Supporters of arts and culture, and quilters in
particular, will have an opportunity to enhance their Oahu visit
with an educational experience revolving around Hawaii’s
distinctive quilting heritage.
Between Oct. 14-Feb. 4, the Mission Houses Museum
will showcase Hooulu i ka Nani, Breadfruit Quilts of Hawaii. This
special display of handmade historic and contemporary quilts
features one of the most important plants in Hawaiian history, the
ulu (breadfruit) tree. In conjunction with this exhibit,
the Outrigger Reef on the Beach will hold a two-day quilt design
workshop Oct. 20-21, as well as a free Hawaiian quilt exhibit and
demonstration.
The quilt design workshop will be led by John
Serrao of Poakalani Hawaiian Quilt Designs, one of the islands’
foremost quilt designers. A descendent of quilters, Serrao has
authored four books and taught numerous classes on Hawaiian
quilting. During the workshop, the Outrigger Reef on the Beach will
also exhibit a collection of Hawaiian quilts, open and free to the
public.
Quilting was introduced to Hawaii by American
missionaries in the early 1800s, and subsequently evolved into its
own distinctive art form prized for its intricate and creative
designs. Cherished as family heirlooms, Hawaiian quilts are sewn
from patterns that are traditionally inspired by nature, such as
breadfruit and ginger plants. However, according to Poakalani’s
Cissy Serrao, what makes Hawaiian quilting truly distinctive is the
story behind every quilt.
“There are many commercial patterns that are
available to quilters, but for a special quilt, it’s important to
design your own, to start your own tradition,” explained
Serrao.
The quilt design workshop fee is $125 per person,
and attendees staying at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach will
receive a free autographed quilt book. To sign up, have your
Oahu-bound clients visit www.poakalani.com, call Poakalani at
808-521-1568 or e-mail Cissy Serrao at [email protected]. Space
is limited.
The Mission Houses Museum’s Hooulu i ka Nani
display will include about two dozen, handmade quilts some of which
are more than a century old. Art, legends and recipes using
breadfruit will also be featured. Many of the quilts are from the
private collections of individuals and other museums in Hawaii.
Admission to the museum’s quilt exhibit is $5 per
person. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through
Saturday.
For rates and packages available during the
program, contact the Outrigger Reef on the Beach.
800-688-7444
www.outriggerreef.com
www.missionhouses.org
