Hui No`eau Visual Art Center’s Visualizing Green

This year’s theme is Visualizing Green, with an exhibition running from August 27 – November 12 and Members’ Opening on Friday, August 26.  Artists are welcomed to investigate and creatively interpret the many ways in which “green” appears in our world. Whether inspired by nature, the environmental movement, the emotions this color provokes, or any other inspiration, artists are encouraged to develop and express an authentic vision of what “green” means to them. Visualizing Green will exhibit works that delve deep into creativity, engage the viewer in a thoughtful way, offer new insight, and demonstrate the profound importance and diversity of this omnipresent hue.

Visualizing Green will be on view during world-renowned sculptor Patrick Dougherty’s September 2011 artist residency at Hui No‘eau. During this time, we anticipate a sharp visitor increase as he works with hundreds of community members to design and build a monumental “Stickwork” sculpture on the Hui grounds. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something truly inspiring!

Artists are encouraged to create new work —up to four pieces — with the theme in mind. Artwork in any media is allowed, and all are welcome to participate! Juror Stephen Freedman, a sculptor from the Big Island, has previously taught ceramics at Hui No‘eau and we are pleased to welcome him back to take part in jurying what is sure to be an exciting and engaging group of work from both local and mainland artists.

Please visit www.huinoeau.com for details, guidelines and entry forms, or contact Exhibitions Coordinator Rachel Edelman at (808) 572-6560 x26 with questions.

Previous artists selected for Hui No‘eau’s themed exhibitions include George Allan, Eli Baxter, Andrew Binkley, Tom Faught, Betty Hay Freeland, Tim Garcia, Julie Houck, Kathleen Kastles, Lori Koprowski, Ed Lane, Anita Laviola, Mikel Mesh, Kim Mosley, Gabriel Mott, Deb Nehmad, Joelle C. Perz, Nancy Skrimstad, Rick Strini, Tony Walholm, Michael, Sally & William Worcester, and Scott Yoell.

Stephen Freedman is an internationally accomplished ceramicist whose career has spanned four decades, creating and exhibiting sculpture for galleries, public commissions and solo museum exhibitions in the United States, Australia and Asia. Born in South Africa, he migrated to the Big Island of Hawai‘i in 1992 where he has been the proprietor of idspace, an alternative gallery, and co-creator of HI Art Magazine, an online arts publication, for the past decade. In partnership with the Volcano Art Center he has presented the “Faces of Hawaii” statewide photo portrait competition annually since 2008. Stephen has curated numerous exhibitions, published several books and written extensively on the arts for various publications. His work is represented in such collections as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Getty Museum, the American Craft Museum and the Art Institute of Boston. Visit www.stephenfreedman.com for more details.

“It has been an honor participating in this fine artistic gathering, “Primarily Red.” The Hui received over 230 submissions, from national entries all the way to the west side of the island. This is a giant compliment to the Hui, and is testament to its far-reaching creative influence. I would like to applaud each of the artists that entered work. It takes deep courage to create, especially when engaging in a themed show. I enjoyed the passionate energy that shined through each artist’s unique relationship with the Primarily Red theme. As an added mention: every level of artist, from early stages of a career (the youngest at age 16) to creative mastery, all entered in the same bracket. The Hui is the perfect home for creating a buzz nationally about Maui’s distinct art scene. Thanks to the Hui for the privilege of walking amongst such fine artists and, to the artists for their unwavering creativity and support of Maui’s rich cultural expression.

—Lauren Harris, 2009 Theme Exhibition Juror & Gallery Director at Paia Contemporary Gallery

Exhibition Kitchen. A compelling idea. Artists who stretched. Exciting solutions. Good recipes. Great fun.