Look off to the side of the road this time of year on much of the wetter (Northern) side of the island and you are sure to see lots of bright yellow Guavas (Psidium Guajava) ripening. You can also smell the pungent scent of the fruit that falls to the ground and creates a bounty for birds, pigs and insects alike.
While considered to be an invasive species, guavas have been an important food source on the islands since their introduction. Native to Mexico as well as Central and South America, guavas have been growing in Hawaii dating back to at least the late 1700’s. You can see how thick stands of these trees easily crowd out all others around them.
Though they may be plenty, due to their very short shelf life and fragility when ripe, a lot of folks have never had a guava, except perhaps in juice form. Indeed, guavas are one of the three fruits that comprise the famous POG juice (passionfruit, orange, guava).
Some Guava trees seem to produce sweeter fruit, while others can produce a very tart flavored fruit. The ones pictured here are from a particularly “sweet” tree.
The fruit can be eaten raw or juiced, and it’s great for making jam or jelly. Jars of the same can be seen on supermarket shelves everywhere on island. Wood from the guava tree is also used locally for smoking and cooking meat, and is favored over kiawe by some for its sweet scent.
Common guavas are ripe and ready to eat when they turn from green to yellow, and they’re in their prime with a bit of pink coloring on the skin. Ripe guava should smell sweet and musky, and you’ll have about a two day window to eat the fruit once it’s picked. You can scoop the center out or try them whole, skin and all. One thing is for sure though, the seeds can break your teeth, so be careful when eating a guava. There’s nothing like the flavor of this unique fruit, so enjoy it while it’s in season.
Along the shores of South Maui, particularly in Makena, within a few minutes of gazing at the ocean you’ll often see a turtle head pop up to grab a breath. Over the years, I have had hundreds of close encounters with honu (the Hawaiian word for turtle) while snorkeling. Protected by the Endangered Species Act since 1978 with worldwide numbers on the decline, their population in Hawaii has since increased by 53%.
While their status dictates that they should not be approached when snorkeling or diving, the turtles apparently never got the memo as they aren’t very shy about approaching you. In fact, I have had many moments with them in shallow water simply bumping into me as they lazily swim down the length of the beaches in the mornings to the next point of rock or reef covered in their favorite food: seaweed. When they aren’t eating, they can often be found sunning themselves on South Maui’s shoreline.
It is estimated that 90% of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Hawaii nest in the Northwest Hawaiian Island chain at the French Frigate Shoals (Hawaiian: Kānemilohaʻi) that lie within The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. A few will choose to lay their eggs here on Maui beaches. When a nest is found, it is monitored and watched over by volunteers until the little ones hatch and go to sea.
An adult Green Sea Turtle can be forty inches across its back lengthwise and weigh between 200-500 pounds, so it is always a little unnerving to have one swim up to your “blind side” and surprise you when in the water. I remember one time I was looking at the largest cowry shell I had ever seen and suddenly a turtle’s head filled my view as it reached in to grab a bite of seaweed.
Unfortunately these turtles can eventually find themselves caught in nets or fishing line. I come across them all too often. When encountering an entangled or stranded sea turtle, it’s best to call the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for help at (808) 725-5730.
I have always been fascinated by turtles, but the ones I grew up around in the South were the snapping kind…not nice at all. Out here in the islands, I never get tired of seeing these green giants of the sea. I come across them all the time and I still act like a kid everytime I spot one. For more information about honu in Hawaii, visit the NOAA website.
Cherimoya (Annona cherimola), often referred to as “Soursop” to local folks here, is a wintertime fruit from a leafy evergreen tree that is believed to have originated from Ecuador and Peru and to have first come to Hawaii around the 1790’s. It tastes kind of like banana and pineapple with a little strawberry thrown in, but some palates won’t have the same taste experience and find them more or less flavorless. Cherimoya is a large, grapefruit sized, heart shaped fruit with an inedible hard and pointy green skin. The seeds are basically poisonous, and the trees won’t grow where it is too warm or too cold.
