MIVAL Jr. opened its first youth art show at Covenant Shores Lighthouse Gallery on April 30. The show includes an impressive range of art – from digital to watercolor – created by 21 talented Mercer Island students from grade 6 through high school.

Artists and art-lovers, young and old, gathered for the opening, exchanging conversation about the works. Creating this connection between generations of artists is a driving force behind MIVAL Jr. With this show, the vision has come to life.

MIVAL Jr. was created in late 2016 to encourage and enable art exhibition opportunities, foster mentorship and develop a community network of young artists, and to provide visual arts demonstrations and educational experiences. MIHS sophomore Brandon Hill and Raleigh Nowers of MIVAL are co-chairs.

Since its formation, MIVAL Jr. has received funding from MIVAL, individuals and most recently, the Mercer Island Community Fund (MICF). These generous contributions will enable even more opportunities for outreach and exhibition.

Visit the Lighthouse Gallery from April 30 to June 3 at 9150 Fortuna Drive, Mercer Island. The gallery is open Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit mival.org.

Rio San Trovaso, Venice. Acrylic on canvas by Daria Ulshin, 6th grade.