19-4074 Old Volcano Road
Volcano
HI 96785
Worth Of Water – Sculpture Garden Opening and Artist Reception
December 17th
The Volcano Art Center (VAC) proudly announces a new exhibition of sculptural works titled the Worth Of Water at the Niaulani Sculpture Garden, located at VAC’ s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. The outdoor exhibition opens on Sunday, Dec. 17th, and will be on display through January of 2026. Artists with works selected for this juried exhibition include Rachel Lyra Hospodar, Owen Fritts, Renata Jaworska, Ingrid Fregeau, and Henri Bianchini.
The Niaulani Sculpture Garden provides a space for Hawai`i’s talented sculptors to share their works. The dynamic interplay of sunlight, mist, and rain that is Volcano’s variable weather, against a backdrop of old-growth ‘ohi‘a – koa rainforest, provides the ideal setting for outdoor sculpture. Inspired by the unique nature of Kīlauea, artists’ creations are enhanced not only with with a sense of place, but also by the thoughtful design of landscape architect David Tamura within the Sculpture Garden.
The Worth of Water outdoor exhibition works of art were selected by mixed-media sculptors Elizabeth Miller and Jonathan Sudler. The five sculptures juried for the exhibition explore water in all its forms; including its sound, shape and interaction with other environmental elements. Living Treasure of Hawai’i, Mary Kawena Pukui spoke of water and its cultural significance during an interview with Kepā Maly in 1975 and explained, “The Hawaiian word for water is wai. The Hawaiian word for wealth is waiwai; wai is doubled, or said twice. When you have wai you have life, the ability to sustain yourself upon the land. Water is believed to be from the god Kāne i ka wai ola, Kāne the giver of the water of life”
VAC hopes to honor the life giving waters of the Hawaiian rain forest with this collection of outdoor sculptures. The public is invited to attend the opening reception on December 17th from 2-4 pm. Light pupu and refreshments will be served and an opening blessing performed by Kumu Keala Ching.
Volcano Art Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created in 1974 whose mission is to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic, cultural, and environmental heritage of Hawaiʻi’s people through the arts and education.