Tuesday, April 24, 2012

An Exhibition Walk-Thru with Jennifer Owen


This past Saturday, a captivated crowd gathered at Hui No‘eau to hear ceramic artist Jennifer Owen speak about the impressive body of work included in her current retrospective exhibit, from her salt firing techniques to her unforgettable teachers to working with maquettes. As she guided the group in a walk through of the Hui galleries, Jennifer's enthusiasm for and dedication to her craft shone through her engaging stories as she divulged secrets about her process and the pieces representing a lifetime of experimentation in different series. (Did you know the hale highlighted on the title wall, "Mambo", is usually appropriated for outgoing mail?)


Visit this free exhibition through next Friday (May 4th) at Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center: 2841 Baldwin Avenue in Makawao. Questions? (808) 572-6560

Friday, April 20, 2012

Congrats, Art Maui!

Congratulations to these Hui teaching artists, staff & board, friends and more for being accepted into this year's ART MAUI exhibition, which closes this weekend:

Connie Adams (teaching artist, watercolor)
Kathleen Alexander (visiting artist, watercolor)
Judy Bisgard (former board member & Hui champ!)
Michael Clements (teaching artist, plein air pastel)
Bob Flint (teaching artist, ceramics)
Tim Garcia (board member)
Robert Glick (board member)
Caroline Killhour (executive director)
Terry Lopez (teaching artist, painting)
Keri Meyer (sales & event rental coordinator)
Jennifer Owen (teaching artist, ceramics & current Retrospective Exhibition artist)
JB Rea (teaching artist, jewelry)
Tony Walholm (teaching artist, oils)
Billy Welker (2012 featured Solo Artist)
Sidney Yee (2011 featured Solo Artist)

Enroll in a workshop or open studio session TODAY to meet & mingle with these shining Maui talents, and many others- summer classes online now at huinoeau.com

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Hui Staff Team Up with the Empty Bowl Project

Hui staff members (L to R) Rachel Edelman, Anne-Marie Forsythe, Kelly McHugh, Birgitte Golden, Caroline Killhour, and Lana Coryell proudly pitched in to finance the ceramic bowl firing for this year's "Empty Bowl Project." Additional Hui supporters not pictured here include Carol Childerhose, Bob Flint, Jessica Hoecker, Keri Meyer, Mary Orwig, and Deb Zaleski.

A benefit for the Maui Food Bank, the Empty Bowl Project was produced on April 14th by Star Noodle and the Maui Organization for the Ceramic Arts (MOCA) as part of an international grassroots effort to help fight hunger. Events have been held across the United States and in at least a dozen other countries, raising millions of dollars for hunger-fighting organizations. During last Saturday's event, 200+ Maui-based ceramic artists created handcrafted bowls that were sold for a donation to be kept as a keepsake reminding attendees of all the "empty bowls" in the world. Representing Maui's premiere community-based ceramic program, Hui staff were proud to act as ambassadors for the event and to help position the arts as a part of this important community improvement initiative.

Join us at the Hui this Saturday at 12 pm to learn about the history of the Hui's ceramic program by one of its founding members, 2012 Retrospective Artist Jennifer Owen, who will offer a (FREE) guided tour of her critically-acclaimed ceramic art exhibition. See you at 12 noon!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

A Chat with 2012 Retrospective Artist Jennifer Owen

Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is proud to present its 2012 Retrospective Exhibition, featuring a broad scope of work by an icon of our Maui arts community. This year we warmly welcome Jennifer Owen, internationally exhibited ceramic artist, 20+ year Hui teaching artist veteran, and visual arts coordinator and assistant professor of art at UH Maui College.

“This place is a little miracle,” says Owen of Hui No‘eau, “Having spent more than a third of my life at the Hui teaching, learning and creating, it’s such a delight to be invited for a retrospective exhibition. For so many years the Hui was my studio- this is my artistic home.”

