Exhibit: Hawai’i Nei Invitational: Species of Concern

The Volcano Art Center (VAC) is proud to announce The Hawaiʻi Nei Invitational Exhibition: Species Of Concern on display at the VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park July 2 – August 7, from 9am – 5pm daily. The multi-media exhibition showcases six outstanding artists who were selected by members of the Volcano Art Center at the annual Hawai’i Nei Art Contest celebrating Hawai`i Island’s native species. The 2021 selectees include Diana Carlson, Diana Miller, Daniel Moe, Heidi Fickinger, Jack Kinkelaar, and Kawelina Cruz. The selected artists have been asked to create unique works of art focusing on Hawaiʻi’s fragile ecosystems and specifically species of the greatest conservation need within the state.

Hawaiʻi is home to an amazing diversity of fish and wildlife, many of which can be found nowhere else.  Unfortunately, Hawaiʻi has also been declared the “endangered species capital of  the world.” The Hawaiʻi Biological Survey, with the assistance of various state, federal, and local agencies compiles information on at-risk species with different designations such as endangered, critically endangered or vulnerable. Species of concern are listed as species about which there are concerns regarding status and threats.  Species of concern are commonly declining or appear to be in need of concentrated conservation actions. VAC hopes this exhibition will bring awareness to these vulnerable species and the conservation efforts within our island communities to preserve them.