Hawaiian featherwork artist Rick Makanaaloha Kiaimeaokekanaka San Nicolas has been named the first artist-in-residence at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
San Nicolas is the founder of the George Naope Hula Festival. Kumu hula Kahai Topolinski recently bestowed him with the title Ke Kumu Hulu Nui or “Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawaii.”
Aunty Doreen Henderson, Hawaii’s kumu of lei hulu, has honored San Nicolas with the title of Master Featherworker.
The park said Friday San Nicolas will put on an exhibit at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium on May 6. He will also discuss his work at the event.
The nonprofit National Parks Arts Foundation developed the artist-in-residence program. Programs are proposed for 15 locations at national parks and World Heritage Sites in the U.S.