The Big Island Woodturners 20th Anniversary Exhibit came to a conclusion March 23 at the Wailoa Center, attracting more than 1,800 visitors from around the world.
Karen and Mark Stebbins took top honors, garnering the People’s and Woodturners Artist Choice awards for their No. 26, “Encompassing Love,” an overwhelming audience favorite.
Wailoa Center Director Codie King said the woodturners thank knowledgeable collectors Jeff Bernstine and Judy Chernoff for their participation during the opening reception, offering their comments and standout choice picks of the exhibit.
“They gave different perspectives of the work which made for a great conversation,” King said.
Notable works included:
• “King Calabash” by Cliff Johns, first place
• “Sunrise at Sea” by Dennis Hakes, second place
• “Tea Time” by John Mydock, third place
• “Stoned” by Matt Malaka and Dayle Kurokawa’s Norfolk pine calabash, honorable mentions
King also thanks the Saturday demonstrators who kept a fascinated and attentive audience engaged for hours. The show was sponsored by HPM, Ace Hardware and Woodcraft.
“Dennis Hakes coordinated this year’s exhibit and made it an educational and inspiring experience for all who attended,” King said.
Wailoa Center, at 200 Piopio St. in Hilo, is a Division of State Parks, Department of Land and Natural Resources. Its circular building is comprised of two galleries that host monthlong art and cultural exhibits which are free and open to the public.
Center hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information about upcoming exhibits, call 933-0416 or visit www.wailoacenter.com.