Most people think of Makawao, Maui, as cowboy country, but it’s also a community of charming galleries. With Haleakala volcano on its doorstep, the unpretentious little town lures creative spirits who find inspiration in the island’s dramatic landscape.
Art lovers and souvenir shoppers stroll from one quaint old building to the next, browsing, buying and chatting with amiable artists. The following Makawao galleries present enough reason to take a drive to upcountry Maui.
Hot Island Glass
Clients can watch the mesmerizing process of glassblowing at this two-man gallery. Chris Richards and Chris Lowry, two of Hawaii’s best in their field, demonstrate their skills from the fire to the finished product. From ethereal jellyfish sculptures to bowls shaped like plumeria blossoms, their lustrous pieces reflect Hawaii’s natural beauty.
www.hotislandglass.com
Jordanne Gallery & Studio
Jordanne Weinstein specializes in “plein air” — painting on site — and her creations channel her passion for Hawaii. Working in oil, acrylic and watercolor painting mediums, she captures tropical landscapes, plantation homes, island fruits and colorful flowers on canvas. Texture and glazing add power to her pictures, which come with or without frames.
www.jordannefineart.com
Maui Hands
Mawakao is one of four Maui locations for this impressive collection of works by more than 300 Hawaii-based artists. Double doors and natural wood floors invite shoppers into the pretty showroom filled with a range of products. It’s a handy place for picking up one-of-a-kind sculptures, paintings, photos, jewelry, woodworks, pottery and glasswork.
www.mauihands.com
Sherri Reeve Gallery & Gifts
The works of Hawaii-raised Sherri Reeve show a distinctive style, with pastel watercolors expressing her love of her island home. Soft teals, pinks, lavenders and yellows prevail in her two- and three-dimensional creations. Reeve, who is usually in her shop to welcome visitors, gladly personalizes her products on request.
www.sreeve.com
Viewpoints Gallery
Maui’s only fine arts cooperative features paintings, sculptures, fiber art, photos, ceramics and glass works by a group of top artists. Each of its rotating shows kicks off with a courtyard reception. Its annual Celebration of Hawaii, a free multimedia exhibit exploring a specific theme, makes Viewpoints Gallery one of the top galleries in Makawao.
www.viewpointsgallerymaui.com
