Pau Hana

Hui classes teach Hawaiian culture

Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao created its new Art with Aloha program to address the need to continue preserving, honoring and perpetuating Hawaiian arts and culture for future generations. This program brings skilled practitioners to Hui No'eau from around the state to teach one- or two-day workshops and lead free demos in Hawaiian arts and culture.

Art with Aloha connects the local community and visitors with cultural practitioners who are leading the way toward a greater understanding of Hawaii's host culture and people through education; exhibiting the creation of native art forms; and explaining the historical and cultural significance and application of these art forms in current times.

Upcoming demonstrations and workshops this month include:

"Talk Story" and demonstration with Lufi Luteru from 10 a.m. to noon Friday. Admission is free.

Learn about Luteru's various creative endeavors as a native Hawaiian artist. Through this casual and conversational format, she will share some examples and images of her wearable works of art and also demonstrate lauhala weaving.

Lauhala Star Ornament Workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday.

In this short workshop that immediately follows the "talk story" session with Luteru, students will learn more about how to weave with lauhala, the leaves of the hala tree.

Lauhala Bracelet Workshop from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Explore and discover wearable art as you learn to weave with lauhala. Luteru will guide students as they create a handmade barrel bracelet with the leaves of the hala tree.

"Talk Story" and demonstration with Kumula'au and Haunani Sing from 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 20. Admission is free.

Lloyd Kumula'au Sing Jr. and May Haunani Balino-Sing demonstrate how to weave examples of 'ie (aerial root or vine) basketry and will display various representations of the art form. In this intimate setting, they will also share and answer questions about how pieces were created and the complexities that come with perpetuating the cultural practice of ulana 'ie (weaving aerial roots or vines).

Ulana 'Ie: Beginning Hawaiian Basketry from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22.

This workshop will teach the fundamentals of starting and finishing a basket with a cover. Using brightly colored rattan wicker, students will learn how baskets were traditionally made using the aerial rootlets of the 'ie'ie (Freycinetia arborea) plant.

Teach the Teachers: Professional Development -- E Kapala Ki'i: Printing For Indigenous Consciousness from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 27.

This short workshop with the Sings will provide classroom teachers with cultural and historical insights on traditional Hawaiian printing. Participating teachers will create neo-traditional stamps that reflect the lifestyle and local culture of Hawaii today.

Ulana 'Ie: Hinalea Fish Trap from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 28 and 29.

This workshop will teach participants advanced weaving techniques to create the hinai hinalea (wrasse funnel trap) complete with ulei crosspieces lashed to an anchor stone using hau cordage.

For more information, cost of classes or to register, visit www.huinoeau.com or call 572-6560.