Wahi Pana (sacred place) Auwahi is the newest exhibition at Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao. The show features invited artists as well as juried artists in all formats. Congratulations to all who make up this excellent exhibition that comes together to “bring the forest to the people through art.”
Comprised of volunteers, the Auwahi Forest Restoration Project originated in 1997 as a collaborative community effort to save the endangered Auwahi dry forest on southwest Haleakala. Many culturally important Hawaiian species can be found in this biological sanctuary, one of the last representations of an endangered Hawaiian forest type. I hope the Hui No’eau will continue to support this small nonprofit and the important work that they do.
Similar to the restoration project working quietly in the background is the large backdrop of this exhibit. The installation that stole the show was the Juror/Artist in Residence, Mazatl’s site-specific piece. He painted the entire room behind the area where the receptionist greets everyone. Very rarely are we treated to such a powerful and magical presentation.
The walls and ceiling, doors and shelves are consumed by the painting. Every viewer becomes part of the piece, turning in the room to see the space surrounded by the installation, looking dwarfed next to the main characters. In Japan they ask you to not talk when you enter the museum so everyone can enjoy the artwork in silence. Good plan. Silence is better for this viewing. If I tried to find the words to describe the work it would dilute the experience. Go see it before August 3rd at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center.
To learn more about the Auwahi Forest Restoration Project, visit their website.
Located off the Hana Highway just minutes from the airport and in walking distance of Paia Town is H.A. Baldwin Beach Park. “Baldwin Beach” is Maui’s most popular north shore park. Named after Henry Alexander Baldwin (1871-1846), the park was donated and dedicated in the year following his death. H.A. was the grandson of Dwight Baldwin, one of the early missionaries to the island of Maui.
H.A. Baldwin was a sugar cane plantation manager, business owner, and politician during the U.S. takeover of the Hawaiian islands. Baldwin served as a Senator in Hawaii’s early Territorial Government. He was also a member of the House of Representatives and a Congressional Delegate.
Baldwin Beach Park was the site of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.’s recreation area and was dedicated to Henry Baldwin by the company. Consisting of 17.2 beautiful acres and highlighted from the highway by a magnificent row of very tall palm trees, it has a pavilion that has been modified and maintained by Maui County throughout the years for picnics and events.
The beach has a lifeguard tower for the oftentimes rough surf that can pound the shoreline, especially in wintertime when swells from the north can make this water dangerous.
Next door and quite visible from the park is the Rinzai Zen temple founded by the Reverend Nashin Okamoto in 1932. The temple that now stands was built by Okamoto’s pupil, Reverend Kiyoshi Oshira after the original one was destroyed by the 1946 tsunami. The bell and campus are all visible from the park and are accessible to the public. Just be sure to check their schedule of events.
Rinzai Zen Mission (photo: rinzai-maui.org)
I most like visiting this stretch of beach in the early morning. It offers fantastic sunrise views as well as spectacular views of the West Maui Mountains and the entrance to Iao Valley, all highlighted by the early morning sun.
Baldwin is also a great spot for dog walkers. Sometimes the heat is intense, but there’s plenty of cool sand by the shoreline. A calm surf day makes for a fun easy stroll. Large crowds fill this beach as the day progresses, so mornings can be best for pups too.
For more about Baldwin Beach Park’s facilities, visit the County of Maui website.
Meet Ryan Anderson. He is one of the remarkable residents on Maui that contribute to making living here extraordinary! He is a geometry teacher at Haleakala Waldorf, professional beekeeper and co-director of Samba Maui. The Ryan I know is a performance artist who reaches his audience through rhythmical drumming. Months of rehearsals go into his performances but it goes beyond practicing on the drums. He and his mixed age troop went out to gather waste material on the beach for their costumes for the Art of Trash in April. While they spent time together, it was also for the purpose of building their experience of being part of a group. Drummers come together individually and eventually play as a whole, as one heart beating. Their intended goal is to beat as one and collaborate with the audience through their piece. His desire is to move the audience to participate and become part of the event.
My personal experience as part of the audience was energizing. I was calmly waiting for 6pm when Ryan and his group were to start playing at Wailuku’s First Friday. He was waiting for me to give him the signal to start. When I nodded he started, “BOOM, BOOM, BOOM de BOOM…” and the rest of the group chimed in. He and his student drummers began dancing and drumming down Market Street. Immediately, the First Friday audience turned around to see what was happening. I watched as many had the same reaction as me…I couldn’t stop smiling and my feet insisted on joining in! People moved their bodies, bounced to the beat and raised their arms in time. Most of their faces were asking, “can anyone join this parade?”
