The public is invited to explore artist’s studios in Hawaiian Paradise Park and help bring art to the students of local high schools.
The Paradise Studio Tour Artist Collective is having its 13th annual event, allowing the public into the domain where members of the collective create their art. Original art treasures and quality crafted gifts will be on display for sale from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8.
The artist collective’s mission is to bring artists and patrons together while supporting, encouraging and inspiring the next generation.
Since the studio tour’s beginning in 2007, 10% of all sales have been donated to public high schools in the Puna District specifically for art supplies. There have been donations of more than $18,000 to date divided between Pahoa High, Keaau High and Hawaii Academy for Arts and Sciences.
Eight studio locations are open this year, hosting 33 artists working with a variety of media ranging from original fine art paintings to prints, jewelry, fiber, pottery, photography, cement works, metal sculpture, glass, cards and ornaments. All are handcrafted on Hawaii Island by local artists inspired by the powerful beauty of this place.
Most studio locations are featuring live demonstrations and some will have live musical entertainment.
The Hawaiian Paradise Park Activity Center, located at the corner of 16th Avenue and Makuu Drive, is hosting nine artists, and will have a lunch wagon as well as restrooms open to the public.
This year, a new studio hosting five artists will be at the Awapuhi Labyrinth on 4th Avenue. Artist Deborah Masterson is the labyrinth caretaker.
“Unlike a maze, which is intended to confuse the participant with false paths and dead ends, the labyrinth has only a single path; one way leads you in and — reversed — the same path brings you out again,” Masterson said. “This movement represents coming close to and moving away from your personal, transformative center — a place of intense knowing and change.”
More information, including a complete map of the studios on the tour are available online at www.paradisestudiotour.com or by calling Kim Hagen at 430-4302.