HAWI — An art exhibit called “Women’s Work” will be on display through Labor Day at Sweet Potato Café in Hawi, featuring collages, acrylics, watercolors and ceramics.
“I was looking for artists that haven’t had a lot of exposure up in this area. Also, quite a few women had come to me and said that they would like to put their art up. I wanted a theme and decided to make women artists the theme, rather than the art,” said the café’s owner, Susan Alexy.
The deep-hued orange walls of the newly renovated café space provide the perfect backdrop for the vibrant art displayed there.
Collage artist Catherine Morgan’s work captures Kohala country life in a childlike whimsical style. A resident of Hawi for 25 years, she works with children from one-and-a-half to five years old at the Kohala Village HUB, working with printmaking, clay, painting, puppet and storytelling.
“My collages attempt to capture the ever-changing light in Hawaii’s landscapes and the sweet lifestyle,” Morgan said.
An expressionistic plein air artist, Mary Sky Schoolcraft, invites the viewer into the simple vibrant country life of Kohala and clearly shows her love for this place. A clothesline strung between coconut palms and a road that meanders into the backcountry are her invitations to explore.
One wall is adorned with the ceramic art of Ginny Bivaletz, who created womanly shaped wall vases.
“My love of pottery began with creating many goddess figures of all types, and now, after many years of focusing on functional art for the home, I find myself being drawn back to where I began, calling in the feminine,” she explained.
“Ginny specifically did these women’s figures for the women’s show. It’s been really well received. We sold out of most of her stuff within the first couple of weeks,” Alexy commented.
Catalina Cain created necklaces that are a mix of polymer clay beads, miniature mixed metal sculpture and semi-precious gems, each one unique.
“The shapes and designs of my art are co-creations manifesting from my dreams and the visions within and around me,” she said.
“Catalina also does matching earrings and bracelets, and tarot readings. She’s quite good at it,” Alexy added.
Visitors looking for a charming bit of Hawaii to take home can browse through Virginia Fortner’s inventory of original watercolor greeting cards and postcards. Each one is unique and captures the beauty and quaintness of Kohala country life.
The art for the “Women’s Work” art show will change as the summer progresses, giving other artists a chance to display their art.
“They just want to have their art appreciated,” Alexy concluded.
Sweet Potato Café is open for art browsing and vegan or vegetarian meals 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-3pm.
