Matt Mechler, a northwest native, has been chosen as the third artist in the Limited Edition Print Series entitled, "Spirit Of Issaquah: A Celebration Of Northwest Treasures" for the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival. The theme expands on Salmon Days to include all that is Issaquah including its local treasures, landmarks and charm. Each print in the series will have a printed Mt. Rainier in the title.

Mechler is a Washington native and calls Issaquah his hometown. He spent much of his childhood exploring the Issaquah Alps in search of old mines, fossils, and other hidden treasures. "I've always enjoyed history and love the outdoors," said Mechler. Mechler graduated from Liberty Senior High School and attended Western Washington University where he majored in Geography. Matt and his wife live in Kent but they both spend most days in Issaquah working for the City.

"I discovered one rainy winter day that I could create some neat images by altering my digital photographs on the computer," said Mechler "Historic Return" is a compilation of fourteen different digital pictures and images that have been enhanced. "I wanted to produce an art piece that people would associate with Issaquah and I feel I accomplished that." "There is a lot to see but you have to look closely to find everything," said Mechler.

This 2007 Limited Edition Print is produced by the Festival, and signed and numbered by the artist. The previous Salmon Days series became extremely popular with both long-time Salmon Days' supporters as well as with fine art collectors.

The print is on sale at the Chamber office for $65. Proceeds assist in producing the Festival, which is the major fundraiser for the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. We accept cash, checks, Visa and Mastercard, and can ship anywhere in the United States.

Individuals who purchased the last print in the Spirit of Issaquah series have been notified of the opportunity to purchase the same number in the 2007 print.