The Islander: The Entertainment District is growing

Interview with John Gattas

Jim Pier's Market by the Bay is South Padre Island's newest addition to the Entertainment District along with new construction plans for the former Painted Marlin business, confirmed by Property Manager Lorenzo Galvan.

Market by the Bay provides space every Friday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. for business owners to sell products, whether it's plants, art, or food. In addition, the market's green space creates a community park where residents and tourists can expect live music, food, drinks, and views of the bay.

The former Colorado graphic designers John Gattas and his wife Malia Quinn (owner of Quinn Gallery) wanted to start an artisanal market since their recent move to the island in 2020.

"I never wasted a blank sheet," said Gattas, speaking on his journey  as a creative since his adolescence and now works alongside Malia Quinn drawing caricatures on Jim's Pier every Friday.

In the past, Gattas worked in art production, and illustration photoshop. Currently he plays gigs on his bass, sells micro greens, and designs art in his free time. 

John Gattas, and Malia Quinn's Caricature pop-up tent. Courtesy of Gattas.

Many business owners put their heads together to make this dream come true. "I'm grateful for Chris Johnson, the owner of Hooked on Seafood, who helped so much with organizing."

For Gattas, the goal is to have 60 participating vendors and encourages all to support local artists. "Our goal is to keep it alive and active until springtime because that's when the fireworks start, and tourists start rolling in."

Photo of Los Surfvivors, courtesy of Gattas.

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