(Mercer Island, WA) Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) kicked off 2018 with new leadership, new strategies, and a study session with Mercer Island City leadership.
MICA board and staff have been working hard reviewing the strategy to create an arts center and determine what is needed for future success. In mid-2017, the MICA Board of Directors appointed a Task Force to find solutions to issues that plagued the project. After careful examination, a study of neighboring art centers, and discussions with dozens of stakeholders, the Task Force came to a consensus on a path forward.
One of the key recommendations was to expand the board by adding new leadership and an Emeritus Board, extending our outreach, diversity and new ideas. A majority of founding board members have moved to the Emeritus Board and to date, MICA has added five new board members: Elliot Newman, Michelle Peyree, James Rudolf, Xixi Shakes, and Iantha Sidell to join continuing members, Adam Goldblatt, John Gordon Hill, Virl Hill, Bruce Lorig, Prady Misra and Genevieve Morton. John Gordon Hill, the visionary of the MICA project, passed the baton to new board chairs Genevieve Morton and Prady Misra. “As founding Board Chair and President, I am thrilled with the exceptional new talent and energy…I’ve had the pleasure of working with Prady and Genevieve for years…having them assume the role of co-chairs of the board is a dream come true. My personal commitment to MICA is unwavering and the addition of these remarkable new people to our existing staff, board, and supporters puts us in the strongest position yet,” says Mr. Hill.
Along with the expanded board, new leadership includes Paul Shoemaker as Executive Director. Mr. Shoemaker, a 22-year Islander and a recognized expert in the nonprofit sector, first came onboard with MICA as a member of the Task Force, “Being a part of the MICA team is a very exciting challenge and represents a real opportunity for me to give back to MI in a way I haven’t been able to before,” Mr. Shoemaker said.
On Tuesday, February 6th, MICA took part in a study session with the Mercer Island City Council. MICA presented information to the council regarding the current status of the project, goals for 2018, and discussed next steps on how to move forward with the City. A few of these goals include a broader community engagement process that builds on past work, a stronger relationship with the City of Mercer Island, and an openness to explore alternative sites and locations for MICA in collaboration with the City and the community.
The arts have many benefits: they are fundamental to our humanity; improve academic performance; essential to the health and vitality of neighborhoods; good for local business; create a more civil and cooperative community; and bring the community together to connect with neighbors of all ages, cultures, and experiences.
The timing is good for a renewed effort with MICA. Mercer Islanders will benefit from the enhanced quality of life that an arts center will bring to our community.
For more information on Mercer Island Center for the Arts please see www.mercerislandarts.org. Visit the MICA staff at 7710 SE 29th St. | call 206-715-7671 | email info@mercerislandarts.org.
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Mercer Island High School cellist Martha Sprague
Throughout the year I have the pleasure of many people around Mercer Island. MICA is lucky to have an array of supporters and even many younger students in middle and high school. I first heard Martha Sprague at a master class with the Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet. I immediately knew I had to feature her on a microMICA Moment.
The Incomparable Suzanne Zahr
It is our privilege to finally have Suzanne Zahr of Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture for a microMICA Moment. Suzanne is an architect, artist, general contractor, developer, designer and the list goes on. She makes it look easy and having her in the Mercer Island community is a joy and a gift.
‘The Process’ with sculptor Kevin Au
I had the pleasure to stand in the rain with Dr. Kevin Au and speak to him about his artistic process and the piece he donated to MICA, The Dancer.
MICA Continues Forward and Forges New Path
(Mercer Island, WA) Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) kicked off 2018 with new leadership, new strategies, and a study session with Mercer Island City leadership.
MICA board and staff have been working hard reviewing the strategy to create an arts center and determine what is needed for future success. In mid-2017, the MICA Board of Directors appointed a Task Force to find solutions to issues that plagued the project. After careful examination, a study of neighboring art centers, and discussions with dozens of stakeholders, the Task Force came to a consensus on a path forward.
One of the key recommendations was to expand the board by adding new leadership and an Emeritus Board, extending our outreach, diversity and new ideas. A majority of founding board members have moved to the Emeritus Board and to date, MICA has added five new board members: Elliot Newman, Michelle Peyree, James Rudolf, Xixi Shakes, and Iantha Sidell to join continuing members, Adam Goldblatt, John Gordon Hill, Virl Hill, Bruce Lorig, Prady Misra and Genevieve Morton. John Gordon Hill, the visionary of the MICA project, passed the baton to new board chairs Genevieve Morton and Prady Misra. “As founding Board Chair and President, I am thrilled with the exceptional new talent and energy…I’ve had the pleasure of working with Prady and Genevieve for years…having them assume the role of co-chairs of the board is a dream come true. My personal commitment to MICA is unwavering and the addition of these remarkable new people to our existing staff, board, and supporters puts us in the strongest position yet,” says Mr. Hill.
