The essence of farming and the “salt of the earth” farmers who work the ‘aina have been captured through explorations in portraiture by island artists and are the focus of a curated exhibit titled, “Kona People,” now on display at the Donkey Mill Art Center.
Valerie Corcoran, president of the Kona Coffee Cultural Art Festival, and Hawaii Island artist, Gerald Walsh III were invited to judge the exhibit pieces and awards were presented to — in the words of the judges — “works of art that stood out and spoke the most powerfully to us.”
“Capturing the life and story of Kona’s farmers through artistic representation is no easy task,” commented Walsh. “It takes understanding, time, and genuine love to embody the spirit of such individuals.”
Available for viewing through Dec. 18, the portraits reflect a variety of methods and media, from oil paintings to digital media and drawings, to capture the farmers, the ‘aina and their work.
The winning portraits are:
• 1st Place: Artist Adare with a portrait of Wilfred Y. Yamasawa, 2021, created from soot, charcoal, and coffee resin.
• 2nd Place: Artist William Wingert with Portraits of Rainoldo and Esperanza, created with conte on paper and pastel on paper.
• 3rd Place: Artist Mary Lovein’s Portrait of Norman Sakata, a pixel painted digital artwork.
Honorable Mentions – Brandon Reis’ Installation of Portraits of Angelica & Dr. Richard Stevens, a photographic print, and artist Virginia Small’s Moriah’s World, oil on canvas.
Donkey Mill Art Center is the home of Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art education organization. Donkey Mill Art Center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays. For more information, visit www.donkeymillartcenter.org or call (808) 322-3362