These photos are of a tree located in the temperate zone of Kula at 3,000 feet on Haleakala.
When they are very ripe, but not yet spoiled, they can be of a custard like consistency. When chilled, they’re eaten with a spoon and I have heard many older locals here tell stories of how they were seen as an ice cream substitute back in the day.
Determining ripeness involves a similar experience to that of determining the ripeness of avocados. There seems to be a very small window for success. The pointy parts of the skin begin to round off and the skin begins to give slightly. This is the time to pick and then let ripen on the counter.
Just when they begin to get soft, chill them, cut open and enjoy!
There is only one destination for which I will endure a nine hour flight in an uncomfortable seat, and that’s Japan. My favorite place is Kyoto in the fall. Whenever I can, I plan an autumn trip from Maui to Kyoto to see the artwork and history, and for the food.
Shopping doesn’t interest me much (unless it’s Tokyu Hands department store), but eating at small hidden and not so hidden places entertains me to no end. I look for inexpensive and beautifully presented food. Easy task in Kyoto.The choices are endless, and most of the restaurants I have tried are great!The only time I didn’t enjoy a meal was when I ate pasta or bacon and eggs.The pasta had a Chef Boyardee and ketchup flavor and the bacon was boiled instead of fried to a crisp. So I stick to what they do best, Japanese food.
The preparation at most places pays close attention to variety. Every little detail is addressed beautifully. They balance every presentation with color and size and shape. All of it makes me smile.
One of my favorite restaurants is at the Kyoto Municipal Museum. It’s quiet and small. Twice now it has been pouring rain outside, and to wait it out I went to have some lunch at the museum. They have four restaurants there, and I like the smallest one for their simple tofu variety lunch. The tofu in the bowl (bottom right) is made from the milk of ground sesame seeds. Oh so creamy and rich. They are also very clever with tofu skin. Here they have used it to make it look like a little bag. Even the tie they used to close it up was edible. This lunch was $13.
Kyoto Municipal Museum
I can’t begin to guess how many restaurants are in the Kyoto Train Station. More than a hundred? It is a confusing task to pick one. The night I was there I was so beyond hungry, I couldn’t think straight. To complicate things, most restaurants had lines of people waiting to get in. I walked around and got to one I thought would be okay and the hostess/waitress was walking by the door as I stood there. She asked if it was only me. I said yes.She waved me in. I thought, what about all those people out there? But since I didn’t say it out loud, no one answered my question. I walked in and they had a seat just for one.I had a pretty good meal. Miso soup, fried chicken and lots of pickled things. That was exactly what I wanted to eat. Actually, I didn’t finish the chicken. They fry chicken with the skin on, so it was a bit too oily for me. But the miso soup was really good. $11.
Did I mention how delicious the rice is in Japan? I mean it has lots of taste. What I grew up with in Hawaii has no taste. I don’t eat it anymore. So I was pleasantly surprised that the rice in Japan tastes the way rice should. It’s fresh and nutty. My guess is it’s because the rice is grown in small fields by different farmers and each farmer uses their family heirloom rice seeds. They are not planting store bought or GMO seeds.
Kyoto Train Station
Breakfast at the Bienesse Hotel on Naoshima Island is a perfect way to start your long day of visiting art sites. This is a set menu breakfast. I thought I would need a nap after all this food. Everything was so delicious, I didn’t leave anything behind and waddled my way around the island. The egg custard (bottom right corner) was soft and had lots of flavor. Made with fresh dashi, seaweed and an egg. This meal also had freshly made gomadofu (sesame seed tofu), my favorite.I could taste the lemon they curdled the sesame milk with. I also loved all the little dishes everything was served on. The different textures and colors added to the enjoyment of the meal. I took my time appreciating this one.$29.
