Bishop Museum Hosts Maoli Arts Month Kickoff

Bishop Museum will begin the second annual Maoli Arts Month (MAMo) by celebrating six Native Hawaiian master artists on Thursday, May 3, at 5 p.m. with the members-only opening of Kü I Kä Ni'o 2: In Celebration of Native Hawaiian Master Artists in the Vestibule Gallery. The exhibition will open to the public on May 4 at 9 a.m. Regular museum admission applies.

Coordinated by Bishop Museum's Noelle Kahanu, Kü I Kä Ni'o 2: In Celebration of Native Hawaiian Master Artists honors six Hawaiian master artists who have tirelessly championed the cause of Native Hawaiian arts. This year's honorees include Sean K. L. Browne (O'ahu), Puanani Van Dorpe (Hawai'i), Joseph Dowson (O'ahu), Sam Ka'ai ( Maui ), Leialoha Kanahele ( Maui ), and JoAnne Kahanamoku Sterling (Hawai'i). The exhibition celebrate these artists thorough the presentation of artworks which attest to their lifetime achievements and will remain on view from May 4 through August 26 in the Hawaiian Hall Vestibule Gallery.

Says Kahanu, "We have the Hoku Awards and the Merrie Monarch, but how were we acknowledging the visionary visual artists within our own Native Hawaiian community? We weren't. So this annual exhibition and Maoli Arts Month Award (MAMo Award) is our community-based response to honoring those who have truly led the way. Each of these artists is well known for both perpetuating traditional arts and breaking new ground. They have fostered and inspired new generations of artists."

The exhibit is part of MAMo, a month-long community-based event celebrating Native Hawaiian art, artists, and cultural practitioners with a host of activities and events at a variety of venues throughout Honolulu, including the Hawai'i State Art Museum, Chinatown Arts District, The Arts and Marks Garage, as well as Bishop Museum.

Says Kahanu, "What better way to start off MAMo than with this exhibit, by celebrating our master artists. They are our source of inspiration."

MAMo organizers include Bishop Museum, PA'I Foundation, Keomailanai Hanapi Foundation, Hale Naua III, Maoli Arts Alliance, as well as other Native Hawaiian artists and organizations, and the City and County of Honolulu, Mayor's Office for Culture and the Arts.

This art exhibition is funded under the Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program (NHCAP). (The views and conclusions contained in the exhibition are those of the artists, and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U. S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Government.) Bishop Museum welcomes artistic expression. -- www.bishopmuseum.org