With warmest winter wishes and happiest holiday greetings, Volcano Art Center welcomes all to the 18th annual Christmas in the Country celebration starting Nov. 17.

Featuring the annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit that continues through Jan. 1, 2018, this year’s Christmas in the Country promises an abundance of art and aloha to kick start your holiday season.

Beginning every Friday before Thanksgiving, VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to the artwork Volcano Art Center has become known for showcasing year-round, you’ll find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments and decorations made by Hawaii Island artists, including some that are VAC exclusives.

The concurrent Invitational Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional.

“Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by our local artistic community,” said gallery manager Emily C. Weiss.

As in years past, Christmas in the Country begins with an exclusive members-only preview party at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.

For the most up-to-date offerings of holiday cheer, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

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Christmas in the Country

The following events are scheduled throughout the month at the Volcano Art Center and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:

Member Appreciation Reception and Christmas in the Country Preview Party

When: 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 17

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: VAC members are invited to be the first to view the full collection of unique wreaths and high-quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during Christmas in the Country. Enjoy complimentary gourmet pupus, mulled cider and champagne, prize drawings and your membership discount. To join, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org. VAC members can bring a guest for $15.

Christmas in the Country

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Nov. 18-26

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply.

Details: Special holiday celebrations include art demonstrations, print and book signings by VAC Gallery artists, plus a fine selection of quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during the holiday season.

Invitational Wreath Exhibit

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Nov. 18-Jan. 1, 2018

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply.

Details: Gallery artists working in a wide variety of media, materials and techniques present their highly creative concepts of “wreath.” This year, artists were invited to explore the concept of being “Guided By Stars” in their wreaths, inspired by the heavenly events of the total solar eclipse and the navigational wayfinding which led the Hokuleʻa crew safely home from their long, three-year voyage around the world.

Hula Kahiko featuring kumu Haʻamauliola Aiona with Ke Kula o Nawahiokalaniʻopuʻu Public Charter School

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 18

Where: Pa Hula in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; free, park entrance fees apply.

Details: The Volcano Art Center’s 2017 Hula Arts At Kilauea program continues with a hula kahiko presentation which includes storytelling, chant and hula blended to create a journey through Hawaiian history and legends performed by the Nawahi seventh- and 10th-grade students.

Print and book signing with Caren Loebel-Fried and Kathy Long

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 18

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply.

Details: Join Loebel-Fried, award-winning author and artist from Volcano, for a book signing of “A Perfect Day for an Albatross.” The new book, written and illustrated by Loebel-Fried, is a lively story which sweeps you into an albatross’ world of wind, rolling seas, boisterous dancing and their intense commitment to one another and their nestlings. Long will be on hand signing her extensive collection of prints which represent her many years of dedication to Hawaii’s unique culture captured in paint and pastel.

Na Mea Hula with Lalauolaokalani

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 18

Where: Porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: Part of VAC’s Hula Arts At Kilauea program. These hands-on activities provide a greater awareness of the hula arts as a cultural experience. Supported in part by a grant from the Hawaii County Department of Research and Development and Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Lauhala ornament demonstration by Jelena Clay

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 19

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: Join master fiber artist and nationally recognized gourd artist Jelena Clay, who produces a variety of contemporary and traditional works in every natural fiber she can find. Her interest in all Hawaiian art forms led her to lauhala weaving which she now graciously shares through her teaching. All supplies provided free of charge.

Christmas in the Country Expands to Niaulani Campus

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 25-26

Where: VAC’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano Village

Details: Come celebrate the spirit of the holidays and view VAC’s Preview Exhibition featuring exhibit and program offerings for 2018. Also enjoy members of the Volcano Hui displaying handmade art and gifts as part of the annual Volcano Hui Tour. Poinsettia will be on display and available for purchase to enhance your home for the holidays as a fundraiser for the Volcano School Of Arts and Sciences.

Aloha Friday Lei Making with Kaipo Ah Chong

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 24

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: Tropical agriculture farmer Kaipo Ah Chong will share his expert lei-making skills with VAC visitors. As a member of Halau Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. Supported in part by a grant from the Hawaii County Department of Research and Development and Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Make a Zentangle ornament

When: 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 25

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join certified Zentangle teachers Dina Kageler, Lydia Menesses and Lois Stokes as they lead participants in a small tangle ornament. Supplies provided but imaginations required.

Make a Holiday Card

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 26

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: Join VAC gallery staff in making a one-of-a-kind, hand-printed, woodblock holiday card using the designs of VAC`s beloved artist Dietrich Varez. Since Dietrich is unable to attend this year’s festivities, he has offered to share his small, prized hand-carved, linoleum blocks to be used to create unique holiday cards which participants can take to share with family and friends. All supplies provided.

