The Firehouse Gallery in Waimea will host an art show by local artists featuring art and fine crafts with a cherry blossom theme during February. The show is in conjunction with the Waimea Arts Council’s sponsorship of the 21st annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival. During the festival on Feb. 1, there will be several free activities at the Firehouse Gallery and the buildings at the Waimea Historic Corner including demonstrations by artists, chalk art creations on the sidewalk, digital photography information and food prepared by Kohala Burger &Taco.
The monthlong art show will feature many works of art based on the cherry blossom theme and will include the original painting that was selected to represent the 21st annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival. “Love These Cherry Blossoms!” is an oil painting by award-winning Kona artist Rani Denise Ulrich. The image will grace the cover of the souvenir program booklet and also be featured on the collector’s poster. This impressionistic style 18-by-24-inch painting shows all the elements that combine to make Waimea’s cherry blossom trees so unique — a heavy snow on a green Mauna Kea, bright pink flowers and a finch.The original painting “Love These Cherry Blossoms!” along with prints and limited edition collector’s posters will be available for purchase starting Jan. 29 at the Firehouse Gallery, a program of the Waimea Arts Council.
The Firehouse Gallery is located at the crossroads of Mamalahoa Highway and Lindsey Road in Waimea. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with longer hours Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is available behind the gallery. For more information, call the Waimea Arts Council at 887-1052 or visit waimeaartscouncil.org.