The Waimea Arts Council’s new show at The Firehouse Gallery features artists’ interpretations of island vistas that take your breath away, the quiet beauty of tucked away places, the power of a volcano or of the ocean, as well as interpretations of the culture and the history of all that makes Hawaii spectacular. “Scenes from the Big Island” includes fine art photographs, paintings, sculpture, ceramics and other creations by local artists and runs from March 3 to April 30, 2023.
Watching fountains of lava burst from Mauna Loa inspired artist Debby Dernberger to paint the goddess Pele within the eruption. “That’s creation, I thought as I watched the lava rise and flow down the mountain, said Dernberger. “Then I had a vision, a dream and so I painted my expressionist, surrealistic vision of the goddess of fire and volcanos!” Dernberger’s 12 “ x 24” acrylic painting is titled Pele Of Mauna Loa.
Well known kanaka maoali (native Hawaiian) artist, Moses Kealamakia, Jr states, “I respond to the two personalities of the ocean. One side of the island is very dramatic and stormy; the other side is calm with the ocean often appearing almost flat – the Ying and Yang,” For this show, he painted Kolekole Surf, on the Hamakua Coast, oil on canvas, 24” x 30.” Kealamakia says painting the land brings increased optimism and encourages curiosity to see and experience more of the wonder of the Big Island.
The Firehouse Gallery is located at 67-1201 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, housed in the old firehouse on the Waimea Historic Corner Park. The gallery is open Friday through Sunday from 11-3 and whenever the flags out front are flying!