Wailoa to host ukulele, woodworking show

Wailoa to host ukulele, woodworking show

The Wailoa Art & Cultural Center will open its seventh annual Big Island Woodworkers and Artists Invitational show with an innovative twist from 5-7 p.m.Oct. 5.

The show will feature handmade furniture in custom arrangements by Wailoa Center director Codie King that “set a scene” as it might look in a person’s home.

Furniture displays will be accented with visual art from pastel artist Sandy Wallis and pottery from Clayton Amemiya. In addition to the traditional lineup of artisan wood creations, the co-sponsoring Big Island Ukulele Guild will contribute more than 30 handmade ukuleles from builders across the island, and even across the nation, showcasing a builder from Alaska.

The Ukulele Guild will also contribute an interactive element, with the Puna Ukulele and Kanikapila Association led by Andy Andrews, joining the center on two Saturdays, Oct. 6 and 20, from noon-4 p.m. The public is invited to join teh association for an interactive “ukulele jam.” No previous experience is necessary and “loaner” ukuleles are available free of charge.

King has high hopes for this diverse show.

“People are coming to see the wood, and how woodworkers are using wood in different kinds of ways. It’s a popular show and the ukuleles are gonna be a great addition to it,” said King. “I’m very excited about it.”

The invitational show will remain open for the month of October. Woodworkers interested in showing work may contact King at wailoaartculturalcenter@gmail.com.