Maoli Arts Month

Art by Kapulani Landgraf (top) and Kawika Lum PA‘I FOUNDATION PHOTO

More than 50 Native Hawaiian artists, designers, painters, weavers, photographers, carvers and more are brought together for the 2015 Maoli Arts Month, which showcases their work in a string of events.

Hosted by PA‘I Foundation, MAMo aims to celebrate Hawaiian artists, while also creating economic opportunities for them.

“By increasing their presence in museums and galleries, MAMo hopes to spread awareness about Native Hawaiian cultural principles and values, as applied to Native Hawaiian art, within the community and beyond the shores of Hawaii,” stated PA‘I executive director Vicky Holt Takamine in a release.

MAMo’s name, however, is a little deceiving: It’s actually a three-month long event that launched earlier this month and runs through June. It kicked off on Hawaii island, and comes to Oahu from April 28 to May 30.

The Oahu-based MAMo component takes place at The ARTS at Marks Garage, where an exhibit called KAHEA will feature art from MAMo awardees Kauanoe Chang and Sol Apio. Other featured artists include Kawika Lum, Mele Chun, Kyle Wright, Meala Bishop, Olalehua Ah Chong, Meleanna Meyer, Harinani Orme, Kapeka Forges, Momi Greene, Kazu Kauinana and A‘ia‘i Bello.

The exhibit is free and will be on display from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays– Fridays.

Next month, MAMo also will include the Native Hawaiian Arts Market May 16-17 at Bishop Museum and a Wearable Art Show May 20 at Hawaii Theatre. Check back in Metro during May for more details.

For more information, visit maoliartsmonth.org.