Mercer Island Art Uncorked 2016!

Art Uncorked is becoming a Mercer Island tradition – and one of the best-attended annual community events on the Island.

It combines art, wine, music and food, filling the streets of downtown Mercer Island for an evening of family fun.

Presented by the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce and the Mercer Island Visual Arts League, “Art Uncorked” brings together wine-tasting and art, music and food from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 on 78th Avenue S.E. north of S.E. 27th Street and all along the Outdoor Sculpture Gallery.

New this year will be performances by well-known children’s musician Nancy Stewart, who will be entertaining the young and young-at-heart from 5:30 p.m. in the sculpture garden. Other musical groups are Patrick Daugherty, and the Rooftop Shakers.

Back again this year is the popular “Meet the Winemaker” hour from 5 to 6 p.m., an opportunity to talk with the wine-makers, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beat the crowds.

For those who want a special experience, Umpqua Bank is hosting a special VIP Reception at the bank at 4 p.m., featuring hors d’oeuvres and gifts; limited tickets are available for $45.

More than a dozen Washington state wineries, many of them with connections to Mercer Island, will be pouring two or more of their wines under tents in the Outdoor Sculpture Garden, while juried artists will be displaying their unique mix of fine handmade artworks on “Art Alley” along S.E. 78th. Wines poured will be available for purchase at a 10% discount. Food trucks will provide delicious choices for everything from snacks to full meals. Live music will contribute to the festive mood.

Tickets for the wine tasting are $25 in advance, $35 on the day of the event. Meet the Winemaker tickets are $35, $45 the day of the event. To order tickets, go to: 2016miartuncorked.eventbrite.com or www.mercerislandartuncorked.org. For more information, call the Chamber at 232-3404. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mercer Island Youth and Family Services.