Where Whimsy Abounds
How an artist named Bump and his whimsical creations are inspiring creativity.
Josh “Bump” Galletta
@bumpgalletta
Over the past decade, Josh “Bump” Galletta has filled our city with his intricate, creative illustrations. Galletta’s work is recognizable. His detailed murals adorn businesses across town like Starbucks, Publix GreenWise, and Explorations V Children’s Museum. His embroidered hats and apparel can be found at local markets like Scout &Tag, June Taylor, and Rafa Natural; he’s even been picked up by major retailers at West Elm and Armature Works.
Galletta’s art is self-taught. He picked up drawing as a hobby when he was a kid and entered lots of art contests in school (though he never won). As an adult, drawing became more than a hobby for Galletta after a nearly fatal bicycle accident in 2010. He spent long days and nights in his hospital room. Creating art became his method of recovery, his lifeline, and his hope.
As a part of his recovery, Galletta began leaving his artwork in unsuspecting places around the state — for example, in coffee shops, bookstores, and even at Disney World — along with his Instagram handle and a little note encouraging the finder to share his drawings. As people began doing so, Galletta’s online presence picked up quickly. Now, we see his art all over town.
Lately, Galletta’s been busier than ever. He teamed up with Ida Mundell to self-publish Goodnight Lakeland, a cozy children’s book that points readers toward Lakeland’s charm. It sold out in just a few months and is now going into its second printing. Lately he’s been designing promotional work for Love Bird, Mirrorton, and Black Swan Tattoo. This summer, you can catch Galletta at Buena Market along with a brand-new apparel line.
Josh “Bump” Galletta has been an instrumental figure in inspiring and refreshing our little town with hope and creativity. Per Goodnight Lakeland, “Our city’s a place where whimsy abounds.” This wouldn’t be so, without Galletta’s artwork all around.
INDIE BOOK BUZZ
A new coffee shop/independent bookstore is coming to downtown Lakeland! Pressed is set to open late this summer, and the shop will serve up fresh coffee and baked goods while you read your favorite books and staff-selected titles.