Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) recently announced the release of its Annual Report 2016, themed “Where We Connect,” to every household in the Mercer Island community.

“Together we are bringing to life a center for the arts that embodies the creativity, inspiration and imagination of the Mercer Island community and is a symbol of our partnership,” Campaign Chair Prady Misra stated in a MICA press release.

This report focuses on how art connects the community and positively impacts the lives of all Islanders. From All Island Band Night, summer’s Mostly Music in the Park, Shakespeare in the Park and the thriving Farmers Market — the arts are abundant on Mercer Island.

The 2016 Annual Report begins with a letter by President John Gordon Hill. He paints the vision of a dynamic arts center where artists will build their knowledge and share their inspiration; a place where children will learn and students will grow, where locals and visitors alike can take in an art show, listen to panel discussions, participate in workshops or learn to dance.

Mercer Island School District artist-in-residence Sandy Glass stated that “the Mercer Island Center for the Arts will be a dynamic destination where artists can share and create. A hub that brings arts and education together on our Island is positive and community building.”

Readers will discover MICA’s participation throughout community events, key details on building the arts center, steps MICA has taken to begin the campaign and partner organizations MICA regularly supports. To highlight local organizations and their events on the Island, MICA’s Arts Calendar was conceived to aggregate island arts events. If you’re looking for a local arts event, or if you would like to submit an event, visit www.mercerislandarts.org/calendar.

2016 was the beginning of the Friends of MICA program; a way for people to support and get involved with the Center for the Arts immediately. To become a Friend, visit the MICA website at www.mercerislandarts.org/friends or call 206-715-7671.

Much of 2016’s expenditures were related to permitting and regulatory preparations (SEPA) necessary to build the center. MICA anticipated securing the lease by spring of 2016, thereby beginning the campaign in 2017. Due to the lengthy and complex nature of the regulatory process, MICA delayed the commencement of the capital campaign, according to the press release.

The Annual Report 2016 concludes with a look to the future with the newly formed Students of MICA, led by a group of talented Mercer Island High Schoolers.

Copies of MICA’s Annual Report 2016 “Where We Connect” are available free of charge at the MICA office 7710 SE 29th St. and other locations around town, online at www.mercerislandarts.org, or by email at info@MercerIslandArts.org.