Art Center offers variety as well as bargains

V isitors and residents looking for original art in a variety of mediums

as well as classes in

many of those mediums will find it all at the Art Center for the Islands, 323 N. Alister St.

The center, a nonprofit organization, is in its 11th year of serving Mustang and Padre islands.

The center features a gallery and gift shop, classes and workshops. It also holds receptions for artists, usually on the first Friday of the month, showcasing their work that remains on display for the remainder of the month, coming down in time to make way for the next exhibit.

Classes and workshops are held year round in a variety of mediums from watercolors to acrylics, oils and even pottery. Schedules are available at the center, and are announced in the weekly editions of the South Jetty.

The First Friday receptions include hors d'oeuvres, wine and live music as art lovers browse through the exhibits. The receptions, held from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, are free and open to the public.

Corporate sponsors help fund the art center on a monthly basis. Sponsorships, at $1,000 per month, may be shouldered by an individual or business, or shared by two or more individuals or businesses.

The art center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation, a community of artists since 1996.

For moreinformation, call 749-7334, or e-mail to artcenter@centurytel.net.

First Friday Schedule

5-8 p.m. Sept. 7

"Two by Two"

Pam Stanley and Charlotte Shannon, Painters, Kaye Hass and Wendy Maurer, Sculptors

Sponsors: Urban Engineering & Woody's Sports Center

Oct. 5 Annette Casto-Stained Glass, Judith Calhoun-Calligraphy, Rebecca Taylor-Sumi-e (Oriental brush painting )

Charlie Pritchard & Bill Hildebrand - Pottery

Sponsor: CITGO

Nov. 2 "Bounty" (Everything under the sun) All Member Show Sponsor: Craig Millard

Dec. 2 Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Middle School & High School

Student Art Show & Awards

Port Aransas /Aransas Pass/ Flour Bluff+more

Sponsors: Family Center IGA & Winship Construction