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]
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.
U.S. Japanese Gardens 