Of ‘Mouse House,’ Judy Collins and Buddhism

The magic, memories and gifted artistry of Martha Lowrey Greenwell’s “Mouse House” Christmas Village wonderland returns to Isaacs Art Center this season.

The Christmas Village, affectionately known as “The Mouse House,” and a special Christmas tree decorated with Greenwell’s handmade Emgee ornaments will be on display at Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Isaacs Art Center through Jan. 10. The exhibit also includes selected photographs and brochures of Greenwell’s remarkable Emgee business that for decades produced beautifully-crafted, clever, and cheerful ornaments still adorning homes today. Greenwell’s superb sense of organization and creative vision are evident in each unique artwork.

“This is a perfect time to remember Martha Greenwell’s remarkable life and friendship and celebrate the many talents of this beloved island painter, who shared her art with such generosity and humility,” said Mollie Hustace, director of the Isaacs Art Center.

Keiki and the young-at heart will enjoy the hand-made mice in their miniature shops and homes that Greenwell fully decorated with tiny ornaments, wreaths, candies, and her paintings. Visitors who have experienced “The Mouse House” before return year after year to find something new to delight them.

The Christmas Village made its first Hawaii Island appearance in December 2005 at the Kona Historical Society when the village returned to Greenwell from Oahu after more than 20 years of being part of an annual holiday tradition at the Queen’s Hospital Auxiliary’s “Festival of Trees.”

All of the artifacts featured in the display are from the attic and tool shed of Greenwell’s in-laws, Frank and Violet Greenwell of Palani Ranch. It took Greenwell eight years to assemble the village.

The Isaacs Art Center at Hawaii Preparatory Academy is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is free. The center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. For information, or to arrange group visits, please call 885-5884.

l l l l

Coming to the Big Island’s historic Honokaa People’s Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 24, is “An Evening with Judy Collins — Hawaii Tour 2015.” This is a Lazar Bear production of “Keeping The Music Live.”

Singer-songwriter and folk music icon Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable song writing, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 50-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.

The award-winning singer-songwriter is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. Some of her well-known recordings are “Both Sides, Now,” “Someday Soon,” “Send in the Clowns,” “Who Knows Where the Time Goes,” “Suzanne,” “Bird on the Wire,” “Since You Asked,” “My Father,” “Song for Judith,” “Cats in The Cradle,” “Chelsea Morning,” “Amazing Grace” and others. Judy is as creatively vigorous as ever, writing, touring worldwide and nurturing fresh talent. This modern-day Renaissance women continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.

From Newport &New York City in the 60s, this folk icon is still singing, writing and recording. Hawaii Island tickets can be purchased online at www.lazarbear.com (Gold Circle/VIP) or at Sound Wave Music in Kailua-Kona; Kiernan Music in Old Town Kainaliu; Waimea General Store in Parker Square; Taro Patch Gifts in Honokaa; and, in Hilo at CD Wizard, Hilo Guitar and at Hilo Music Exchange.

l l l l

Is there a new “Buddhist beat?” What can be done to keep Buddhism relevant for Hawaii today? Dr. George Tanabe, professor emeritus in the Department of Religion at UH-Manoa, will examine these issues in a two-lecture series, in North and West Hawaii, open to all. On Thursday, Dec. 4, at NHERC, North Hawaii Education and Research in Honokaa from 6:30-8:30 p.m. “Is Buddhism in Hawaii Headed for Extinction?” For info call Honokaa Hongwanji, 775-7232. The second is on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Kona Hongwanji in Kealakekua, “Where’s the Beat in Buddhism? New Dharma Music.” For info, call Rev. Bruce, 323-2993. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

Email Carol Yurth at waiukahenutz @gmail.com.