Hawaii’s artists will be in the spotlight when Hawi-based Contemporary Publications launches its latest book “Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawaii Artists” on Saturday.
Hawaii’s artists will be in the spotlight when Hawi-based Contemporary Publications launches its latest book “Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawaii Artists” on Saturday.
This color, coffee table book features inspirational stories and hundreds of works of art from 50 of Hawaii’s master artists, including 25 from Hawaii Island. Hawaii Island artists include Ellen Crocker, Mike Field, Scott Hare, Kate and Will Jacobson, Hugh Jenkins and Stephanie Ross, Joshua Johansen, Cliff Johns, Edwin Kayton, Mary Koski (1929-2015), Kristie Kosmides, Tai Lake, Kathy Long, Marlene Louchheim, Clytie Mead, Elizabeth Miller, John Mydock, Suzy Papanikolas, Vicki Penney-Rohner, Ida Perkins, David Reisland, Timothy Allan Shafto, Mary Spears, Shay Wahl, Shelly Maudsley White and Harry Wishard.
While the artists’ mediums range from watercolor and oils to ceramics and woodworking, they all share one thing in common: Their work is an expression of the aloha spirit of the islands that inspire them.
Tiffany DeEtte Shafto, founder of Contemporary Publications, curated and designed the book, selecting from artists who have participated in local juried exhibit, received awards, or have worked in the Hawaii State Art Museum.
“As a state, Hawaii ranks No. 3 per capita with fine artists and craftspeople — yet most aren’t known on the mainland,” she said. “Many artists participate only in Hawaii-based exhibitions due to the cost of travel, shipping, and the time away from their studios that mainland events require. The isolation of working in Hawaii leaves many of Hawaii’s top artists overlooked and disconnected. It’s time that Hawaii artists receive the recognition they deserve.”
Through the art and artists’ stories, told by award-winning author Lynda McDaniel, the book offers what Shafto calls “seeds of aloha” — spreading positive inspiration into the world.
“Witnessing those moments when people fall for a beautiful work of art showed me the kind of happiness that art brings to our lives, and I think the world could really use more joy, happiness, and Aloha Spirit right now,” said Shafto.
The artists in Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawaii Artists have been invited to an exclusive exhibit at the 5th annual Hawaii Food and Wine Festival. The exhibit will be held Saturday at the Corks & Forks event at Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. This special art exhibit is part of the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival’s silent auction, which reaches audiences around the world. The silent auction is now live at https://501auctions.com/hawaiifoodandwinefestival and will run through Saturday.