Kahilu Theatre’s “Dance of the Bees — The Exhibit” remains on display at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.
Kahilu Theatre’s “Dance of the Bees — The Exhibit” remains on display at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.
“Dance of the Bees” examines the life and plight of honeybees. The invited artists, Epic Origami, Garnett Puett, Sally French, John Mydock and Shelley Hoist, created the works of art inspired by honeybees.
The invitational exhibit, held in conjunction with the Kahilu Performing Arts Classes original show “Dance of the Bees” on May 6 and 7 in Waimea, will remain on display through June 2 in the Hamakua Gallery. Click here for more details on the May 6 and 7 performances.
Epic Origami, a nonprofit from Waimea, is showing a new origami installation with sunflower and honeycomb motifs created by six local folders and two installation artists including Owner/CEO Bonnie Cherni, Steven Epstein, Shannon Nakaya, Julien Lozi, Rod Hinman, Tasha Bond, Jennifer Prater, and Tai King.
One of the pieces features a honeycomb and three bees. Each of those bees required 103 folds and each cell within the honeycomb required 64 folds before being worked into the piece, said Cherni.
“I really like how it’s having an environmental impact and we can promote endangered species. This aligns with our values,” she said. “I’m super into using origami to promote nature. I adore nature.”
Epic Origami later this year will take part in its first exhibit off of the Big Island with an installation at Denver International Airport. It will feature 10 to 15 pieces and a dynamic crane formation that shows movement and flight, as well as Colorado wildlife.
“For me, it’s this big dream come true,” said Cherni.
Nationally acclaimed artist and beekeeper Puett is exhibiting one of his sculptures in which he collaborates with honeybees to sculpt with wax honeycombs.
French, a Kauai artist, has used bee imagery in her artwork throughout her career, she is exhibiting two large works on paper, one created as a reaction to 9/11 and a new piece for this show.
Mydock, an artist and woodturner who utilizes pyrography to intricately embellish the surface of his vessels is showing a new, honeybee inspired work for this exhibit.
Fiber artist Shelley Hoist is taking inspiration from stories of honeybee goddesses in Greek mythology.
The gallery is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as during all performances.
Info: www.kahilutheatre.org, 885-6868. ■