Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s current artist-in-residence, feather artist Rick Makanaaloha Kiaimeaokekanaka San Nicolas will hold an open house through May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 1932 Administration Building.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s current artist-in-residence, feather artist Rick Makanaaloha Kiaimeaokekanaka San Nicolas will hold an open house through May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 1932 Administration Building.
San Nicolas will also participate in the park’s upcoming BioBlitz and Biodiversity and Cultural Festival on May 15 and 16, from the administration building, which is also known as the Ohia Wing, located between Kilauea Visitor Center and Volcano House.
San Nicolas was recently bestowed the title of Ke Kumu Hulu Nui (feather master of ancient Hawaiian feather work) by revered Kumu Hula Kahai Topolinski. Early on, San Nicolas knew his calling was to learn from the most noted Hawaiian experts of this heritage art. His feather work replicates the work of ancient Hawaiian masters whose finely crafted regalia were worn by Hawaiian royalty and warriors. He has honed his feather work through research, talking to kupuna, and by listening to all who want to share their story, traditions, and process.
The National Parks Arts Foundation, now in its second year of working with the National Park Service at Hawaii Volcanoes, coordinates the park’s artist-in-residence program. The National Parks Arts Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) supported by donations from the public. To help fund upcoming artist-in-residence programs in a number of parks, call (505) 715-6492, email admin@nationalparksartsfoundation.org, or visit nationalparksartsfoundation.org.