Watching the crowd gather for the Mercer Island Farmers Market Nov. 22, a beautiful November day, filled me with gratitude for the people who made this Market a reality – by acting on their vision for cultivating community by connecting farmers and Islanders. Because of their vision and a lot of hard work, it’s now a cherished and beautiful part of our Island life.

This is what compels me to advocate for the Mercer Island Center for the Arts: to have at our Town Center a positive and inspiring place for everyone, to gather and be fed in a different and important way, by the rich experiences possible when creating or participating in the arts. As a former YTN parent, I know what this provides kids – a place to find themselves, their talents and their people.

But choosing now to live on Mercer Island after my kids are grown, I look forward to what this Center can bring to, yes, future YTN parents, and artists young and old, but also to the entire community: the joy of listening to music or theatre à la Mostly Music or Shakespeare in the Park, not just in the summer but year round, or the opportunity to attend lectures or workshops within walking distance of home and local businesses. And most importantly, I look forward to gathering in community with friends, neighbors, family and others in all kinds of weather.

Other towns have proven how the arts can bring out their best and bring them together – let us unite around this beautiful vision for Mercer Island.

Anna Gordon

MICA Board member