Along with the expanded board, new leadership includes Paul Shoemaker as Executive Director. Mr. Shoemaker, a 22-year Islander and a recognized expert in the nonprofit sector, first came onboard with MICA as a member of the Task Force, “Being a part of the MICA team is a very exciting challenge and represents a real opportunity for me to give back to MI in a way I haven’t been able to before,” Mr. Shoemaker said.
On Tuesday, February 6th, MICA took part in a study session with the Mercer Island City Council. MICA presented information to the council regarding the current status of the project, goals for 2018, and discussed next steps on how to move forward with the City. A few of these goals include a broader community engagement process that builds on past work, a stronger relationship with the City of Mercer Island, and an openness to explore alternative sites and locations for MICA in collaboration with the City and the community.
The arts have many benefits: they are fundamental to our humanity; improve academic performance; essential to the health and vitality of neighborhoods; good for local business; create a more civil and cooperative community; and bring the community together to connect with neighbors of all ages, cultures, and experiences.
The timing is good for a renewed effort with MICA. Mercer Islanders will benefit from the enhanced quality of life that an arts center will bring to our community.
For more information on Mercer Island Center for the Arts please see www.mercerislandarts.org. Visit the MICA staff at 7710 SE 29th St. | call 206-715-7671 | email info@mercerislandarts.org.
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Natalya Ageyeva’s top 5 classical pieces
There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t run into Natalya Ageyeva on Mercer Island. Granted, since Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle is a MICA partner we have many meetings, but aside from those, I can no longer count on my fingers the number of times we run into each other shopping at New Seasons.
Even if you don’t know Natalya you have more than likely seen her performances during the summer at Luther Burbank Park. She and I had a quick back and forth text followed by an impromptu ‘coffee talk’ regarding her top 5 classical music pieces. Here is the quick list.
1. J.S. Bach | Mass in B minor.
This one is very close to Natalya’s heart (though she says this about each composition below); a piece she has obsessed over from age 14. Natalya talks about Bach from two different points of view: intellectually and meditatively. She is struck by his harmony & compositional technique. Any musical novice can look at Bach’s manuscripts and remark on the sea of notes over multiple pages of staff paper; almost making one’s eyes blur. But, Bach’s Mass made a profound statement on her. She describes the B minor mass as “close to godliness in music that she knows”. That is quite the recommendation.
2. Antonin Dvorak | “Song of the Moon” from the opera Rusalka.
If you haven’t heard “Song of the Moon” here is a quick clip. It’s a haunting and beautiful melody that will make the most masculine of men weak in the knees. It makes sense why this is in Natalya’s top five. She does say that specifically, she prefers the rendition by opera star Anna Netrebko.
3. Ludwig van Beethoven | Piano Trio, Op. 97 “Archduke”
Of course we come to expect at least one piece by Beethoven, but a piano trio? (what could Natalya be thinking, but I digress). Dedicated to Archduke Rudolph of Austria, this was one of fourteen compositions Beethoven dedicated to the Archduke. Natalya went on to explain the inspiration this piece bestows on her. Not the type of inspiration it has on her piano playing, but inspiration on her writing (not music), or house cleaning, or it just makes her feel better when she is down.
4. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky | 6th Symphony
Who doesn’t love Tchaikovsky? And Natalya is no different. But out of all the monumental works Tchaikovsky has composed why did she choose this piece? She told me she first heard his 6th Symphony as a teenager when it was performed in the Great Hall of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow. It’s quite common for art to affect us emotionally and as such, it happened for Natalya with this Symphony. Throughout the music she found emotional parallels of misery, despair, and sadness. Indeed a depressing finding in art but these types of moments can lead to a sense of peace rather than further turmoil which is what Natalya found.
5. Sergei Rachmaninoff | 2nd Symphony
I was flabbergasted when Natalya said the 2nd Symphony by Rachmaninoff and not a piano concerto or some other piano piece. That is almost sacrilegious for any pianist. But, she merely said, “if you want to know who I am, then listen to Rach’s 2nd Symphony”. There you have it – get to know Rach’s 2nd Symphony and you will know the wonderful and dear person that MICA has come to befriend.
