Shows &events
KCCF Exhibition and Juried show opens Saturday
The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Exhibition and Juried Show opens Saturday and runs through Dec. 15 at Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa.
An opening reception for the juried show and exhibition presented by the Donkey Mill Art Center and Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is slated 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the center’s gallery. During the reception, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and talk story with the artists and enjoy light pupu and refreshments. Awards will also be given in youth and adult categories as well as for people’s choice.
The juried show and exhibition, themed this year as “A Sip of Aloha,” features photographers Akinori Imai and Eirik Johnson. Imai will share 12 black and white portraits of the Kona Coffee Living History Farm (also known as the Uchida Farm) that tells the story about how first generation Japanese coffee farmers lived and worked. The simplicity of the interior and the proximity to the great outdoors is humbling to view. Imai worked closely with photographer and educator Laurel Schultz to finalize the selected images.
Imai will offer an additional talk story from 9-11 a.m. on Nov. 5 at Donkey Mill Art Center.
This year’s jurors are internationally-known ceramic artist and educator Kate Jacobson and Donkey Mill’s Core Program Director and metal smith Kristin Mitsu Shiga.
Jacobson is a studio potter working in collaboration with her husband, Will, for nearly 40 years. She is widely recognized as an innovator of ceramic techniques and alternative firing methods. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is included in several print publications and art collections. She is a past executive director of the Donkey Mill Art Center and co-curated the 2016 exhibition Earth Elements: Gestures of Mutual Respect. In the coming year, she will be participating in Hawaii Artist Collaboration and teaching workshops in Italy, Japan and New Zealand.
Shiga is an artist who has split her time between the studio, classroom and various leadership roles in the arts for more than 25 years. As a teacher, she has established thriving metals programs in New York and Oregon, and offers workshops at venues across the U.S. Her work has been exhibited worldwide, and can be found in the Artful Teapot collection and the Permanent Collection of the White House. Shiga served on the collections committee at Museum of Contemporary Craft for more than a decade and has juried numerous events and exhibitions.
Since its inception in 1970 the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival has sought to preserve, perpetuate and promote Kona’s nearly 200-year coffee heritage. The festival features 10 days of festivities honoring pioneers, farmers, artisans and coffee.
Donkey Mill Art Center gallery hours are 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
Info: Visit www.donkeymillartcenter.org.
Library poetry group to gather
The North Kohala Public Library Poetry group meets 5-6:30 p.m. Monday at the library in Kapaau. The group meets regularly to write, read, and share a love of poetry.
Info: Call 889-6655.
Hawaii Nei opening reception Nov. 3
An opening reception and award ceremony for this year’s Hawaii Nei Art Contest will be held Nov. 3 at Wailoa Center in Hilo.
Hawaii Nei is a juried art exhibition celebrating the native flora and fauna of Hawaii Island hosted by the Three Mountain Alliance, Natural Area Reserves System, and Wailoa Center. Amateur and professional artists of all ages have been invited to submit works of art celebrating the native plants, animals, and habitats of our beloved island, our Hawaii Nei.
This year’s youth reception will take place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Wailoa Center in Hilo followed by the formal reception and award ceremony for the adult division from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Winners of each category will be announced and prizes awarded along with live music, a photo booth, and refreshments.
Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite native species for the annual costume contest at 5:30 p.m.
This is a free event and open to the public. All ages are welcome.
Artwork will be displayed at the Wailoa Center from Nov. 3-Dec. 15, between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Wailoa Center is located at 200 Piopio St. in Hilo.
Info: Visit www.hawaiineiartcontest.org.
Brooklyn Raga Massive comes to Big Island
Brooklyn Raga Massive, a group of forward thinking musicians rooted in Indian classical music, but inspired by jazz, Western classical, rock and much more, offers two performances in early November on the Big Island.
Kahilu Theatre’s Gold Series offers eventgoers an up close and personal experience of live music set against a backdrop of starry skies, indigo ocean views, and exquisite Hawaiian style hospitality. Doors open at 5 for the 6 p.m. show on Nov. 3.
Venue and directions will be provided closer to date of performance. Tickets for the Kahilu Gold concert is $175.