Once the drumming and music began, I was forced to stop thinking in my head and my spirit filled my body. The music put me in the here and now. I wanted to dance before this good feeling stopped! It made me so happy to see the reactions of other people feeling good. People were not expecting to throw their heads back and laugh loudly, grab their little kids and run into the street and dance with us. “This drumming thing is primal isn’t it?” I asked Ryan. “Sure is,” he agreed. “Everyone has a beating heart, and everyone is rhythmical. Itʻs our job to come together and celebrate our collective abilities.”
I wonder if next time I can be more than an enthusiastic audience member. Ryan encouraged me to join the open group. Any age is the requirement. Samba Maui will teach anyone, any age – No experience necessary. That’s the kind of requirement I qualify for!
The Waiakoa Gymnasium in Kula got its start through the vision of a teacher named Joaquin Vincent. Only six years old when he arrived in Honolulu with his parents from Madeira, Portugal in 1883, Vincent moved with his family to Maui in 1900. Here he spent forty-one years teaching and ultimately became the Principal of Kealahou School, which is now home to the Haleakala Waldorf campus. In the mid-1930s, Vincent began going door to door raising money from residents and local businesses for the construction of a gym. He wanted the local youth to have a place to congregate after school and participate in athletic activities.
The land for the gym was donated in 1936 by Violet Harris. The building was finished and opened in April of 1939. Some years later, the County of Maui began maintaining the gym. After leasing the property for over forty years, the County bought it outright in 2016.
The Waiakoa Gym (or “Kula Gym”) is still used today by youth and adult sports leagues along with schools and local organizations. It is also a popular spot for pickup basketball games.
The gym is located on Lower Kula Road near Copp Road. The building features an indoor basketball court, restrooms, locker rooms, and an ADA accessible ramp. For more info, visit the County of Maui website.
Arriving at Tim Gunter’s house, first you’re overwhelmed with the variety of blooming plants outside. Next you notice that amongst almost all the plants sit objects that draw your attention. Is it a piece of junk? Is it supposed to be there? It looks like an elephant!
Everywhere there’s a space, there sits some animal or art design made of trash. Tim’s yard is a literal wonderland…and it’s made of recycled items that many people would toss in the rubbish.
The inside of his house is much the same, an artist’s gallery of discarded materials that have been given new life.
Tim Gunter at home with his artwork
The message of Tim Gunter’s artwork is all about repurposing. “To me, everything looks like art if you get the right angle, or close one eye, or draw a face on it,” Tim explains. From an early age, he always liked turning something that someone didn’t want into something different.
“Think twice or three times before you throw it away,” he says. He feels better when he does have trash because he always knows he’s looked at it long enough to decide if it’s not usable to him.
He is making artwork all the time, partly so that he doesn’t end up with so much stuff. “It is also fun to see people shake their head when looking at some of the art,” he says. Right now he’s working on a full size person made out of broken auto glass, a project that is three years in the making. He’s hoping to finish that one by next year.
He creates works in other mediums too. “I also like to use wood and rocks, mostly for my own enjoyment.”
Gunter often shows his pieces in the Art of Trash annual exhibit, winning juried awards and delighting viewers with his fun take on reinventing.
E-Cycling’s Marty McMahon congratulates Gunter on his Art of Trash win (2014)“Dream Boat Annie” (Art of Trash 2017)Tim Gunter with his piece “Dream Boat Annie”Art of Trash 2012 Third Place Winner “My Plants are Falling Down and My Growing Hurts”Tim Gunter with his Art of Trash prize (2012)
Look for more interesting artwork by Tim Gunter in upcoming Art of Trash shows, and remember to think about your own inspirations as you’re sorting through your junk pile. There might just be something different waiting to be transformed.
The Art of Trash is an annual exhibition of repurposed materials transformed into art by Maui County artists. This year’s show runs from April 7th through the 28th at 1980 Main Street in Wailuku. Don’t miss Opening Night and the Maui Trashion Show on Wailuku First Friday, April 6th at 6pm. For more info visit Art of Trash on Facebook.
Every three years, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s gallery holds one of the most fascinating exhibits on island. The Schaefer Portrait Challenge is a juried exhibition that gives viewers a moving glimpse into the many unique people here in Hawaii. Since 2003, artists throughout the state have been challenged to create works that truly capture the inner spirit of their friends, family, neighbors, mentors, and even themselves through portraiture. This year’s show features fifty-seven talented artists from five islands.
Gallery visitors can get a real feeling of connection with the community by taking the time to explore each portrait and reading the artists’ statements about what inspired them.
Edd Tokarz Harnas’ “What Grande Could Mean” is an oil painting of Roland, a man who “embraces a stylish and tasteful lifestyle that is overlooked today” by enjoying his corporate coffee in a vintage porcelain teacup with coordinated china, teapot, and linens.
