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There is a jewel on this island, and from my conversations with a few locals, many are not aware of it.

The Art League, Marco Island’s Center for the Arts, not only provides classes in the arts and galleries for art exhibitions, but it also houses a gift shop — “Gift Shop of Original Art & Crafts.”

I wonder what we all envision when we hear “gift shop.” For many, I would guess, it is a place where you purchase something you want to give to someone. I would also guess that this type of purchase is usually to provide pleasure for the recipient or to show thanks. However, as a shopper, or as my sister would say “purchaser,” I don’t need a reason to visit a gift shop. I enjoy going to boutiques and small shops. I also don’t need a reason to buy something; hence the designation of going purchasing versus shopping has been bestowed upon me.

A gift can also be defined as a special talent, a natural ability that someone appears to have been born with, referring especially to an artistic ability. It can also be a verb to give something to someone. So you could actually go to a gift shop to buy a gift and then gift your gift! I can see how this may get a bit confusing and maybe that is why so few seem to be aware of this great gift shop.

The gift shop located inside the Center for the Arts is one of those places where you can browse, you can shop and of course you can purchase. It is one of those places that you can see gifts to give, or you can see the gifts others have been born with or you can practice the art of giving by gifting someone with a unique present: art.

The majority of the items are one-of-a-kind pieces. All the items are original designs by the artists. The artists represented are members of the Art League and/or nationally known artists. These gifts are for everyone. I am always saying how art is everywhere; well, in these gifts this statement holds true. The gifts are all art related and consist of paintings and prints, sculptures, pottery and glass. There are original handbag designs and of course jewelry, along with books, cards and music.

The gift shop supports the arts by providing a venue for artists to showcase their work year round. It is a venue that provides the public with reasonably priced artistic items, making the availability within everyone’s means.

In addition to the art gifts, the shop also provides an inventory of art supplies. This will allow you the opportunity to create your own gift!

As October approaches and we look forward to the return of our friends and neighbors, the Center for the Arts will expand its hours making access to this “jewel” even easier.

Extended hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. start Oct. 1. Of course, there are also the special exhibit openings that traditionally take place on Sunday.

Anytime the Center is open, so is the gift shop. And guess what? There is plenty of parking and since access to the Center is always free, you can’t miss by making a visit.

So take advantage of those “gifts” that are out there. As I said earlier, a gift can be defined as a special talent, an artistic ability. Gifts are art and they would not exist without your support of the arts.

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Christine Neal is the executive director of Marco Island’s Center of the Arts. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in the Liberal Arts with emphasis in the Fine Arts and various certifications and designations in business and the arts. An award winning artist, with 20-plus years in management and sales. Marco Island’s Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive 239-394-4221 mail@marcoislandart.com.