Queen’s legacy: Banyan Drive Art Stroll kicks off Lili‘uokalani Gardens centennial events

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“Queen Lili‘uokalani and her Gardens,” a watercolor, pen and ink image by Valentina Montoya, was selected first juror’s choice among artwork submitted for next weekend’s inaugural Banyan Drive Art Stroll.

“Queen Lili‘uokalani and her Gardens,” a watercolor, pen and ink image by Valentina Montoya, was selected first juror’s choice among artwork submitted for next weekend’s inaugural Banyan Drive Art Stroll.

Artwork that met the criteria of the theme “Celebrating Lili‘uokalani: The Queen and Her Legacy” will be on display and available for voting for People’s Choice awards from noon-6 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Palm Room in the Grand Naniloa Hotel, lobby level.

Of Montoya’s artwork, competition judge Dick Nelson of Kula Maui said the artist depicted “a regal queen in a setting of unabashed color fitting for any garden celebration and created with aesthetic competence.”

The Banyan Drive Art Stroll, sponsored by Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens, attracted more than 70 works of art in several media and 90 photographic images for a calendar competition.

“We really appreciate the time, effort and expertise that it takes to create a beautiful work of art,” said Bonnie Sol of the art stroll committee.

Other exhibits will be in the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and Banyan Gallery. Painting demonstrations will take place from noon-3 p.m. in Lili‘uokalani Gardens. A gyotaku demonstration with Brandon Tengan is from 3-4 p.m. at Suisan.

The Banyan Drive Art Stroll is the first 2017 event in a series to celebrate the centennial of Lili‘uokalani Gardens. The land was dedicated in honor of the queen in early 1917 and construction on the Japanese-style landscape began in fall 1917.

For more information, visit the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens Facebook page.