Featured Artists
Celebration of the Arts – Meet the Artists
Hoaka Delos Reyes
“Kalai Pohaku” (stone carver), is an accomplished practitioner and stone carver, residing in Haiku, Maui. His art may weigh an ounce, or up to a ton, or more. “When you work with pohaku (stone), you don’t shape it, IT shapes YOU.”
Kekai Kapu
“Mea Kaua” (Hawaiian weapons) – is a resident of Kula, Maui but with a long history of genealogy that is tied to beautiful Kauaula Valley of Lahaina. His works vary from Hawaiian weapons to the working tools of that Neolithic age…now highly appreciated as an art form of patience and skill. “I walk in the footsteps of my ancestors and they are the one’s that help me to carve.
John “Keoni” Aweau Turalde
“Kalai Pahu” (Drum Carver) – is from the town of Hilo, Hawaii and has made his annual journey to The Celebration of the Arts for 20 years. His pahu (drums) can be found throughout Hawaii in the hands of many hula practitioners and musicians. “Once I begin with the coconut stump…the vision just comes to me and my hands keep moving.
Leonani Pahukoa-Meyer
Lei Hulu (Feather work) – Born in the serenity of the Ke’anae Peninsula, Leo attended Kamehameha Schools Kapalama on Oahu. Never forgetting her roots and genealogy, feather art peaked her interest 32 years ago and she continues to teach and create with the smile and energy befitting her kupuna (elders). “Feathers were used to adorn our royalty and I am part of that heritage that perpetuates my culture today.”
BettyHay Freeland
Oil Painting – An annual supporter of The Celebration of the Arts. Her paintings allow you to bring the landscape of Maui home with you with brilliant accuracy and colors.
Calvin Hoe
Ohe hano iho—Hawaiian Nose Flutes – Musician, practitioner, taro farmer, teacher and activist. Calvin lives a full life of Hawaiian values. Fashion your own nose flute and learn to play.
Kathy U’u
Maui Ocean Jewelry – Hawaii’s gems gathered from the shores of Maui come to life as beautiful pieces of jewelry. A great opportunity to create your gift for mom.
Suzy Papanikolas
Cultural Art – Born in Laguna Beach, California…but with the minds eye of a Hawaiian. Suzy manages to capture the heart and soul of her subjects as they dance, chant, work and be…na mea Hawaii…all things Hawaiian.
Denby Freeland
Meet and “talk-story” with her at The Village Gallery located near the hotel lobby.
Frank Andrews
Petroglyph Art – “There is just something about petroglyphs being made in these remote spots that are mysterious. Some of these are masterpieces of primitive art.” Frank is now translating them into sculptures for the past 26 years and flies with his wife from Arizona each year to participate and share his talents.
Sarai Stricklin
Batik on Material- Born on the island of Oahu, Sarai has also resided on Moloka’i and Maui where she has her current home. Her art is a fusion of the cultural stories and impressions of these islands with the ancient art form of Batik.
Mahina Martin
A true “busy-body with never ending energy.” Mahina is always one of the first to bring awareness to policies, projects and proposed legislation that may have negative effects upon the community. Never considering herself to be a politician…she is certainly a peoples champion!
Casey McLain
Mixed Media – “I am an oil painter capturing life from the island of Maui. Over the years, I have painted everything from wine to waves, from realism to Impressionism. Color, color, color. I am very passionate about colors. If the color is good…I like it. If the color is perfect…I love it!”
Joe Fletcher
Petroglyph Art – “There is just something about petroglyphs being made in these remote spots that are mysterious. Some of these are masterpieces of primitive art.” Frank is now translating them into sculptures for the past 26 years and flies with his wife from Arizona each year to participate and share his talents.
Calisto “Junior” Palos
Pohaku u Kaho’ohanohano
Lauhala Weaving- Pohaku bears a strong sense of responsibility not only to perpetuate the craft, but also to honor the individuality of each weaver. Each family has their signature style. “To know the history and knowledge behind each piece is greater than just copying a design.” Hats are Pohaku’s “canvas”…a way to keep ancient patters alive.
