Volcano Art Center is presenting “Return of ‘Alala: Restoring the Voice Of Hawaii’s Native Forests,” a statewide multimedia art competition featuring Hawaii’s endemic ‘alala. ADVERTISING Volcano Art Center is presenting “Return of ‘Alala: Restoring the Voice Of Hawaii’s Native Forests,”
Volcano Art Center is presenting “Return of ‘Alala: Restoring the Voice Of Hawaii’s Native Forests,” a statewide multimedia art competition featuring Hawaii’s endemic ‘alala.
The exhibit will be on display at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Sept. 3 to Oct. 9. Proceeds from the exhibition support the reintroduction of this important species to Hawaii’s native forests this fall. The exhibit is open to the public and free of charge although park entrance fees apply.
There will be a preview of the exhibit with selected artworks from the “Return of ‘Alala” competition on display at the gallery beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday in conjunction with the Cultural Festival and BioBlitz hosted by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These select works will be available for presale purchase through a silent auction in an effort to raise funds to support the endangered bird program and its long-term project. Bidding will commence at 9 a.m. and conclude at 6:45 p.m. Sunday.
“The response to this collaborative conservation effort has been terrific,” said gallery manager Emily C. Weiss. “Hawaii’s creative community has learned so much about this critically endangered species through outreach from the ‘Alala Project and the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program.”
To date, VAC has received 47 entries. Weiss said the artwork submitted reflects the artist’s knowledge of and affinity for this special species. Although the early-bird registration just closed, the final registration deadline is Friday. For details, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
VAC welcomes anyone interested in supporting the event further to join in a special Hawaiian blessing by kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in front of the Volcano Art Center Gallery, followed by a reception at the Volcano House Hotel. Live music by Keoki Kahumoku along with drinks and pupus will be available for ticket holders. Tickets can be purchased at VAC or online at volcanoartcenter.org for $50 each. Proceeds from ticket sales go directly to support the ongoing ‘alala release project. The evening events will end at the VAC Gallery with desserts and the final bids for the artwork.
“Please join Volcano Art Center in supporting this unique conservation effort,” Weiss said. “The ‘alala has been extinct in the wild since 2002, and with your support we hope that will change.”
The public is reminded that entrance fees to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will be waived from Thursday to Sunday in celebration of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary.
