On a recent trip to Volcano, I returned to a wonderful spot in Volcano village at 19-3834 Old Volcano Road, just a mile from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Volcano Garden Arts is set on nearly three artistically landscaped acres and is definitely worth a visit. Volcano artist Ira Ono has lent his creativity to landscaping the grounds surrounding his gallery, studio, guest cottage and Café Ono. The result is a unique sanctuary of exotic tropical plants, art and organic edibles.
The site for Ira’s art gallery and gardens was once part of the old Hopper Estate. The Hoppers were volcano kamaaina who lived in the village for nearly a century. The original farmhouse was built near the turn of the century with California redwood and other materials shipped from the West Coast. They eventually made it to Volcano by rail and horse-drawn wagon. Though Ira had the building reconstructed to house his gallery and café, it sits on the footprint of the old Hopper farm house. The surrounding grounds now include several cultivated gardens and nature trails as well as greenhouses, an art studio and a visitor’s cottage which can be reserved at the website www.volcanoartistcottage.com.
During his 30 years in Volcano, Ira has collected artifacts both ancient and modern that now fill part of his greenhouse space. These appear from time to time when he adds them to a new garden or places them throughout the landscape.
“I am often inspired by a vision and sometimes just a whim when I decide to place or replace plants and art throughout the garden,” Ira admits.
He truly has fun integrating pieces from his art collection into the landscape.
The expansive lawn behind Café Ono is well-suited for special occasions including weddings, and a perfect spot for a picnic or to enjoy food from the cafe. It is a peaceful spot, well suited for holding special occasions or simply to enjoy as a quiet retreat during your visit to Volcano.
Ira’s “secret garden” is a delightful nature trail that has been recently added to the landscape attractions. A shaded pathway winds through the garden that is dotted with plants that are found in an upland rainforest. The native hapuu fern as well as other smaller fern varieties were putting out lovely fiddle heads the day I walked the trail. A collection of air plants was nestled in handmade rock pots attached to tall ohia trees. Most of the plants in this special garden are native to the volcano area and many are labeled, giving visitors a chance to see and learn firsthand about the local flora. Be sure to allow time for a leisurely walk through this wonderful garden.
Don’t miss some of the other interesting gardens on site. One of my favorites is Ira tea pot garden. Collected tea pots are mixed into a garden of ornamental plants creating a fun mixture of plants and pots designed to delight and amuse.
Ira spent his early years in New York City as part of an artistic family. His mother was an antique dealer with an eye for beautiful pieces. Both of his parents encouraged Ira to pursue his artistic bent. He launched his career in the arts early by attending the High School for the Performing Arts and went on get a degree at the Temple University’s Tyler School of Art.
Ira left his native New York City in 1968 to experience life in the islands and thirty years ago chose to settle in Volcano village as an artist taking on his ceramic artist name, Ira Ono. In 2002, he bought the land on Old Volcano Road and opened Volcano Garden Arts at the site.
The gallery is filled with art from more than 80 local artists including some of Ira’s own work. A lot of Ira’s work is sculptural and he often uses recycled materials to construct his mixed media pieces. One of his signature pieces are his masks, which are each individually created.
He describes them, “Like clouds floating in a calm sky.” In identifying the source of their design, he says, “Their creation comes to me in visions, each unique, each bringing its own gift of power. Having no eyes, they see. Saying no words they speak.”
Some of the decorated masks are mounted on long metal rods making them suitable for “planting” as a decorative addition to a garden. Many of them sport “earrings” and other metal “jewelry” giving them a wonderfully playful character that enhances their sculptured ‘faces’. Many are featured in Ira’s gallery.
The gallery at Volcano Garden Arts is filled with artistic treasures, mostly from Hawaii, that Ira has chosen to offer to visitors. Gallery hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Café Ono, behind the gallery, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Café Ono serves organic, gluten free and vegan dishes. Sandwiches, salads and snacks are offered and most of the ingredients are locally sourced. Ira often buys from local farmers at the Volcano Farmer’s Market which takes place from 6:30 to almost 10 a.m. at the nearby Cooper Center every Sunday.
Ira creates pieces for his garden and his gallery in his on-site studio, where he works daily. Occasionally, he also offers classes in the studio.
He declares, “Life in the misty rain forest inspires my work in masks and other ceramic sculptures. I like to share that inspiration with others in my classes.”
Throughout the year, he and other local artists collaborate to offer workshops and special events at Volcano Garden Arts, as well as at other sites in the Village.
Ira is an integral part of the annual Volcano Village Artist Hui studio tour and sale which is scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend this year taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1. This is the 33rd year the Volcano Village Artists Hui has sponsored this event. To get more information and see a printable map and brochure go to http://volcanovillageartistshui.com/studio_tour.html.
For more information about Volcano Garden Arts go to their website: www.volcanogardenarts.com.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living part time in Kailua-Kona.