MAKAWAO
Our work in Makawao has included the following projects:
The Makawao Sculpture Project
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In April 2024, sculptor and architect Matthias Neumann created an 8 x 8 x 11 foot sculpture on the front lawn of the Makawao Public Library inspired by the story of Hui Mo‘olelo participant Kim Thayer of Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership and Scott Fisher, Director of ʻĀina Stewardship at Hawai’i Land Trust. Rooted in ‘Ōlelo No‘eau ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi (All knowledge is not taught in the same school), the sculpture was on view through August 2024. Makawao Public Library Branch Manager Dakota Cotton shared “I see this art installation in coordination with our 55th anniversary as a great opportunity to highlight how integral the Makawao Library is to the Maui community and that our local Maui staff is very dedicated to serving local people as best they can. We are grateful to host this new work, which will reflect back some of the beauty of the people and place which make our community so unique. We hope to continue to be a gathering place for learning and creativity for many years to come.”
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Little Free Art Galleries
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In preparation for our first Makawao public art project (above), we introduced the concept of the Little Free Art Gallery at various sites throughout town. These unique galleries serve as miniature art hubs where artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to contribute their creations. The idea is simple yet powerful – leave a piece of artwork, take a piece of artwork. It's a delightful exchange that encourages artistic expression and community engagement. Artists can submit a painting, sculpture, photograph, or any other form of art; all contributions are welcomed and celebrated.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Seabury Hall for their generous donation of these galleries through their engineering program and to UH Maui College's visual arts department for donating initial stocks of artwork, with the hope that the Galleries will become self-sustaining in the very near future! |
Repurposed Public Art Sitting Benches
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As the Makawao Sculpture Project term came to a close, we reached out to local schools for help repurposing the materials. A big mahalo to Bill Levien of Seabury Hall, who engaged his engineering students to dismantle and repurposed the sculpture into sitting benches for Pōmaikaʻi Elementary School, Kula Elementary School, the Makawao Public Library and the Waihe'e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge.
Repurposing deaccessioned public art is a powerful statement of resilience, creativity, and sustainability. It not only prevents waste but also extends the life of an artwork, giving it a new form and purpose. In Makawao, what began as a single sculpture has sparked a deeper connection between art, education, and community spaces. These benches won’t just be functional. They will carry with them the spirit of the original artwork. Thank you to Dakota Cotton, Robert & Hazel Hirayama, When We Shine and an anonymous donor for sponsoring these benches at their new homes. |