The Hui’s retrospective series was designed to acknowledge the contributions of individuals who have made a profound influence on local art and to share their work & ideas with the general public. Formerly called the “Distinguished Artists of Hawai’i Series,” previous participants in this distinguished series have included Tadashi Sato (1992), Marian Freeman (1993), Toshiko Takaezu (1993), Masami Teraoka (1995), Shige Yamada (2000), Richard Nelson (2004) and, most recently, Darrell Orwig (2011).

“Toshiko [Takaezu] was my first ceramics teacher while I was earning my undergraduate degree at Princeton. During my senior year art exhibition she asked for one of my pieces, which was a great honor for me. About 10 years ago, she shipped that piece to me from NJ with a note saying “some day you will need this for a retrospective show.”

When we remarked about what a lovely coincidence it was Toshiko herself presented her own retrospective at the Hui, Jennifer responded, “she was there at my artistic beginning in New Jersey and she reentered my life when I relocated to Maui, this time as a visiting artist in the Hui’s ceramics studio. It really is amazing where life leads us.”

Jennifer’s “Hui History” began in 1982, immediately upon relocating from Kauai. She recalls coming in for an interview with Rob Spenser (“I got so dressed up, I had no idea what I was in for!”) to talk about a teaching gig and left with a position that would have her heading the ceramics department for the next 23 years. She hand drew a sign for a free pottery class and found it easy to sign people up for 5 – 8 week sessions. “It was a real ‘ohana, a home away from home for so many of us that were looking for studio space and new ideas” she recalls, “we slowly built structure into a formal ceramics program; we designed rules in cooperation with the Hui arts administrators, held monthly meetings and work days, built tables, paved the stable floors, and we taught everyone that wanted to learn.” Jennifer was an invited artist for the Hui’s 1987 “Handwoven Tapestries and Ceramics,” exhibition, its 1990 “Impressions, Expressions, and Collaborations” exhibition and selected for her own Solo Artist Exhibition in 1995, "Imprints in Clay."

When asked how she feels about sharing this body of work with the Hui community today, she responds, “I’m very excited about the people that are just becoming a part of this place. My style and work has varied tremendously, so I can’t wait to get feedback about the different series of works represented in this exhibit. The Hui is the best community of artists on Maui where all those exchanges can happen. I’m not that far from retirement, and when I do the Hui will be the perfect place to return to teach- my intent is to continue my life as a teacher and an artist until the day that I die; I want to continue my relationship with this community, it will be fun to keep this relationship alive. This is such an incredible environment. Coming here as an artist is also spending time in one of the most beautiful places on the island, and it's forever changing and evolving. For those that have not been here before: you’re in for a surprise!”

This free exhibition will be on view in the Hui’s main gallery 7 days a week, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm through May 4, 2012.

*Jennifer will return to the Hui this summer to teach a selection of ceramics classes. Visit our website at huinoeau.com/classes for details, coming soon.

The work of art "returned" by Owen's mentor, artist Toshiko Takaezu

-Kelly McHugh

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Week in Kids

Yes, we’re ankle deep in Art Affair preparations (our biggest fundraiser of the year), the Hui No‘eau Annual Juried Exhibition (our most competitive show of the year), and the launch of 64 spring classes & visiting artist workshops- but we’re always hungry for more! This week we are pleased to host 2 Seabury Hall Winterim groups in hands-on, experiential learning opportunities designed to expand students’ understanding, appreciation, and support of each other and the local and global community. Mahalo to teaching artists Luana Coonen, Nathalie Nunez, Erica Franz and Barbara Liniger for your spirited and vigorous work during these 8 intensive workshops and to Seabury teachers Harriet Huff & Gayle Martelles for your prized support.

A big mahalo to Lissa Fox Strohecker, Education Specialist at Maui Invasive Species Committee, for dropping some knowledge at the Hui this week during a Stickwork-inspired field trip with Big Island’s Hawa’i Preparatory Academy! Also, to Hui teaching artist Erica Franz for her imaginative vision in leading the group through a 2-hour found object basket weaving workshop. We love the fact that teens are flying in from other islands to check out this amazing sculpture and learn more about what it means for our ‘aina!

