Hawaiian Cordage Workshops with Gary Eoff

Hawaiian Cordage Workshops with Gary Eoff 

Volcano Art Center is excited to announce a series of workshops which will investigate Hawaiian Cordage materials.  These hands-on workshops are designed specifically for the eight selected artists from the 2016 Hawai’i Nei Art Contest who will be preparing art works for the  Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Invitational Exhibition.  The title of this year’s exhibit is Hawaiian Cordage: Fiber, Form & Function.  The exhibit will be on display July 8th through August 19th, 2017.

The first two workshops in this educational series will be held on March 14^th and 29^th from 1-4pm, with artist Gary Eoff at Kohanaiki Community Halau in Kona.  These workshops will focus on ten main Hawaiian cordage plants including Nui (coconut), Hau, Olona, Wauke, ‘Ahu ‘awa, ‘Uki ‘Uki, ‘I.e. ‘I.e,  Hue Hue, Koali ‘Ai (morning glory), and Hala. The plant, its origin, the part of the plant used for cordage, and the cordage uses will be discussed.  The workshops will also cover where and how the plants grow, the fiber source of each plant, and how the cordage is  prepared.

Gary Eoff has resided in Kona, Hawaii since 1981.  He works as an artist and craftsman, influenced by the rich Hawaiian culture and traditions.  Inspired by the expert craftsmanship, high aesthetic and the natural materials used in the culture of old Hawai`i, Gary’s work is noted for its attention to detail, authentic design and  process.  Gary gathers his materials in a manner that sustains the host environment: always careful to nurture the plants and help to reproduce what was gathered.

Registration is required and class size is limited.  Transportation is not included but car pooling may be arranged and is highly encouraged.  Class fee is $40 each session, or $75 for both workshops ($35 each for VAC members and $70 for both sessions)  Call (808) 967-8222 to register or register online.