The City of Mercer Island, Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL), and Cadette Troop #44295 present  Island Lanterns, a new community art project designed to inspire Mercer Island residents, brighten Town Center, and celebrate Chinese New Year 2021. We distributed 100+ plain, outdoor lanterns to local artists of all ages and skill levels. They brought the lanterns to life with their creativity, and Cadette Troop #44295 installed them in a delightful display at the Pergola in Mercerdale Park. For centuries, lanterns have been a staple in Chinese culture and celebrations. There are many types of lanterns, and each comes with its own symbolism. Generally, lanterns signify a wish for a brighter future. By choosing lanterns as our canvas, we hope to evoke the idea of good fortune and better days to come in 2021.