Posts Tagged With: Grand Naniloa Resort

January Memories

Posted on February 5, 2020 by usjapanesegardens

As the February newsletter for Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens was undergoing proofreading, the thought struck that there were way more photos than we could fit on one page from the 4th annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll.

Here are memories of January 11, 2020, plus those that wouldn’t fit.

“Favorite Spot” watercolor by Ron Louie received People’s Choice award in 2019. Mahalo to Aaron Miyasato and 4digital Printing for graphic art and printing

Thank you to all who participated in the 4th annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll. The anticipated storm held off and all indoor events proceeded. What great talent we have in this community!

Morning blessing under overcast skies by Pua Brown, photos by Joe Kamelamela

Plein air painters in Lili`uokalani Gardens dodged occasional showers. The only activity that had to be cancelled was Puna Taiko as we could not locate enough shelter to guarantee the safety of their drums.

Kris Hawkins, grand prize winner with the cover image, received a Paradise Helicopters tour from K.T. Cannon-Eger and judge Charles Wood

Enjoying pupu at Hilo Bay Café

 

Brandon Tengan demonstrated gyotaku at Suisan.where the poke bombs were enjoyed by all.

Mokuhanga block printing was demonstrated by Bob Douglas

Fresh fruit paletas were enjoyed at Pandamonia’s Paleta Palace in Ali`i Ice Company

Ronni Barbula demonstrated fused glass in the Wai`oli Lounge at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Raleigh Timmons of Lahaina scored at the silent auction in the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

The museum quality origami piece was created by Mitchell Noll, a great grand nephew of Laura V. Kennedy, an original benefactor of Lili`uokalani Gardens.

Dinnie Kysar won a drawing to have her portrait painted by Sakiko Shinkai in the Palm Room where the judged art works were displayed.

Ron Louie’s watercolor “Under the Banyan” took first place from judge Harry Wishard, People’s Choice award, and it sold during the show

“Reflections” by Craig Allen Lawver

“Garden of Love” by Stephen Davies

Kalapana Awa Band rocked the lobby lounge at the Grand Naniloa Resort

emcees Holly K and Ku`ehu Mauga kept things moving in the lobby lounge at the Grand Naniloa Resort

And when everything was over, the lei were delivered to Homelani Cemetery and placed on the graves of Charles C. Kennedy and his second wife Laura.

If you are interested in more news and calendar items, here is a link to the February newsletter:

Newsletter February 2020

For those of you who missed it, here is a link to the January newsletter:

Newsletter January 2020

 

Categories: Hawaii, Hilo | Tags: , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Louie and Takaaze win in People’s Choice Ballots

Posted on January 14, 2020 by usjapanesegardens

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

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Banyan Drive Art Stroll set for Saturday, January 11

Posted on January 4, 2020 by usjapanesegardens

The fourth annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 11.

(Thursday 1/9) UPDATE: rain or shine, the indoor events will be held. Stormy weather may impact the plein air artist demonstration in Lili`uokalani Gardens, but all other events will continue.

“Favorite Spot” watercolor by Ron Louie received People’s Choice award in 2019. Mahalo to Aaron Miyasato and 4digital Inc. for graphic art and printing

Harry Wishard of the Wishard Gallery in North Kohala, was the judge for the fourth annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll competition on the theme of “Joy in the Gardens.”

Taking first place is “Under the Banyan Tree” a watercolor by Ron Louie. “Favorite Spot” Louie’s work in 2019 took People’s Choice and is featured on the 2020 brochure and flyer.

“Under the Banyan Tree” showed a mastery of the quick, unforgiving execution of watercolors,” said Wishard.

Second place goes to “Reflections” by Craig Allen Lawver and third to “Garden of Love” by Stephen Davies.

Works selected for the judged exhibit will be on display in the Palm Room on the lobby level of the Grand Naniloa Resort Saturday, January 11. Voting for People’s Choice will take place there from noon until 6:00 p.m.

Harry Wishard was born and raised on the island of Hawai`i. His uncle Lloyd Sexton led him into the life of an artist at an early age. He has painted daily for more than 50 years.

Wishard spoke of several factors in making his decision from the entries. “First was their adherence to the theme. Then there was their skill level in their chosen medium.”

Puna Taiko will open the day at noon outside Banyan Gallery.

The Banyan Drive Art Stroll is organized by Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens and The Banyan Gallery. Held on the second Saturday in January, the noon to 6 p.m. event features plein air demonstrations in the gardens from noon to 3 p.m., a judged photographers exhibit at Hilo Bay Café through 4:30 p.m., gyotaku presentation at Suisan Fish Market at 3 p.m., block printing demonstration with Bob Douglas at Pandamonia’s Paleta Palace in Ali`i Ice, live entertainment, a silent auction, and additional indoor art demonstrations.

