Five exceptional Maui artists -painters George Allan and Diana Lehr, woodworker Al Rabold and jewelry creators J.B. Rea and David Welty -are sharing their visions of "Quintessential Maui" in a show opening Friday and continuing through Jan. 10 at Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao.
They will meet the public at an opening reception beginning at 6 p.m. in the gallery at 3620 Baldwin Ave.
Allan is one of Maui's best-know and best-loved artists. Of his 38 years on Maui, he says, "There are so many unbelievable scenes that have impressed all of us over the years, and I've been lucky enough to be able to paint many of them How could we ever want to live anywhere else?"
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“Lava Flow” by Diana Lehr
Diana Lehr says she "explores light and space in movement, within natural phenomena and the patterns that result is a predominant theme in my work. At times my subject is epic, other times I find my trove in subtler happenings. I have learned that great drama is taking place all the time in nature, even the subtlest of happenings."
Woodworker Al Rabold says he has "been inspired by a lot of things: the beauty of tropical flowers, an elegant curve in a tree branch, a unique building, the technical challenge of doing something nobody else can do and so on. But for me, it's really all about the wood."
Jeweler J.B. Rea says he "uses the primordial elements of earth, fire, and force, to create varied and inspired pieces of artwork. I like the challenge to produce technically demanding designs in the art of forging metal and stone."
And for David Welty, "The five new creations in this show aptly illustrate the essence of my design work and the precise, detailed workmanship that I put into each unique piece These stones truly inspire my custom jewelry: bright, beautiful and one-of-a-kind."
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Sargent's Fine Art will host acclaimed artist Marty Wolff from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. Originally from New York City, Marty is a former concert producer and lighting stage designer, who now spends his time on Maui capturing special moments in time in luminous photographs. Musician Curt Lee will perform at the reception at the 802 Front St. gallery. For more information, call 667-4030.
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The Maui Hands' Lahaina gallery is featuring recent oil paintings by Jack Hamilton during the month of December. He will be demonstrating his technique every Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. For 30 years Jack has enjoyed painting the views of our island home. The gallery is located at 612 Front St. For details, call the artist at 667-9898.
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South Shore Tiki Lounge is hosting a reception for Reuben Cantere's art opening at 8 tonight. Cantere's art is visible on the walls of Maui Thing, on and the surfboard sign at South Shore Tiki Lounge and in a huge outdoor piece in Lahaina. He is also a fixture at the Kalama Park Skate Park where the skaters are a second family.
DJ Jay P will provide the sounds for the opening.
Maui Hands in Makawao is celebrating the holidays with a great lineup of artists in residence. It will be marking the season with a series of special events at the 1169 Makawao Ave. gallery. On Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Israeli jeweler Galit Breman will demonstrate the techniques she uses to create her henna line. From 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Varsha Titus will show how she creates precious metal jewelry from original fancy knotting designs. On Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m., Cudra Clover will paint abstract-biomorphic works on silk. And from noon to 4 p.m. Fridays, Janet Shaner will paint en plein air and talk story.
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Makawao Union Church is including a "Plein Air Painting Exhibit" of the church and environs as part of its 150th anniversary celebration. Some 24 paintings, primarily oil on canvas by mostly professional Maui artists, will be on display in the church through Christmas Day.
The church is located at 1445 Baldwin Ave. It will be open for viewing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and on Sundays until 2 p.m. The paintings can also been seen during concerts and other December events.
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Lahaina's new Kai Pua Artist Studio and Gallery will celebrate its opening as part of Lahaina's "Second Friday" festivities. Its artists will create works of glass, jewelry and fine art from 6 to 9 p.m.
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On Saturday, it will mark its grand opening as Front Street's newest gallery at 790 Front St. The traditional Hawaiian blessing begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed with music and refreshments until 9 p.m. Owner/artists Anna Keay and John Lindquist are excited to show off their new space filled with works by friends, Debra Mack and Dave Ryan, and family (Daniel Lindquist). Kai Pua will be the only working studio on Front Street with resident artists creating glass sculptures, oil paintings and delicate jewelry in the gallery every day.