“What Grande Could Mean” by Edd Tokarz Harnas (oil on canvas)
“The Ancient Reptilian Man” by Patrizia Arroyo paints the story of her neighbor, kahuna Ed Kaiwi’s travels into the spirit world. Kaiwi is caretaker of the sacred birthing temple, Anahola Heiau, on Kauai.
“The Ancient Reptilian Man” by Patrizia Arroyo (oil on canvas)
Amanda C. Scott’s “Lady of the Forgotten Forest” is a beautiful painting of a longtime friend of the artist. “I dreamed of how to interpose her in the world I imagined she truly belonged in,” Scott describes.
“Lady of the Forgotten Forest” by Amanda C. Scott (oil on canvas)
In the center of one gallery area is Ingrid Fregeau’s earthware ceramic piece “Long Live Love, Portrait of Rainbow.” The artist explains that her friend, Rainbow, embodies unconditional love that “shines through him, and bathes all around him with joy and warmth.”
“Long Live Love, Portrait of Rainbow” by Ingrid Fregeau (earthware ceramic)
Lynette Pradiga chose her husband as the subject of her piece titled “My Power Washer of Love,” describing him as her “favorite person in the world.” Sadly, it is also noted that he passed away just weeks prior to the exhibit opening.
“My Power Washer of Love” by Lynette Pradiga (acrylic medium and paper collage)
Several self-portraits can be seen throughout the gallery. Bon Moore’s “The Song That I Hear” is an intriguing combination of clay, coconut fiber, and the artist’s own hair. “When I am working with these materials,” she says, “I feel connected to nature.”
“The Song That I Hear” by Bon Moore (clay, coconut, human hair)
“From the Ground Up” is a mixed media self-portrait by Jennifer J. Stephens that conveys her challenges through life. She says, “I chose this medium to connect these physical elements from my surroundings and my youth, while portraying the continual process of my own growth.”
“From the Ground Up” by Jennifer J. Stephens (mixed media assemblage)
Penny Nichols’ “Self Portrait with Too Much Information” is a collage of raw emotion that communicates the artist’s personal experience with parental alienation and the transformative power of art in her life. “The creative process has helped me heal from something that appeared a hopeless tragedy,” she says.
“Self Portrait with Too Much Information” by Penny Nichols (collage)
The 2018 Schaefer Portrait Challenge runs from January 16th through March 18th at the MACC’s Schaefer International Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am-5pm (closed on Sunday, March 4th). Viewers can vote for their favorite piece now through March 7th, and the winning artist will receive the Marian Freeman People’s Choice Award of $5,000. For more information about the show, visit the MACC website.
I remember seeing chickens in the rental car lot at the airport when I first arrived on Maui twenty-one years ago. I commented to the person behind the counter that I didn’t expect to see that when I landed, and they said, “You’ll see more.”
I did.
Since then I have lived all over the island, and every place had chickens. Lots of chickens.
The Polynesiansbrought red junglefowl over when they settled the islands over a thousand years ago. These were cross-bred with domestic chickens after Captain Cook’s arrival in 1778. Nowadays it seems like chickens have just about taken over.
On Kauai, domesticated chickens and lots of roosters bred for cockfighting were released after hurricane Iniki destroyed coops all over the island in 1992. These birds ended up cross-breeding with the local chickens and they have now exploded in numbers. Kauai is the one island where Mongoose were not introduced, so that has a profound effect.
Everywhere I have lived AND worked had chickens hanging around. So, occasionally I would feed and befriend one from the group and get it to come when I would call. Some would sit on my arm or my knee when directed to and some would eat from my hand.
For many folks that move here, chickens can be a source of never-ending annoyance. They’ve been known to ruin many a good sleep as roosters crow at any hour throughout the night. The thing about chickens only crowing at dawn is an old wives’ tale. Most stores here stock earplugs.
Where I currently reside, there are usually around ten or twelve chickens that hang around the yard full time because I feed them scraps and leftovers. They never forget that. If you feed them, they will forever associate you with food. This can be problematic…like having chickens march into the house whenever a door is left open for more than a couple minutes, or them climbing into the open window of my truck.
We have a severe feral cat problem on Maui, and some folks wonder why they don’t eat the chickens. Well, a cat might get a chick, but I have never seen one go for an adult. In fact, you will often see them eating side-by-side at some of the cat feeding stations around the island. I think there’s a mutual respect that exists between the two.
Another side of chickens here on Maui is the ongoing popularity of the cruel sport of cockfighting. While it is illegal, it’s still considered a cultural tradition in many communities. Undercover busts of cockfighting operations are in the news from time to time.
A positive side to the chicken situation is that lots of folks have coops here, so there is a constant source of fresh local eggs! Wherever you are on Maui, you are certain to see the results of this introduced species gone wild.
