Fifteen area galleries, studios and design establishments will open their doors on Saturday, Oct. 15, for the fifth annual PA Art About.

The afternoon and evening of culture, socializing and fun set for 4 to 8 p.m., following the Old Town Festival, which ends at 4 p.m. (See story Page 1A.) Celebrating October’s national art and humanities month, the art walk allows participants to walk, bike or take a cart to participating venues to peruse unique art, meet a variety of folks including the artists, mingle and have refreshments at each location.

The one-day event is sponsored by the Art Center for the Islands and the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce –Tourist Bureau. Promoting art and culture, the Art About is designed to let everyone know “Port A is Port Arty!”

Starting in “Old Town” and winding down State Hwy. 361, this is a self-guided tour. Participants may start their tour at any point. Maps will be available at all locations.

‘Arty’ fun Port Aransas residents Gail Ocker and Shirlee Page view art at the Susan Castor Collection at the 2010 PA Art Walk. FILE PHOTO Participating business are:

Potters on Cotter at 413 E. Cotter Ave. Working in new directions this year, sole proprietor Brenda Barnett will display pottery by new friends as well as her best selling photo cards and jewelry. Hosts are Brenda Barnett and friends.

Debra Wilbanks Williams Studio at 118 W. White. This award-winning Texas artist lives and creates in Port Aransas and opens her studio to the public once a year for the art walk. Enjoy a peek at this unique workspace in “Old Town”. Hosts are Wilbanks Williams, family and friends.

Steve Vaughn Studio at 222 W. Roberts. This is a rare chance to visit an authentic and unusual work place of a full-time artist. The studio has served as Vaughn’s primary place to paint for 25 years and features works painted on the floor, walls and ceiling. Hosts are Nancy and Steve Vaughn.

Bam Bam Artwares at 403 N. Alister St. An artisan boutique located in a purple shop, featuring unique gifts, jewelry and colorful wares created by local, and a few regional, artists. Hostess is Flora Caylor Buerger.

Port A Gallery at 345 N. Alister St. Offering an extensive collection of original art by award winning Texas artists. Paintings, sculpture, photography and unique glasswork will be on display. Hosts are Cameron and Rick Pratt, Linda Morgan and Richard Millan.

Art Center for the Islands at 323 N. Alister St. One of a kind art from more than 200 artists in a variety of mediums including paintings, photos, pottery, jewelry, glass, sculpture, wood and more in assorted subject matter. Also on display will be “Island Treasures” art exhibit for show and sale through October. Hosts are art center board members, volunteers and director Mary Rose.

Nancy Stephenson and Tiddle Caylor Studio at 239 Bujan. Showing art in a cottage setting, Caylor’s work includes a number of colorful abstract landscape paintings of the seacoast and a ranch in West Texas. Stephenson has photographs from New York and paintings from her series “On the Border.” Hosts are Stephenson and Caylor.

Port A Glass Studio and Art Gallery at 401 Beach St. Sheri Hargrove is a glass artist living in Port Aransas, originally from Minnesota. She has been working with glass as a medium since her first class in 2008. Stop in and watch her work. Hosts are Hargrove and Jeremy Bowen.

Cita Resort Interiors at 129 N. Alister St. A unique global experience offering an eclectic variety of unusual art, home furnishings, clothing and jewelry from around the world. Hostesses are Shana Heard and Kay Kuhne.

Donna Van Baalen Studio at 303 S. Station St. A working studio displaying works in progress and paintings in miniature, as well as oil paintings of all sizes and subject matter, including still lifes, florals, landscapes, bird, animals and portraits. Hostess is Van Baalen.

Studio L. Leon at 1307 Whispering Sands. Coastal themed artwork in the context of a beach house. Works in progress include oil on canvas using mediums including Galkyd and Megilp, manipulating the surfaces to achieve blistered and distressed nuances referred to as “decomposing realism.” Hosts are Pamela and L. Leon Sands.

Felder Gallery at 1726 State Hwy. 361 in the Tower Center. Fine art in a mix of traditional and contemporary styles with the main focus on coastal art. The gallery features the artwork of oil painter Larry Felder, along with other local, regional and national fine artists. Host is Robby Felder. A Mano at 1726 State Hwy. 361 at the Tower Center. Folk art, talavera ceramics, pottery, textiles, glass and home décor all handmade and selected from artists in Colonial Mexico. Hostesses are Deb Trumpy and staff.

Mustang Island Art Gallery at 222 State Hwy. 361. Original art works by nationally and internationally known artists from Texas, the U.S. and Europe. Also will feature a book signing of “Flint Reed Paintings.” Hosts are Jill and Flint Reed.

Ida Ayala Pauken Studio at 660 Sand Key Dr. A clay artist opening her small studio to the public for this special day. Stop by to see the clay process in mostly figurative work. Hostess is Pauken.

Art center director Mary Rose invites everyone to take a map, chart a course and enhance their life with art.

The PA Art About is free and open to the public.

Contact the art center at 749- 7334 or artcenter@centurytel.net for more information.