Bienesse Hotel
On Naoshima island, I found this very tiny restaurant that served lunch. The choice is to sit on the floor or at a picnic bench with others. I sat at a picnic bench and waited for service. Some very kind people (also customers) sitting across from me realized I did not speak Japanese. I was staring at everything in the room, so they were kind enough to serve me water and hand me my utensils. I just smiled and sat there. They pointed me towards the counter where I was directed to put my order in. I would have sat there a long time without food if they hadn’t noticed I was doing nothing but smiling. I ordered red rice with black sesame seeds, miso soup and fresh fall garden vegetables. Delicious. $13.
Naoshima
Would you like to shop for a prepared lunch where the local people go? Japan’s version of fast food is the Bento Box. The contents are healthier than french fries and a burger, and beautiful to look at. Leave it to the Japanese to elevate the everyday mundane meal to an art piece.
I bought this meticulously prepared lunch for $8 down the street from the Kyoto Hyatt at a Bento shop. I saw a line of people waiting to purchase something, so I had to have a look. Oh a bento box, okay, I’ll try one. The vegetables and raw fish were fresh, the rice was cooked perfectly and I noticed they didn’t make anything with shoyu and sugar. It was simply cooked or steamed and lemon was the only flavoring, if any. I was pretty impressed with myself for finding this little shop.
Bento shop near Kyoto Hyatt
I splurged one day. I had read about Kaiseki (multi-course meal that is prepared by skilled chefs) Bento Boxes, so I went looking for them. In the basements of the depato (department) stores like Daimaru and Takashimaya is where Kyoto’s amazing food courts are located. But there are so many vendors, it’s a dizzying task to find the one I was looking for. I must admit, I was enticed to go left when I should have gone right because everything looked more tempting and delicious than the last. Good thing I don’t understand much Japanese. The sales people beckon you to their booth by saying things like, “you’re going to miss out on this fresh salmon” or “just picked today, you must try it,” and it’s hard smiling as I go past for the fourth time looking for the Kaiseki Bento Boxes. Finally, I found them. This was all they had in their glass showcase. Simple choice. $27. It was beautiful.The combination of foods complimented each other. Nothing was too salty or too sweet. They had the best fresh vegetables, barely cooked. I would go back for more, and I did.
The design of the box was conceptual. The Kaiseki bento chef/designer had “high mountains, valleys and streams” on his mind when he deliberately put basic shapes and colors together. Chefs have an esteemed status in Japan. They are artists well trained in food preparation.
Kaiseki Bento
I made it a point to eat at restaurants where they welcomeda non-Japanese speaker. I liked watching the kimono clad women glide around so gracefully. To add to the ambiance, the women spoke just above a whisper so as not to break the peaceful atmosphere. At the bento places, I enjoyed watching them wrap my purchases in plain white paper. They have a special way of wrapping each purchase.
Bento boxes are very popular in Kyoto, but nowhere in the shops do they provide someplace to sit and eat your meal. I would always plan a walk into my day to a temple outside of the downtown area just to sit and eat. It’s a no-no to stand and eat on the sidewalk or to sit and eat at a bus stop. Being creative while traveling is part of the fun. I became an expert on where the next appropriate bench was.
Nothing compares to Kyoto’s beauty or the choice of food options, in my opinion. It is not an expensive place to go for a vacation. Lunch can cost anywhere from $6 at a Family Mart to $80 for a crazy, fancy, way too much food Kaiseki meal at Yata’s. Both unforgettable.
On August 25, 1916, the “Organic Act” establishing the National Park Service was signed. This new federal bureau was given the responsibility of protecting our country’s national parks and monuments. 2016 marks the 100 year celebration of this act honoring the importance of conserving the scenic beauty, wildlife, and historical significance of our parks system.
