With warmest winter wishes and happiest holiday greetings, Volcano Art Center welcomes everyone to the 16th annual Christmas in the Country celebration starting Friday, featuring the Invitational Wreath Exhibit that continues through Jan. 3.
With warmest winter wishes and happiest holiday greetings, Volcano Art Center welcomes everyone to the 16th annual Christmas in the Country celebration starting Friday, featuring the Invitational Wreath Exhibit that continues through Jan. 3.
This year’s Christmas in the Country promises an abundance of art and aloha to kick-start the holiday season.
Beginning every Friday before Thanksgiving, VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building.
In addition to the artwork Volcano Art Center has become known for, there will be unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, crafts, ornaments and decorations made by Hawaii Island artists, including some that are VAC exclusives.
The concurrent Invitational Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional.
“You’ll be amazed at what some artists choose to include in their highly creative concepts of ‘wreath,’” said gallery manager Emily C. Weiss.
As in years past, Christmas in the Country begins with an exclusive members-only preview party, features a fresh lineup of artists and hosts special events throughout each weekend. All of the events take place at the VAC Gallery, unless indicated elsewhere.
All of the events are free, but park entrance fees might apply. Volcano Art Center is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano.
For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call the VAC Gallery at 967-7565.
Member Appreciation Reception and Christmas in the Country Preview
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday
VAC members are invited to be the first to view the full collection of unique wreaths and high-quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered during Christmas in the Country. Enjoy complimentary gourmet pupus, mulled cider and champagne, prize drawings and membership discount.
Not a member? Joining is easy and secure at www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Christmas in the Country
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 21-29
Special holiday celebrations include art demonstrations, print and book signings by VAC Gallery artists, plus a fine selection of quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during the holiday season.
Invitational Wreath Exhibit
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Nov. 21-Jan. 3
Gallery artists working in a wide variety of media, materials and techniques present their highly creative concepts of “wreath.”
Book-, print-signing with Kathy Long
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 21
Long will sign her collection of prints that represent her years of dedication to Hawaii’s unique culture captured in paint and pastel. Long’s work is featured in the new publication “Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawaii Artists,” highlighting 50 of Hawaii’s award-winning artists.
Book-signing, demonstration with Vicki Penney-Rohner
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 21
Well-known for her love of color and light, watch Penney-Rohner create a landscape in a painting demonstration. Penney-Rohner also will sign copies of “Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawaii Artists,” in which she and her work are featured.
Book-signing of “Rainforest Pu‘uhonua” by Kahikahealani Wight
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 22
“Rainforest Pu‘uhonua” tells the story of five years spent living in a Hawaiian rain forest in the 1980s. It combines one woman’s search for her Hawaiian roots, stories about the Hawaiian rain forest and its rare gems, including native birds, plants and insects, and insights into Hawaiian world view and thinking.
Wreath-making demonstration with Jelena Clay
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 22
Clay will demonstrate creative mini wreath making as she transforms fresh and/or dried vegetation into festive decor for the holidays. These 10-inch wreaths also can be used as centerpieces for holiday table settings.
Christmas in the Country, Niaulani Campus
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 27-29
Where: VAC’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano Village
Come celebrate the spirit of the holidays and view select members of the Volcano Hui displaying handmade art and gifts as part of the annual Volcano Hui Tour. Beautiful live poinsettia will be on display and available for purchase. A fundraiser for Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Book-signing by various artists
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 27-28
VAC will feature various artists who are featured in the new publication “Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawaii Artists.”
Print- and book-signing with Dietrich Varez
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 28
Varez returns for the final day of Christmas in the Country for a meet and greet with VAC’s signature artist.
Holiday card and gift-wrap making with Gretchen Grove
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 29
Get creative with Grove in making handmade cards and gift wrap to accompany the gifts purchased from VAC Gallery. Supplies provided, no purchase necessary.
Book-signing with Christine Sprowl Tetak
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 29
Sprowl Tetak is on hand to sign copies of her children’s book, “Legend of The Hula Moose.” This fictional title contains many true facts, along with beautiful illustrations by Diane Lucas.