Volcano Art Center presents “The Magic of Midway — An unveiling of new art by Caren Loebel-Fried” on Thursday evening.
Volcano Art Center presents “The Magic of Midway — An unveiling of new art by Caren Loebel-Fried” on Thursday evening.
From 7 to 9 p.m., the Volcano artist will share her Midway Atoll experience, and Rob Shallenberger, former Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge manager, will present photos of historical Midway, and a year in the life of an albatross.
It’s a small spec of land that lies in the vast Pacific Ocean that is also a place of historical importance. The Battle of Midway was one of the most important battles in the Pacific Campaign during World War II. But now there’s another battle being waged on this tiny Pacific atoll.
Though some may consider it insignificant, Midway Atoll is a critical habitat, home to 67 to 70 percent of the world’s Layson albatross and 34 to 37 percent of the global black-footed albatross populations. There are almost 3 million birds who make the area home. Helping the sea birds are the Friends of Midway Atoll and Loebel-Fried.
Loebel-Fried began her quest to help the Albatross last winter when she participated in an albatross survey.
“I had the great honor and challenge of creating a piece of art that honors and supports Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, the Battle of Midway Memorial, and the deep Hawaiian roots throughout Papahanaumokuakea, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands,” she said. “My biggest challenges were trying to represent the unique essence of Midway Atoll, and include as much of its variety as possible. I couldn’t have done this without the help of USFWS staff and volunteers on Midway while I was there.”
A limited edition print of “Midway” and other art merchandise will be available for purchase to support Friends of Midway Atoll and the wildlife on Midway Atoll. There will also be a charity auction and conversation about how a raucous seabird colony and WWII monument inspired artist Loebel-Fried to create the piece, “Midway.”
On March 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Loebel-Fried will demonstrate her block print process at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
She is currently working with Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai, creating art for the refuge in support of their wildlife, which includes many nesting seabirds.
Info: www.volcanoartcenter.org.