Treasure Hunt for the Artist behind the Art

By Maesyn

There is never a shortage of adventure in Maui.

From waterfalls to epic views, the tropical nature is pure art. What about the art that is inspired by our lush landscapes? Maui’s thriving art scene is often hidden away in small galleries that tourists and locals alike might miss.

For those treasure hunters who like to delve into the realms of mortal creation, the First Annual Maui Open Studios event will tickle your creative fancy and send you into orbit.

Keili Engle's Art (file photo)

During the month of February, a unique offering has been organized, using a concept model that has been used on the mainland for years. It is a free event, open to the public, where artists from around the island open their homes and turn their intimate creative spaces into galleries which you can visit at will.

Probe an artist’s innermost world, in the comfort of their own home, and ask them questions about their work.

The public may visit as many galleries and studio spaces as they wish in order to view and purchase art directly from the artists.

To keep it free for the public, the many visual and multimedia artists who are included in the program paid a listing fee, which helped to produce a beautiful MOS Guidebook for your perusing pleasure during your self-guided tour. (It can be found in online format as well on their website).

Rick Strini's glass lighting fixtures (file photo)

The guidebook offers maps of the various studios. It also features samples of each artists’ work, so you can get a sense of each person’s style before you go to their home.

Each weekend will feature different artists, grouped by location and date of exhibition, to make it easy to hop from studio to studio.

Weekend #1 has already passed. According to participants, it was smashing good fun.

“My friends and I hopped in our car and drove around all day popping in at different artists’ spaces all day long!” exclaimed enthusiastic guest, Amanda Shea. “It was like going to an art gallery, but way more fun, diverse, scenic and energized! I got to talk to the artists and hear the story behind the art, it was amazing!”

Turnbull's sculptures (file photo)

The second weekend of the show is coming up this weekend, featuring North, Central and Upcountry Open Studios. This phase will run 
Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13, from 10am – 6pm.

Weekend three will feature art from the more remote region of Hana & East Maui. The featured studios will be open Saturday, February 19 and Sunday, February 20, from 10 am – 6pm.

The central hub of the art exhibit is the Gallery Oceanica, at 780 Front Street #3 in Lahaina. There you can pick up a MOS Guidebook, and purchase work by a number of the MOS artists.

Also, throughout the exhibit, Friday nights are designated Art Nights at the Gallery Oceana: (Fridays, February 11, 18 and 25 from 6:30pm – 9pm).

There you can meet many of the featured artists, and enjoy wine and live musical entertainment from 7pm – 9pm.

Use the convenient online artist directory to map out your tours. You can print maps, preview each artist’s work, and check out the artist’s website.

*WEEK TWO FEATURED FAVORITE

Douglas Hoffman
Fine Art Photographer
The magic of Maui’s impeccable landscapes and the details of her more nuanced aspects are captured to perfection by Douglas in his gorgeous photography.

Douglas Hoffman's photography (file photo)

Turnbull Studios
Sculptors
A married couple, the Turnbulls are both sculptors, casting in bronze, woods, clay and other mediums. They invite you to witness their art in action, walk through their beautiful sculpture garden and studio, and enjoy pupus and refreshments. “This is a place not to miss and one you will always remember.” Find them on the main site, or at their own website, www.turnbullstudios.org

Rick Strini
Glass Blower, Designer/Craftsman
Rick Strini offers breathtaking pieces of blown glass, custom designed to create a light fixture that invokes wonder and awe. He will offer glass blowing demonstrations, and share his journey. Enjoy the gallery/showroom’s sweeping views of the Pacific ocean.

Explore his creations at www.striniartglass.com

WEEK THREE FEATURED FAVORITE

Kalei Engel
Sculptor and Painter
Engel uses recycled paper, driftwood, assorted natural fibers to create each unique original expression of Mana energy. She invites you to talk story and share coconut water, wine and pupus, while she demonstrates her unique art form.

Check out the website for details and descriptions of all the involved artists, as well as maps.

*If you have suggestions for Maui Now arts or entertainment articles, please email [email protected]