SPECIAL TO NHN

Waimea Artists’ Guild (WAG) will be included in the prestigious Maoili Arts Month (MAMo) in May, with a Native Hawaiian Arts Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 12, at Kahilu Town Hall. The event will feature a wide variety of arts media, music, “keiki corner” and more. Admission is free and plate lunch and refreshments are available for purchase.

MAMo is an annual celebration of the breadth, depth and diversity of Native Hawaiian arts, with multiple exhibits, entertainment, a wearable art show and an arts market featuring work by Native Hawaiians from across the islands. Their goal is to create economic opportunities for Native Hawaiian artists and cultural practitioners by increasing their presence in museums and galleries, and educating residents and visitors about Native Hawaiian art.

The WAG Native Hawaiian Arts Market will showcase Big Island artists and their work in fine arts, cultural jewelry, traditional wood and bone carvings, photography, fiber arts and more. The event provides the community an exceptional opportunity to meet and interact with the artists themselves, and to own an original Hawaiian creation.

“We couldn’t be more proud to continue the annual market event that HOEA began in 2010,” said Beth Mehau co-director. “And it’s a great honor for us to be included on the events calendar for MAMo. Waimea Artists’ Guild is in very good company, with some of the most acclaimed indigenous artists in Polynesia.”

The roster is limited to 30 artists from Hawaii Island, and interested vendors should contact WAG as soon as possible.

Featured artists for the WAG Native Hawaiian Arts Market will include: master woodcarver Toma Barboza; Beau Jack Key, a lifetime fisherman and modern-day lure maker; Auhea Puhi, who recently turned her attentions to jewelry in copper, silver and legally obtained walrus ivory after 42 years of distinguished feather lei creations; Geoffrey Mundon, print maker and creator of bone jewelry; acclaimed kapa-master and artist Roen Hufford; Kauanoe Chang, water colorist, a D.O.E. Hawaiian Studies specialist; Tom O’o Mehau, known for his highly detailed pen and ink renderings and illustrations,who is working in small-scaled carving under the tutelage of Maori master carver Stacy Gordin.

WAG is located in the industrial complex adjacent to Mama’s House thrift store, just past NAPA Auto. For additional information, contact: Beth or Tom Mehau at 887-2289, email [email protected] or visit www.waimeaartistsguild.com.