Monthly Archives: January 2017

Hilo’s stamp of approval

Posted on January 27, 2017 by usjapanesegardens

Today’s entry will share a few photographs from the stamp dedication event held at Shoroan Monday, January 23, sponsored by the USPS, County of Hawaii, and Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens.
Since the official First Day of Issue was Sunday, January 22, in Kansas City, Missouri, the best we could do was make the cake into a first day cover, complete with Hilo postmark.

Short N Sweet Bakery and Cafe on Kino`ole Street in Hilo created the tasty cake
photo by K.T. Cannon-Eger

Dedication remarks were offered by Rose Bautista on behalf of Mayor Harry Kim.

Rose Bautista of the County of Hawaii read a message from Mayor Harry Kim
photo by Don Scott

Alton Uyetake, Postmaster of Hilo, gave background on the stamp selection process
photo by George Applegate

The stamp committee that made the proposal was recognized with lei from Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens.

Board member Jane Heit presents a lei to Art Smith
photo by Don Scott

Jane gives a lei to Anthony Kassel, author of a book on Hawaiian Missionary stamps
photo by Don Scott

Jane presents a lei to photographer Bill Eger
photo by Don Scott

the stamp committee that made the proposal
photo by George Applegate

Rose Bautista, K.T. Cannon-Eger and Alton Uyetake sign programs for collectors
photo by Barbara Fujimoto

a line to purchase the new stamp and get a hand postmark from Hilo
photo by Bill Eger

Mr. and Mrs. George Ito point out the Niigata lantern
photo by Jeff Burton

standing on the zig-zag path, holding an enlargement of the stamp are Rose Bautista, Alton Uyetake, and K.T. Cannon-Eger
Photo by USPS Duke Gonzales

Priority Mail stamps last until rates change. Lili`uokalani Gardens is the first Hilo locale to be featured on a U.S. stamp as well as the first Japanese-style garden to be featured on a U.S. stamp.

Stamps are available at Post Offices across the nation and online.

Approximately 50,000 stamp proposals are made each year, subject to review by the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee. Final decision rests with the U.S. Postmaster.

Categories: Hawaii, Hilo | Tags: Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, Priority Mail, stamp, USPS | Leave a comment

New Priority Mail stamp a first for Hilo

Posted on January 22, 2017 by usjapanesegardens

The new United States Postal Service Priority Mail postage stamp is a centennial project of Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens four years in the making.

Lili`uokalani Gardens joins a select group of iconic features on the American Landmark series of Priority Mail and Express Mail stamps, which began in 2008. Previous stamps in the series include the Columbia River Gorge, Mackinac Bridge, Mount Rushmore, Hoover Dam, Old Faithful, and Grand Central Terminal to name a few. The other Hawaii image in the series was USS Arizona Memorial, an Express Mail stamp released in 2014.

Issued to mark the centennial of Lili`uokalani Gardens, this also is the first time a Hilo locale appears on a U.S. postage stamp and the first time a Japanese garden appears on a U.S. postage stamp

The Lili`uokalani Gardens Priority Mail stamp marks the centennial of the beginning of this well-known and heavily used cultural landscape. It is the first time a Hilo locale appears on a U.S. stamp and the first time a Japanese garden is featured on a U.S. stamp.

“Art Smith and Tony Kassel came up with the idea in 2013,” said past president Bill Eger. “Four of us met and hammered out a one-page proposal that was submitted to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee in August. Two months later we heard that the proposal made it through the first round and the proposal would be heard by the Committee.”

A recent sunny day in Hilo at the zig-zag path leading to the red bridge... photo by Bill F. Eger 2012

A sunny day in Hilo at the zig-zag path leading to the red bridge…
photo by Bill F. Eger April 2012

Two years passed before the next word was received in August 2015 that a company was researching possible designs and wished to use one of Mr. Eger’s photographs from 2012 of the iconic red bridge and three lanterns.

Detailed research behind every U.S. postage stamp issue is lengthy and precise.

“We are grateful to one of our board members, Kenji Kuroshima, and his wife Michelle for a detailed new map of all the lanterns and monuments in Lili`uokalani Gardens,” said K.T. Cannon-Eger. “Additional research was done with Pat Okamura and Professor Masafumi Honda at the Hawaii Japanese Center. Another board member Glenn Miyao helped locate an old map in County Parks & Recreation Department files.