And finally, mahalo to Katie Lutz and Sue Hudelson for your sequential-based classes with our Maui youth this session. Each of you are making a profound impact on the lives of these children, their families and the future of our community. Plus…it’s pretty awesome having all of these rad kids around all the time!

Hammer time in the Jewelry Studio

Nunez talks emulsion in the Litho Studio

T-Shirt Boot Camp, silkscreen style

Lissa chats about invasive strawberry guava & our project with Patrick Dougherty

One student's found-object basket...pretty snazzy!


Independent Potter ("IP") Barbara Liniger throws with Seabury in the Ceramics Studio

After only 2 hours of practice...not too shabby, ladies!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Hui + MOS = Good Times!

We're thrilled to once again be partnering with Maui Open Studios, which will kick off its Upcountry weekend February 18th & 19th!

“We are the perfect fit for one another and we are looking forward to growing together to make our annual event better and better each year," remarks organizer Carolyn Quan on partnering with the Hui, "Educating the art-buying public about how the artists create their work and how they get their inspiration is one of the goals of the event. By partnering with Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center we feel like we've created a good solid foundation for this from the beginning. We look forward to a long, supportive relationship with the Hui over the coming years.”

Now in its 2nd year, Maui Open Studios offers artists an organized opportunity to open their studio doors to the general public during three featured weekends. Artists pay a small fee to be included in a printed program complete with maps, bios and samples of their work, plus a large website to reinforce the printed piece.

"This event is a great way to engage visitors & community in the Hui's Open Studio program. Access to work space is such a big issue for artists, both on Maui and beyond. For many, the Hui studios provide the only access to tools, equipment, space and artistic exchange. The result is a tight-knit community of artists that are accustomed to sharing their processes and stories with the public and with one another. We look forward to the opportunity to offer Maui Open Studios visitors a very unique experience when they spend time with us this weekend!" (- Hui No‘eau)

Hui No‘eau is open Saturday & Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm and will feature nearly 20 of the Upcountry Maui Open Studio artists. Entry is free, as always, and also offers walking tours of the historic house & grounds, the 2012 Annual Juried Exhibition in the main gallery, Patrick Dougherty's larger-than-life "On the Wild Side" Stickwork sculpture, and more.

Maui Open Studios Weekend #2: North & Upcountry
Saturday-Sunday, February 18-19, 2012 / 11am – 6pm / FREE
Visit Hui artists and art demonstrations in our Jewelry, Ceramic and Printmaking Open Studios. MOS is a unique, vibrant event modeled after a very successful concept and tradition that has been enjoyed by the public for free throughout California and other art-appreciating states across the country for many decades. Experience the creativity that the art community on Maui has to offer at this very special event for both artists and art-collectors alike.

Participating in 2012—
Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center: Jewelry Open Studio
Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center: Ceramic Open Studio
Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center: Printmaking Open Studio

Carolyn Quan, Photo Collage and Mixed Media
Kathleen Alexander, Watercolors
Tania Arens, Printmaker / Tattoo Artist
Victoria Bakshi Yudis, Abstract Design in Ink & Acrylic
Eve Black Jewelry, Jewelry Artist
Cee, MFA / Painter
d’Avignon d’esigns, Woven Beadwork with Gemstones and Pearls
Christina DeHoff, Oil Painter
Stephen Hynson, Studio Furniture
Mike and Toby Neal, Woodwork, Lampwork Bead Jewelry, Photography
Lynette Pradiga, Expressionist, Impressionist, Abstract Painter
Jim Smith, Mixed Media Artist Wood and Glass
Janet Summers, Oil Painting
Kim Thomson-Kerr, Art Skirts Made from Recycled Fabrics
Jennifer Throne, Whimsical Gourd Creations Sculpture, Mixed Media
Lori L Wylie, Textured / Painted Aluminum and Stainless Steel

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Artist Announcement: 2012 Solo Artist Exhibition

Hui No‘eau is proud to announce its exhibition committee selections for the 2012 Solo Artist Exhibition: Big Island's Valerie Yong Ock Kim and Maui's own Billy Welker.

