Mālama Wao Akua 2022
Mālama Wao Akua is a juried art exhibition celebrating the native species of Maui Nui (Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, Kaho‘olawe). In its seventh year at Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, the Hui is thrilled to collaborate with East Maui Watershed Partnership (EMWP) to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our islands’ unique ecosystems and species. The Hui and EMWP believe artists have a powerful and vital role to play in our local conservation efforts; by providing the public with a creative and intimate way of interacting with rare native species, artists help spark conservation and inspire care for the exceptional environments surrounding us.
Wao akua can be translated in Hawaiian to mean “realm of the Gods” or “distant mountain region believed to be inhabited by spirits.” When we mālama something we agree to take care, observe, attend, preserve, and protect it as a service or honor. This exhibition reflects the importance of Maui Nui’s native species and encourages us all to learn and to mālama these special places, plants, and animals.
With education at the heart of the exhibition’s purpose, Mālama Wao Akua invites participation from local Maui artists of all ages. Local conservation professionals analyze each piece for accuracy and appropriateness in depiction and materials. Viewers will notice that EMWP has thoughtfully prepared a label to accompany each work of art; we hope the artists’ statements and information on the depicted species provide fascinating insight into the incredible ecological diversity of Maui Nui. Representing interests in both art and conservation, jurors Gabrielle Anderman and Chuck Chimera selected works that share knowledge of native species in a meaningful, accurate, and creative way.
We are honored to celebrate the 40 adults, 15 high school students, 14 middle school students, and 27 elementary school students who contributed 117 pieces to this exhibition! We hope you enjoy getting to know the 74 unique native species represented in the Hui gallery.
To purchase any of the artwork you see here please contact call (808)572-6560. A portion of all sales go to benefit East Maui Watershed Partnership. Mahalo!