“This research helped answer questions from PhotoAssist Inc. such as: Where did these lanterns come from? How long have they been there? Who designed the lanterns? Was the red bridge shelter original to the garden? What happened in the tsunami of 1946? 1960?

“The process of answering research questions, proofreading draft text, and providing local contact information went on nearly a year,” Cannon-Eger said.

“On December 28, 2016, we heard the news. It was official at last. The stamp would be issued in 2017. What a great New Year’s present for Hilo, for Lili`uokalani Gardens’ centennial, and for Japanese gardens everywhere.”

In early January, 2017, we received a phone call from Duke Gonzales of the U.S. Postal Service in Honolulu telling us the date for first release of the stamp. Planning began immediately for the dedication event Monday, January 23.

Stamps are available for sale online and at Post Offices across the nation. The USPS will have stamps and hand postmarking available in Lili`uokalani Gardens Monday, January 23, following dedication ceremonies.

First day of issue was Sunday, January 22, 2017, in Kansas City, Missouri, for both the Lili`uokalani Gardens Priority Mail stamp and a St. Louis Arch Express Mail stamp.

Categories: Hawaii, Hilo | Tags: Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, Japanese garden, stamp, USPS | Leave a comment

2017 photo calendar raises funds for Lili`uokalani Gardens

Posted on January 20, 2017 by usjapanesegardens

The first photo contest for Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens produced a fund raising 13-month calendar for the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to maintenance, improvement, and centennial celebrations for Hilo’s oceanfront cultural landscape.

“We were delighted with the overwhelming number of entries (90) on short notice,” said contest organizer and calendar designer Ken Goodrich. “And equally delighted with selections made by the judge, Alvis Upitis.”

During the recent Banyan Drive Art Stroll, Banyan Gallery featured an exhibit of calendar contest winners. The grand prize for the photograph selected for the cover was presented at the gallery that day by Cal Dorn of Paradise Helicopters to Kenneth W. Jackson for his image “Angel Crossing.”

sample page from January 2018 featuring photography by Vernon L. Enriques and Valerie A. Victorine

Other photographers featured in the calendar and the month of their image are: Paul Miyasaki for “Lili`uokalani Nene” (January), K.T. Canon Eger for “Nagasaki Lion Picnic” (February), Kornelius Schorle for “Walk With Me” (March), Steve Godzsak for “Nature’s Shapes n Colors” (April), Alan Lakritz for “The Bridge of Tides” (May), Toby Hazel for “Tea Room View” (July), Debra L Newbery for “Bamboo Pagoda” (August), Steve Pollard for “Wahine Hula” (September), Alan Lakritz “Hilo Bay Serenity” (October), Valerie A. Victorine for “Lili`uokalani Shrine” (December), and Vernon L. Enriques for “All the Park” (January 2018).

The calendar includes a judge’s message, gratitude from Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, biographies of each photographer, and a short history section. The calendar was printed locally by Hawaii Printing Corporation.

sample pages featuring historical snapshots

Copies of the fund raising calendar are sold to benefit projects in Lili`uokalani Gardens. Price is $20. If you are in Hilo, please go to Banyan Gallery for your calendars. If you are in Volcano, please go to the Volcano Art Center in the village.

If you need calendars mailed to you, the new Priority Mail postage stamp featuring Lili`uokalani Gardens add $6.65 to the cost. Up to five calendars will fit in one Priority Mail flat rate envelope for the same postage cost. Send checks to Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, P. O. Box 5147, Hilo HI 96720.

Issued to mark the centennial of Lili`uokalani Gardens, this also is the first time a Hilo locale appears on a U.S. postage stamp and the first time a Japanese garden appears on a U.S. postage stamp

For more information, please refer to the Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens Facebook page or additional articles on the Banyan Drive Art Stroll on this blog.

Categories: Hawaii, Hilo | Tags: Banyan Gallery, calendar, Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, stamp | Leave a comment

Banyan Drive Art Stroll showed Hawai`i talent

Posted on January 19, 2017 by usjapanesegardens

The first in a series of centennial events to celebrate Lili`uokalani Gardens was held Saturday, January 14, from noon to 6 p.m. Events were scheduled throughout the afternoon at various locations on Banyan Drive (Makaoku) in Hilo.

Although the day dawned with rain, by noon the skies cleared and perfect weather for strolling the area was afforded to hundreds of residents and visitors.

Christy Lassiter Trio plus enthusiastic hula dancer
photo by K.T. Cannon-Eger

Kicking off the day was the Christy Lassiter Trio at the Grand Naniloa while nearby, en plein air artists gathered in Lili`uokalani Gardens to demonstrate their talents and speak to people pausing to watch.

