Featherwork exhibit on display at Lyman Museum

In celebration of Lei Day, the Lyman Museum is hosting a special exhibition and demonstrations of featherwork by Lei Hulu o Hilo until Friday, May 12.

Lei Hulu o Hilo was founded by the late, beloved master kumu Aunty Doreen Henderson, a Hilo native who dedicated her life to the preservation and perpetuation of the unique tradition of Hawaiian featherwork.

Henderson practiced and taught the art for several decades before her passing last year. She studied under master kumu Mary Kahihilani Kovitch, a student of Aunty Mary Lou Kekuewa who is considered one of the foremost featherwork teachers in Hawaii.

Henderson’s rigorous teaching standards and love of the art form produced a number of teachers in their own right.

Two kumu who were taught under Henderson, Pili Johnson and Robert Beebe, decided to bring this new exhibit to the Hilo community after an absence of several years.

Featherworks and a colorful array of finished pieces created by students and teachers from Lei Hulu o Hilo is on display for visitors of museum.

Visitors also can watch new creations being made by Lei Hulu o Hilo artists, and can learn how to make a feather flower to keep.

The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until May 12.

For additional information on this special exhibit and Museum admission, call (808) 935-5021 or visit lymanmuseum.org.