Wailoa Center will present “ONO,” the sixth annual Maoli Arts Month exhibit in its main gallery April 8-28.
A reception for the artists is 5 to 7 p.m. this evening. Each year MAMo invites Native Hawaiian artists to exhibit their art and this year’s artists are: Kauanoe Chang, Charlie Dickson, Momi Greene, Dean Kaʻahanui, Haley Kaʻiliehu, Kanani Kaulukukui Jr., Beau Jack Key, Maile Luʻuwai, Kainoa Makua, Nelson Makua, Tom Mehau, Kalei Nuʻuhiwa, Harinani Orme, Jimie Ramos, Kaʻohu Seto, Shannon Weaver and Olalehua Ah Chong.
This year’s featured artist in the Fountain Gallery is Nelson Makua. He will be featuring a culmination of his graphic artwork over the past 35 years with a focus on the artistic side of graphic design showing examples of logos and poster art.
Makua has been an artist and designer on Hawaii Island for more than 35 years. Born and raised in Kailua, Oahu, his ‘ohana moved to Puna in 1975. He has created six years of Merrie Monarch Hula Festival posters and a line of casual Hawaiian wear, among other accolades and awards. He is also the director of the annual Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair for the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival and Moku O Keawe Marketplace at the Moku O Keawe International Hula Festival, and along with his son Kainoa, produces the annual Na Makua Invitational Christmas Gift fair in Hilo.
Wailoa Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Info: 933-0416, wailoa@yahoo.com.