By Jane Meyer-Brahm, Special to the Reporter
It’s only three years old, but already Art Uncorked is becoming an Island tradition — and one of the best-attended annual community events on the Island.
It’s no wonder — it combines art, wine, music and food, filling the streets of downtown Mercer Island for an evening of family fun.
Presented by the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce and the Mercer Island Visual Arts League, “Art Uncorked” brings together wine-tasting and art, music and food from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 on 78th Avenue Southeast north of Southeast 27th Street and all along the Outdoor Sculpture Gallery.
New this year will be performances by well-known children’s musician Nancy Stewart, who will be entertaining the young and young-at-heart from 5:30 p.m. in the Sculpture Garden.
Back again this year is the popular “Meet the Winemaker” hour from 5 to 6 p.m., an opportunity to talk with the winemakers, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beat the crowds.
For those who want a special experience, Umpqua Bank is hosting a special VIP reception at the bank at 4 p.m., featuring hors d’oeuvres and gifts. Limited tickets are available for $45.
More than a dozen Washington state wineries, many of them with connections to Mercer Island, will be pouring two or more of their wines under tents in the Outdoor Sculpture Garden, while juried artists will be displaying their unique mix of fine handmade artworks on “Art Alley” along 78th Avenue Southeast.
Wines poured will be available for purchase at a 10 percent discount. Food trucks will provide delicious choices for everything from snacks to full meals. Live music will contribute to the festive mood.
Tickets for the wine tasting are $25 in advance, and $35 on the day of the event. “Meet the Winemaker” tickets are $35, $45 the day of the event. To order tickets, go to 2016 Art UnCorked at Eventbrite or www.mercerislandartuncorked.org. For more information, call the Chamber at 206-232-3404. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mercer Island Youth and Family Services.
Those who do not participate in the wine tasting are invited to enjoy the art, music and food. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Presenting sponsors of Art Uncorked are the city of Mercer Island, New Seasons Market, Wells Fargo Private Banking and the Mercer Island Reporter.
Community sponsors include Anchor Marine Insurance Underwriters, Mercer Island Visual Arts League Gallery, Hadley Apartments, Aljoya Senior Living, Republic Services, Coldwell Banker Bain, Mercer Island Arts Council and Kathryn Lerner Windermere. Additional sponsors include Lighthouse Properties, Northwest Electric and Solar, Six Walls, Brad Judy D.D.S., Christine Face and Body, Windermere Real Estate, Island Dermatology and Mercer Island Living.
