In honor of the 52nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, the Volcano Art Center will host three days of special arts and cultural events from April 10-12.
In honor of the 52nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, the Volcano Art Center will host three days of special arts and cultural events from April 10-12.
All events will be held on the lanai of the VAC Gallery, next to the Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors and kamaaina are invited to experience the celebration of Merrie Monarch free of charge (park entrance fees apply).
The following events are scheduled:
• April 10, Aloha Friday program, lei-making with Randy Lee, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The master lei-maker uses a variety of natural materials to fashion gorgeous lei from the freshest fern, leaves and flowers that he gathers from the rain forests of Panaewa.
• April 11, print and book signing with artist Caren Loebel-Fried and teacher-author David Kawika Eyre, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet the artist known for beautiful illustrations of the legends and myths of Hawaii and the natural world. Loebel-Fried will have an extensive collection of books, prints, giclees and original pieces to sign.
Also Saturday, Eyre will be signing copies of his book “Kamehameha—The Rise of a King.” Recipient of the Palapala Po‘okela Award for Excellence in Hawaiian Culture, this book is a must-read for all who care about our land, its history and culture.
• April 12, print and book signing by artist Dietrich Varez, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Celebrate Hawaii’s most popular hula festival by meeting VAC’s signature artist. The renowned Hawaiiana artist will sign his extensive collection of more than 250 prints and books he has written or illustrated.
Also at the gallery, the art exhibit “Kuku Kapa” by Micah L.K. Kamohoali‘i remains on display through April 19. The solo exhibition features kapa art and artifacts inspired by ancient stories and executed by ancestral memory.
More information about VAC’s exhibits is available online at www.volcanoartcenter.org, or contact the VAC Gallery at 967-7565.