I highly recommend you looking further into Natalya and her organization Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle. They produce memorable performances and she is an island treasure.
The City and MICA to explore all options for community arts center
The City of Mercer Island has requested that Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) consider delaying the upcoming public hearing and the accompanying legislative review process regarding an arts center proposed in the northwest corner of Mercerdale Park.
The MICA board of directors met at their monthly meeting and agreed to accept the city’s request to pause the current process. As a result, the October 18th public hearing in front of the Planning Commission has been canceled. MICA believes that this “pause” is a positive approach to advancing the project. It will also allow the City and MICA to explore alternative sites for a proposed arts center and discuss options for a partnership that can meet multiple City and community needs.
The City of Mercer Island and Mercer Island Center for the Arts share the belief that the creation of an arts center on Mercer Island will add numerous quality of life benefits to our community. We look forward to a mutually beneficial working relationship as we move through this process.
For more information on Mercer Island Center for the Arts please visit the city’s website at www.mercergov.org/mica or www.mercerislandarts.org.
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Mercer Island Center for the Arts Passes Key Environmental Milestone
Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) is pleased to announce a major milestone in its plan to build an arts center on Mercer Island. The City of Mercer Island has issued a mitigated determination of non-significance (MDNS) for MICA’s State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) application. Furthermore, the city has opted to phase this determination into various parts as they review the zoning code text amendment, agreement to lease, and other land use actions. SEPA is the review process designed to provide a comprehensive review of a building proposal and requires the identification and evaluation of possible environmental impacts to all elements of the proposed development and construction. By issuing an MDNS, the City of Mercer Island has affirmed that MICA has demonstrated the ability to mitigate any potential environmental impact during the development and construction of the facility as currently designed. This process required months of collaboration between the City staff and MICA, during which MICA consulted with numerous environmental experts and responded to community feedback. This positive determination is a significant accomplishment to celebrate for the arts center project.
The lengthy SEPA process was led by MICA board member, Bruce Lorig. Lorig, a longtime island resident and founder of Lorig Associates has over 40 years of real estate development experience. Lorig says “it’s been a long journey for the building team with ups and downs. We stayed transparent throughout and true to the public process.” MICA would also like to thank the city staff leads: Robin Proebsting, Evan Maxim, and Scott Greenberg for their professionalism and commitment to the best interests of the island. Lastly, we would like to thank and invite all Mercer Islanders for their continued support.
Though this is a huge milestone, a significant amount of work remains ahead to secure zoning, permits and other approvals necessary to move the project forward. While this may be frustrating for the island and our supporters, MICA’s passion and commitment to the project remains unwavering. With the City Council election right around the corner, we encourage all supporters of an arts center to make your voice heard. Ask all council members and candidates about their stance on MICA and let them know yours. Once a lease has been signed, the project can move forward with permitting and a larger capital campaign. To review the SEPA application and read the city’s press release regarding the determination please visit www.mercergov.org/mica. MICA invites the public to inquire about the project, give input, and support the arts center. Our doors are always open.
Mercer Island Center for the Arts is a nonprofit community venture led by a board of directors of 17 Mercer Island residents, working closely with the city, partner arts organizations, and individual community members to create the future Center for the Arts on Mercer Island. MICA has created several resources to provide detailed information and updates on the conception and planning for the Center for the Arts. Answers to frequently asked questions are located at MercerIslandArts.org/FAQ. Questions can also be emailed to askMICA@MercerIslandArts.org or visit the MICA office at 7710 SE 29th St.
Don’t forget to visit the MICA Arts Calendar to receive up-to-date information about arts events happening on the island http://calendar.mercerislandarts.org/.
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MICA Summer Activities
The Pacific Northwest has finally come out of the cloudy shadows. Along with the heat and sun comes an exciting summer for Mercer Island Center for the Arts. The MICA team always looks forward to connecting with the community during the many summer activities around the island.
Once again, MICA is a partner/non-profit sponsor for many of the eagerly awaited on-island events including Mercer Island Farmers Market, Summer Celebration, Art Uncorked, Mostly Music in the Park, and Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle’s performance in Luther Burbank Park.
MICA representatives made up of staff, board, and other community volunteers will be present to talk with you about arts on the island, Friends of MICA, and to answer any questions you have regarding Mercer Island Center for the Arts.