William Wingert begins a painting in the reconstructed pavilion at Lili`uokalani Gardens
photo by K.T. Cannon-Eger

At 2 p.m. presentation of the grand prize of a helicopter ride over an active lava flow was made in the photo calendar contest at Banyan Gallery. Nearby, Puna Taiko set up in the old sumo ring adjacent to Shoroan, an Urasenke tea house in Lili`uokalani Gardens.

photo by Alvis Upitis 2017
Photographers Bruce Omori and Ken Goodrich join Cal Dorn of Paradise Helicopters to present the grand prize in the calendar contest to Kenneth W. Jackson

photo by Alvis Upitis 2017 Puna Taiko performs in Lili`uokalani Gardens

At 3 p.m., Brandon Tengan demonstrated gyotaku (fish printing) to a crowd of more than 70 at Suisan Fish Market.

Throughout the day, exhibits were open at Banyan Gallery, Hilo Hawaiian Wai`oli Lounge, and the Palm Room of the Grand Naniloa, a DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton.

A crowd of 100 gathered at the old sumo ring for Puna Taiko’s first performance. A different crowd, slightly larger, gathered for their second performance at Banyan Gallery. Every dining venue was filled all day long. Nearly 430 people were counted going through the exhibit at the Naniloa to cast People’s Choice ballots.

Bambu closed the day with two performances at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and Grand Naniloa with selections composed by Lili`uokalani, continuing the theme “Celebrate Lili`uokalani: the Queen and her Legacy.”

Doug Espejo (left) and Desmon Haumea (right) are BAMBU

Residents and visitors strolled from one location to the next holding their map/schedules.

a map brochure of the event: front cover features the juror Dick Nelson’s first choice “Queen Lili`uokalani and her Gardens” by Valentina Montoya

created by Derek at Hawaii Printing Corporation, the map gave clear directions and a schedule to all attending

Categories: Hawaii, Hilo | Tags: Banyan Drive, Banyan Drive Art Stroll, Banyan Gallery, Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens | Leave a comment

Full schedule of art exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment for Banyan Drive Art Stroll

Posted on January 10, 2017 by usjapanesegardens

UPDATE: Saturday morning, January 14, the skies are grey at 7:30 a.m. Here’s hoping for a little sun by noon. It’s Hilo and we are waterproof! Everything is set for a wonderful day of art. Be sure to stick around for the pupu (hors d’oeuvres) and live entertainment in the later part of the afternoon.

The first centennial event of 2017 to celebrate Lili`uokalani Gardens is the Banyan Drive Art Stroll set for Saturday, January 14, from noon until 6 p.m.

Art exhibits will be open the full time at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in the Palm Room on the lobby level, at Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in the Wai`oli Lounge on the lobby level, and at Banyan Gallery.

Valentina Montoya, “Queen Lili`uokalani and her Gardens”, a watercolor, with pen and ink, was recognized with Juror’s First Choice

Free maps and a schedule to all events will be available at each Banyan Drive location.

Painters will gather inside Lili`uokalani Gardens from noon to 3 p.m. demonstrating painting “en plein air” — painting outdoors.

Special demonstrations will take place in the newest pavilion near the red bridge. Demonstration schedule is:

12 noon Valentina Montoya

12:45 p.m. William Wingert

1:30 p.m. Peter Heineman

2:15 p.m. F Scott Cahill

From noon to 1 p.m. Christy Lassiter Trio will perform at the Grand Naniloa Hotel. Lassiter’s CD Leale`a (Joy) will be available for sale.

At 2 p.m. Puna Taiko, will play in the old sumo ring area near the tea house in Lili`uokalani Gardens.

Also at 2 p.m., Paradise Helicopters will present the grand prize in the photographers competition at Banyan Gallery. Copies of the photo calendar will be available at Banyan Gallery. A fund raising project, calendars sell for $20. Ask about shipping if you wish calendars mailed to you.

90 images were entered in the first Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens photo calendar competition — winners will be on display at Banyan Gallery Saturday, Jan. 14

Grand Prize in the photo calendar contest is a ride along with Mick Kalber and Bruce Omori courtesy of Paradise Helicopters

From 3 to 4 p.m., Brandon Tengan will demonstrate gyotaku at Suisan Fish Market on the Lihiwai Street side of Lili`uokalani Gardens.

an exhibit of Brandon Tengan gyotaku

3-4 p.m. Puna Taiko will play outside Banyan Gallery, pupu will be served.