Grand prize presentation for the photographer’s exhibit will be at 1:30 p.m. The grand prize is a doors-off helicopter ride with Mick Kalber and Bruce Omori aboard Paradise Helicopters. Voting for People’s Choice Award in the photographer’s section will continue until 4:30 p.m.

Featured plein air artists in Lili`uokalani Gardens include Marilyn Montgomery, Crystal Nylin, William Wingert, Kevin Spitze, Amy Markham, Bonnie Sol, Abbie Rabb, Christine Ahia, and  others.

Sakiko Shinkai, who studied at the Studio Incamminati Fine Art in Philadelphia and Kyoto Tachibana Women’s University, will demonstrate portrait painting in the Palm Room at the Grand Naniloa from 3 to 5 p.m. Patti Pease Johnson will demonstrate pastels in the same space from 1 to 3 p.m.

Featured artists in the Palm Room at the Grand Naniloa Resort include: Ron Louie, Craig Allen Lawver, Stephen Davies, Faith Cloud, Kornelius Schorle, Rodney Rauch, Raleigh Timmins, Patti Pease Johnson, K.T. Cannon-Eger, Bonnie Sol, Vivian Ursula Bratton, Suzanne Hutchins, and Melanie Pruitt.

Award presentation for judged works will take place in The Palm Room at 4 p.m. People’s Choice ballots may be cast until 6 p.m.

“Painting with Light” a fused glass demonstration by Ronni Barbula will take place in the Wai`oli Lounge on the lobby level of the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel from noon to 5 p.m. A Silent Auction will be held in the same space.

Live entertainment includes outdoor performances by Puna Taiko, opening the event at noon. Hawaiian music is featured at the Grand Naniloa Resort lobby lounge starting with Randy Lorenzo and Friends at noon followed by the Kalapana Awa Band at 2 p.m. Closing the event with the 4 to 6 p.m. time slot will be Christy Lassiter. Emcees are Ku`ehu Mauga and Holly K with sound by Pepe Romero. (UPDATED 1/9)

Produced by Hawaii Printing Corporation, this $5.00 pin serves as one person’s admission to six pupu stations throughout the Banyan Drive Art Stroll on Saturday, January 11, 2020.

Appetizers will be served at different times at each location to patrons of the event wearing the Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens logo pin. Pins are available for $5 at Banyan Gallery, Hilo Bay Café, the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, and the Grand Naniloa Resort. Door prize registration is at Banyan Gallery where a wall of the gallery will feature art from Lili`uokalani Gardens.

A brochure listing all events and times with a map to all sites will be available throughout the peninsula.

For up to date information on the schedule, please see the 4th annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll event on the Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens Facebook page.

 

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Did you miss the music? Here’s a taste.

Posted on January 21, 2019 by usjapanesegardens

For those of you who missed the fantastic entertainment at the Grand Naniloa Resort lobby during the recent annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll, here are a few links to encourage you to seek out these award winning entertainers.

Desiree and Pepe visit with Irene during an afternoon of entertainment at the Grand Naniloa Resort lobby

Special thanks to Desiree Moana Cruz for making arrangements with these performers and to Pepe Romero, for his experience and his sound equipment to help these professionals sound their best.

Christy Lena`ala Lassiter made her third appearance at Banyan Drive Art Stroll this year. Well known in Hawaiian music circles, her CD album Le`ale`a was nominated for 2017 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for Album of the Year, Female Vocalist, Most Promising Artist, Hawaiian Music Album and Favorite Entertainer.  There are several well known Big Island musicians on this album, including producer JJ Ahuna,, Dwight Tokumoto, Victor Chock, Ikaika Marzo, Lono Kanakaole, and Rob Yamanoha.

Here is a link to “Hale Alani Swing” from Le`ale`a.

Kainani Kahaunaele garnered several  Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards including female vocalist of the year. Born on Kaua`i, she sailed from Hawai`i to Micronesia as a crewmember of the E Mau—Sailing the Master Home voyage in 1999, and now is a lecturer at UH-Hilo’s College of Hawaiian Language.

“Sweet Makani” is her composition from her first CD Na’u ‘Oe.

Mark Yamanaka was recognized as Male Vocalist of the Year twice by Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards in 2011 and 2014. His albums “Lei Pua Kenikeni” and “Lei Maile” were recognized with more awards including each being named Album of the Year.

“Nani Ka Honua” is from his first album “Lei Pua Kenikeni.”