The open call-to-artists for this unique exhibition yielded numerous proposals from artists representing a wide range of ideas, methods and artistic media. One of the only of its kind in the state of Hawai‘i, this highly respected exhibition provides emerging as well as established artists the unique opportunity to be intricately involved in all facets of planning and installing a completely new body of work. It has been instrumental in furthering the careers and artistic growth of those selected, with a roster that most recently includes Tim Garcia, Margo Ray, Eli Baxter, Jaisy Hanlon, Sydney Yee, Kevin Omuro and Scott Groeniger— each an important part of our community arts conversation.



Valerie Yong Ock Kim, from Hawai‘i Island, will present "LIGHT SPEED MATTER, A STILL PLACE WAITING," featuring vivid, kinetic images in photographic archival pigment prints, video and cast glass that explore concepts of light and matter in the context of time and the human experience. Valerie has degrees in psychology and public health and when not pursuing personal work, is a Union Location Manager in Los Angeles for feature films.

With "Configuration," Maui artist Billy Welker presents a continuing exploration, in honest and sculptural oil paintings on wood, of the figure and the portrait as objects and vessels of humanness. Billy studied Fine Arts in Detroit and is a retired carpenter and general contractor by trade.

Upon completion of each new body of work, this public exhibition will be on view August 11 - September 21, 2012. Congratulations, Ms. Kim and Mr. Welker!

Read more:
About the 2011 artists
2011 Opening
2010 Announcement
2009 Announcement
About the 2009 Artists

Artist Billy Welker

Artist Valerie Yong Ock Kim

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Artist Feedback: 2012 Annual Juried Exhibition

It has quickly become apparent that this year's Hui No‘eau Annual Juried Exhibition is knocking the socks off of collectors, visitors and artists. With more than 10% of the show sold before opening day, we are so thankful to our juror, Allyn Bromley, and the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture & the Arts, who selected SIX pieces for their Art in Public Places Program, for sharing their talents with Hui No‘eau. We thought it would be nice to share some of our artist feedback here, which says so much about the value of this important program as well as that of fostering creativity in our Maui community. Enjoy!

"I am honored and humbled to be accepted into the recent 2012 Hui No`eau Annual Juried Exhibiton. This is a very strong, competitive showing, of which only 72 pieces were selected from 306 entered overall. In the 48 years I have been showing in the public I always appreciate the community support and realize how important it is to be picked by jurors and show the public my latest work. This is one way that I can give to the Hui, a facility that needs our continued support. Thank you." Rick Strini

"Being accepted into a juried show is an important validation of one’s creative growth. It also provides a venue for those who want to explore the limits of their artistic vision. It's so important to have such an opportunity in this small community & I am very grateful to the Hui for giving this gift to the artistic community." Aloha, Kathy Sakai

"I love the idea that my four Welcoming Figures are greeting visitors in the Hui while standing guard and enjoying the view up there. It was a special pleasure to attend the exhibition opening-- such a supportive, engaged, and friendly community." Best, Heidi Preuss Grew

"To have one’s work considered worthy of being a part of the 2012 Hui No'eau Annual Juried Exhibition is a true honor. I was so impressed with juror Allyn Bromley’s breadth and depth of artistic credentials. Allyn spoke about the difficulty she faced judging so many skillful and beautifully crafted works submitted by our artist community. Allyn’s delicate and thoughtful approach to assembling this year’s exhibition especially considering the large number of quality submissions makes the privilege of participating just that much more rewarding. Artists and art appreciators alike benefit greatly from the Hui. We are so fortunate to have an organization where art classes, exhibitions and studios are available year round to all who are interested. As one who is both artist and art appreciator I’m so thankful to those individuals who volunteer their time and energy to the Hui and to the many throughout our community who contribute financial support to such a wonderful organization. - Brad Forsythe