To commemorate the occasion, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) is presenting the Hawaii National Parks 2016 Centennial Juried Exhibition in the Schaefer International Gallery. The show runs from August 30th through November 6th, 2016 and features a selection of works submitted by artists across the country. The gallery exhibit showcases artwork that reflects the deep appreciation we have for our parks and monuments in Hawaii…the wonders of nature and the cultural meaning they hold as well as the memories we create on our travels.
Several pieces in the show evoke the imagery and power of Hawaii’s volcanoes. Lee Plevney’s “Lava Tubes – Breathing Holes for the Earth’s Soul” is a triptych of white stoneware vessels symbolizing the energy of Maui’s Haleakala. The artist’s process includes shaping the ridges of thrown stoneware, envisioning the forms of cooling lava. “I live each day within the shadow of Haleakala,” she says, “The lava tubes I create signify that I, and my ohana, remain connected to the soul of this island. We walk the hills and valleys of Haleakala. We did one hundred years ago and will one hundred years from now.”
William Worcester has been visiting our national parks for many years and says, “They truly are America’s best idea.” His blown, carved and sandblasted glass piece is titled “Geologists Dream.” Along with being a talented glassworks artist, Worcester is trained as an Oceanographer. A fascination with earth science fueled his creative process. “This piece inspired by Volcanoes National Park conveys the feeling of an active volcanic island,” he explains. It was created with layers of molten glass and glass powders, a sandblasted surface and vent, and a lava-like stream of dyed hemp with red twine in the center.
Wilma Nakamura’s mixed media “Gesture Tinged With Awe” is a collection of 100 postcards reflecting the power of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Using imagery of Pele’s tears (volcanic glass lava drops) along with ink drawings and handwritten memories, she describes her experience as a child viewing the eruption of Kilauea Iki. “Pele is part of my DNA,” says Nakamura, “Inhaling her dust, tuning my ears to the sonic roar, squinting my eyes to take in the orange white hot lava, taming my fear of being in close proximity to her and accepting that the ground under my feet often moved…This piece is grounded in memory. Five weeks in November 1959 at the Park.”
Juror’s Honorable Mention
Sacred land is given reverence through creative expression. Jacob Medina’s “Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau” is an acrylic, enamel and birch panel piece named for the national park on the island of Hawaii’s Kona Coast. In ancient times, Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau was a place of refuge, a sanctuary of peace and forgiveness. It is a protected site today, and visitors travel to the park to feel Hawaii’s mana. “I chose Pu‘uhonua O Honoaunau for its unique blend of natural and cultural resources where the idyllic Hawaiian landscape is made sacred by human influence,” Medina says, “The power of this site inspired me to use bold line work and exaggerated colors that highlight the significance of this historic place.”
A disturbing time in U.S. history is chronicled through artwork focusing on the Honouliuli Internment Camp. From 1943 to 1946, Honouliuli held over 300 Japanese-American internees along with close to 4,000 prisoners of war. Surrounded by barbed wire fencing, the 160 acre site was located in an isolated deep gulch near Waipahu on Oahu. Japanese-American internees nicknamed it Jigoku-Dani, or “Hell Valley.” This was the largest and longest-operating of several internment camps in the state of Hawaii, and the only site built specifically for prolonged detention. Honouliuli Internment Camp became a national monument in 2015.
Delro Rosco’s “Freedom for the Captives” mixed media painting draws inspiration from the monument. The artist’s imagery includes muted colors and rough textures pierced by barbed wire. Rosco describes the work’s creation, “Being aware of the hurt from the injustices that were caused by the internment of Japanese-American citizens during WWII, my hope was to capture a sense of place, the pain of imprisonment, brokenness, and a desire for healing, hope and freedom from bondages for all those affected by this dark part of our history.”
Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Recognition Award
Kathy Yoshihara’s “We Cannot Bury the Past” is a combination of clay, glazes, and computer generated decals on fused glass. With a playful artistry, Yoshihara conveys a stark reminder of the unjust circumstances faced by both adults and children during the war. “Although this piece is from a child’s perspective, the effects were no less damaging,” she says, “The camps forever altered the Issei and Nisei’s perspectives and lives, which was passed down to future generations. We were taught to live a life of Gaman.” (Gaman: Enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity)
Juror’s Choice Award: Best Three-Dimensional
Rounding the walls of the gallery, we’re brought back to a celebration of the islands’ natural beauty with artwork focusing on plants, trees and wildlife in our parks. Marie Ritzman’s “Endangered or Extinct Hawaiian Forest Birds” is a ceramic sculpture with a clever construct. Ritzman explains, “Through the work of the National Parks, the endangered forest birds survive. See them depicted in this nest of porcelain clay, painted underglazes on porcelain eggs.” Some of the native birds featured include the ‘O‘o, the ‘I‘iwi, and the ‘Elepaio.
Shaun Fleming’s “Haleakala Rising” is a handcrafted Koa wood cabinet inspired by the slopes of Haleakala National Park where the native trees grow. Fleming describes a deeper connection to the source of her work, “The Koa wood from which this cabinet was constructed came from a very old dying tree. Our family salvaged it many years ago, hauling it out of the mountain, milling, drying, and finally fabricating it. It now has a new life. I feel blessed to have had this gift to work with as it sparks a fire in my heart.”
Juror’s Honorable Mention
The Hawaii National Parks 2016 Centennial Juried Exhibition offers fascinating insights into the parks system. In addition to the artwork and informative placards throughout the gallery, a glass enclosure holds an official park ranger uniform along with descriptions of the birds and insects at Haleakala.
Open through November 6, 2016, this exhibit is a must-see collection of works reflecting the significance of Hawaii’s history and our natural world. To learn more about the gallery showing and our parks system, visit the MACC exhibit page and the National Park Service website.
If you spend some time Upcountry on Maui, you might just encounter a very interesting creature. The Jackson’s Chameleon is a bright green colored reptile with a grumpy little face that likes humid areas and higher altitudes. Around 10-12 inches long, the males have three distinct horns coming out of their foreheads. The females, without horns, are somewhat smaller. These critters move so slowly, if you do see one you’ll probably get a good chance to observe it for a while. Rocking back and forth steadily, it’ll take its sweet time making its way up a tree or even across the road.
“This is my happy face” (female Jackson’s Chameleon)“Check out my manly horns” (male Jackson’s Chameleon)
People always seem excited to sight a Jackson’s Chameleon, and there’s somewhat of a reverence for them up here. I’ve even seen folks pull their cars over to get out and help a Jackson’s cross the street. I guess I always figured there was some ancient spiritual connection with the chameleons and the islands. Well, it turns out they’re actually an invasive species that can pose a predatory threat to native insects, spiders and snails. They don’t appear to be a high priority pest here, but there are efforts by agencies like MISC (Maui Invasive Species Committee) to establish whether existing populations can be controlled.
“We’re here now, deal with it”
Hawaii state law prohibits importing or transporting chameleons, lizards or snakes within the state or exporting to the mainland, and there’s a good reason for that. You’re probably wondering how these strange beasties got here in the first place. The story goes that back in the early 1970’s, a pet shop owner in Kaneohe on Oahu was given the okay by the state to import some Jackson’s Chameleons from Kenya for resale in his store. Apparently when they arrived, they were looking a little sickly to him…so he released them into his backyard with the hopes that they would regain their health after the long trip over. His intention was to recapture them and put them in his shop, but instead the reptiles made themselves at home in the great outdoors. Eventually, they also made their way to neighboring islands like Maui.
“How you like me now?”
Some fun facts about Jackson’s Chameleons:
They have opposable toes, which means they can grip things like tree branches. They also have a curly looking prehensile tail that is capable of grasping objects.
“I’ll just grab right on here and give you a squeeze”
Their eyes rotate independently of each other, which adds to the charm of their crazy face.
“This is my resting grouch face”
The males use their rostral projections (what?!?)…their three horns…to wage combat with other males.
