A stunning koa cabinet by Big Island woodworker Marcus Castaing has won Best of Show at the 20th annual Hawaii Forest Industry Association Hawaii’s Woodshow, which opened its doors to the public at the Honolulu Museum of Art Academy Art
A stunning koa cabinet by Big Island woodworker Marcus Castaing has won Best of Show at the 20th annual Hawaii Forest Industry Association Hawaii’s Woodshow, which opened its doors to the public at the Honolulu Museum of Art Academy Art School Gallery at Linekona on Sunday for a two-week run in Honolulu.
According to the judges, Castaing’s ability “to allow the gorgeous figure and curl of the koa to take center stage” was what made his koa cabinet stand apart. The award was sponsored by Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods.
R.W. Butts from Honolulu was recognized with an award of excellence for his piece, Hibiscus Bowl on Stand. The work utilized bamboo in “a unique and stunning way,” according to the judges.
Other awardees, many from the Big Island, follow: First place in furniture, Peter Ziroli (Big Island), Center Table; first place musical instrument, David Gomes (Big Island), Kaulana Ke Kuahiwi; first place in sculpture, Keith Maile (Oahu), Ekolu Kanaka; first place in turning, Andy Cole (Oahu), Nesting Instinct; first place, open category, John Sincerbeaux (Texas), Sacred Pond; first place, novice, Eric LeBuse (Oahu), Kaloa; honorable mention, Tak Yoshino (Japan), Koh Dana; honorable mention, John Mydock (Big Island), Koi Pond; honorable mention, Michael Patrick Smith (Big Island), Yin Yang Fern; honorable mention, J. Kelly Dunn (Big Island), Black Heart Mango Series; honorable mention, Honolulu Furniture Co. (Oahu), desk and chair; honorable mention, Marcus Castaing (Big Island), blanket chest; Kent Award, Luke Shaffer (Oahu), Wave Desk and Octopus; Spirit of the Show, Masako Schwalbenitz (Oahu), Many-Legged Stool.
The Kent Award recognizes and encourages the most promising first-time entrant. Spirit of the Show recognizes creative promotion of woods from lesser-known, non-native trees. Two additional honors, the People’s Choice Award and Artist’s Choice Award, will be announced at the show’s conclusion on April 15.
“As we celebrate the 20th Annual Hawaii’s Woodshow, all of Hawaii should celebrate the amazing talent among us,” said HFIA Executive Director Heather Simmons. “All the entries this year were particularly remarkable and I personally thank everyone who has shared their work at the show.”
Jurors for the show were nationally known wood artist Wendy Maruyama, artist and professor emeritus of the Furniture Design and Woodworking Program at San Diego State University; one of HFIA and Hawaii’s Woodshow’s founders, Peter Simmons, consultant, In the Woods; and Steven Hill from the University Of Hawaii School Of Architecture.
Only art pieces crafted predominantly from Hawaii-grown woods are displayed at Hawaii’s Woodshow as part of its endeavor to encourage and strengthen appreciation for sustainable forestry through the planting of native species. Endangered woods and certain rare species are prohibited.
Many of the pieces are for sale. Anyone making a show purchase of $300 or more will have a legacy tree planted in his or her name by Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods, said Simmons.
Established in 1989, HFIA is a nonprofit corporation founded by and for people dedicated to responsible forest management.
Other Hawaii’s Woodshow sponsors include the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Kamehameha Schools, Ron and Myra Kent, Specialty Forest Products Inc., the state Department of Agriculture, Alexander & Baldwin and the Alexander & Baldwin Foundation, Halekulani Hotel, C. Barton Potter, Bubbies Ice Cream, Martin & MacArthur, and wood artist and HFIA Board President Tai Lake.
For more information, visit http://woodshow.hawaiiforest.org. HFIA promotes healthy and productive forests and a sustainable forest industry. In addition to its annual woodworking exhibition, HFIA sponsors the Hawaii’s Wood trademark, manages several community forests and serves as an advocate for Hawaii’s diverse forest industry.
HFIA’s programs promote healthier forests, increased business in Hawaii’s estimated $30.7 million annual forest industry, and more jobs within the sector. Visit: www.hawaiiforest.org.
