The juried exhibition Honu’ea runs through June 3 at the Volcano Art Center in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, featuring 42 original works by multiple artists celebrating Hawaii’s endangered honu’ea, the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The juried exhibition Honu‘ea runs
The juried exhibition Honu‘ea runs through June 3 at the Volcano Art Center in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, featuring 42 original works by multiple artists celebrating Hawaii’s endangered honu‘ea, the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).
“The Volcano Art Center extends a sincere mahalo to our community partners and 2012 participants,” said gallery manager Emily Catey. “The generosity shown by Hawaii businesses awarded six prizes to finalists in both youth and adult divisions.”
Support for the contest came from the Turtle Bay Resort, Kilauea Lodge, Hawaii Pacific Parks Association, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, Basically Books, Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Ira Ono of Cafe Ono, Starbucks and Target.
Award winners in the adult division included John Mydock with “Best in Show,” Birgitta Frazier and Bea Isreal Clifton. Keiki division awards went to Arah Ko, who won “Best in Show” in the youth category, Ella Johnson and Elijah Ko.
During opening reception festivities, Laura Warner’s third-grade class from the Volcano School of Arts and Sciences performed an original song titled “Honu‘ea,” accompanied by Karl Halemano and Lydia Meneses. Artist Terry Taube delivered the poem “Turtle Feathers” during the reception.
“Our continued thanks also to Volcanoes National Park for support in helping spread the message of conservation and environmental awareness through the arts and education,” said Catey.
Park Ranger Kupono McDaniel served as emcee, delivering awards and presenting Art Ranger badges to all youth participants.
Volcano Art Center develops, promotes and perpetuates Hawaii’s artistic, cultural and environmental heritages by interpreting the park through art at the gallery next to the Kilauea Visitor Center.
“So far the exhibition has been successful in raising both awareness and funds for the Hawaii Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project,” said Catey. “I encourage the public to attend the exhibit and learn more about protecting Hawaii’s endangered species and environment.”
Honu‘ea 2012 is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.
