Haleakalā National Park Hosts Its First Artist In Park

Natalie Westbrook. Photo courtesy Haleakalā National Park.

By Maui Now Staff

Haleakalā National Park hosts its first Artist in Residence, showcasing work inspired by nature, park officials said.

Printmaker, painter, and collage artist, Natalie Westbrook from New Haven, Connecticut, will reportedly showcase her work during several events planned during her visit in June.

“We are excited to see what Natalie creates during her two weeks in the park,” said Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Chimera in a press release from the National Park Service.

“She offers us a fresh artistic perspective on a beloved place, as well as an opportunity to share her diverse talents with our student interns and visitors,” said Chimera.

Park officials say Westbrook was selected for the Artist in Residence program by a jury panel from a list of applicants that also included musicians, sculptors and painters.

According to a park announcement, Westbrook will create a new series based on the island’s unique and rare flora, such as the `āhinahina, the Haleakalā silversword found only on east Maui.  She will then donate an original artwork to Haleakalā National Park at the end of her stay.

Upcoming events being held in collaboration with the program include the following public appearances:

• June 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: In-park Art Demonstration in the Kīpahulu District. Call the visitor center at (808) 248-7375 for the exact location.
• June 13, 5:30 p.m.: “Dreaming in the House of the Sun” Artist’s talk and slide show.  The event is free to the public and will be held at Hui No`eau Visual Art Center in Makawao. Call 572-6560 for details.
• June 18 to 24, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. daily: Artist Exhibition at the Haleakalā National Park Headquarters Visitor Center in the Summit District.