By Theresa Zwingman

Special to the Reporter

The 51st Annual Junior Art Show is currently on display at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, showcasing more than 70 remarkable art pieces created by students from kindergarten through high school. The exhibition features various categories, including drawing, painting, crafts, sculpture, photography and digital art. This vibrant event highlights the incredible creativity and talent of Mercer Island’s youth.

The show is a platform for young artists to express themselves and gain recognition for their work. The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses and Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) members. Mathnasium, the major sponsor, played a key role in the show’s success, and special awards were provided by Sahara Pizza, Whitaker Family, June Lindsey and other MIVAL supporters.

Among the standout moments of the event are the Joan and Leonard Lucia Art Inspiration Awards and the Ewan Lill Art Award. The Lucia Art Inspiration Awards, generously funded by the Lucia family, honor exceptional young artists with gift certificates to local art stores, encouraging them to continue their creative pursuits. We are grateful for the Lucia family’s ongoing support in inspiring young artists within our community. The Ewan Lill Art Award honors the memory of Ewan Lill, a devoted athlete, student and artist. This award recognizes young artists who transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, making a lasting impact through their creativity. Ewan’s legacy continues to inspire all who knew him.

MIVAL, a cornerstone of the Mercer Island arts community for more than 60 years, has supported the visual arts and fostered a creative environment for artists of all levels. MIVAL’s dedication to the arts ensures that events like the Junior Art Show continue to showcase and encourage the immense talent of young artists. Children are also welcome to create art with MIVAL volunteers at events like Summer Celebration and Mostly Music in the Park this summer.

The show will remain on display at the community and event center until Aug. 22. We encourage everyone to visit and experience the incredible talent of Mercer Island’s youth. For more information about MIVAL and how to get involved, visit www.mival.org. Your support helps ensure the arts continue to thrive on Mercer Island, inspiring future generations of artists.