Thursday Nights at the Center: “Reconstructing Kaluapele: Stories and Observations of Lava and Explosions”

When:
July 14, 2016 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
2016-07-14T19:00:00-10:00
2016-07-14T21:00:00-10:00
Where:
Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus
19-4074 Old Volcano Rd
Volcano, HI 96785
USA
Cost:
Free, but a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.
Contact:
808.967.8222
Share

D.VarezPeleReconstructing Kaluapele: Stories and Observations of Lava and Explosions

Do you know the stories of Kilauea: the legends behind boiling lava lakes, eruptions that shook the earth and clouds of sulphurous smoke drifting over the land? The narratives are sure to give you chicken skin!

Oral histories in the form of chants about Pele, her family, and their works, contain wonderfully evocative poetry and stories of volcanic or other natural events, cloaked in metaphor and hyperbole. Bobby Camara and Don Swanson will be holding an interactive discussion about Pele and how oral traditions about her can be interpreted in terms of what we know today about Kilauea. It will be an inspiring conversation and a magical evening at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, Thursday July 14 at 7pm.

Kilauea and Kaluapele are amazing constructs of both imagination and reality.  Together Swanson and Camara are able to piece together a history of eruptive and explosive activity using feet-on-the-ground exploration and keen observations of sometimes-subtle differences of rock and ash.  They will also share some of their interpretations about the volcanic history of Kilauea by linking geology and cultural traditions so we may all gain a richer appreciation of this unique place.

This is part of Thursday Nights at the Center, an evening series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and our environment. The series is intended to inspire, enhance our art and life experience and foster community connections. The event is free, but a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.

Bobby Camara was born and raised in Honokaa, retired from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and has lived in Volcano for over 30 years. He is a naturalist, geographer, ethnobotanist and researcher, and is passionate about learning and sharing information about his aina.

Don Swanson is a geologist and former head of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. He grew up in the shadows of volcanoes in Washington and studied Mount St. Helens for 10 years before, during, and after its infamous eruption in 1980. He has lived in Hawai`i for nearly 20 years,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll to Top