VAC exhibit features trio of artists from the Big Island

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The Volcano Art Center invites the public to experience an exaggeration of natural forms in a vibrant display of ceramic, silk, cement, pastel and natural plant materials from June 23 to July 29 as it presents “From the Earth,” a new VAC Gallery exhibit featuring the art of three unique Big Island artists.

The Volcano Art Center invites the public to experience an exaggeration of natural forms in a vibrant display of ceramic, silk, cement, pastel and natural plant materials from June 23 to July 29 as it presents “From the Earth,” a new VAC Gallery exhibit featuring the art of three unique Big Island artists.

The opening reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 23. Come and meet the artists, Karen Hagen, Margaret Lynch and Patti Pease Johnson, whose distinct perspectives and divergent styles work together to create a rich complement of perspectives.

The VAC Gallery, next to the Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hagen’s three-dimensional creations represent lava, but are formed out of concrete and vermiculite. Lynch engages in ceramics and the often unpredictable, yet always-exquisite, Japanese technique of raku firing. Johnson concentrates on natural form and color in both her liquid dye on silk with wax resist, and soft pastel masterpieces.

“‘From the Earth’ promises to be a delight to the senses,” said VAC Gallery Manager Emily Catey. “The contrast between the three-dimensional works of Karen Hagen and Margaret Lynch’s ceramic and concrete forms set against Patti Pease Johnson’s velvety-smooth silks and pastels recalls the rich textures of the rigid lava landscapes and the soft, lacy surfaces abundant in our rain forest environments.”

On the evening of Friday, June 29, all three artists will be at the gallery from 5:30 to 7 p.m. providing an inside glimpse into the inspiration behind their talent. The evening includes a slide show of the three artists’ past works, insight on their techniques and the intriguing tale behind the collaboration of dynamic mediums that combine to form this cohesive exhibit.

All events are free to the public, although park entrance fees apply. For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or contact Catey at the gallery at 967-7565 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Volcano Art Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created in 1974 with a mission to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawaii through the arts and education.