March 27, 2006
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
BISHOP MUSEUM CELEBRATES TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY HAWAIIAN ART AT NATIVE HAWAIIAN ARTS MARKET
**Celebration Closes Maoli Arts Month 2006**
HONOLULU – Maoli Arts Month 2006 (MAMo) culminates at the first annual Native Hawaiian Arts Market at Bishop Museum . Visitors will meet over two dozen of Hawai‘i’s finest traditional and contemporary Native Hawaiian artists and cultural practitioners, have the chance to buy their works, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the arts market. The Native Hawaiian Arts Market takes place on Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free for local residents and military. All of the Museum’s exhibit galleries will also be open on this day.
Among the participants is visionary artist and prolific illustrator Solomon Enos. He provided the illustrations for Akua Hawai‘i, a Bishop Museum Press children’s book about Hawaiian gods released in October 2005. As a special feature of the Arts Market, Enos will be creating an original painting throughout the festival’s duration that will be raffled off at the end of the second day. Visitors will be able to see Enos create the piece before their eyes, and, for a minimal investment, a lucky patron can take home an amazing work of art.
A number of artists from the outer islands will also be on-hand including the Kanaka Maoli Academy of Wood Carving from Kaua‘i and Big Island artists Sam Kama (launiu or coconut weaving), Hiko‘ula Hanapi (printmaking and painting), JoAnne Sterling (featherwork), and Marie McDonald (renowned lei-maker). McDonald is also one of the six artist being honored in the Museum’s newest exhibit, “Ku I Ka Ni‘o: Celebrating Six Hawaiian Master Artists,” which will be open at the Arts Market and continue through July 9, 2006 . Three other artists featured in the exhibit, Mary Lou Kekuewa, Ipo Dawson Nihipali, and Imaikalani Kalahele, will also be showcasing their works at the Arts Market.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the most recent work of environmental artist and craftsman McD Philpotts, a full-rigged, 20-foot opelu canoe entitled "Makalea."
Demonstrations of various arts will be offered throughout the day including haku wili lei making, wood carving, Inupiat mask carving, jewelry making, painting, lauhala weaving and more. Event-goers can also enjoy performances by MIXJAH, Paula Fuga, Kupa‘aina, Ernie Cruz Jr., The Girlas, and highlights from “Wings of the Islands ,” a new show from Ohia Productions.
April 1 st and 2 nd will also mark the last opportunity for local families to catch Elmo, Oscar, Grover, and the rest of the Sesame Street Characters in “Sesame Street Presents: The Body.” An interactive, hands-on, multimedia experience that allows children to explore and learn about the human body along with their favorite Sesame Street pals, this exhibit should not be missed.
The Native Hawaiian Arts Market is made possible with support from the Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program funded through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and by funding from the U.S. Department of Education.
A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street , the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years, special rates for kama ‘āina , seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Members are free. For information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.