Shows & events
Artist talk with Bernice Akamine Saturday
Kahilu Theatre presents an artist talk by nationally recognized artist, Bernice Akamine, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday in Waimea.
Akamine will give a presentation describing the scope of her art practice, and will discuss how her roots as a Hawaiian cultural practitioner informs her work. The talk is being held in conjunction with her solo exhibition at Kahilu Theatre, and during the presentation Akamine will also discuss her work on display in the galleries.
Akamine is a sculptor and installation artist based on Hawaii Island. She uses a variety of media to express her ideas, and recurring themes include environmental and cultural issues. She is a recognized cultural practitioner with deep roots in Kapa and waihooluu, Hawaiian natural dyes.
Her solo exhibition at Kahilu Theatre Galleries, presents two bodies of work in both galleries. Kalo, is a mixed media installation that consists of 83 taro plants made of stone and leaves. Hinaluaikoa are suspended and free standing beaded sculptures that present an immersive environment inspired by traditional Hawaiian fish traps, sea creatures, talk radio and the Hawaiian Creation Chant, the Kumulipo.
The exhibition will remain on display through Sept. 8. The galleries are free and open to the public from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on weekdays, as well as during all performances at Kahilu Theatre.
Info: Visit www.kahilutheatre.org/exhibits, email gallery@kahilutheatre.org, or call 885-6868.
Kona Ballroom Dance Club holds monthly dance
Kona Ballroom Dance Club holds its monthly dance Sunday in Kailua-Kona.
The event will be held 6-9 p.m. at the Kona Elks Club off Pawai Place. Lance Oliver will teach a free lesson on intermediate foxtrot from 6-7 p.m.
There is no cost for dance club members; cost is $5 for nonmembers. Attendees may bring pupu to share.
Poets to gather
The North Kohala Public Library Poetry group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday to write, read, and share a love of poetry.
Info: 889-6655.
Taj Mahal and the Hula Blues Band offer special concert
Taj Mahal has paused his international tour with Keb Mo in support of their top Billboard Blues Chart CD “TAJMO” to do some marlin fishing on the legendary Kona Coast at the 31st annual Big Island Marlin Tournament slated Wednesday through Aug. 27.
As part of his 75th birthday celebration, Taj has offered 100 tickets (only) to the public to attend the BIMT party where he will play with the Hula Blues Band and special guest Willie K. All sales will benefit Wild Oceans, a nonprofit that strives to preserve fishing opportunities for the future.
The show is slated for 8 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club House at Honokohau Harbor in Kona. Space is very limited and no more than 100 tickets will be sold to the public.
Tickets are only available at www.wildoceans.org/Hawaii.
Info: jody@konatournaments.com.
West Hawaii County Band offers free concert
The West Hawaii County Band performs a free concert at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 25 at Hale Halawai.
The performance includes classical music selected from the band’s repertoire including the “Mambo” from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein and the Glenn Miller favorite “String of Pearls,” as well as classic favorites like “Firebird Suite” by Igor Stravinsky and arrangements of rock hits made popular by Santana.
The performance is part of the band’s monthly Free Friday Concert Series sponsored by the Hawaii County Parks and Recreation Department and the West Hawaii County Band Friends, a nonprofit organization. The band is conducted by Bernaldo Evangelista.
Info: www.westhawaiiband.com.
Calls for entry
Artists sought for 9th annual Hawaii Nei art contest
The Three Mountain Alliance, Natural Area Reserves System and Wailoa Center announce the ninth annual Hawaii Nei, a juried art exhibition celebrating the native flora and fauna of Hawaii Island.
Amateur and professional artists of all ages from Hawaii Island are invited to submit works of art showcasing the native plants, animals and habitats of Hawaii Island. Artwork will be displayed at the Wailoa Center starting Nov. 3 and continuing through Dec. 15. Additionally, the exhibition will be viewed by the Acquisition Award Selection Committee under the Hawaii State Foundation.
Each year, Hawaii Nei selects a featured category to highlight a special species, theme, or event. While the featured category is meant to help inspire artist, artwork is not limited strictly to the featured category. The 2017 Featured Category is Kumulaau — native trees.
Artwork in any medium or combination of media is welcome. All artwork must be registered online by Oct. 19 at www.hawaiineiartcontest.org. A photo of the artwork and entry fees are required with registration.
Artwork drop-off dates, times and locations are:
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 28 at Wailoa Center in Hilo
As a prelude to the November exhibition, artists are invited to participant in an upcoming Art Adventure. Taking place on Sept. 16, participants will have an opportunity to explore the native flora and fauna through an interpretive hike of Keauhou, Kaʻu. This Art Adventure will also include a kapala inspired block carving workshop led by Hawaii Nei committee member, Emily Leucht.
Info: Email hawaii.nei.art@gmail.com or visit www.hawaiineiartcontest.org. ■