4:00 p.m. Ken Charon drawing demo at Grand Naniloa.

4-5 p.m. Desmon Haumea and Bambu will play at Hilo Hawaiian, pupu will be served. Copies of the CD “Des and BAMBU – Maui Style will be available for purchase.”

5-6 p.m. Desmon Haumea and Bambu will play at Grand Naniloa, pupu will be served. Copies of the CD “Des and BAMBU – Maui Style will be available for purchase.”

Voting for People’s Choice awards continues all day at the Grand Naniloa until 6 p.m. Winners will be announced the following day.

Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, P. O. Box 5147, Hilo HI 96720

For further information, see the Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens page on Facebook or contact K.T. Cannon-Eger by email kteger@hawaii.rr.com or cell phone (808) 895-8130.

Categories: Hawaii, Hilo | Tags: Banyan Drive Art Stroll, Banyan Gallery, Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Suisan | Leave a comment

Tengan to demonstrate gyotaku at Suisan

Posted on January 9, 2017 by usjapanesegardens

Brandon Tengan has a love affair with the ocean as a surfer, fisherman, and fish print artist.

He will demonstrate gyotaku, the art of fish printing, at Suisan Fish Market on Lihiwai Street, Saturday January 14, from 3 to 4 p.m. as part of the Banyan Drive Art Stroll.

Brandon Tengan and a tako catch

As stated on his web site, Prior 2 Pupu Productions, “The Japanese Art of Gyotaku…most simply translated as “gyo”—fish, and “taku”—rubbing or impression; a technique developed to accurately record a fisherman’s prized catch, prior to eating it. Fish are caught, painted with a non-toxic ink, and imprinted on shoji (rice) paper. When peeled back, the paper is left with an impression yielding the exact size, shape and ultimately – the fisherman’s story. The prints are then painted, remembered and shared. Most importantly, the fish is then washed clean and prepared as a meal.”

Tengan was raised in Kaneohe, Hawaii. He said his, “love and passion for the ocean first began with surfing. However, when the surf got flat, he slowly took up diving and fishing and once he started…he got hooked. Brandon considers himself blessed and fortunate to have been taught by many skilled fisherman and dive partners, continuing to learn each time he heads out. Initially taught gyotaku by a family friend, what started as a small backyard hobby is now a fun business endeavor.”

Locally Tengan’s work is carried by Banyan Gallery, located near the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Banyan Gallery will feature an exhibit of photographers’ images selected for a calendar of Lili`uokalani Gardens during the Banyan Drive Art Stroll.

an exhibit of Brandon Tengan gyotaku

The event is free and open to the public, children welcome.

To learn more about Tengan, go to his web site: prior2pupuproductions.mycafecommerce.com

This is the first of a series of events to celebrate the centennial of Lili`uokalani Gardens, which is bounded by Lihiwai Street and Banyan Drive on the Waiakea peninsula in Hilo.

Watch for news of the complete schedule of exhibits, demonstrations, and entertainment at the Banyan Drive Art Stroll.

Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, P. O. Box 5147, Hilo HI 96720

Categories: Hawaii, Hilo | Tags: Banyan Drive Art Stroll, Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, gyotaku, Suisan | 1 Comment

Angel Crossing selected for Friends first photo calendar

Posted on January 8, 2017 by usjapanesegardens

An image by Kenneth Wendall Jackson of Hilo was selected by photography contest juror Alvis Upitis to appear on the cover of a 2017 calendar of images captured in Lili`uokalani Gardens.

“Every show distills out a single image that represents the body of work and draws the viewer in for more,” said Upitis. “Angel Crossing” was that iconic image for me. Like a movie still frame, it asks from me a soundtrack, perhaps “Aloha `Oe” played on grand piano.”

“Angel Crossing” appears on the cover of the first Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens photo calendar and as the main image for the month of June. Another of Jackson’s images, “Winter Day 3,” was selected for the month of November.

Kenneth W. Jackson took his first photograph at the age of 8. He spent 37 years running a successful photography business on the mainland. His work experience is in the U.S. Navy as well as in utility services, soils and concrete testing, and sewer main inspection for several mainland companies. He moved to Hilo in May 2013.

Juror Alvis Upitis is a working commercial photographer with 40 years experience shooting for Fortune 500 companies and top advertising agencies worldwide. He has BS and MFA degrees in photography. He taught photo art and techniques at the college level for 10 years.