The Banyan Drive Art Stroll is held on the second Saturday of January each year. This year, sponsors included Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, Banyan Gallery, Suisan Fish Market, Hilo Bay Café, Pandamonia’s Paleta Palace, County of Hawai`i Parks and Recreation Department, Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Grand Naniloa Resort, Paradise Helicopters, Akamai Art Supply, and Cunningham Gallery.

Thanks also go to Puna Taiko who performed outside Banyan Gallery and Hilo Bay Cafe, and to Cymber Quinn who performed at Wai`oli Lounge in the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

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Bright and Beautiful Day for Banyan Drive Art Stroll

Posted on January 15, 2019 by usjapanesegardens

Saturday, January 12, dawned with light rain and thick clouds, but by the time organizers arrived at Lili`uokalani Gardens to set up for the third annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll, the skies were clear and remained that way all day.

An estimated 1,200 people wandered through Lili`uokalani Gardens to watch plein air painters at work or take a tour from one of four photographers whose images were included in the 2019 calendar.

Plein air painters demonstrated throughout LIli`uokalani Gardens from noon through 3 p.m. and were available to answer questions. [photo by K.T. Cannon-Eger]

Kicking off the Art Stroll at noon was Puna Taiko performing outside Banyan Gallery where door prizes were awarded all day. Puna Taiko also performed outside Hilo Bay Cafe where the photography calendar exhibit was held.

Puna Taiko opened the day at noon outside Banyan Gallery.

Puna Taiko’s second performance was in the gardens across from Hilo Bay Cafe.

Kenji Kuroshima is a man of many talents among which is professional photographer at the Merrie Monarch Festival. Kenji gave a short talk on site selection and camera gear during the Banyan Drive Art Stroll. His image was selected as the featured calendar page for January 2020. Visible in the background are two sets of plein air painters.
[photo by K.T. Cannon-Eger]

Jay Takaaze was awarded Grand Prize from Paradise Helicopters for his image “Morning Moon” which was selected for the cover image as well as for the month of December. This image also was selected in People’s Choice balloting for an award from Cunningham Gallery. A few calendars remain for sale at the Banyan Gallery near Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

Cover of the 2019 Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens calendar: “Morning Moon” by Jay Takaaze

morning setup

Rita French

afternoon crowd

Jay Takaaze and Jared Goodwin

The route included historic photos at Pandamonia’s Paleta Palace and a family treasure of a painting of the iconic arched stone bridge.

A row of historic photos, in white mats arranged chronologically, tell the story of the Kushi Bridge, the iconic arched stone bridge from the 1920s through 1970s.

 

Les Takayamas grandfather built the Kushi Bridge in the 1930s. The family loaned a treasured painting of the scene to the Banyan Drive Art Stroll for the day.

Suisan Fish Market hosted Brandon Tengan of Oahu with a demonstration of fish printing.

Gyotaku was a way of documenting a fisherman’s catch. It evolved into an art form.

Silent Auction items, a pastel demonstration by Patti Pease Johnson, and music by harpist Cymber Quinn were featured in the Wai`oli Lounge of the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Nearby, door prizes were given away on the hour at Banyan Gallery.

At the east end of the Banyan Drive Art Stroll, a judged art exhibit was on display at the Palm Room of the Grand Naniloa Resort. Ken Charon demonstrated drawing during the afternoon.

K.T. Cannon-Eger and Jelena Clay presented awards to Jared Goodwin, Bonnie Sol Hahn, Jay Takaaze, and Stephen Davies

Jared Goodwin’s “Mokuola Sunset” took first place in the 3rd annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll judged entries.

“Red Bridge” by painter Bonnie Sol Hahn took second place in the judged competition.

“Good Morning” by Jay Takaaze, a frequent visitor to Lili`uokalani Gardens, took third place. Another Takaaze image “Morning Moon” was awarded grand prize in the 2019 Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens calendar contest.

People’s Choice award went to Ron Louie for his watercolor “Favorite Spot”. The award was a gift certificate from Akamai Art Supply in Kailua-Kona

Desiree Moana Cruz was mistress of ceremonies for live entertainment in the lobby lounge of the Grand Naniloa Resort.

Christy Lassiter and Friends opened the afternoon’s musical offerings at noon

Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Kainani Kahaunaele filled the lobby and lanai with grace and joy

Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Mark Yamakana closed the afternoon with crowd favorites

Many thanks to Desiree Moana Cruz for MC duties and Pepe Romero for professional sound

Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering Hilo’s treasured cultural landscape. The Banyan Drive Art Stroll is one of several e vents designed to celebrate the gardens centennial.

For more information and to stay up to date on planned volunteer days and special events, please visit the Facebook page of Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens.

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