See artists in action

Have fun, see some great artwork and support Big Island artists and art in Puna schools during the Paradise Studio Tour Artist’s Collective’s seventh annual Open Studio event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8.

Twelve studios will host 45 artists, who will have their work on display for sale to the public, offering a wide variety of fine arts and crafts, featuring paintings in oil, acrylic and pastel, prints and cards of original works, ceramics, hand-thrown pottery and cement lava-inspired pots.

An impressive variety of jewelry will be on display, including fused glass, beading, cold fused silver and delicately cut wood. Raku pottery, blown and stained glass, mosaics, turned wood, gourds and bamboo, handmade soap and a variety of clothing from tie-dyed to hand-painted silk will offer a rich selection of work to be enjoyed by those who come out to Hawaiian Paradise Park in Keaau, off Highway 130, to tour the studios.

As cofounder Karen Hagen said, “It’s fun to get to know the community and my neighbors.”

Each studio provides a chance for visitors to get a glimpse of how the artists create their work.

“You don’t always get the opportunity to go into the artists’ studios. If I can buy something directly from the artist it has special meaning,” said Ann Kalber, board president.

“Keep the buck on the Big Island,” she smiled.

Visitors can ask questions, and see the process and equipment used to produce the beautiful items usually only seen at galleries or shops, and meet the artists who make them. Many artists will give live demonstrations or opportunities for the public to participate in trying out a particular medium.

Patti Pease Johnson, Studio F, will be painting with liquid dye on a silk scarf at 2 p.m. both days. Throughout the two days, she’ll also have a community scarf available so anyone can play with brushing vibrant colors on the silk.

At Studio C, Hagen will have the potter’s wheel out and visitors can see a lump of clay turn into a beautiful vessel. Hopper Sheldon, of Studio A, will have a variety of live painting demos and there is always something fun for the kids to make. People can raku glaze a lava bowl for a small fee with Margaret Lynch in Studio K and watch Ken Charon work painting on a new canvas.

The Paradise Studio Tour artists are proud to support art in the local schools by donating 10 percent of their proceeds during this weekend to three local high school art programs. To date, they successfully raised and donated more than $7,000 for art supplies given to Keaau High School, Pahoa High School and Hawaii Academy of the Arts and Sciences. This year, the donations will be evenly distributed to all three schools.

“Having a relationship with the three public high schools in the area gives us an insight into the Art Department needs. With so many cut backs and art taking a big hit, we felt it was important to give to each school every year rather than the two year wait between donations in the past,” Kalber said. “Art departments and programs made a difference in many of our artist’s lives and we want to continue to give back.”

Through the years, so many compliments have been made by local residents and out-of-town guests alike. Some folks travel here from Kona and off island to enjoy the studios.

Cofounder, board member and artist Patti Datlof said she has heard the following comments from guests, “The quality of the work is incredible,” “I didn’t know there was so much talent here in Puna,” and “This is so much fun, I look forward to it every year.”

Brochures with maps of the event are at local shops and galleries. You also can visit www.paradisestudiotour.com and print the brochure or call Hagen at 982-5150 or Lynch at 557-0931.