‘Kuku Kapa’ features designs of Kamohoali‘i

Beginning March 28, Volcano Art Center presents “Kuku Kapa, the Designs of Micah L.K. Kamohoali‘i” at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

This solo exhibition features art and artifacts inspired by ancient stories and executed by ancestral memory. Kamohoali‘i began making kapa, a fabric made from wauke (paper mulberry) as a child through skills passed down through many generations. Today, he creates Hawaiian kapa as living pieces of art.

Kamohoali‘i produces works in many mediums, such as lei-making, feather working, photography, printing, painting, clothing, wood and stone carvings, film production, and most famously his traditional Hawaiian kapa. He is featured in numerous galleries in Hawaii, and honored as a Native Hawaiian artist.

Hula also has been an important part of Kamohoali‘i’s life. Through the dance tradition, he learned the history of his people and he continues to share these stories as kumu hula to Halau Na Kipu‘upu‘u.

Under his direction, Halau Na Kipu‘upu‘u will open the art exhibition with a hula kahiko performance beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Kamohoali‘i and his halau will be on hand after the performance displaying the unique handmade regalia and props used. The halau and Kamohoali‘i are well known for their powerful performances as well as revitalizing many ancient art forms and practices within hula not commonly seen today.

Later in the day, the public also is invited to join the artist for an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibition will be open daily from 9a.m.-5p.m. through April 19 at VAC Gallery.

The exhibit, hula performance and reception are free, though park entrance fees apply. For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or contact the VAC Gallery at (808) 967-7565.