Letter | A thanks to those who support art and artists

Published 10:41 am Wednesday, June 15, 2011

MIVAL (Mercer Island Visual Arts League) wishes to thank and acknowledge the monetary support from Mercer Island Community Fund and from the Mercer Island Arts Council to be used toward our 50th Anniversary promotions. Also, MIVAL is very grateful for the support from Island businesses that show our art during Third Thursday art walks.

This year, 2011, marks the 50th anniversary of the Mercer Island Visual Arts League. We invite and encourage the public to share in our year-long celebration. From June 26 through Aug. 4, MIVAL will be displaying members’ art at the Community Center at Mercer View. A historical retrospective of art will be on view, as well as art from current members. In addition, MIVAL will host a catered luncheon for its members and the public at the Community Center at Mercer View. The luncheon date is July 21, and our keynote speaker will be Seattle Art Museum Director, Derrick Cartwright. His talk will be based on “Keeping Art Alive on Mercer Island.” Seating reservations may be obtained at the MIVAL Gallery. MIVAL Gallery operates in the spirit of a cooperative. Located at 2836 78th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island, the Gallery refreshes its art each month and is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

MIVAL was the inspiration of a handful of local artists in 1961. At that time, like-minded artists agreed to form a network of local artists to meet, discuss art, show and sell their art, and to provide art demonstrations for its members. That foundation has stood the test of time, and we would like to commemorate this achievement by sharing MIVAL’s history with the community. MIVAL is proud of its past, celebrates the present and embraces the future.

Judith Roan

MIVAL