New exhibit opens at Mercer Gallery

“On a Whim,” a new exhibit presented by the Mercer Gallery and Mercer Island Arts Council, will run July 24 through Sept. 8. This whimsical exhibit features three local artists: Matt Lome, Vikram Madan and Louise Hankes. There is an artists’ reception from 6:30-8 p.m. on Aug. 1.

First Friday art walk is Aug. 4

SZ Gallery and Clarke and Clarke Art and Artifacts will host their First Friday art and wine events from 4-7 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 4. SZ Gallery will feature photos taken by Island resident and state Sen. Lisa Wellman, with seasonal bites by Caruccio’s, and Clarke and Clarke will exhibit traditional and contemporary Japanese art, accompanied by sake and soda.

Photography has always been part of Wellman’s life, even during her career in technology. After her husband passed away, Wellman went on a journey of self-discovery and used photography to capture images of her personal vision of beauty, resulting in a collection of photographs that resemble abstract art paintings.

In her most recent collection of photography, “Detritus,” she focuses on finding beauty hidden in plain sight, photographing industrial structures ravaged by time and nature.

Clarke and Clarke will feature a handcrafted wooden Sake’ shop sign from the Meiji period, a collection of sakiori (rag woven fabric), Kokeshi dolls, Japanese swords, tea bowls, bronzes and pottery. A gallery talk will be given on Japanese porcelains.

“Japanese artists were encouraged to retain traditional themes and techniques while creating works more in keeping with contemporary taste. While traditional concepts endured, a wide variety of art forms became available,” according to a Clarke and Clarke press release. “The Japanese have always made little distinction between ‘fine art’ and ‘decorative art,’ as Western cultures have.”