We are happy to announce that MIVAL Jr. has received its first grant for $810 from Mercer Island Community Fund (MICF).

The grant for MIVAL Jr. is to encourage and enable art exhibition opportunities, foster mentorship and develop a community network of young artists; also to provide visual arts demonstrations and educational experiences.

The benefit of the grant will ensure youth engagement in three planned visual arts projects. The first project is the art exhibition at Covenant Shores Lighthouse Gallery, April 30 to June 3 for youth, sixth grade to 12th grade. The second is the MIVAL Jr. Art Show, a juried show during July’s Summer Celebration at the Wells Fargo Bank. This attracts youth from K through 12th grade to show their talent and meet other artists. The last project is MIVAL Jr.’s Holiday workshop in December; a family fun, hands-on art event, that educates and engages children in the community.

All the events are organized and managed by volunteers from MIHS high school students, MIVAL member artists and community members. We believe this continues to strengthen community’s knowledge about the value of visual arts in our everyday lives. Thank you MICF for your support in funding MIVAL Jr.

Raleigh Nowers, Brandon Hill

MIVAL Jr. cochairs