The Endangered Species Collection

May 4 – 28, 2016

 

During the month of May, the Firehouse Gallery in Waimea will feature an “Endangered and Threatened“ exhibit. This collection showcases artwork by local artists inspired by native plants and animals that are in danger of disappearing.

All Hawai’i residents know that island wildlife is special. Since Hawai’i is an isolated island thousands of miles from Asia and the Americas and unique endemic species of plants and animals are found here and nowhere else in the world. Unfortunately, due to climate change, drought, loss of habitat, and disease, many of our incredible species are now considered threatened or endangered. To highlight the importance of these special plants and animals and to raise awareness of their threatened status, the Waimea Arts council will be honoring these unique species through a variety of visual art.

The official flower of the Big Island is the Lehua blossoms of the Ohi’a tree. The Ohi’a forest on the Big Island is being threatened with a virus that is killing thousands of acres of Ohi’a forest. Leuha blossoms can be a bright red or yellow color. The Lehua blossoms are also a favorite flower that the endangered I ‘iwi and Phali depend on.  These blossoms will be featured in a photo by Barbara Schaefer.  Other threatened plants include   the Wiliwili (Erysthrina) of the dry forest area near Waikoloa.

Critically endangered animals and birds include the Hawaiian monk seal and Hawaiian Crow or Alala.  A watercolor of a Monk seal by Julie McCue and oil painting of Alala by Pat Dinsman will also be included in this show.  In addition to these two, threatened marine animals include green sea turtles and Humpback whales  Endangered birds, just to name a few, include the  Hawaiian Nene, Hawaiian Hawk aka I’o, I’iwi, Phali, Pueo, Hawaiian Stilt, and many more.

The Waimea Arts council is dedicating the month of May to honoring these unique species as an effort to raise awareness and help preserve our precious natural treasures.