Vashon’s Swiftwater Gallery is part of an artistic exchange with the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) Gallery, the primary and long-standing arts organization there.

Beginning in late May, seven artists from each gallery — drawn by lot — will be displayed at the sister location for a month. The “Island 2 Island Gallery Exchange” was the brainchild of Judith Roan, MIVAL gallery manager.

“When Swiftwater opened two years ago, we were pleased to recognize another gallery run with a similar members cooperative philosophy,” Roan said. “So we reached out for an island to island exchange — a ‘hands across the waters welcome’ theme. I have long admired the art culture that is so vibrant on Vashon Island. And for MIVAL, this is an opportunity to meet and foster a spirit of supporting other artists.”

“This is a pretty unique opportunity created between our two galleries,” said Alice Larson of Swiftwater, who helped bring the idea to fruition. “Both galleries are run by artist members, and the program will allow islanders in each location to see a range of 2D and 3D work.”

The special exhibit aims to help promote each gallery and will mark the beginning of what is hoped to be an ongoing collaborative relationship.

“It’s a nice concept,” said Yulia Ivashchenko, another Swiftwater artist (and wife of this article’s author) involved with development of the program. “It means folks — including us — can view artwork from another gallery without having to leave home and cross the water.”

The Island 2 Island Gallery Exchange will debut at Swiftwater Gallery (17600 Vashon Highway SW) on May 28, and will run until June 22. The exhibit’s opening reception at Swiftwater will be First Friday, June 6.

Swiftwater artists will be on display at MIVAL (2836 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island) from June 4 to 29.

Icarus, by Brian Fisher, a gallery artist from Swiftwater. The artwork will be shown at the the Mercer Island Visual Arts League Gallery during the art swap. (Courtesy image)