Special to the Reporter

Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) will be hosting a reception for celebrated watercolorist Genny Rees during the Mercer Island First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. on July 7.

Rees is a longtime member of MIVAL and has many awards for her realistic watercolor paintings of landscapes, water scenes and figures. However, Rees says that she gets the most enjoyment out of painting flowers.

“They seem to come to life while I am painting and I fall in love with each one. Painting to me is a very personal, relaxing experience and it is one thing I can do by myself, trusting my instincts to tell me what comes next,” Rees said.

Rees joined MIVAL in 1983 and was president in 1989. Additionally, she was juried into the Women Painters of Washington in 1993 and was president in 1995. She was juried into the Northwest Watercolor Society in 1983, becoming a Signature member. She also belonged to the Eastside Association of Fine Arts (EAFA), which is now Evergreen Association of Fine Arts.

Through the end of July, Rees’ lovely florals will be available for viewing at the MIVAL Gallery (2836 78th Ave. SE). Our hours are from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.