The Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) is opening an art gallery in the Town Center. On Nov. 19, the group will open a “cooperative style” gallery in the downstairs floor of the Avellino Building on 78th Avenue S.E. MIVAL artists and staff will manage the gallery — the first of its kind on Mercer Island.

“This is an exciting opportunity for MIVAL artists to exhibit and sell their artwork on Mercer Island,” said MIVAL president Seiko Konya.

Up until now, the organization has managed Summer Celebration’s junior fine arts show and the holiday show that is currently in progress at the Mercer Island Community Center. Many Island businesses also display work by MIVAL artists throughout the year. The league collaborates with the Mercer Island Arts Council during the Third Thursday community art walk season (May – October), providing various pieces to show.

MIVAL is a Mercer Island community group which promotes and encourages artistic endeavors on Mercer Island to stimulate awareness and appreciation of the visual arts and to sponsor art exhibits and workshops.