Harbor Gallery in Kawaihae will host a reception today for artists Kristi Kranz and Kandice Crusat.
During the event, attendees will have to opportunity to meet these artists from the Big Island at a reception held in their honor from 6 to 8 p.m. at the gallery located between Cafe Pesto and Kohala Divers in the Kawaihae Shopping Center. The theme of the show is “Birds!”
Kranz is a longtime Big Island resident whose passion for painting is inspired by the natural beauty around her. Her silk wall hangings, framed paintings and shoji screens depict luminous visions of lush hideaways, waterfalls, lily ponds, native flowers, hula dancers and playful honus as well as powerful images of Pele and the spiritual side of Hawaiian culture. Her latest endeavor is paintings of birds in playful, majestic and whimsical groupings with pueo, io and iiwi, among others.
“I have this space where I’m not looking for anything, just painting, where stuff slips down from the universe, through me and onto my silk, and it brings me the most joy I’ve ever felt. My sweet spot,” she said about her work.
In celebration of spring, the latest creations from Crusat are in the form of fanciful ceramic “Bird Goddesses” and also necklaces embellished with crystals and feathers from exotic birds. The feathers used are naturally shed and come from bird sanctuaries on the island.
Crusat has been creating fantasy ceramics here since 1986, and has lived on the Big Island since 1975. Self-taught, she loves to create delicate things of beauty with an added touch of whimsy. The “Bird Goddesses” are the latest in a line of fantasy characters which include fairies, mermaids, angels, hula dancers and more.
Harbor Gallery is open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 882-1510, visit harborgallery.biz or email gunner@harborgallery.biz.