The East Hawaii Cultural Center invites the public to an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. today for its new exhibit featuring works by Joseph Ruesing, Patti Datlof and the students of Kamehameha Schools. The EHCC is at 141 Kalakaua St. in downtown Hilo, across from Kalakaua Park.
The East Hawaii Cultural Center invites the public to an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. today for its new exhibit featuring works by Joseph Ruesing, Patti Datlof and the students of Kamehameha Schools. The EHCC is at 141 Kalakaua St. in downtown Hilo, across from Kalakaua Park.
Ruesing has a master’s degree in linguistics from Queen’s College in New York City, as well as an MBA, a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in fine art and a degree from Yonsei University‘s language institute in Korea.
With the advent of digital, Ruesing found a medium especially suited to his interests and has spent the past seven years creating digital imagery.
“For this exhibition, ‘Hawaiiana Apotheosis,’ my intention is to glorify the commonplace, familiar surroundings of Hawaii. Though abstract, these images will have meaning for everyone who has ever imagined a broom to be a horse,” Ruesing said.
As the 2012-13 school year comes to a close, Kamehameha Schools celebrates its ongoing partnership with EHCC as the gallery showcases work by K-12 students. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work will highlight the artistic growth that is an integral part of each child’s education.
Artist Datlof, inspired by the natural environment of Hawaii and her recent sailing adventures in the South Pacific, presents her current works in EHCC’s Mauka Gallery during May. Working in both cement and clay, her vessels and wall pieces have the organic appearance of lava juxtaposed with smooth, often metallic surfaces. Raku and horsehair firings give an element of excitement and surprise to the evolution of the works.
The show, “Joyful Spirit,” takes its title from her business name. Fourteen years ago, after her husband successfully dealt with a cancer scare, she decided to follow her passion and do what brings her spirit joy. She quit her teaching job and began “Joyful Spirit Arts.”