Get out, get inspired and get ready for the annual Malama Wao Akua juried exhibition. Brought to you by East Maui Watershed Partnership and Viewpoints Gallery, the show is a unique look into the forests, valleys and waters that are home to Maui's native flora and fauna.
Artists young and old, professional and amateur are being called upon to help raise awareness about Maui's native Hawaiian species and unique island ecosystems through their work. Interested artists may create a piece of artwork, using any type of media, depicting a native plant, animal, insect, or native landscape of Maui.
This year's theme is "The Art of Conservation at Work." The show will run from Oct. 23 to Nov. 10 at Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao. Past exhibitions have featured the diversity of Maui Nui, recording koa bugs, gentle 'o'opu, soaring 'iwa, and majestic 'ohi'a in sculpture, paint and photography, from summit to sea. This year's special awards include Rarest Find, People's Choice, and The Art of Conservation at Work.
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Artists find inspiration during a hike through Waikamoi Preserve for last year’s Malama Wao Akua exhibition.
The art contest is open to all Maui County residents, and includes a keiki division. All types of media are welcome. The subject must be Maui County native species or native habitats from ridge to reef, and/or the conservation efforts to protect them. A portion of sales will be donated to East Maui Watershed Partnership for rainforest protection and community outreach.
To view the prospectus or for details, visit www.eastmauiwatershed.org.
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Meet artists Dario Campanile and Ronaldo Macedo at Lahaina Galleries' 828 Front Street location in Lahaina Friday. Campanile is known for his skills in both realistic and expressive artist abilities. Macedo is known for capturing Maui's beauty en plein air.
Then head over to Lahaina Galleries' Wailea location to meet local artist Ben Kikuyama, along with a rare appearance by San Francisco Bay artist Robert Bissell during "WOW! Wailea on Wednesdays."
Kikuyama has the capacity to see the potential for art in anything, and has used a wide array of elements in the creation of a complex and eclectic body of work, according to the gallery. His interest in juxtaposing diverse mediums, materials, emotions and ideas is visible in his distinctive collection of paintings and sculptures.
With animals as protagonists of his narratives, at first glance Bissell's paintings seem to come straight out of a children's book. However, a closer examination will reveal a much deeper meaning that strongly reflects the power of nature, according to the gallery. Bissel will also be at the Lahaina Galleries Front Street location on Friday, Aug. 21.
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Images Fine Art Gallery in Lahaina will feature artist Julie Houck from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the gallery. Houck studied art at the Atelier of Classic Realism in San Francisco, The Academy of Fine Art in Seattle, and most recently in France at the L'Ecole Albert Defois. Her work is part of the permanent collections of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the Hawaiian State Art Museum.
Images Gallery is at 900 Front Street behind The Hard Rock Cafe. Pupu and beverages will be served. Scott Baird of Crazy Fingers will perform.
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In preparation for the exhibition, the D.T. Fleming Arboretum at Pu'u Mahoe in Ulupalakua will host a tour on Aug. 29 to gather information and inspiration for the Malama Wao Akua juried exhibition. Participants will be guided through the arboretum noting wildlife and plant species native to Maui, required subject matter for the show. For tour reservations and details, call 572-1097. The following is a tour schedule:
10 a.m. caravan leaves from Keokea Park, Kula
10:30 to 11 a.m.initiation and refreshments
11 a.m. tour of D.T. Fleming Arboretum
noon to 1 p.m. BYO Picnic (refreshments served)
2 p.m. escort out of ranch
2 to 5 p.m. paint, sketch, photograph
5 p.m. escort out of ranch
