Volcano Art Center is hosting the exhibition “Gourds Reimagined” by Jelena Clay.
The exhibit will open to the public on Saturday and will continue through May 2. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.
The exhibition features mixed media artwork by Clay, a Hilo artist.
The collection presented in the exhibit features both 2D and 3D works which demonstrate Clay’s combination of modern and traditional techniques to create bold works with Hawaiian cultural themes, according to a press release.
Clay will perform a live demonstration at the VAC gallery from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, for those interested in learning more about her artistic processes and techniques.
Clay is well known for her fiber work and gourds.
She is the daughter of Serbian emigrants and was raised in Saratoga, Calif. At 20 years old she relocated to Hawaii and has since called it home.
Since first moving to the islands, she had a fascination with fiber work and gourds, and the complicated techniques that Hawaiians use.
“I am driven to create my work with absolute respect for Hawaiian culture and hope to inspire the viewer to learn more,” she said in the press release. “I am fascinated by the deep connection Hawaiians had to the environment and hope to portray that in my pieces. I have been fortunate to be involved with the hula community and always give back generously when I can. I will be donating a portion of my proceeds from sales to two local Hilo halau. I feel it’s important to give back to the culture that supports my work.”
VAC is a nonprofit organization created in 1974. Please visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for more information.