Malama Wao Akua 2014

Aloha,
One of my favorite shows is now hanging at the lovely Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao. In honor of East Maui Watershed preservation, Malama Wao Akua celebrates it's 10th year Anniversary Art Exhibit. 

 The focus of the show is to raise awareness about native forests and endangered native species on Maui Nui. Viewers and artists learn more about the importance of a healthy watershed through this show. Educational opportunities are offered in conjunction with the show.  Environmental experts share their knowledge, experience and expertise  to hopefully increase public awareness.
Malama ( To Protect and Preserve) East Maui's Native Hawaiian Forested Watershed 's rainforest and primary water source, has been the mission of East Maui Watershed Partnership. This partnership , created in 1991, is a combined effort between federal, state and private land owners with the common goals of controlling invasive species and animals, and education through outreach.

The subject matter I chose was the watershed flume delivery system which is being replaced after 70 years to conserve precious water. The low  clouds and water leakage create a misty rain forest environment  where the native forest and watershed thrives.

I was happy to have my piece "Where the Spirits Dwell" chosen for the show.  This was the only relief print in the show, and I received kudos from 2 master printmakers, which was exciting. My style of multi layering, combining techniques isn't always successful, but, it is certainly becoming recognizable. I like the depth and story that is created.
Elementary  and High School students enter the show as well, and often my favorite pieces are in this collection. They are bold and creative, and it's nice to know the kids in our schools are learning about Maui's native species.
The show sometimes is literal with many pieces depicting native birds and forest scenes. The images are beautiful, and, I like shows that stimulate the viewer . I had hoped to see more conservation efforts and  environmental challenges in the artist's presentations. It is a successful show and there is much to be learned about our fragile eco system through art, song and hula.

Malama Wao Akua
Malama ka Aina

 To all the wonderful folks who work so hard in protecting our environment......Mahalo!

Malama Wao Akua 2013

Aloha,

One of my favorite art shows of the year opened Friday night at Viewponts Gallery in Makawao.
Malama Wao Akua 2013 is a juried art exhibition where Maui's artists help raise awareness  about Maui's native species. Elementary and High School artists gain a greater appreciation and more knowledge about the Natives as they research and create their art project for the show. We know the value in engaging our children in important matters to their communities, environment, and cultural heritage.
Many children of Hawaii have been learning hula since they were very young, while others are new to the art. Hula takes commitment, and these lovely girls delighted guests with their performance.

My entry, " Vintage Lauhala Hat with Lehua Lei'po'o" ,was selected for the show.  I had a great time creating my first copper plate etching, and was pleased with the outcome. Being selected for the show was super. I look forward to this event every year, and my art has been selected  for the last four years that I've entered. The collection in the area of the gallery where my piece was displayed was an interesting mix  depicting  native species in clothing and jewelery.These pieces were "out of the box"  yet still met the requirement of showcasing native species.

  Many artists chose to highlight our popular native birds, the red feathered Apapane being a favorite. An informative display was available for anyone interested in learning more.
Malama ( To Protect and Preserve) East Maui's Native Hawaiian Forested Watershed 's rainforest and primary water source, has been the mission of East Maui Watershed Partnership. This partnership , created in 1991, is a combined effort between federal, state and private land owners with the common goals of controlling invasive species and animals, and education through outreach. Lands are being preserved ad protected, and the staff who build fences and pull invasive species are hard working and dedicated folks.

Combining art and the protection of our environment, how lucky are we!
Here's to doing what we love to do.
 Our home in Hawaii and our planet need our attention, before many things are gone forever.

With Aloha,
Cherie

Malama Wao Akua 2009

Aloha,

Recently, I had one of the best days I can remember. I had the great fortune of combining two of my favorite passions: art and nature.

The art was a plein air session with a wonderful watercolor teacher, Connie Adams. Connie helps me to loosen up, get bold and better understand the movement of paint and water. She is positive, a great teacher and alot of fun to work with.