"I feel happy to be out there again sharing my work within the art community and the general public. Submitting for juried shows is always interesting, there are so many factors at work for the juror during the process of selection and it is certainly an honor to have some of my pieces included in this year’s exhibit. I find that working as an artist is not an easy task. One of the major challenges in art production is learning how to balance our thinking, about our role or responsibility as artists and balancing our thinking between true economic possibilities and the lack of economic possibilities. It is so important to find ways to strengthen our belief in ourselves and our art, and to keep building on that belief and have the confidence to know that our creative abilities will make a significant difference in a world of intense competition and rapid change. Our art community on Maui is fortunate to have the Hui No`eau as a major support system. It is this type of support that encourages and sustains artists and all those associated with the visual arts." Mahalo, Arlene Taus Salomon

"I am so pleased to be in this show with two pieces chosen and one getting a Recognition Award. The Hui is itself quite alluring because of its grounds and history but the quality of its offerings (classes, workshops, museum shop, exhibits) is what makes it so valuable to Maui and especially Upcountry Maui. I live two miles away and our milieu is what I paint and want to paint. So the opportunity to show my work right here where many of the viewers know the same landscape is gratifying and precious. If I ever cause anyone to see the land around us through my eyes because of what I paint, I am thrilled. There are few opportunities to show one's work in such company and in such a setting. To be able to see what other artists are creating is so valuable. I think there are lots of us who work hard, create special and skilled work who are not widely known- so the chance to "mingle" artistically is one I am more than grateful for. It is a curious thing to have one's work feel so validated by being chosen for a juried show. It might sit in one's studio looking one way, subject to hyper-criticism of its creator perhaps- or not yet dignified by mat, glass, and frame. What a difference context can make. It's a touchy subject perhaps but we do live on a resort island and there is a resort art market. The fact that there is the Hui, not catering to the almighty tourist dollar but showing sophisticated, edgy work which is still very much OF Maui is precious to all of us- but maybe most of all, to us, its grateful artists." -Elizabeth Keller

"I feel honored to have been chosen as a part of this exhibition, mainly because I felt it was a particularly good show. I love sharing my work at the Hui. I like that there are now a number of juried shows each year, not just the annual show - that there are shows with a particular subject, such as 'Visualizing Green.' Supporting the visual arts is of the utmost importance in these times when art funding and education is nationally drying up and being devalued. It is the opposite of what we need if we want our country to continue be a global leader. We need creativity to be fostered in our citizens." -Kristin Fein

"Being accepted into this exhibition is very rewarding, and validating. The juror chose work that had a sculptural element to it. I love that I have been included in this exciting and diverse show. It helps me keep going and believing in my work and my unique vision of what is wearable jewelry. Sharing my work with the Hui community is something that I enjoy. My hope is that the Hui community becomes a bigger community. More announcements to the Maui county about the exciting and vital work that is happening at this arts center. It is a key to the health of the community. We all do better when there is art in our lives. It creates a conversation that is beyond words and the gathering to see others visions opens the door for growth both personally and as a community. The Hui provides an accessible way for this to happen." Mahalo, Anita Laviola

"I feel very honored to have my work included in this exhibit. I entered because I was impressed with the juror's body of work and her long career within the fine art community. The fact that I produced something that spoke to her was quite wonderful. I was doubly fortunate to garner a State Foundation Recognition Award and it is the Hui that again afforded this link between artist and collector. I again thank the Hui for this opportunity." - Connie J. Adams

"Like most of the other artists, I felt very honored to have a piece selected for this exhibition. I have great respect for the juror and thought her lecture gave insight into her reasons for selection. Over the years, I have learned much from some of the classes and workshops given at the Hui. Most of them are at the college level. This juror has taught for many years at the Univ. of Hawaii and brings, I think, a bit of academic approach to the selection." -Judy Bisgard

