Firehouse Gallery presents endangered species collection

Firehouse Gallery in Waimea will feature an “Endangered and Threatened” exhibit during May. The collection showcases work by local artists inspired by native plants and animals that are in danger of disappearing.

Hawaii residents know that island wildlife is special. Because Hawaii is an isolated island thousands of miles from Asia and the Americas, unique endemic species of plants and animals are found here and nowhere else in the world. Unfortunately, climate change, drought, loss of habitat and disease, have impacted many of these species and they are now considered threatened or endangered. To raise awareness of the importance of these special plants and animals, the Waimea Arts Council will be honoring these unique species through a variety of visual art May 4-30.

The official flower of the Big Island is the lehua blossoms of the ohia tree. The ohia forest on the Big Island is being threatened with a fungus that is killing thousands of acres. Bright red and yellow lehua blossoms are a favorite flower that the endangered iiwi depends on. These blossoms will be featured in photos by Barbara Schaefer. Other threatened plants depicted in our art include the wiliwili of the dry forest area near Waikoloa and the beautiful purple-flowered jacaranda trees of Waimea.

Critically endangered animals and birds include the Hawaiian monk seal and Hawaiian crow or alala. A watercolor of a monk seal by Julie McCue and oil painting of alala by Pat Dinsman will also be included in this show. Threatened marine animals include green sea turtles and humpback whales. Endangered birds include the Japanese white-eye, Hawaiian nene, Hawaiian hawk (io), iiwi, pueo, Hawaiian stilt, and others. These animals will be featured in photographs and paintings.

The gallery, located at 67-1201 Mamalahoa Highway, is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and Sunday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Info: www.waimeaartscouncil.com.