As Hawaii re-opens for business, local artists are eager to present new works to the public.
On Monday, multiple solo art exhibitions will open at the Wailoa Center. These “pop-up” exhibitions will be on display through Friday at the Hilo gallery.
The exhibitions will feature West Hawaii contemporary artists Bailey Ferguson, Gina Hartig Williams, and Joy Ray, plus other local artists. While their work is diverse, each artist is inspired by the unique experience of living and creating on Hawaii Island.
Ray’s mysterious textile paintings draw inspiration from the colors and textures of Hawaii’s lava formations. An avid surfer, Ferguson’s vibrant paintings reflect the ocean’s energy and colors.Williams’ whimsical sculptures include cast-off objects collected from the beach and other natural environments.
The three artists met in 2017 at a Kipaipai workshop at the Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa. The workshops connect artists and art-world professionals from Hawaii, California, New York and beyond.
“Through a strong, vibrant community network and a holistic approach to professional practices, Kipaipai Workshops guide creatives nationwide in building successful and sustainable art careers. We are proud to support Kipaipai Fellows Bailey, Gina and Joy in partnership with Hawaii Island Art Alliance and the Wailoa Center in presenting this live artist talk and exhibition walkthrough,” said Andi Campognone, founder of Kipaipai.
The artists will be on-site at the Wailoa Center for the duration of their exhibitions, giving tours of their work and presenting live demonstrations of their processes. Ferguson will offer supplies daily from 1 to 3 p.m. to experiment with abstract mark making, and Ray will offer free sewing kits for visitors to create mini-textile paintings.
The Wailoa Center will be open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. All artists and visitors are required to to wear masks and observe social distancing.
In addition to the exhibitions at the center, Campognone will moderate an artist talk/exhibition tour at 3:30 p.m. Thursday to be streamed on Zoom. RSVP at www.kipaipai.com.