Anne-Marie Forsythe to Receive Hui No‘eau Angel Award

The Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center will host their annual Art Affair auction on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. As a fundraiser to support community visual arts education, the event recognizes individual members of the community for their contributions to the arts with the “Angel Award.”

This year’s Angel Award recipient is Anne-Marie Forsythe, who the Hui considers a pillar in their ‘ohana and a dedicated arts advocate. According to the Hui, Forsytheʻs passion for arts education has helped establish their organization as a creative focal point in the Maui community ever since she began working with them 13 years ago.

Forstyhe joined the team as a registrar and quickly rose through the ranks. She now serves as the Huiʻs deputy director. From cultivating hundreds of new artists from around the world to coordinating a field trip for hundreds of 1st graders, the Hui said Forsythe has helped give thousands of Maui residents and visitors of all ages the opportunity to experience art.

Forsythe dedicates much of her efforts to ensuring that Mauiʻs keiki have access to the visual arts. According to the Hui, some of these kids would not be able to participate in art if it were not for their programs. Forsythe said her favorite days at the Hui are when they are hosting field trips.

“Seeing the joy on a child’s face when they open new art supplies for the very first time or when they beam with pride at the artwork they’ve created—these moments are magical for me,” Forsythe said.

Many of Forsythe’s colleagues said she makes a big impact both in the workplace and in the community. The Huiʻs program director Lana Coryell said working with Forsythe for the past ten years has been a “great joy” because she is a model of kindness and strength.

“She leads with grace, empathy, encouragement, and a steadfast commitment to arts education,” Coryell said. “She follows her heart and intuition, regularly helping others and giving of herself beyond the call of duty without seeking any recognition in return. Often behind the scenes, Anne-Marie is truly a Hui Angel and beyond deserving of the spotlight with this honor.”

Hui board member and Forsytheʻs family friend Bob Rowland said the Hui would not be the same without her.

“Her infectious smile; pleasant, can-do-attitude and approach, has significantly contributed to everyone’s enjoyment of the Hui and its success,” Rowland said.

More information on the Hui Noʻeauʻs Art Affair can be found on their website.