When it comes to culture, society craves authentic ways to
experience the world from A to Z. Satisfying those into Hawaiiana,
Bishop Museum has coordinated a complimentary program of
interactive workshops taught by highly skilled Native Hawaiian
artisans considered masters at their craft.
The new series promotes and preserves by educating on ancient
and contemporary Hawaiian arts and customs. Held Monday through
Saturday from 10:00 - 11:30am, workshops allow museum-goers to try
their hand at Hawaiiana while experts lead the way.
According to Mike Shanahan, Bishop Museum’s director of
education, the program creates hands-on activities to enhance guest
experiences. “Visitors have the opportunity to learn how these arts
and crafts are made from masters of each art,” Shanahan noted.
“Many have been practicing the art for most of their lives and have
learned from their family and/or another master.”
The appeal is broad based.
“Travelers of all ages will enjoy these interactive
demonstrations,” said Shanahan. “Anyone who looks to learn more
about why and how things take place will gain a greater
ap-preciation of these arts by attending the demonstrations.”
Regularly scheduled events include: Monday - Fancy Ti-Leaf Lei
Making; Tuesday - Kalae Pohaku; Wednesday - Ieie Weaving; Thursday
- Lauhala Weaving; Friday - Hawaiian Quilting; and on alternate
Saturdays - Lomilomi and Lauhala Weaving.
“Having these take place at the museum offers a unique
experience, as guests will also have the opportunity to see the
historical context of these crafts in the many different displays
of precious artifacts at the museum,” Shanahan added.
No museum admission or advance reservations are re-quired.
Participants can simply check in at the museum entrance for further
direction.
Masters Series Spotlight
In the Museum’s Vestibule Gallery until July 9, visitors can
catch more Hawaiian culture with “Ku I Ka Nio: Celebrating Six
Master Artists.” Honoring the artwork of six visual artists who
have been at the forefront of the Native Hawaiian arts movement,
the series features Rocky Jen-sen, Imakalani Kalahele, Herb Kane,
Mary Lou Kekuewa, Marie McDonald and Ipo Nihipali.
Each artist showcases three to five pieces bearing testament to
their bodies of work as a groundbreaking Native Hawaiian visual
artist.
Through May 21 in the Castle Memorial Building, Bishop Mu-seum
is also hosting “Celebrating Chinese Women: Qing Dynasty to Modern
Hawaii.” Displaying the ornate robes of the Imperial Empress and
her court plus accouterments loaned from the prestigious Palace
Museum of the Forbidden City in Beijing, this exhibit celebrates
the contributions that Chinese women have made to Hawaii.
Other artifacts relating to the women of the Qing Dynasty will
be on loan from the Chinese Costume Museum of Donghua University.
Over 50 priceless artifacts from these two Chinese Museums are on
display for the first time ever in the United States.
A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage, the
Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a
tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last
descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty.
Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the museum is open daily from 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $11.95 for youth 4-12
years and free for children under four.
808-847-3511
www.bishopmuseum.org
