The MANA 2025 Invitational Art Show will showcase artwork by noted Bid Island artists.
Nelson and Kainoa Makua of Na Makua have invited 32 Big Island artists to their annual MANA 2025 Invitational Art Show at the Wailoa Center in Hilo from today to May 1.
Unlike most art shows, MANA 2025 is not a juried show, and all of the art work is selected by the artists themselves, giving them an opportunity to submit art that they personally felt represented their mana. The artists could also submit older pieces as well as art that had been previously shown.
“We wanted our show to be a more personal exchange between the artist and the viewer and what better judge than the artists themselves,” Nelson Makua said in a press release.
The Makuas headhunt for the art show each year and invite artists based on the appeal of their artwork, while considering different art mediums that would make the show as dynamic and diverse as possible.
“Having our show every year around Merrie Monarch week lets our artists share their mana and art with visitors from all around the world,” he said
Artists invited to participate in MANA 2025 include Christine Ahia, Terry Bensch, Henry Bianchini, Kalaukoa Chang, Jelena Clay, Gaye Covington, Stephen Davies, Scott Gorrell, Bonnie Sol Hahn, Scott Hare, Patti Pease Johnson, Kira Kamamalu, James Kanani Kaulukukui, Edwin Kayton, Trish Helms Kimball, Nelson Makua, Kainoa Makua, Sott Manley, Richard Mortemore, Craig Neff, Geoli Ng, Carl Pao, Jimmie Ramos, Catherine Robbins, Pat Shopbell, Linda Rowell Stevens, Jane Word Taylor and Dominic Tidmarsh.
Every year, the Fountain Gallery showcases either a seasoned artist retrospective or student artwork. This year will be a collection of artwork by 28 Kamehameha high school art students curated by their teacher and artist Carl Pao.
MANA 2025 Invitational Art Show gallery hours at the Wailoa Center are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
There will be an opening reception for the artists and guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today. For more information, contact Nelson Makua, (808) 966-4647 and email puna@namakua.
Wailoa Center is located at 200 Piopio St. in Hilo.
