Ron Louie’s watercolor “Under the Banyan” was selected by art exhibit judge Harry Wishard for first prize. This painting also took People’s Choice award.
The fourth annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll organized by Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens and Banyan Gallery offered the viewing public opportunities to select their favorite works both at the judged art exhibit and in the photography contest display.
“Under the Banyan” by Ron Louie took the People’s Choice award in the art exhibit. Ballots were cast until 6:00 p.m. in The Palm Room of the Grand Naniloa Resort.
“There was no question,” said organizer Jelena Clay, of The Banyan Gallery. “Ron’s work was far and away the crowd favorite this year with Under the Banyan getting the most People’s Choice votes and his watercolor of walkers hand in hand at the park — Morning Ritual — taking second.”
Both watercolors sold during the show.
“Morning Ritual” by Ron Louie
Ron Louie’s biography (from his web site): Self-taught and strongly influenced by his father’s avid painting, Ron started working in watercolors when he was 13. Outings with his father to sketch and paint while growing up in Idaho developed Ron’s keen sense of lighting and composition. Ron continued painting and exhibiting his watercolors while in college, but it wasn’t until after a career in advertising did he begin to paint full-time. Since then, Ron’s work has been selected and juried into major watercolor competitions and exhibitions on both the East and West coasts. Ron and his wife live on the Big Island in Hawaii.
In selecting Louie’s work for first prize in the judged exhibit, Wishard remarked “Under the Banyan” showed a mastery of the quick, unforgiving execution of watercolors.”
Akamai Art Supply gift certificates are a highly prized award.
Louie received a $200 gift certificate to Akamai Art Supply in Kona for People’s Choice and a $125 gift certificate to Cunningham Gallery and Picture Frame Shop in Hilo for first place.
Cunningham Gallery and framing service in Hilo is a long established and trusted firm in east Hawaii
In the photography exhibit at Hilo Bay Cafe, all winning images selected for the 2020 Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens calendar by judge Charles Wood were displayed.
People’s Choice vote goes to Jay Takaaze for his April image “Early Morning Stroll.” This was another “no doubt about it” vote, said event organizer K.T. Cannon-Eger. “More votes were cast for April than for any three images combined.”
“Early Morning Stroll” by Jay Takaaze
Takaaze is familiar to Hilo residents for his portrait photography with his brother Reed. Now retired from that enterprise, Jay’s work may be seen in Takaaze Art Gallery at 1420 Kilauea Avenue.
The month’s grid features national and local holidays as well as special events such as Merrie Monarch Festival, Hilo DIA First Friday, and the weekly Hilo Hula Tuesday sponsored by Destination Hilo.
Jay says he finds landscape photography and grand kids to be his passion. “It is such a joy to provide local wall decor for homes and businesses.”
Takaaze received a gift certificate to Cunningham Gallery in Hilo.
Louie’s work may be found at Banyan Gallery. Additional copies of the Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens 2020 calendar also are available there as well as at KTA SuperStores and Basically Books.
Other prizes awarded at the Banyan Drive Art Stroll were:
Grand prize in the photography calendar contest went to Kris Hawkins. Paradise Helicopters sponsors the grand prize of a doors off helicopter ride with Mick Kalber and Bruce Omori.
Kris Hawkins, K.T. Cannon-Eger, judge Charles Wood
Second prize in the art exhibit went to “Reflections” by Craig Allen Lawver, a $100 gift certificate from Akamai Art Supplies in Kona.
“Reflections” by Craig Allen Lawver
Third prize in the art exhibit went to Stephen Davies, a $75 gift certificate from Cunningham Gallery.
“Garden of Love” by Stephen Davies
Stephen Davies, K.T. Cannon-Eger, Jelena Clay, Craig Allen Lawver
First prize winner Ron Louie was not available for the photograph
U.S. Japanese Gardens 