Art Center for the Islands features gallery, classes, gift shop and more

The art center features the works of area artists in its gallery. Visitors and residents looking for original art in a variety of media as well as classes in will find it all at the Art Center for the Islands, 323 N. Alister St.

The center features a gallery and gift shop, classes and workshops.

It is a nonprofit organization, in its 13th year of serving Mustang and Padre islands. Classes and workshops are held year round in a variety of media from watercolors to acrylics, oils, pottery and even jewelry. Schedules are available at the center, and are announced in the weekly editions of the South Jetty. Year round, the art center hosts First Friday receptions showcasing featured artists. The receptions include hors d'oeuvres, wine and live music as art lovers browse through the exhibits. Held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, the receptions are free and open to the public. Works in the shows remain on display for the remainder of the month, coming down in time to make way for the next exhibit. On the third Saturday of each month, the center holds a Third Saturday Sale, when member artists discount their works for up to 50 percent of the regular price. The PA Art About art walk is also a tradition for the art center. Various artists' studios and galleries open for the walk held in late October. Many serve wine and hors d'oeuvres as art lovers drop by during the three-hour walk that is free and open to the public. Summer youth art camps are scheduled for two weeks during the summer: June 15 - 19 and July 6 - 10. Children entering third through fifth grade may attend for $15 per week. Enrollment is limited. Contact the center for more information. 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 more information, call 749-7334, or e-mail to artcenter@centurytel.net.