Artist Pat Howie will be the featured artist at the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) Gallery in September. The opening reception and celebration of Howie’s new show “Around the Island” will be held from 12-4 p.m. on Sept. 9.

As a 39-year Island resident, Howie “finds the beauty in our community’s surroundings and has worked to capture several of the unique places and seasons that make our island so special,” according to a MIVAL press release.

From gorgeous parks to the glimmering water, she has become adept at painting the beauty and joy she feels at simply being alive.

“Everyday, art opens a world of beauty to me,” Howie stated. “Roaming through a museum or gallery, looking at the lake from my living room, or sitting at the easel with a paintbrush or palette knife in my hand, the affirmation that I am doing what I love fills my senses.”

Several years ago, Howie suffered an incredibly difficult time when nine of her extended family members, plus three cats, passed away in the same year. She found herself unable to concentrate on anything but putting paint to canvas.

“Painting allowed me some semblance of peace,” Howie said, and through many years of classes at University of Washington, Ilona Rittler’s School of Fine Arts and a mentor in Alden Mason, she developed her craft.

In Howie’s own words, “I painted my way out of the darkness I carried within.”

Today, Howie loves painting as a means of exploring what it means to be alive, seeking joy in the color, community and places she visits, and the special place she calls home. Her show “Around the Island” will be on view through Sept. 28.

Mercer Island Visual Arts League Gallery is a cooperative of local artists showing glass ceramics, jewelry, oils, cards, fiber art, watercolors, acrylics, encaustics and photography. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Saturday 12-6 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday).

See www.mival.org for more.