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.
Jazz in the Forest: Featuring Melanie Oldfather & Jean Pierre Thoma
The Volcano Art Center’s Jazz in the Forest series continues on Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 5:30pm – 7pm, at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. The evening features Melanie Oldfather & Jean Pierre Thoma highlighting “An Evening Of Piazzolla”
Jean Pierre Thoma is a world-traveled professional musician on flute, saxophone, clarinet, and piano, with experience throughout America, France, Japan, India, and Israel. He holds 2 master’s degrees in music and has been a public and private school teacher as well as a member of numerous jazz and classical ensembles, such as the Maui and Marin Symphonies.
Active in East Hawaii since 1996, Melanie taught voice and music at UH Hilo where she accompained the choirs under Ken Staton, Any Horst, and Matthew Howell. She was a founding member of Kanilehua Chorale and it’s music director for five years. An accomplished singer, Melanie has soloed with the Waimea, Kona and Hilo choral groups. In Hilo she performed the Messiah solos for several years under Tom McAlexander.
Tickets are $30/$25 for VAC members ! Tickets are available for sale online at www.volcanoartcenter.org, or at VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village. (808) 967-8222.
Gone Country in Concert
The Volcano Art Center presents Sounds at the Summit on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 5:30 pm at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village featuring Gone Country.
Gone Country is a popular Big Island dance band that plays a colorful mix of classic country standards, western swing, and country blues and rock. Four seasoned musicians make this band top notch. Bass player Lynn has been a member of Gone Country since its first configuration in 2010. Her steady, dependable bass lines provide the glue that holds the band together. Guitarist and vocalist Steve Fundy is a talented technician whose skill and style bring excitement to band performances. A well known ace guitarist on the island, he is a member of multiple bands, including Uncle Charlie and Bottle of Blue. Lou Ann Gurney contributes heartfelt vocals and piano to the band’s sound. When she’s not singing with Gone Country, she sings with her band Jazz Mele. Rounding out the quartet is drummer John Robinson whose tasteful playing sets the groove and imbues the band with the fun energy it’s known for. He is a versatile stylist who also plays in multiple bands such as The Bridge Band and Jazz Mele with Lou Ann.
Tickets are $25 for VAC members/$30 non-members! Ticket holders will be able to purchase beer and wine. Tickets are available for sale online at www.volcanoartcenter.org, and VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village. Tickets will be held at Will Call on the day of the show. OR, you may pick them up at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus Administrative Office. We are open M-F, from 10am – 4pm.
Make Your Own Glass Mosaic with Michael Reeder
In this class, you will create usable art under the guidance of expert mosaic artist, Michael Reeder. You’ll learn the basics of mosaic art using a prepared 9″ x 9″ wood template on which you develop your own design. Make a trivet or a wall hanging for yourself or a heartfelt holiday gift. All supplies are provided but, you are welcome to bring your own special pieces.
Make Your Own Glass Mosaic Workshop is a 3-session workshop, held on Sundays August 7, 14, and 21, 2022 from 10 am – 12 pm at Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The class fee is $45/$40 for VAC members plus a $25 materials fee. Please bring your own glasses or goggles.
Make Your Own Glass Mosaic with Michael Reeder
In this class, you will create usable art under the guidance of expert mosaic artist, Michael Reeder. You’ll learn the basics of mosaic art using a prepared 9″ x 9″ wood template on which you develop your own design. Make a trivet or a wall hanging for yourself or a heartfelt holiday gift. All supplies are provided but, you are welcome to bring your own special pieces.
Make Your Own Glass Mosaic Workshop is a 3-session workshop, held on Sundays August 7, 14, and 21, 2022 from 10 am – 12 pm at Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The class fee is $45/$40 for VAC members plus a $25 materials fee. Please bring your own glasses or goggles.
Make Your Own Glass Mosaic with Michael Reeder
In this class, you will create usable art under the guidance of expert mosaic artist, Michael Reeder. You’ll learn the basics of mosaic art using a prepared 9″ x 9″ wood template on which you develop your own design. Make a trivet or a wall hanging for yourself or a heartfelt holiday gift. All supplies are provided but, you are welcome to bring your own special pieces.
Make Your Own Glass Mosaic Workshop is a 3-session workshop, held on Sundays August 7, 14, and 21, 2022 from 10 am – 12 pm at Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The class fee is $45/$40 for VAC members plus a $25 materials fee. Please bring your own glasses or goggles.
Niaulani Forest Fair & Trail Enhancement
Saturday, October 8, 2022 | 10am – 3pm
Come and enjoy the Forest Fair, a one-day celebration of Hawai’i’s healthy native forest, at VACʻs Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 10am -3pm. The day will highlight and feature the Niaulani Trail Programs which includes displays, vendors, free forest tours, plant and book sales. This free event will provide information and product give a-ways, making a fun, engaging event for guests to celebrate Hawai’i’s natural resources. These programs allow the Volcano Art Center to continue its long tradition of environmental focused programming. The support from Hawai’i Tourism’s Community Enrichment Program allows these events to be shared.