The city and Chamber of Commerce shut down the streets in downtown Mercer Island once a year to host an event where people can drink wine, listen to live music, purchase art and enjoy food while gathering with friends and community members.

Now in its fourth year, Art Uncorked promises a pleasant evening that celebrates the coming of the fall season. It also raises money for Youth and Family Services and high school scholarships. The rain held off and the smoke had mostly cleared out at the event on Sept. 8, as adults gathered to sip cider, beer and wine, while kids munched on Buns burgers and Sweet Bumpas ice cream, and painted rocks at the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) tent.

The event featured activities for all ages, including a photo booth sponsored by the Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) and “Art Alley,” where artists featured jewelry, soap, paintings, carvings and more. There was also live music by Pineola, the Colson Jimenez Trio and Sophie Feldman.

Wells Fargo provided free wine glasses for attendees to bring into the tasting garden, and take home. Other sponsors included Avenue Properties, Caruccio’s, Island Books, Mary Lee and Associates, the Mercer luxury apartment homes, the Mercer Island Reporter, Kathryn Lerner, Umpqua Bank, New Seasons, Lighthouse Properties, Christine Face and Body, MICA, Esthetic Society, Aljoya, n2 Publishing and Republic Services.

“The Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce is excited to play a major role in presenting this event each year, along with the city of Mercer Island, Mercer Island Visual Arts League and the Mercer Island Arts Council and our very important business sponsors,” said Chamber Board President Ralph Swanson. “Additionally, we couldn’t remotely make this event happen without our wonderful hardworking volunteers.”

Chamber Director Laurie Givan said that donations and attendance were up from last year, with over 660 tickets sold. Avenue Properties came in with the title sponsorship, which will allow the chamber to double its donations to YFS and MIHS DECA.

For more, see www.mercerislandartuncorked.com.