachgoers are stopping to admire the sandy symbols popping up along the shore.
The artist behind the heartfelt creations is Neesy Tompkins.
“So the hearts in the sand, I take their names from people that want to contribute to the Amos Rehabilitation Keep. I inscribe them in the sand, I put seashells and rose petals and driftwood and seaweed and things like that.”
Each piece is a temporary work of art, surrounded by natural beach treasures.
Like love itself, the creations can be a little messy. The Gulf eventually washes each one away, making timing everything.
“That’s the hardest part is getting the name inscribed on the beach before the tide comes in.”
For Tompkins, this project is about more than Valentine’s Day. It’s about giving back.
She has volunteered for years with the Amos Rehabilitation Keep, known as ARK, which rescues and rehabilitates injured pelicans, sea turtles and other coastal wildlife.
“There’s always something that needs assistance, pelicans with fishing line, turtles that wash up. It’s very dear to my heart,” said Tompkins.
So far, Tompkins has created about a dozen custom hearts and plans to continue through Friday. Each $50 heart benefits ARK’s rescue efforts. If you would like more information check out her Facebook page, Port Aransas Beachlife.
Beachgoers say it’s a cause worth loving, a simple gesture that spreads joy while helping protect the wildlife that calls the Texas coast home.