"To be selected is always an honor! The creative depth of the Hui membership is amazing, so be a part of this show is humbling to say the least. I love having my work seen and appreciated by the community at large, it’s exciting to see the things that inspire me do the same for others. Maui has an amazing community of artists and the Hui has an important part in it. Art is the soul of a community, there are not enough places supporting it’s growth and development. Keep up the great work and mahalo for including me in the show." - Mike Neal

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Meet the Juror: A Conversation with Allyn Bromley

Yesterday’s receiving day for the 2012 Hui No’eau Annual Juried Exhibition yielded 306 original works of art from artists living on Maui, throughout Hawaii, and beyond. The Kaluanui living & dining areas, now public exhibition spaces, were bursting at the seams with art of all media. Our hard-working exhibitions & events coordinator, Rachel Edelman, could not keep the staff away from the space- our reactions to the work bouncing off the walls barely faster than the some 30 Camp Kaluanui keiki bustling through the grounds at recess. Simply put: receiving day is awesome. The energy of the artists and volunteers, the suspense of not knowing who will submit, the excitement of meeting new faces, and the exceptionally broad range of artwork making its way into the house all combine to make these days stand out as some of the most fun we see.

Today I was introduced to the woman facing the greatest challenge of all the artists combined, Honolulu-based Allyn Bromley who has been working all day to jury this most competitive exhibition. Rachel and I were invited into the Hui’s artist cottage, where she is staying while on Maui, to share some lunch together during a much-needed break and to chat about the selection process.

A bit about Allyn, who has lived and worked in Honolulu since the early 1950s before earning a BFA from the University of Hawai‘I and MFA from the University of Colorado. She has done post-graduate work at Pratt Graphic Center in Manhattan, and at Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Washington. Allyn retired from teaching printmaking at the University of Hawai‘i in 2000 to pursue further explorations in the art of the print. Her current interests are in deconstructing the screen printed format to recombine and reconstruct images in the third dimension.

Allyn is an elegant, thoughtful, fascinating woman. When asked “so, how’s it going?” her response was this: “it’s a tough challenge being a solo juror, because the exhibition is based completely on my opinion. And my opinions are rooted in my belief that art is an important part of a social context. I see this Hui exhibition as a symposium for ideas, for taking art forward and for reflecting what we are today.” It was clear that Allyn was facing a thrilling challenge brought on by our artist community.

I proceeded to explain to Allyn that one of the greatest challenges we face is responding to the artists whose work was not selected by a given juror. In other words, “why are you making the selections you’re making?”

“So much of what I’m seeing is skillful, beautifully crafted, or dazzling- but lacking the relevance needed to actively engage in a communal discussion," she responded, "This is a forum beyond the decorative. In some cases I was drawn to pieces that I would hang in my own home, but this was not their place. Many other pieces simply needed their own, separate space, and by including them here the whole room would have been thrown off. Then there were pieces selected for the exhibition that don’t speak to me, but I found it important that they be SEEN. They have formal values, things about them that are interesting, they’re provocative, they represent new ideas.”

Ultimately, Allyn is creating a cohesive, visual conversation with the space offered to her. In her artist’s statement, she uses key words like structure and technical skill as well as sincerity and passion.

When asked what it was like to observe Allyn’s process, Rachel responds, “She has been incredibly thoughtful. Every piece has had an equal opportunity to be included. Lots of time went into the selection process. The “logic vs. instinct” dichotomy she explained in her lecture last night was clearly visible- and her instinct does not trump the logic here.”

“I’m a mother and a teacher,” continued Allyn, “I want to encourage people and I want everybody to be realized in their artistic endeavors, which makes the jurying process even more difficult for me. I almost feel like a midwife whose responsibility is to assist in putting something out into the world that will take the whole dialogue of art further. Art must be intellectually challenging. We’re not here to passively look at what has been said over the years, no matter how beautiful it is, it has to be reflective of who we are as a people.”