With warmest winter wishes and happiest holiday greetings, Volcano Art Center welcomes all to the 18th annual Christmas in the Country celebration starting Nov. 17.

Featuring the annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit that continues through Jan. 1, 2018, this year’s Christmas in the Country promises an abundance of art and aloha to kick start your holiday season.

Beginning every Friday before Thanksgiving, VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to the artwork Volcano Art Center has become known for showcasing year-round, you’ll find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments and decorations made by Hawaii Island artists, including some that are VAC exclusives.

The concurrent Invitational Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional.

“Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by our local artistic community,” said gallery manager Emily C. Weiss.

As in years past, Christmas in the Country begins with an exclusive members-only preview party at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.

For the most up-to-date offerings of holiday cheer, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

———————————————

Christmas in the Country

The following events are scheduled throughout the month at the Volcano Art Center and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:

Member Appreciation Reception and Christmas in the Country Preview Party

When: 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 17

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: VAC members are invited to be the first to view the full collection of unique wreaths and high-quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during Christmas in the Country. Enjoy complimentary gourmet pupus, mulled cider and champagne, prize drawings and your membership discount. To join, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org. VAC members can bring a guest for $15.

Christmas in the Country

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Nov. 18-26

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply.

Details: Special holiday celebrations include art demonstrations, print and book signings by VAC Gallery artists, plus a fine selection of quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during the holiday season.

Invitational Wreath Exhibit

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Nov. 18-Jan. 1, 2018

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply.

Details: Gallery artists working in a wide variety of media, materials and techniques present their highly creative concepts of “wreath.” This year, artists were invited to explore the concept of being “Guided By Stars” in their wreaths, inspired by the heavenly events of the total solar eclipse and the navigational wayfinding which led the Hokuleʻa crew safely home from their long, three-year voyage around the world.

Hula Kahiko featuring kumu Haʻamauliola Aiona with Ke Kula o Nawahiokalaniʻopuʻu Public Charter School

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 18

Where: Pa Hula in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; free, park entrance fees apply.

Details: The Volcano Art Center’s 2017 Hula Arts At Kilauea program continues with a hula kahiko presentation which includes storytelling, chant and hula blended to create a journey through Hawaiian history and legends performed by the Nawahi seventh- and 10th-grade students.

Print and book signing with Caren Loebel-Fried and Kathy Long

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 18

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply.

Details: Join Loebel-Fried, award-winning author and artist from Volcano, for a book signing of “A Perfect Day for an Albatross.” The new book, written and illustrated by Loebel-Fried, is a lively story which sweeps you into an albatross’ world of wind, rolling seas, boisterous dancing and their intense commitment to one another and their nestlings. Long will be on hand signing her extensive collection of prints which represent her many years of dedication to Hawaii’s unique culture captured in paint and pastel.

Na Mea Hula with Lalauolaokalani

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 18

Where: Porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: Part of VAC’s Hula Arts At Kilauea program. These hands-on activities provide a greater awareness of the hula arts as a cultural experience. Supported in part by a grant from the Hawaii County Department of Research and Development and Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Lauhala ornament demonstration by Jelena Clay

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 19

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: Join master fiber artist and nationally recognized gourd artist Jelena Clay, who produces a variety of contemporary and traditional works in every natural fiber she can find. Her interest in all Hawaiian art forms led her to lauhala weaving which she now graciously shares through her teaching. All supplies provided free of charge.

Christmas in the Country Expands to Niaulani Campus

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 25-26

Where: VAC’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano Village

Details: Come celebrate the spirit of the holidays and view VAC’s Preview Exhibition featuring exhibit and program offerings for 2018. Also enjoy members of the Volcano Hui displaying handmade art and gifts as part of the annual Volcano Hui Tour. Poinsettia will be on display and available for purchase to enhance your home for the holidays as a fundraiser for the Volcano School Of Arts and Sciences.

Aloha Friday Lei Making with Kaipo Ah Chong

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 24

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: Tropical agriculture farmer Kaipo Ah Chong will share his expert lei-making skills with VAC visitors. As a member of Halau Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. Supported in part by a grant from the Hawaii County Department of Research and Development and Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Make a Zentangle ornament

When: 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 25

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join certified Zentangle teachers Dina Kageler, Lydia Menesses and Lois Stokes as they lead participants in a small tangle ornament. Supplies provided but imaginations required.

Make a Holiday Card

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 26

Where: VAC Gallery; free, park entrance fees apply

Details: Join VAC gallery staff in making a one-of-a-kind, hand-printed, woodblock holiday card using the designs of VAC`s beloved artist Dietrich Varez. Since Dietrich is unable to attend this year’s festivities, he has offered to share his small, prized hand-carved, linoleum blocks to be used to create unique holiday cards which participants can take to share with family and friends. All supplies provided.