“You looking for trouble?”
In response to differences in temperature and as a way to communicate with each other, Jackson’s Chameleons can change color. They have specialized skin cells called chromatophores that are triggered by their central nervous system to release pigment.
“Oh hello there…”“Feeling green and grippy…”
Take a trip through the Upcountry area of Maui and be on the lookout for this fascinating fauna.
Some useful info: Jackson’s Chameleons are sometimes confused with the larger Veiled Chameleon, a higher priority invasive predator that is a threat to native birds. Veiled chameleons can grow around two feet long. They also lay eggs, as opposed to Jackson’s which bear live young, so they have a higher reproductive capacity. To find out more about the differences between the two, visit Hawaii Invasive Species Council. Jackson’s Chameleons have not become established on the island of Kauai so far, and Kauai would like to keep it that way. If you happen to be visiting over there and sight one, go to Report A Pest Hawaii to notify their early detection network.
Imagine a creature the size of a quarter that can negatively affect real estate values with its call alone. That’s a coqui frog, an invasive species in Hawaii that is said to have arrived in the late 1980’s from Puerto Rico. I grew up in the South and was accustomed to hearing crickets and cicadas (oftentimes very loud) at night in the summertime, but a colony of coqui frogs can cause entire neighborhoods to need earplugs just to sleep. In fact, their presence on or near a property is even a disclosure requirement for real estate transactions.
MISC photo of coqui frog
Without a natural enemy or predator to keep coquis in check, they can come into a neighborhood or resort area in plants from nurseries. I remember a nursery in Kihei a few years back that had a colony, and people in the area were ready to take legal action over the nightly commotion. Here’s a sample of just one frog’s obnoxiously loud call…now think about trying to sleep with a whole army of these guys screaming at you:
Besides the noise factor, coquis are also a threat to insects that are needed for pollinating and to the balance of native ecosystems. In addition to the impact on real estate, they can also affect tourism and negatively affect plant selling businesses.
The folks at MISC (Maui Invasive Species Committee) are Maui’s frontline defense against the many coquis invading the island. They use an ecologically safe mixture of citric acid to help eradicate the little monsters. I have trouble killing anything other than mosquitoes and centipedes, so I’m glad these folks aren’t afraid to get the job done. It’s tough work too, traversing thick rainforest gulches in the dead of night to reach the areas overrun by screeching frogs.
Coqui frog photo by Monte Tudor-Long
Some islands have managed to get their coqui frog populations under control, but Maui still has a definite problem. There are several known colonies in natural areas as well as those at residences, hotels, and nurseries. MISC offers tips on helping to keep your property coqui-free. Some things you can do include maintaining the yard by mowing cane grass, thinning out plants and trees, removing dead leaves, and not growing bromeliads. They also have information on the best ways to catch and spray coquis, mix your own citric acid solution, build a barrier, and report your control efforts on Google Earth.
If you think you might have a coqui problem, go to Coqui-Free Maui to help identify what you see and hear. They have an online form to report your findings and request follow-up contact from the coqui crew.
Thanks to the good folks at MISC and all of the educated and proactive landowners who are putting in the effort to make coqui frogs on Maui a thing of the past. For more information, visit the Maui Invasive Species Committee website.
Centered around Earth Day each year, Maui’s Art of Trash gallery exhibit showcases artwork made entirely from items that might otherwise be discarded. This innovative exhibition features some of the island’s most inventive artists working in a variety of mediums and continually finding new ways to transform trash into treasure.
The Opening Night celebration is always a fun event. This year, the Maui Mall came to life once again with music, dance, and a parade of outrageous trash art fashions. First, Robert Sargenti’s Junk Yard Band took the stage. A talented assemblage of local musicians rocked the crowd, playing instruments made by Sargenti out of repurposed materials.