The nature part of the day was sublime. I do not remember ever feeling as connected to nature as I did on this day. We were taken up into the Waikamoi Preserve with East Maui Watershed Partnership. Our lovely guide, Cat, was a fountain of knowledge. I was able to ask a lot of questions to identify plants and took notes as we hiked.

At one point, we all found our quiet zone to observe and experience the amazing native forests of Hawaii. I felt ancient, like I had gone back in time. Nothing else existed on this peaceful and sunny day in the forest of Old Hawaii. I heard and saw the Apapani bird flitting around in the Ohia trees with the forest floor covered in inches thick of brilliant colored moss. The only sounds were the buzzing of the insects and bird songs. This rich experience really brought home why so many folks dedicate themselves to protecting our forest preserves. I do understand this passion and want to do what I can to support these efforts.



The East Maui Watershed Partnership sponsors an art show every year, the "Malama Wao Akua " show. It hangs at the wonderful Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao. The theme and subject matter is "the protection of Maui County's native species and native habitats from ridge to reef and the efforts to protect them."

I am inspired and have been working on a piece for a few weeks now. A small group of artists were taken up into the Waikamoi Preserve for inspiration and to experience the forest. I feel very grateful and privileged to have participated in this day.

The native forests of Hawaii need our help and protection. Remember all the volunteer opportunities available to preserve our unique aina. Visitors to Hawaii will be able to go to places few can go in these environmental volunteer programs.

I hope to be able to go and paint in another special gem of Hawaii's flora and fauna this coming weekend.

Here's to finding your passion!!!, and making the most of it.........

Aloha for now,

Cherie

Haleakala planting and restoration

Aloha,

The slopes of Haleakala are the backbone of our beautiful island. This majestic mountain is my anchor. I stop many times a day to gaze up the slopes to the crater. Sometimes shrouded in mist, often in full glory "The House of the Sun" rises up to the brilliant blue sky.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to give back to the mountain I love. Since 2000, the Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership has planted over 52,000 native plants in the dry-land forests of Haleakala.

Under the guidance of Art Mederios over 2,700 volunteers and the dedicated staff of LHWRP are making a difference. The first Auwahi exclosure is now a functional native ecosystem.

The native 'A'ali'i ,being a fast growing understory species, is planted first to shade out the African Kikuyu grass. This sturdy seedling grows fast and strong, dropping it's leaves to help produce the appropriate soil climate for the other natives to fill in.

I had the honor of planting the Kauila tree, a rare native Hawaiian tree found in the dry-land forests. The Kauila tree was an important tree to the Hawaiians. The dense native wood sinks in water and was formerly valued by the early Hawaiians for spears and tapa beaters. Because Auwahi is surrounded by a high fence, I know this seedling will grow big and strong, protected from the cattle, deer, horses and boar of the high slopes.

The reforestation projects attracts a variety of people including the Maui youth from Americorps. Art is a wealth of information, and he feels it is important to pass his knowledge on to the youth of our islands. These hard working young adults were a delight to listen to as they were being quizzed by Art throughout the day about the properties and Latin names of the trees we were planting. Their desire to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture through their efforts was evident.

We drove through "na ulu" the low clouds of the forest to 3800' elevation with magnificent views of the ocean below. It was a wild and bumpy ride up the slopes of Ulupalakua ranch.

The beautiful orange lichen growing on a low branch is one type of the approximately 110 species of lichen. The dry-land forest is one of the richest spots for lichen in the world. Rare native spiders live inside the safe haven of the lichen.

This month's O magazine features four hotels in the world that promote voluntourism. My voluntourism program caught their eye, and I had the good fortune to be chosen for their magazine article. I was pretty excited to spread the word in Oprah's magazine. Offering our visitors the opportunity to participate in some really amazing experiences is very rewarding.

Steffan, and his godson from Germany, joined the group for the planting on Saturday. This was his second time planting with LHWRP, he came back for more! To thank all those visitors who come and give their time and effort to our aina, and to encourage more to do so, I am offering a 10% discount on their stay at Hale Ho'okipa.

So, here's to volunteering, and enjoying all the wonderful fruits of our labor.

Malama Maui, and mahalo to all who do so....

Cherie