The 2012 Hawaii Nei Art Exhibition, held Nov. 2 through 29 at Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center in Hilo, celebrated the native species of Hawaii Island through the work of more than 100 artists. The show, featuring works in a variety of media from wood sculpture to watercolors, promoted awareness of endangered Hawaiian ecosystems.
The 2012 Hawaii Nei Art Exhibition, held Nov. 2 through 29 at Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center in Hilo, celebrated the native species of Hawaii Island through the work of more than 100 artists. The show, featuring works in a variety of media from wood sculpture to watercolors, promoted awareness of endangered Hawaiian ecosystems.
A variety of events were held in conjunction with the exhibition to inspire community members’ creativity while encouraging their investigation of native species. Art hikes helped community members access rare ecosystems. The opening night reception welcomed 300 guests with music, award ceremonies and prizes. Saturday talk story sessions gave the public a closer look at some of the species featured by artists.
The people’s choice award went to “Eyes on You,” a photograph by Lanaya Deily featuring the pueo, or Hawaiian short-eared owl. In the children’s category, Dakota Hill won the people’s choice award for the drawing titled “Hee Hiding from the Rain.”
Visit facebook.com/HawaiiNei for more information about this year’s exhibition and plans for 2013.