Wednesday, April 29, 2009

About the Ginny and Art McCoy Jewelry Studio

As we continue to bring in jewelry pieces for this year's Jewelry as Fashion event, it's extraordinary to think that just one year ago Hui No`eau celebrated the blessing of the new Ginny and Art McCoy Jewelry Studio. Developed over the course of five years, the project was spearheaded by devoted arts patron Arthur McCoy to honor the memory of his wife Ginny, a talented jewelry artist whose training began in New York in the mid 1950's. The gift of this state-of-the-art workspace offers an invaluable opportunity to students, teaching artists, and open studio users that until now have shared space with printers, photographers and keiki classes- persistently creating quality work in a highly challenging environment. The Jewelry as Fashion event celebrates the work of these individuals and serves to recognize the talent and generosity of Ginny, Arthur and countless others who have helped to realize this program.
 
Our most sincere thanks are extended to the McCoy Foundation, Barbara Gartner, Carolyn Schaefer Gray, Gage Schubert, and friends of the Hui that have so graciously supported the work of these artists. Please enjoy this sneak peek from Jewelry as Fashion 2009:
 
Kira Ferrer

Tatiana Howard

Tom Calhoun

Luana Coonen

We can't wait to see what's in store for Hui jewelers in 2009!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Two weeks 'til Jewelry as Fashion!

There's been a lot of buzz here at Hui No`eau surrounding the upcoming "Jewelry" luncheon, which will feature Hui artists and staff in a fully choreographed fashion show, opportunities to meet with jewelers one-on-one to design your very own pieces, playful party games, music, a gourmet lunch and a super-fun, extravagant setup on the great lawn of Hui No`eau. 

Special Projects Coordinator Allie McMillan has been working tirelessly with guest choreographer Andre Morisette to run rehearsals and juggle textiles, costumes, favors and flavors; Exhibitions Coordinator Marcy Lynn and her trusty team of volunteers are in the gallery hanging the Student Salon Exhibition, which will be on view during the special event; Events Coordinator Keri Meyer's phone is ringing off the hook with ticket orders while she juggles jewelers coming in daily to buff & shine their latest submissions- it's all so exciting!

If you haven't done so already, please consider purchasing your tickets today. Come on out & support your local community of artists- and do it in style! We can't wait to see you there.

Selected Jewelry as Fashion Artists:

Julie Matheis earned her bachelors degree in Jewelry & Metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design. Since then she has shown her award-winning work internationally through exhibitions, magazines, and books. She also has a tropical collection available at various island stores. Julie enjoys sharing her knowledge of metals through teaching at the Hui and has educated individuals at Lillstreet Art Center, and Artful Gatherings in Chicago. "I enjoy introducing various materials into my work because of their tactile qualities and associative implications. The reconfiguration of pre-existing objects proposes a more intimate and poetic dialogue, with open interpretations. Every observer may contemplate meanings more intuitively by recollection of their own knowledge or experience".
 
Maui goldsmith and master jewelry designer, David L. Welty, is an international award-winning artist in precious metals. After receiving his Master's Degree in Design from the University of Minnesota, David teaches jewelry design at the Hui and has been a practicing goldsmith for more than 25 years. His made-on-Maui creations have a distinctive style and a classic look and are enjoyed by jewelry patrons around the world. David's commitment to quality and enduring designs makes his timeless creations a pleasure to wear.
 
A featured Hui teaching artist since 1982, J.B. Rea has been producing jewelry and hollowware of the finest quality for over 30 years. Educated and trained in the tradition of fine European silversmiths, J.B. brings the past to the present with his virtuosity as a craftsman. He began his design education with a B.F.A. in Industrial Design at the University of Illinois. At the Rochester Institute of Technology School for American Craftsman he received a M.F.A. in Silversmithing.
 
"The journey (of designing jewelry) began for me at the local visual arts center, Hui No'eau in Makawao, Maui. There I met J.B. Rea, head of the jewelry department, a highly respected master silversmith and also the most dedicated teacher I had ever encountered. Under his tutelage I discovered a craft that allowed me the expressive freedom I'd been looking for.  Evening classes turned into day classes and then weeks-long workshops and an apprenticeship. Jewelry has become an all-encompassing passion. Today, my jewelry finds its way into the lives of a wide range of clientele…with designs (that) will always continue to evolve, just as I do." - Noryne Taylor, student of J.B.'s
 
Raised on Maui along with her three older brothers, Tatiana Howard is an avid windsurfer and self-proclaimed "water addict," – regularly surfing, kite surfing, tow in surfing, and any thing else she can get her hands on.  A current student of University of Hawaii, she works to achieve a balance between her education, sports and to "just be creative with good energy." "I am really excited that a piece of jewelry that I made was chosen to be apart of this upcoming jewelry exhibition and show held at the Hui!  This is my first time entering into an art exhibition and I have to say it feels pretty good when you're accepted! I am so happy.  I will also be a part of the fashion show so that is exciting as well!  I am curious how this fashion show will be, what I will do and wear! :)" 

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Save the Date: Jewelry as Fashion

On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, Maui's most prominent jewelry artists will gather at Hui No`eau Visual Arts Center to
 showcase their latest work, talk about 
their process and inspiration, and collaborate with expert choreographer André Morisette as families, collectors, enthusiasts and others enjoy the chic ambiance, music and fashion show that is Jewelry as Fashion.
 
"We are delighted to continue this program offering Hui jewelers a unique opportunity to exhibit their wo
rk in a dynamic, chic environment while integrating an educational component through which they can talk about their latest pieces.  Last year we welcomed parents looking for something special for their new graduates, families browsing for Mother's Day, collectors looking to expand, and faces new & old to the Hui. Jewelry as Fashion truly offers something for everyone," says Caroline Killhour, Director of Hui No`eau.
 
The intimately chic luncheon consists of a fully choreographed, emceed fashion show, music, delectable gourmet lunch, and gallery exhibition exclusively featuring jewelry created by Hui artists in the Hui's newly renovated Ginny and Art McCoy Jewelry Studio. The event takes place on Wednesday, May 6th from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm at Hui No`eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao. Seating is very limited for this event; reserve your place today by calling (808) 572-6560 or visit www.huinoeau.com to learn more!