'Finding the Forest' is an art exhibit running now through March 30 in the Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
In addition, art lovers and tree huggers alike will want to see a compatible original production at 3 p.m. Sunday in Castle Theater that uses the forest as a resource for art. Tickets for "Inside The Forest"?are $20, plus applicable fees. It's an easy stroll across Yokouchi Pavilion/courtyard to view the exhibit and heighten the whole experience.
U.S. Poet Laureate and two-time Pulitzer prize winner W.S. Merwin will read his poetry on the evolution of the forest and sustainable ideas.
Article Photos
“Hawai‘i Seen #1” by Shingo Honda
Images courtesy of Maui Arts & Cultural Center
"Only a forest can make a forest," he says.
Author/ecologist Joan Maloof will present tales of her journey to protect America's forests, "A Path to Beauty: The Ecology of Ancient Forests."
Ulalia Woodside, kumu hula and land planner, will chant "Kau Ka Hali'a: A Memory Appears." Woodside says, "Through timeless chants, we access the wisdom of the kupuna and explore their relationship with the forest realm."
Maui pianist and composer Gene Argel will premiere his first ensemble work, "Alights on a Cloud."
It's an original composition inspired by Maui forest landscapes, sights and sounds. As a Native American, Argel chose the name for his new work from the name of a Comanche war horse. His son, Makana Argel, performs percussion in the piece along with nine musicians and a soprano vocalist. Each of these artists portrays Gene's vision of the aspects of sound that happen in the wild.
Getting back to the actual art exhibit, "Finding The Forest," 20 accomplished Hawaii artists and craftsmen were invited by the Schaefer International Gallery to explore ideas about the forest, its evolution, existence and diminishing resources as inspiration for new work.
This remarkable group has dug into the roots of their creativity to exhibit works in traditional and not-so-traditional media. You'll find painting, drawing, furniture, sculpture, film, poetry and even installation art.
Participating artists are Tom Calhoun, Cudra Clover, Shaun Fleming, Mats Fogelvik, Ditmar Hoerl, Shingo Honda, Kirk Kurokawa, Tai Lake, Stephen U. Lang, Robert Lober, Terry Lopez, Sally Lundburg, Wilma Nakamura, Peter Naramore, Chris Reiner, Kirsten Rae Simonsen, Ricardo Vasquez, Jay Warner, Linda Whittemore and Scott Yoell.
The effect of this outstanding collection is to provoke thought, raise awareness and spark dialog. Each artist has provided a behind-the-scenes story about his or her piece and how it relates to the forest theme. For tickets to Inside the Forest, call the MACC box office at 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.
