Harry Wishard of the Wishard Gallery in North Kohala, was the judge for the fourth annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll competition on the theme of “Joy in the Gardens.”
Taking first place is “Under the Banyan Tree” a watercolor by Ron Louie. “Favorite Spot” Louie’s work in 2019 took People’s Choice and is featured on the 2020 brochure and flyer.
“Under the Banyan Tree” showed a mastery of the quick, unforgiving execution of watercolors,” said Wishard.
Second place goes to “Reflections” by Craig Allen Lawver and third to “Garden of Love” by Stephen Davies.
Selected works will be on display in the Palm Room on the lobby level of the Grand Naniloa Resort Saturday, Jan. 11. Voting for People’s Choice will take place there from noon until 6 p.m.
Harry Wishard was born and raised on the island of Hawaii. His uncle Lloyd Sexton led him into the life of an artist at an early age. He has painted daily for more than 50 years.
Wishard spoke of several factors in making his decision from the entries. “First was their adherence to the theme. Then there was their skill level in their chosen medium.”
The Banyan Drive Art Stroll is organized by Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens and The Banyan Gallery. Held noon to 6 p.m. on the second Saturday in January, the event features plein air demonstrations in the gardens from noon to 3 p.m., a judged photographers exhibit at Hilo Bay Café through 4:30 p.m., gyotaku presentation at Suisan Fish Market at 3 p.m., block printing demonstration at Ali‘i Ice, live entertainment, a silent auction, and additional indoor art demonstrations.
Featured plein air artists in Lili‘uokalani Gardens include Marilyn Montgomery, Crystal Nylin, William Wingert, Kevin Spitze, Amy Markham, Bonnie Sol, Abbie Rabb, Christine Ahia, and others.
Sakiko Shinkai, who studied at the Studio Incamminati Fine Art in Philadelphia and Kyoto Tachibana Women’s University, will demonstrate portrait painting in the Palm Room at the Grand Naniloa from 3-5 p.m. Patti Pease Johnson will demonstrate pastels in the same space from 1-3 p.m.
“Painting with Light” a fused glass demonstration by Ronni Barbula will take place in the Wai‘oli Lounge on the lobby level of the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel from noon to 5 p.m. A Silent Auction will be held in the same space.
Live entertainment includes outdoor performances by Puna Taiko, opening the event at noon. Hawaiian music is featured at the Grand Naniloa Resort lobby lounge starting with Christy Lassiter at noon followed by Randy Lorenzo and Friends at 2 p.m. Closing the event with the 4-6 p.m. time slot will be the Kalapana Awa Band. Emcees are Ku‘ehu Mauga and Holly K with sound by Pepe Romero.
Appetizers will be served at different times at each location to patrons of the event wearing the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens logo pin. Pins are available for $5 at Banyan Gallery, Hilo Bay Café, the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, and the Grand Naniloa Resort. Door prize registration is at Banyan Gallery where a wall of the gallery will feature art from Lili‘uokalani Gardens.
A brochure of all events and a map to all sites will be available throughout the peninsula.
For up to date information on the schedule, please see the 4th annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll event on the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens Facebook page.