[Find the Mercury's 25th Anniversary Issue (in print) near you by using this handy-dandy map, and read all of our anniversary stories here.—eds.]

I’m guessing the Mercury has published roughly 1000-plus issues since our debut in 2000, and unlike the vast majority of print publications, we feature cover art that rarely has much (if anything) to do with the contents of that particular issue. And no, we don’t do it to confuse you! There is so much gorgeous, powerful, controversial, and occasionally hilarious art being made that doesn’t get the platform it deserves, which is why for 25 years the Mercury has been featuring the work of local, Pacific Northwest, and national artists on our front page. What follows are just a few of our favorite Mercury covers (SO HARD TO CHOOSE!!) from the past quarter century. Enjoy!

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