The contest attracted 90 entries for a 13-month calendar. Images not chosen for the main month page went through a second selection for potential inclusion as a thumbnail image. In all, 39 different views of the gardens are included in this first Friends of Lili`uokalani calendar competition.

“We are thrilled with the quality of images selected,” said Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens president K.T. Cannon-Eger. “So much so that a separate display of calendar contest winners will appear in the Banyan Gallery Saturday, January 14, from noon until 6 p.m. as part of the Banyan Drive Art Stroll.”

Banyan Gallery outside of the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel will display calendar winners on Saturday, January 14, from noon until 6 p.m.

“We owe deep gratitude to photo calendar juror Alvis Upitis for bringing his professional expertise to a difficult selection process,” said photographer and videographer Kenneth Goodrich of Volcano, who organized the competition.

Goodrich of Hawaii Photo Retreat also is the calendar’s graphic designer. Printing and production was done locally by Hawaii Printing Corporation.

Jackson will receive the grand prize of a ride along with Mick Kalber and Bruce Omori from Paradise Helicopters. Prize presentation will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Banyan Gallery.

Grand Prize in the photo calendar contest is a ride along with Mick Kalber and Bruce Omori courtesy of Paradise Helicopters

Copies of the fund raising calendar will be sold to benefit projects in Lili`uokalani Gardens. For more information, please refer to the Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens Facebook page.

Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, P. O. Box 5147, Hilo HI 96720

Categories: Hawaii, Hilo | Tags: Banyan Drive Art Stroll, Banyan Gallery, Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, Liliuokalani Gardens, Paradise Helicopters | Leave a comment

Montoya selected for juror’s first choice

Posted on January 6, 2017 by usjapanesegardens

Valentina Montoya’s art work was selected for Juror’s First Choice by art competition judge Dick Nelson of Kula Maui. The watercolor, pen and ink, image will appear in the Banyan Drive Art Stroll on Saturday, January 14, from noon until 6 p.m.

Valentina Montoya, “Queen Lili`uokalani and her Gardens”, a watercolor, with pen and ink, was recognized with Juror’s First Choice

Montoya is a graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz with a BA degree in visual Arts. She moved to Hawaii Island in August 2016 and, “I was struck by the beauty of Lili`uokalani Gardens. When I moved here, I connected with the art community through the UH-Hilo art club page on Facebook. I learned of the Banyan Drive Art Stroll competition through that connection.”

All art work that met the criteria of the theme “Celebrating Lili`uokalani: the Queen and her Legacy” will be on display at the Palm Room in the Grand Naniloa Hotel, lobby level, and will be available for voting for People’s Choice awards on Saturday.

Of Montoya’s art work “Queen Lili`uokalani and her Gardens,” Nelson said the artist depicted “a regal queen in a setting of unabashed color fitting for any garden celebration and created with aesthetic competence.”

Montoya remarked that she always was interested in art. “I wanted to study fashion design, but that course wasn’t on the schedule so I signed up for an art class at the community college. I ended up pursuing an art degree.”

“We really appreciate the time, effort, and expertise that it takes to create a beautiful work of art,” said Bonnie Sol of the Banyan Drive Art Stroll committee. “The great number of entries challenged the jurors of both the Banyan Drive Art Stroll and photographers’ calendar contest.”

Other exhibits will be in the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and Banyan Gallery. Demonstrations of painting will be in Lili`uokalani Gardens from noon until 3 p.m. Gyotaku demonstration with Brandon Tengan will take place at Suisan from 3 to 4 p.m.

The Banyan Drive Art Stroll is the first 2017 event in a series to celebrate the centennial of Lili`uokalani Gardens. The land was dedicated in honor of the Queen in early 1917 and construction on the Japanese-style landscape began in the fall of 1917.

For further information, see the Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens Facebook page.

Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, P. O. Box 5147, Hilo HI 96720

Categories: Hawaii, Hilo | Tags: Banyan Drive Art Stroll, Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, Liliuokalani Gardens | Leave a comment

Monthly Archives: January 2017

Hilo’s stamp of approval

New Priority Mail stamp a first for Hilo

2017 photo calendar raises funds for Lili`uokalani Gardens

Banyan Drive Art Stroll showed Hawai`i talent

Full schedule of art exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment for Banyan Drive Art Stroll

Tengan to demonstrate gyotaku at Suisan

Angel Crossing selected for Friends first photo calendar

Montoya selected for juror’s first choice

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