Art center is heart of art community

The First Friday art receptions at the art center give patrons the opportunity to browse, socialize and enjoy music. The heart of the Port Aransas art community just happens to be in the heart of town.

The Art Center for the Islands, 323 N. Alister St., features a gallery, gift shop, classes, workshops and sponsors art festivals and events throughout the year.

It is a nonprofit organization, in its 14th year of serving Mustang and Padre islands.

Classes and workshops are available 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 off the regular price.

Throughout the year, the center hosts a variety of fundraising events, including the P.A. Art About in October, a benefit sushi tasting in March and Fiesta de Mayo, ArtFest and Songwriters’ Showcase in May.

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, a community of artists since 1996, is open daily to the public.

For more informa- tion, call 749-7334, e-mail artcenter@centurytel.net or visit www.portaransasartcenter. org

First Friday Summer 2010

June 4 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. “Guys and Dolls” group show: Duffey Albright, Tiddle Caylor, Kin Henkel, Steve Vaughn, Dianne Berman and Nanct Stephenson Sponsor ~ American Electric Power

July 2 5:30-7:30 p.m. “Coastal Bend Wildlife Photography Contest Winners’ Exhibit” Sponsors ~ Charlie & Linda Zahn, Devorah Fox and The South Jetty newspaper

August 6 5:30-7:30 p.m. 2010 Merit Show Winners Sponsor~ Allied Waste
Art, wine, food, music, fellowship and fun
Art Center for the Islands
323 N. Alister St.