Three Mountain Alliance, Natural Area Reserves System, Wailoa Center, Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announces a call to artists for Hawai‘i Nei 2016, a juried art exhibition celebrating the native flora and fauna of Hawaii Island.
Amateur and professional artists of all ages are invited to submit works of art celebrating the native plants, animals and habitats of “Hawai‘i Nei.”
Artwork will be displayed Nov. 4 to Dec. 16 at the Wailoa Center in Hilo. All residents of Hawaii Island are eligible to participate. All works must be original, created in the past two years and the image must not have been previously shown in any other exhibition, gallery or website.
Each year, Hawai‘i Nei selects a featured category to highlight a special species, theme or event. While the featured category is meant to help inspire artists, artwork is not limited to the featured category, said Codie King, Wailoa Center director. The 2016 featured category is “National Parks Preserving Pilina.”
In celebration of the centennial anniversary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the National Park Service, Hawai‘i Nei invites artists to explore the ways in which Hawaii Island’s national parks preserve our pilina, or “connection and love for nature,” and specifically unique and diverse native species.
For the first time, and only for this category, Hawai‘i Nei will allow artists to portray humans in the artwork, however, plants and animals prominently depicted in the work must be native to the Hawaii Island.
Artwork in any medium or combination of media is welcome. Native species found only on other islands will not be accepted. All species found from ridge to reef on the island are acceptable. Subjects from beyond the reef, including the deep ocean, will not be accepted. Artwork made from native species is discouraged.
All artwork must be registered online by Oct. 20 at www.hawaiineiartcontest.org. A photo of the artwork and entry fees are required with registration.
Artwork drop-off dates, times and locations are 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 22 at Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Wailoa Center. West Hawai‘i participants are required to have their items boxed and ready for transport to Hilo.
There are four age divisions for entry: adult, elementary school (grades K-5), middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). Students do not need to be affiliated with a school to enter.
Prizes will be awarded for all divisions, including a $300 prize for Jurors Choice.
Additionally, special field trips are planned as a prelude to the November art exhibit. Hawai‘i Nei is partnering with National Park Service ‘ohana to host Art Adventures in four National Parks:
• May 7, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
• June 18, Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
• July 9, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kahuku Unit
• Aug. 6, Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
For questions regarding Hawai‘i Nei artwork or Art Adventures, email hawaii.nei.art@gmail.com or visit www.hawaiineiartcontest.org.