Please join us next Friday, January 6th at 5 pm to view the final selections, meet many of the artists, and have a first chance to make a purchase. All sales support the educational programs of Hui No’eau, one of Maui’s only remaining nonprofit visual arts education center.

Mahalo nui loa to Jack & Carolyn Schaefer Gray, Robert & Frances Davidson, and Louis & Jolene Cole for sponsoring this important exhibition.

-Kelly McHugh, Youth Programs & Marketing Manager

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

A Day at the Hui

Mahalo to Hui Development Assistant Tara Crawford for sharing her "day in the life at the Hui" photo shoot with us, starring the awesomeness of 8-year old Kirra Crawford.

"Here are some pictures from Kirra's adventures in Hui-land. She looks like Alice in Wonderland running away from me outside. If people only realized how much fun children could have exploring Kaluanui!"

Posing inside of Patrick Dougherty's "On the Wild Side"

Strawberry guava in a strawberry dress

Enjoying the dazzling DRESS holiday installation piece led by visionary Andre Morissette with the help of Maggie Costigan, Mary Grandy, Caroline Killhour, Mary Ann Lambert, Kathy Marchetti, Kerry Nel, Darrell Orwig, Karuna Santoro, Cristina Schenk, Nancy Skrimstad, Marc Tolliver and Billy Welker.

Warming up by the fireplace

Subtly hinting to mom which Hui Holidays pieces she wants for Christmas!

Lucky, lucky girl! Someone got special permission from the Executive Director for this shot!

Ready to get lost in the Hui's bamboo forest

In search of jackson lizards

From the photo studio to the solarium she goes

And into the garden...

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Hui Announces Acquisition Award Selection Committee Visit by the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts for '12 Annual Juried Exhibition


Hui No‘eau is proud to announce that its 2012 Annual Juried Exhibition has been selected by the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (HSFCA) for a formal exhibition visit by their Acquisition Award Selection Committee.

Part of the State’s Art in Public Places Program, which serves to strengthen the State Foundation’s capability to "stimulate, guide and promote culture and the arts, history and the humanities" through the field of the visual arts, the Committee makes recommendations to the HSFCA regarding the purchase of works of art. Selected artwork is then rotated throughout Hawai‘i state buildings to ensure the widest possible audiences have access to view these works thereby enhancing the environmental quality of state public places; cultivating the public's awareness, understanding and appreciation of visual arts; contributing to the development and recognition of a professional artistic community; and preserving works of art expressive of the character of the Hawaiian Islands.

When asked why this program is vital to our larger Hawaiian community and why the Hui’s community should pay attention, HSFCA Executive Director Ron Yamakawa remarked, “Since the Hawai`i State Legislature passed the Art-in-State-Buildings Law in 1967, Hawai`i has become the first state to set aside one percent of the cost of state buildings to acquire and commission works of visual art that beautify and humanize the built environment. Advancing the concept of a statewide “museum without walls,” the program expands aesthetic opportunities as part of daily life and enables people of all communities on all islands to obtain aesthetic and educational experiences from art in public places. It stimulates broader interest in works by local artists and recognizes the professional achievements of visual artists by presenting recognition awards for outstanding works of art at selected exhibitions.”

Hui No‘eau Executive Director Caroline Killhour goes on to say, “It is the Hui’s highest honor to be selected for an exhibition visit by the state- one that will be shared with our artists community and truly raise the bar for what has become the most competitive exhibition of our annual repertoire. We can hardly wait to see the work that comes out this year, and invite our entire Maui ‘ohana to share the power of creativity with us all.”

Receiving day for the 2012 Hui No‘eau Annual Juried Exhibition is Wednesday, December 28, 2011 / 9am – 4pm, with the exhibition running January 7 – February 19, Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. There is no cost to view this exhibition, or to enjoy the Hui’s Kaluanui estate.

