MĀLAMA WAO AKUA 2023
September 9 - November 3
Mālama Wao Akua is a juried art exhibition celebrating the native species of Maui Nui (Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, Kaho‘olawe). In its seventh year at Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, the Hui is thrilled to collaborate with East Maui Watershed Partnership (EMWP) to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our islands’ unique ecosystems and species. The Hui and EMWP believe artists have a powerful and vital role to play in our local conservation efforts; by providing the public with a creative and intimate way of interacting with rare native species, artists help spark conservation and inspire care for the exceptional environments surrounding us.
Wao akua can be translated in Hawaiian to mean “realm of the Gods” or “distant mountain region believed to be inhabited by spirits.” When we mālama something we agree to take care, observe, attend, preserve, and protect it as a service or honor. This exhibition reflects the importance of Maui Nui’s native species and encourages us all to learn and to mālama these special places, plants, and animals.
With education at the heart of the exhibition’s purpose, Mālama Wao Akua invites participation from local Maui artists of all ages. Local conservation professionals analyze each piece for accuracy and appropriateness in depiction and materials. Viewers will notice that EMWP has thoughtfully prepared a label to accompany each work of art; we hope the artists’ statements and information on the depicted species provide fascinating insight into the incredible ecological diversity of Maui Nui. Representing interests in both art and conservation, jurors Kirk Kurokawa and Scott Fisher, PHD, selected works that share knowledge of native species in a meaningful, accurate, and creative way.
Exhibition Events
Talk Story Thursdays: The Hui & East Maui Watershed Partnership will host a different industry leader from the field of conservation. Let’s talk about conservation on Maui at the Hui!
Thursday, September 21 at 5pm: Zach Pezzillo, Technician for Maui Nui Plant Extinction Prevention Program
October 12th at 5pm: Michael Walker - State Fire Protection Forester, DLNR/DOFAW
Thursday, October 19 at 5pm: Keahi Bustamente, Maui Nui Program Coordinator for Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program, DLNR/DOFAW
Thursday, November 2 at 5pm: Dr. Arthur Medeiros, Program Manager for Auwahi Forest Restoration Project
Gallery Docent Fridays: Gallery docents from various Maui conservation organizations will provide an enhanced gallery viewing experience. Ask questions, engage in conversation, and dive deeper into the species featured in this year's exhibition and conservation work on Maui.
Fridays, 10am-12pm September 9 - November 3
Juror walkthrough with Kirk Kurokawa, Visual Artist, and Scott Fisher, PHD, Director of ʻĀina Stewardship at Hawaiian Islands Land Trust.
Thursday, September 14 from 5-6pm
Gallery Hours
Tuesday-Saturday / 9am-4pm
Open to the public with FREE admission
For more information or to purchase any of the artwork you see here please contact call (808)572-6560 or email info@huinoeau.com.
Support provided by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program.
