With warmest winter wishes and happiest holiday greetings, the Volcano Art Center welcomes the public to the 20th annual Christmas in the Country celebration starting Friday, Nov. 22.
Featuring the annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, which continues through Dec. 31, this year’s Christmas in the Country promises an abundance of creativity to welcome the holiday season.
The Friday before Thanksgiving, VAC Gallery, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, creates a merry scene of art and aloha inside its historic 1877 building. In addition to the artwork, you’ll find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments and decorations including some that are VAC exclusives, all made by Hawaii Island artists
The concurrent 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.
As in years past, Christmas in the Country begins with an exclusive members-only preview party at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22 followed by a full lineup of artists hosting special events throughout two full weekends. Special events can be found in both VAC locations, the gallery in and the Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming holiday events:
Member Appreciation Reception and Christmas in the Country Preview
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 and door prizes. Members may bring a guest for $15 at the door.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Where: VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
20th annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit
Gallery artists working in a wide variety of media, materials and techniques present their highly creative concepts of “wreath.”
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Nov 23-Dec 31
Where: VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
Caren Loebel-Fried shares new jigsaw puzzles created from her hand-colored block prints
Made by the New York puzzle company, in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, these unique gifts teach as much as entertain. Come see the designs available and pick one or more up, in addition to books and prints, for those special bird lovers on your list.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
Make a Holiday Card with Desiree Moana Cruz
Make a one-of-a-kind, hand-printed, woodblock holiday card using the beloved designs of artist Dietrich Varez. Varez’s small, prized, hand-carved linoleum blocks, borrowed from his estate, will be used to create unique holiday cards. Come make a card to share with family and friends. All supplies provided.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
Lauhala ornament demonstration by Jelena Clay
Join master fiber artist and nationally recognized gourd artist Clay, who produces a variety of contemporary and traditional art from natural fibers. Her interest in all Hawaiian art forms led her to lauhala weaving, which she now graciously shares through her teaching. She will demonstrate making lauhala ornaments including reindeer. If participants want to try making their own ornaments, Clay will assist in making a star ornament. All supplies provided.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
Print signing with Kathy Long
Long will be on hand signing fine art reproductions of her artwork. Her extensive collection represents many years of dedication to Hawaii’s unique culture captured in pencil, paint and pastel.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
Christmas and More!
A beautiful collection of hand-crafted quilts will be on display and for sale.
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Nov. 22-Dec. 30
Where: Gallery at VAC’s Niaulani Campus located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd in Volcano Village.
Christmas in the Country Expands to the Niaulani Campus
Come celebrate the spirit of the holidays and view VAC’s Program Preview Exhibition, featuring exhibit and program offerings for the upcoming year at Hale Ho‘omana. The building will also host members of the Volcano Hui displaying handmade art and gifts as part of the annual Volcano Hui Tour. Beautiful live poinsettia to enhance your home for the holidays will be on display and available for purchase as a fundraiser for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 29-30
Where: Gallery at VAC’s Niaulani Campus located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd in Volcano Village.
Aloha Friday: Lei making with Kaipo Ah Chong
Tropical agriculture farmer 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. Free.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
Make a Holiday Card
Join VAC staff member Emily Weiss in making a one-of-a-kind, hand-printed, woodblock holiday card using the beloved designs of artist Dietrich Varez. Varez’s small, prized, hand-carved linoleum blocks, borrowed from his estate, will be used to create unique holiday cards. Come make a card to share with family and friends. All supplies provided.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30
Where: VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
For more information about these events, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.