MICA booths at summer art events:
July 20 | Mostly Music in the Park
July 27 | Mostly Music in the Park
August 3 | Mostly Music in the Park
August 10 | Mostly Music in the Park
August 17 | Mostly Music in the Park
August 19 | Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle at Luther Burbank Park
August 20 | Mercer Island Farmers Market
August 24 | Mostly Music in the Park
September 8 | Art Uncorked
September 24 | Mercer Island Farmers Market – Sponsor of the Week
If you are a Friend of MICA, join us at the MICA office for a new summer event: MICA Happy Hour from 5-6pm before Mostly Music in the Park. Come out and meet other supporters of the arts on Mercer Island and the teams behind all our Mercer Island Master Artists. New Seasons Market will generously provide refreshments and wine will be poured by Coach House Cellars, made possible by Mike Donnelly of Bell-Anderson Insurance. Happy Hours at the MICA Office are located at 7710 SE 29th.
Featured Mercer Island Master Artists:
July 20 | Children’s Dance Conservatory/Island Youth Ballet
July 27 | Music Works Northwest
August 3 | Youth Theatre Northwest
August 17 | Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle
August 24 | Mercer Island Visual Arts League
Friends of MICA was created one year ago in response to many community members asking how they can show their support for MICA. This annual support group invites everyone from students to seniors to participate in creating a vibrant art center for the Mercer Island community.
To become a Friend of MICA visit www.MercerIslandArts.org/Friends or call Keith at the MICA office at 206-715-7671.
Mercer Island Center for the Arts is a nonprofit community venture, working closely with the city, resident arts organizations, and individual community members to create the future Center for the Arts on Mercer Island. MICA has created several resources to provide detailed information and updates on the conception and planning for the Center for the Arts. Information on frequently asked questions is at MercerIslandArts.org/FAQ or visit the MICA office at 7710 SE 29th St. Questions can also be emailed to askMICA@MercerIslandArts.org
Don’t forget to visit the MICA Arts Calendar to receive up-to-date information about arts events happening on the island http://calendar.mercerislandarts.org/.
We look forward to seeing you throughout the summer.
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MICA Matching Campaigns
Between the dates, July 17 – August 24 Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) will work to expand our Friends of MICA as well as support our parter Resident User organizations.
How?
MICA will engage in six small fundraising challenge match campaigns beginning July 17 to build the Friends of MICA giving. Each campaign will run one-week and feature one of the MICA Master Artists e.g., YTN, Russian Chamber Music Foundation, Music Works NW, Island Youth Ballet, & MIVAL. For each week-long campaign, one generous donor will match all Friends donations 1-to-1 up to $1000. 100% of the match will go to that week’s featured organization. For example, during the week of July 31st MICA features YTN and if we obtain a total of $500 for Friends of MICA, the donor will donate $500 to YTN; if we receive $1000 worth of Friends of MICA, then the donor will donate $1000 to YTN. Essentially doubling the dollar amount of Friends of MICA that week.
Yes…very exciting!!!!
We are grateful and thrilled for the wonderful donors that have agreed to take part in this matching campaign. Below are the dates and names of the generous donors. If you know who they are, give them a big thank you when you see them.
July 17 – 23 | Island Youth Ballet | Rick and Jenny McPherson
July 24 – 30 | Music Works Northwest | Bruce and Andy Lorig
July 31 – Aug. 6 | Youth Theatre Northwest | TBA
Aug. 14 – 20 | Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle | Trenton and Genevieve Morton
Aug. 21 – 27 | Mercer Island Visual Arts League (education programs) | Nancy and Virl Hill
Please sign up to become a Friend of MICA and support the Arts on Mercer Island.
If you are already a Friend of MICA, get your friends to become a Friend of MICA. Just ask them, say something like “Hey Beth, I support MICA and the arts on Mercer Island and I know you do too, would you consider becoming a Friend of MICA? If you become a Friend in the next few weeks, your gift will double and support the arts on the island”
That’s all it takes.
Don’t forget about the MICA Happy Hours from 5-6:00 pm at the MICA Offices 7710 SE 29th St. (before Mostly Music in the Park) where you can meet with other Friends of MICA, as well as that week’s, featured Mercer Island Master Artists’ patrons.
July 20 | Island Youth Ballet
July 27 | Music Works NW
Aug. 3 | Youth Theater NW
Aug. 17 | Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle
Aug. 24 | MIVAL
Thank you for being a Friend of MICA. Your support is very much appreciated. We look forward to seeing you throughout the summer.
Encaustic Artist Deborah Kapoor
Deborah Kapoor was one of the first microMICA Moment interviews we did at the SZ Gallery ahead of First Friday. She does interesting work using encaustic. This installation she called ‘In to the Pink’.