Galleries of Makawao, Maui
A drive to the sleepy town of Makawao, perched along the slopes of Haleakala Volcano, affords a perfect getaway from the coastal resorts of Maui, as well as a great opportunity to step into the local arts scene. Over the last decade or so, 10 galleries have established themselves in the former cowboy town. Among them is the artist-owned Viewpoints Gallery, cooperatively run by about 15 artists.
“The difference with Makawao is that you are more likely to see an artist,” compared to the galleries that line Lahaina and Wailea, said painter Kari McCarthy of Viewpoints Gallery.
Viewpoints regularly arranges artist demonstrations on site and hosts a new exhibition every month. A fun time to be in the gallery is on “hanging day,” usually the Thursday preceding their monthly opening reception.
“A lot of chaos is going on with the artists hanging their paintings. We all drift in and out,” McCarthy said.
The openings, which take place on Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., attract a local arts crowd. McCarthy, who also publishes “Art Guide Maui,” a comprehensive guide to the galleries and artist studios across Maui, added that one of the surefire crowd pleasers in Makawao is the Hot Island Glass studio and gallery. Visitors can watch through a protective shield as glass artists blow large pieces and platters as large as a foot-and-a-half wide.
“It’s amazing to watch. It’s a spectator sport,” she said.
Galleries of Makawao, Maui
808-572-5979
www.viewpointsmaui.com
Leave a comment