This weekend will be a great time to shop for a unique graduation or teacher gift. It's also a good time to shop for a great piece of art. The Art Center for the Islands is holding its third annual ArtFest Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Held in the courtyard of the historic Tarpon Inn, 200 E. Cotter, ArtFest provides an opportunity to peruse fine arts and crafts in an historic, shady, outdoor courtyard.

This year's festival features a wide array of artists and artisans selling their work. Offerings will include paintings in a variety of media, stained glass, glass windchimes, a variety of handcrafted jewelry, sculpture, pottery, raku, shard art, household ceramics, photography, handmade books, jewelry, shell and crystal decorated bottles, shadow boxes, fish boxes and cutting boards.

Marylin Cook, Arlene Hughes and Barbara Behrens and other volunteers will provide a youth arts and crafts activity area.

Port Aransas musicians Eddy Lee Skipworth, Tiddle Caylor and Jack Gant will entertain browsers.

According to Mary Rose of the art center, the purpose of the festival is to promote art awareness and appreciation, and provide a venue for island artists.

Artfest is sponsored by the Art Center for the Islands, the Tarpon Inn and the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce- Tourist Bureau.

The event is free and open to the public, but proceeds collected from artist/vendors will go toward funding for the new art center building being planned.

For more information, contact the art center at 749-7334.