Stop by the Art Center for the Islands to place a bid on an original art piece at the annual “Hearts for the Arts” silent auction and exhibit.

Bidding opens Tuesday, Jan. 31, and runs until 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, in time for Valentine’s Day gifting. With cupid’s day in mind, most auction items will have a heart or romantic theme. The auction is a fundraiser for the art center and each piece has been donated to the center by various member artists.

Pieces included in the silent auction will be the feature of the First Friday reception on Feb. 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the art center, 323 N. Alister St. The public is invited to peruse the exhibit, place bids, hear live music and enjoy refreshments and socializing.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, the International Crane Foundation Children’s / Crane Bird of Peace-World Art Exhibit will begin. The exhibit will include a birding mural by students from H.G. Olsen Elementary School, and will run through the end of the Whooping Crane Festival, scheduled for Feb. 23-26 in Port Aransas.

Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal is the February sponsor for the art center.

For more information call the art center, 749-7334, email artcenter@centurytel.net, or visit its Web site, www.portaransasartcenter.org.