Proceeds benefit Arts Ed @ Kahilu programs. The Kahilu Theatre’s highest priority is to offer arts education programs that affirm every child knows their value and feels welcome to tell their story whatever it may be.
A second show is slated 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Kahilu Theatre. Tickets range in price from $25-$68.
Info: Visit www.kahilutheatre.org.
Holiday By The Sea coming up
The fourth annual Holiday by the Sea, an event to benefit the 40th annual Hawaii Visitor Industry Charity Walk, will be held Nov. 4 at Royal Kona Resort.
The event, which gets underway at 5 p.m. on the resort’s luau grounds, will treat attendees to a dinner plate from Don the Beachcomber Restaurant, and live, local entertainment featuring Polynesian dancing by Te Ea O Te Turama while perusing local craft items and bidding on silent auction items. During dinner, they will be serenaded by Na Leonahenahe O Kona followed by the main event, self-produced sketch comedy by Da Braddahs at 7 p.m. The evening closes with a fire spectacular presented by Te Ea O Te Turama.
All ticket and auction proceeds benefit the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, sponsored by the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association. All funds raised through Charity Walk remain on the island on which they were raised, to support local non-profit agencies and their enrichment programs.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-12.
Info: Contact Criste Ching at criste.ching@hawaiianhotels.com or 930-3246.
Aina Fest hits North Kohala Nov. 4
Aina Fest, an annual benefit concert and celebration of local harvest, small farmers, and the movement for islandwide food sovereignty, will be held 1-10 p.m. Nov. 4 at Inhabit Sanctuary &Retreat Center in North Kohala.
The event, formerly known as Kohala Aina Festival, features musicians, performing artists, hands-on land-based education, Hawaiian cultural activities, keiki activities, yoga, arts and crafts vendors and an abundance of organically grown, farm fresh food. Last year, the event drew some 2,500 people to Kapaau.
This year’s musical lineup includes performances by Mike Love, Makana, Tubby Love and Amber Lily, Paul Izak, Leche De Tigre, Nowelo, Kissidugu All-Stars, Ron Artis, Ydine, Kaahele, Cosmic Serenity, Ann Hoku Lyn, Ok2Change, Llosh &Found, Noelani Love, Drew Daniels, Geneva Rose, Amber Westerman, Mahina Lee and Kristen Cosmi. Performing artists include Igknight Fire Tribe, live painting presentation by Robyn Chance, Hula Halao O Kukui Aloha O Kohala, Lava Roots Dance Company, Cirque Ohana, and the Hawaiian Cultural Cemter of Hamakua Hula Hui.
The festival is an annual fundraiser to support the Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture, a nonprofit educational organization based in North Kohala. All proceeds from the event support HIP Agriculture’s education programming.
Inhabit Sanctuary &Retreat Center is located at 53-4125 Pratt Road in Kapaau.
Tickets are $45 for adults and $10 for children ages 9-13; children younger than age 8 enter free. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.hipagriculture.org.
Info: Email kohalaainafestival@gmail.com or visit www.hipagriculture.org.
Artist talk, potluck brunch with Akinori Imai, KHS
Donkey Mill Art Center hosts an ohana-style potluck brunch and talk story with artist Akinori Imai, featured photographer in the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Exhibition.
The event runs from 9-11 a.m. on Nov. 5. After sharing a meal together, attendees will gather to hear the stories behind Imai’s beautiful photographs of Uchida Farm, Kona Historical Society’s living history site. The interview-style presentation will be moderated by Kona Historical Society’s Curator Mina Elison and will be followed by community question and answer.
Attendees are asked to bring a potluck item to share. The event is free and open to the public.
Info: Visit www.donkeymillartcenter.org.
Kona Historical Society exhibits on display
The Kona Historical Society is hosting “Elevation: Arts from the Coffeeland” opening Nov. 6 inside the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum.
Exploring the fine artistry and aesthetic beauty that emerged from work in the coffeeland of Kona, this exhibit elevates the utilitarian through the presentation of original art and objects inspired by coffee culture and heritage. Objects typically prized for their function, many which were essential for coffee work and life, are celebrated here for their exquisite craftsmanship and design elements.
