Reporter staff
The Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce’s art gallery has a new style. Over the past five years, the MI Chamber gallery exhibited numerous painters from MIVAL and artists associated with MIVAL. The nature of the gallery, however, did not lend itself to the atmosphere of a regular art gallery. Therefore, the Chamber analyzed the situation and decided to move the gallery in a new direction.
To the untrained eye, the chaos of dirt and heavy equipment isn’t a thing of beauty. Yet, the tangle of cranes and concrete that accompany construction of new roads and bridges is was what attracted Florence Palmer to paint I-90 as it took shape. In fact, construction is one of her favorite subjects. Among the 500 art pieces to her credit are scenes of cranes operating over Eastside condos and businesses.
Bill Morton
On Travel
Linda Stephens-Urbaniak
In the Garden
This season, the majority of Island merchants and city agencies have had special drives or events to benefit others. The Reporter has already run mentions of many.
The 2007 tapestry of Island people and their passions includes the likes of Walter Witt, Mariner fan of 2,000 games … two mothers of five turned entrepreneurs — Lori Moll of Dooz and Carole Airut Murphy, the pop-top jeweler … Ashley Brewer and her mini-menagerie on the Island’s tiniest farm … Fran Call and Erica Hill, former and current track coaches who build fitness into young people’s lifestyles.
Dee Hitch
On Wine
The winter holidays are here and it is time to enjoy the company of family, friends and co-workers. But New Year’s holiday gatherings this week will involve the drinking of alcoholic beverages.
Islander’s naval service earns him a map honor
Nancy Hilliard
Around the Island
Joan Franklin
On College
Once again, bird lovers united for the annual Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 29, 2007. Inspired by their esoteric fascination with Washington’s feathered creatures, 24 birders prepared for a half-day search, covering Mercer Island from thicket to waterfront. The group, a combination of birders from Mercer Island, Seattle and the Eastside, is part of the Seattle Audubon Society — a local branch of the National Audubon Society established to “value and protect birds and the natural environment.”