Our History
The Port Aransas Art Center was formed informally in 1995 by a group of artists who wanted to provide a place where artists and art lovers could gather, and to encourage, educate and support one another in a pleasant gallery and classroom setting where fine art could be produced and presented for sale. In April 1997, the Port Aransas Art Center was granted its official IRS designation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The Center operated for many years in a small rented facility, but eventually, the scope of its programs led the Board to consider building a larger, more modern facility. Over the course of ten years, the Art Center patiently raised funds to acquire land for the new building. Once the land was acquired, the Art Center embarked upon construction. The new facility was built to the highest possible standards. The Art Center moved into the 4,000 square foot location at 104 N. Alister Street in Port Aransas in late summer, 2017.
Shortly after opening to the public in 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas Gulf Coast. But the well thought out design and construction of the new building withstood the hurricane. The Art Center sustained relatively modest damage and it was able to clean-up and reopen quickly. In fact, during the community’s recovery after the hurricane, the Art Center welcomed other organizations that did not fare as well, to meet and regroup in the new building.
Port Aransas Art Center Today
Since it was established, the Port Aransas Art Center has expanded its exhibitions, educational classes for students of all ages, and it has attracted greater community interest. The Center has more than 2200 members. Of these, more than 225 are artist-members who show their work at the Center.
The Port Aransas Art Center is a thriving center for the visual arts and a bellwether for quality of life for Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Padre Island and other neighboring communities.
