Suzanne Zahr, The Islander to host monthly art and wine events on Mercer Island

Suzanne Zahr's monthly "Art and Wine Tasting" events kick off at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5 at the SZ Gallery on Mercer Island.

Suzanne Zahr’s monthly “Art and Wine Tasting” events kick off at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5 at the SZ Gallery on Mercer Island.

Zahr is a Mercer Island resident who recently opened a gallery and design/build studio next to The Islander restaurant, in the Aviara building on 76th Avenue Southeast. She said one of her goals was to work with other businesses to bring people together through these types of events.

Her vision for the retail location is to grow her business beyond the confines of a design service practice to a public gallery and program venue.

The art and wine events will take place on the first Thursday of each month, ushering in an “exciting new tradition” for the city. The Islander will provide wine tastings paired with seasonal bites.

The SZ Gallery currently features paintings from Danish-born artists Gitte Peters and MUGGI. It had a grand opening on March 31.

In similar event news, the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Art UnCorked on Sept. 9 on Sunset Highway and 78th Avenue Southeast.