Wailoa Center in Hilo will present “Mu‘u + Mo‘olelo,” a multimedia mu‘umu‘u exhibit, beginning Friday.
Sponsored by Hawaii Island Art Alliance, Hana Hou, Hilo Art Center and the Zonta Club of Hilo, this exhibition features mu‘umu‘u, photographs and stories all submitted by the community.
“Mu‘u+ Mo‘olelo” is on display at the center from Friday through Jan. 30 in celebration of Mu‘umu‘u Month.
Opening reception for the exhibit is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. There will be a mu‘umu‘u swap rack sponsored by Hana Hou, an interactive mu‘u display in the Fountain Gallery, and more info on Zonta’s upcoming Fashion Frenzy.
Get festive and come dressed your favorite mu‘u or aloha wear!
Inspired by the stories that surfaced during the 2023 Mu‘umu‘u Month exhibit at Wailoa Center, this exhibition invited the public to share either physical mu‘umu‘u or photographs of folks in mu‘umu‘u.
With both types of entries, participants shared their stories about each garment. Here mu‘umu‘u are the catalyst to share history and intergenerational connections. There are stories of family; stories of generosity; stories of creativity and sustainability.
Mu‘umu‘u Month was started in 2015 by artist and designer, Shannon Hiramoto of Machine Machine on Kauai. She was gifted about 70 mu‘u, and instead of upcycling them as originally intended, she began wearing one for every day in January.
Since that time, the “muuvement” has spread and folks across Hawaii have joined in. You can come and celebrate this iconic item all month long at Wailoa Center. Don‘t forget to wear your favorite mu‘umu‘u or aloha wear.
Wailoa Center is under the Division of State Parks, the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Wailoa Center is free and open to the public during the exhibit Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information please call (808) 933-0416 or visit www.wailoacenter.com