Next was Ryan Anderson’s Marenje Maui drumming group, a vibrant ensemble of percussionists. They weaved their way around the center stage area in an energetic performance that had the audience smiling.
Master of Ceremonies Kristi Scott kept the excitement going as she introduced the evening’s trash fashion extravaganza. Scott’s colorful gown and fascinator (headpiece) designed by Jett Robidoux were made from a repurposed tarp and plastic bottles.
Students and community members participated in the Trashion Show, walking the runway in fabulous outfits made from recycled items.
Prizes were awarded to the artists and designers, then it was on to the gallery opening…
So many pieces stood out this year for their clever concepts and creative use of materials. Chris Mithen’s “Best Day Ever” brought a charming whimsy to the show, giving new life to an old stuffed animal and car door.
With hammered bottle caps as scales and aluminum cans cut to shape as fins, Megan Kashinski’s “Thirsty Fish” was an eye-catching reminder of how discarded rubbish and recyclables find their way into our oceans.
Timothy Gunter’s “Steroid Scooter” was an impressive life-size replica made of welded metal pipes and assorted items. Gunter won 3rd place in the juried show.
This functioning lamp called “Seattilite” was created by Angie Turner from repurposed metal and glass objects. It looked like a UFO with its mysterious light illuminating through the top.
Roxanne Braddix transformed a child’s toy into a mythical creature with her “Sea Horse” sculpture.
Diana Drake carved a nature scene into an old book, using her distinct artistic style to deliver the message in this piece, “Pray for the Earth.”
Robert Sargenti creates wonderfully unique instruments from unconventional materials. His “Vinyl Grooves” electric guitar made from stacked record albums was featured in the opening night band performance.
“Tommy” by Murphy was a human-size robot that actually moved in response to the viewer’s voice. This fantastic showstopper was the 1st place winner of Art of Trash 2016.
Art of Trash is sponsored by the environmental non-profit organizations SharingAloha and Mālama Maui Nui. To find out more about the annual exhibit and see images from previous years’ shows, visit Art of Trash on Facebook.
Mahalo to Zane Mathias for all of the photos published in this article.
Art Maui is an annual exhibit at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Schaefer International Gallery. This juried show features works by some of Maui’s most creative artists in a range of mediums, from painting to sculpting, glassblowing, jewelry making, wood carving, and more. Every year there are new surprises in store for gallery viewers. This year’s exhibition included a variety of pieces that showcased the unique talents of our island’s art community.
Michael Worcester’s “Carved Water” bowl captured the light with a delicate glasswork design that gave the illusion of a pool of water. Peeking into the center, you’d almost think you could dive right in.
David Fitch’s “Pe’ahi o Na Ali’i” handcrafted wood table was skillfully carved and featured a detailed fan-like pattern across the top surface.
This ceramic piece by Mary Ann Leigh titled “Sanctuary” was an intricately sculpted vessel with jagged outer shapes opening to reveal a view directly through the inside.
A number of paintings stood out for their visual appeal. Meryl Haywood’s “Tove Lo” was a captivating portrait with a softness of tone and brushstroke that gave an ethereal feel.
Annamarie Sheehan’s “Healing Waters” drew the viewer in with its intriguing color palette and style.
Laurence Muleh’s “‘Akohekohe, ‘Amakihi, Ohia Lehua” was a beautiful tribute to Hawaii’s native honeycreepers and the flowering trees they feed on.
Several pieces in the show focused on sugar cane, an industry that will soon be ending on Maui. The artwork was grouped together along one section of the gallery. Tom Sewell’s “Goodbye Sugar” multi-media installation was central to the display and featured a television screen with images of sugar harvesting and production.
Julie Houck’s “Three Views of Cane” triptych (top of photo) and Susan Conway Kean’s “Ready for the Last Load” (bottom of photo) oil paintings gave a nod to the end of an era for sugar cane on the island.
Artist Deybra Fair’s work was instantly recognizable for her distinct design aesthetic. Her “Rusted Seams” sculpture transformed rough materials into a softer silhouette.