I admit I am not an adventurous eater and I don’t get out much, so when I was invited to a vegan sushi dinner last month catered by Asa and Kaori of Garden Sushi Maui, I was apprehensive. My limited imagination wasn’t envisioning what Asa was about to serve us.
There were six hungry and excited people curious and eager to see what vegan sushi was. To my surprise, he presented an exceptional, masterful and artistic experience using the color and texture of veggies.Asa is an artist in the presentation of each course. His rigorous training as a sushi chef in Japan was on full display. There was an exactness and attention to detail that only a chef with a very sharp knife can accomplish! The combination of flavors was subtle and amazing. His wife Kaori made every course come alive with her description of what was sitting in front of us.
The challenge here is describing a completely different experience in food. I had to take photos to capture the colors and the inventiveness of what was being served.
There wasn’t any vegetable I hadn’t heard of or eaten before (mushrooms, daikon, cucumber, beets, avocado, burdock, eggplant, etc.), but the way Asa flavored it by marinating it or combining it with another flavor (homemade miso with a slice of bell pepper or candied ginger combined with a fresh tomato) made all the difference.
My favorite was the sushi served as the last course. He combined rice with quinoa and azuki beans to make it red and rolled it up with seaweed. Then he placed avocado slices on the roll and topped it with a dollop of miso and a slice of red bell pepper. What? It was almost too beautiful to eat! The flavor of the bell pepper first surprises you and then the delicious sweet miso takes over.Oh happy dance!
They have a facebook page at Garden Sushi Maui with more photographs and up to date information as to where you can purchase their food.
Saturday’s 32nd Annual Waldorf Holiday Faire was a great way to get into the spirit of the season. The faire was first started in 1985 and has become a fun yearly tradition. Folks from all over the island made their way Upcountry to spend the day shopping, eating, and enjoying the festive activities. Tents, classrooms, and outside areas were set up throughout the campus, giving it the feel of a Christmas village. With live entertainment, food booths, a silent auction and more, this was such a charming event that gave the community a way to support Waldorf school and its programs.
Artists and vendors offered locally and internationally made gifts and goods. Lots of original shopping ideas could be found, with everything from jewelry to artwork, clothing, pottery, toys, and plenty of one of a kind handmade items. There were also several unique holiday decorations, wreaths, and plants.
The “Holiday Cafe” offered a nice selection of locally made options with lots of vegetarian foods. Some of the choices this year included burgers, pad thai, poke bowls, handmade pasta, and fresh lemonade.
The Silent Auction had a wide range of interesting items, and 100% of the proceeds went directly to the Waldorf School’s Tuition Assistance Program.
My favorite spot is always the Bake Shoppe. So many tasty treats to choose from…cookies, candies, cakes…even vegan and gluten free goodies.
This year’s entertainment featured students and local musicians. Onstage were hula, Japanese dance, live music, and of course Christmas songs. Throughout the faire, there were also plenty of keiki and family activities like holiday crafts, candle dipping, a puppet show, and face painting. Best of all, it was a zero waste event! Manned areas for separating and composting rubbish and recyclables were organized by Kokua Hawaii Foundation’s Plastic Free Hawaii.
The Haleakala Waldorf School’s Holiday Faire is held every year, usually on the first Saturday in December. This year’s admission was $3 with free entry for children under twelve. If you get the chance to visit Upcountry next season, don’t miss this festive Maui holiday event. For more info, visit the Waldorf Maui website.
Every year during the holiday season, Maui’s Hui No‛eau Visual Arts Center presents their festive boutique of artwork, crafts and handmade gifts. The historic Kaluanui Estate’s gallery space is decorated like an island style winter wonderland with its beautifully designed display of lights, trees, and treasures. If you’re looking for unique, locally made finds, the Hui is a great place to shop. Proceeds from the annual sale support the Hui No‛eau’s mission of unlocking creativity through arts education and preserving the history of Kaluanui.
In the seasonal shop, you’ll find a delightful assortment of ornaments and decorations.
There are also many lovely jewelry pieces in a wide range of styles.
A variety of gifts made by Maui’s talented artists are featured, with everything from paintings to prints to clothing and more.
Don’t miss the paper gown display created by Maui designer Koa Johnson of Kojo Couture and Ry-n Shimabuku.
The Hui No‛eau’s annual holiday boutique is open daily from 9am-4pm through December 24th. On Wednesday, November 29th the Hui will host their “First Night” event, a special evening opening of shopping, music, and celebration. Over the next few weeks, the Hui is also offering fun holiday art workshops with themes like ornament making, card printing, and wrapping paper printing. There will also be three Pop-Up Night Market events on December 6th, 13th, and 20th featuring family friendly entertainment, a Keiki Holiday Workshop, and a special appearance by Santa. For more info, visit their website at huinoeau.com.
