MAMo Begins With Honoring Two Hawaiian Artists
Exhibit To Feature Work Of The Awardees
Bishop Museum kicks off Maoli Arts Month (MAMo) this Saturday evening with an Awards Ceremony recognizing two native Hawaiian master artists: “Gussie” Bento, and Alapa‘i Hanapi. Bento is a quilter, feather worker, and weaver. Hanapi is a master carver from Moloka‘i. Their work will be featured in a new exhibit that will be unveiled in conjunction with the Awards presentation on May 2nd from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. that is FREE to the public.
The 2009 MAMo Awards exhibit, located in the Joseph M. Long Gallery, will also include selected works from previous MAMo awardees, making this exhibition an unprecedented example of the breadth, depth, and diversity of 18 native Hawaiian master artists. These artists are: Imaikalani Kalahele; Rocky Jensen; Herb Kane; Mary Lou Kekuewa; Marie McDonald; Ipö Nihipali; Leialoha Kanahele; Jo-Anne Kahanamoku; Joe Dowson, Sr., Sam Ka‘ai, Sean Browne, Pua Van Dorpe; Elizabeth Lee; Hanale Hopfe; Al Lagunero; and David Parker.
“This MAMo Awards 2009 exhibition is the essence of Maoli Arts Month,” said Noelle Kahanu, Bishop Museum Project Manager. “It is a celebration of the artistry, the mastery, and the beauty of the Hawaiian arts community. And it is our opportunity to thank these artists, to recognize them, for all they do to continue the work of our ancestors and ensure that our culture remains alive and thrives for generations to come.”
The MAMo Awards are co-sponsored by Bishop Museum and PA‘I Foundation. It began four years ago as a community-based effort to celebrate Native Hawaiian master visual artists who devoted their lives to the perpetuation of Hawaiian arts.
For more information about this event, please contact Noelle Kahanu at 848-4190.
This event is sponsored by grants from the Education through Cultural and Historical Organizations (ECHO). The purpose of ECHO programming is to amplify educational benefits, foster greater appreciation of local and national history, and assist communities in maximizing the social benefits of new technologies.
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