Two fun, original pieces highlighted the diverse creativity of Maui’s many talented artists. Shaun Fleming’s “Just the Essentials” carved wood cabinet displayed meticulously inlaid renditions of items kept on hand in kitchen cupboards here on the islands.
This clay sculpture by Mark Olpindo was aptly titled “Milk + Cereal.” Scaled to actual size, the fruit ring cereal looked good enough to eat. The milk jug seemed to defy gravity as it hovered above the bowl.
The 2016 exhibit marked another excellent showing of artistic skill and imagination. To learn more about Art Maui and see images of all of the artwork, visit www.artmaui.com.
Back in 2000-2001, I was working at a little indy music store right by the beach in Kihei with my now ex-husband Sid. One random afternoon, he answered a phone call that turned an ordinary day into the kind of surreal experience you can only have on Maui.
I think we had already gotten word that Prince was on island…Maui can be very small town in the way that stories get around quick. So when Sid got the call asking if we could keep the store open just for Prince to do some private shopping, we had a feeling this was no hoax. It was a slow afternoon, so the place was already empty. He gave the OK to the mysterious caller, and we locked the doors. He let me know that we’d been instructed not to speak to Prince or even make eye contact. The two of us waited anxiously, having no idea what to expect.
After about ten minutes, a huge black SUV pulled right up to the front of the store. An enormous man that clearly looked like a bodyguard walked over, and Sid let him in. The big guy glanced around for a short while, then headed back out to the SUV where Prince and his lady friend were waiting to be escorted in. This place was small, and I was getting nervous thinking, “How am I supposed to keep myself from looking at him? He’s going to be within a few feet of me the whole time he’s in here.” I felt like I could already hear his distinct voice in my head demanding quietly, “Don’t look at me.”
I stared with as much discretion as possible as the man himself walked through the doors accompanied by his bodyguard and a gorgeous petite woman. Sid remembers the moment when Prince suddenly appeared in the store wearing a neon hockey jersey that went almost to the ground, his hair teased out like he was about to go onstage. “There was no way you couldn’t have recognized him,” he says. I want to say he was surrounded by a mystical purple fog, but I’m pretty sure he was just glowing from the inside. What I remember most is that it was a warm sunny day, and he was in full face make-up, looking very out of place in our little beach town shop.
My favorite detail of Sid’s recollection is how the Talking Heads “Stop Making Sense” movie was playing on the TV mounted on the store wall, and he had thought he was pretty cool for picking that classic 80’s gem to watch. Then the bodyguard asked Sid a question, so he turned the volume down briefly on the movie. Prince spoke the only two words we would hear from him…“thank you.” His voice was soft but sassy, and we knew the choice of cinema had not met with his approval. So much for nostalgia.
The new releases were set to come out, and we had everything stacked behind the counter. The bodyguard asked if Prince could buy one of each new title. It was an unusual request, but this was no ordinary shopper. This wasn’t even an ordinary celebrity. We were in the presence of a legend. Customer service kicked up a notch that day.
Prince and his lady friend left the store quickly, disappearing into the SUV while the bodyguard stayed behind to make the purchases. And just like that, it was over. Sid and I waited a few seconds for them to pull out of the parking lot, then we wandered out the front doors in a bit of a starstruck daze. Had this really just happened? We looked at each other, then over across the road towards the ocean. And in that same moment, we saw a whale breach in full splendor right in front of us. It felt like there was magic in the air, like Prince himself had summoned the whales and left a rainbow of rock and roll pixie dust in his wake. That’s how I remember it anyway.
No, I didn’t meet Prince. I didn’t talk to him or really even get to look at him, but he was there all the same and it was unforgettable. One of those very special encounters that will always have me thinking, “Only on Maui.”
Artist rendition created from photo by Sheila Sund https://www.flickr.com/photos/sheila_sund/8753578018/