ABOUT THE 2012 HUI NO‘EAU ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION
Generously sponsored by Jack & Carolyn Schaefer Gray, Robert & Fran Davidson and Louis & Jolene Cole, this prestigious multi-media arts competition offers an opportunity to view the current work of Hui members as well as participate in topics upon which contemporary minds are engaged. Nationally renowned guest jurors represent respected curators and artists from Maui, Hawai‘i and beyond, offering a different perspective for a unique and fresh show every year. With only 53 pieces selected from a record-breaking 306 entries last year, the Hui No‘eau Annual Juried Exhibition continues to represent a highly competitive and valued program in our visual arts community.

This year the Hui is fortunate to welcome distinguished juror and printmaking artist Allyn Bromley, who remarks “I am delighted to be offered the experience of jurying for Hui No‘eau. The work that I have seen there is of high quality and serious intent, and it is my pleasure to work with the Hui to select another exhibition of their best. As an artist trained in an era of formalism, the fundamentals of art making are important to me. I respond to the elements and principles of structure, the varieties of expression, and the technical skills of the artist. More than that, however, are the unquantifiable components of a work, the sincerity with which the artist works, the ideas and selection of materials to express those ideas, and the obsession or passion of a work — those things interest me as well. Being a sole juror is a responsibility I take seriously. I look forward to my part in helping make this exhibition as successful as your past exhibitions have been.”

Receiving Day: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 / 9am – 4pm
Lecture with the Juror: December 28 / 4:30-5:30pm / FREE
Exhibition Dates: January 7 – February 19, 2012
Members’ Opening Reception: Friday, January 6, 2012 / 5 – 7pm

This exhibition is free and open to the public. Exhibition hours: January 7 – February 19, 2012, open Monday – Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm.

ABOUT THE HUI NO‘EAU EXHIBITION PROGRAM
The purpose of the Hui No‘eau Exhibition Program is to cultivate in the public a fuller appreciation of and interest in art by promoting cultural exchange, spurring dialogue, and enhancing awareness of and providing access to the visual arts—creating a space for community arts. As an organization dedicated to enabling community access to the broad range of benefits offered by the visual arts, we consistently seek individual artists that can handle the challenge of translating complex ideas into imagery, allowing our constituency to learn, question or become inspired to create in their own way.

“There are very few venues here on Maui where art can be shown in a proper way. The fact that any Maui resident or Hui member has the opportunity to exhibit in this setting is truly a gift. We are so lucky to have a community that supports the arts and I feel thankful to have the Hui as a place of inspiration, collaboration, and community to keep me growing as an artist!” —Tim Garcia

Hui No‘eau is committed to exhibiting and supporting artists working in Hawai‘i as well as those with a connection to the state. Since 1977 the gallery, free and open to the public six days a week, has focused on exhibiting Hawai‘i artists, mounting 6-8 exhibitions a year with over 350 participants annually. Exhibitions at the Hui are presented to support artists and to educate and inspire the 16,000 visitors to the gallery each year.

ABOUT HUI NO`EAU VISUAL ARTS CENTER
The mission of Hui No`eau is to unlock creativity through exceptional visual arts education. The Hui provides a wide range of programs that support lifelong learning in the arts including public classes and visiting artist workshops, open studios, lectures, exhibitions, community art events, historical house tours and educational outreach programs with schools and community partner organizations. One of the last of its kind on Maui, the Hui is a nonprofit, non-degree granting, community arts education organization offering open access to quality arts instruction by teaching artists. Our programs and services are accessible to all, regardless of artistic aptitude or ability to pay tuition.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

2011 Portfolio Day: Mahalo!

Mahalo nui loa to Cari L. McIalwain, Cornish College of the Arts (Seattle, WA), Robynne C. Royster, California College of the Arts (San Francisco, CA), Holly McVeigh, Pacific Northwest College of Art (Portland, OR) and Lauren Hogan, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL) for your exceptional service to our Maui youth during this year’s Portfolio Day event! With students represented by King Kekaulike, Maui High, Seabury Hall, Kamehameha and even a few home-schooled teens, the event was a terrific success in terms of information, guidance, and exchange. We hope to see you all again next November!