This diverse arrangement of works includes lauhala, calligraphy, woodcut, sculpture, sashiko, photography, textiles and more. An opening reception for “Elevation: Arts from the Coffeeland” is 6 p.m. Nov. 6 at Kona Historical Society’s headquarters in Kealakekua.
The exhibit will be on display alongside “The Kona Coffee Story: Along the Hawaii Belt Road” inside the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum Nov. 3-Jan. 18, 2018.
During the week of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Nov. 3-11, the exhibit will be on display every day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event is supported by the Hawaii State Foundation of Culture and the Arts and a donation in remembrance of Saburo and Kikue Yamato. Additional support was provided by Kona Frame Shop.
Info: Visit www.konahistorical.com or call 323-3222.
Film screenings
‘Hotel Transylvania’ headlines Movies Under the Stars
Queens’ MarketPlace will host its monthly Movies Under the Stars on Saturday with a showing of “Hotel Transylvania.”
Attendees should bring a beach chair or blanket for the free outdoor movie that gets underway at dusk, about 6:14 p.m., at the Coronation Pavilion.
In this PG film, Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count’s teen-aged daughter.
Info: www.queensmarketplace.net.
Announcements
Artists sought for Pua Na Pua Art Festival
Full Life Hawaii, Abled Hawaii Artists and Donkey Mill Art Center announce the second annual Pua Na Pua Art Festival, empowering people of all abilities to explore self-employment through the arts.
Artists and creators of all mediums and ability levels are welcome to take part in the event. They are encouraged to submit an entry form for a booth no later than Nov. 15. Entry forms are available on DMAC’s website, www.donkeymillartcenter.org.
This art fair is the first of its kind in West Hawaii, and will inclusively celebrate the contributions of both developmentally disabled and non-developmentally disabled artists, with booths available to artists of all abilities. The event will feature arts, crafts, and artisan items, live music, demos, a silent auction and more.
This year, for the first time, the event will feature work made especially for the festival by Full Life and Abled Hawaii Artists participants in workshops hosted by Donkey Mill Art Center. Participants explored three different media over the course of six days, including printmaking, ceramics and metals/enameling. Together, they created framed prints, cards, ornaments, pendants, earrings and key chains with a common “heart” theme, perfect for holiday giving.
The festival will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 2 at Keauhou Shopping Center.
Info: Visit www.donkeymillartcenter.org.
DMAC welcomes new board member
Donkey Mill Art Center welcomes local ceramicist Amber Aguirre to its board of directors. Aguirre has been an engaged part of the center for years, participating as a teaching artist, volunteer and donor.
Aguirre’s art speaks of her feelings about war, racism, and other forms of social injustice. Using her natural artistic gift, she hopes to be able to change the world “at least a little bit” through her sculptures. Aguirre is represented by top galleries in the field of ceramics and her work is exhibited and collected internationally.
Her extensive experience in ceramics locally and internationally combine with her impressive organizational and business skills to make her a wonderful asset for the center.
Info: Visit www.donkeymillartcenter.org.
Classes &workshops
SKEA holding beading workshops slated Nov. 2, Dec. 14
The Society for Kona’s Education and Art offers two beading workshops with Terry Robson during November and December.
From 1-4 p.m. on Nov. 2, Robson will teach beginning French flower beading during which participants will learn the basics of the 500-year-old technique using seed beads and wire to make flowers. Participants will complete a sample techniques card and plumeria. Robson will also lead a beaded ornament workshop from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 14. During this workshop, participants will make a beaded ornament cover gift using ladder and netting techniques.
Cost for each workshop is $30 for SKEA members and $35 for nonmembers. To register, contact SKEA at 328-9392 or skea@hawaii.rr.com.
Info: Contact Terry Robson at 339-5254 or therearobson@gmail.com.
Simple jewelry craft workshops planned
Jewelry artist Sid Nakamoto will offer two sessions of his popular jewelry making program on Nov. 6 at the North Kohala Public Library in Kapaau.
The sessions will be held at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. that day. Materials have been donated by the artist and the Friends of the North Kohala Library.
Because of the popularity of Nakamoto’s jewelry workshops, a limit has been placed on the number of participants. Call the library to register at 889-6655.
Info: Call 889-6655.