West Side Fine Arts

by Ben Tucker

While some uppity folks in Hilo may enjoy referring to Kona as a cultural wasteland, West side residents know they're waaaaay wrong, with organizations like the Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture in the Donkey Mill Art Center and SKEA (Society for Kona's Education and Art) in Honaunau.

SKEA's upcoming calendar includes a wide variety of classes, including three levels of 'ukulele, natural birthing, tai chi, Japanese ink painting and Polynesian dance. SKEA's South Kona complex also hosts a monthly quilting group the second Tuesday of every month and in February, 2008 will host a quilt show entitled "Many Hearts, Many Hands, Many Stiches."

But perhaps SKEA's most popular, or at least loudest, events are their art camps for youth, which coincide with Spring and Summer breaks from school. It keeps the little buggers out of the house and off the street.

At the Donkey Mill Art Center, a couple of events are on the horizon: their Fall Art Festival and Annual Faculty Art Exhibition.

This year's festival's theme is "Gifts of Art Created by You." The event is scheduled for Oct. 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. According to their press release, for $5, "This is your opportunity to discover and explore an assortment of art forms. In addition, you will be treated to demonstrations in different media as they are presented throughout the day. Gifts to create include Greeting Cards in watercolor, monotype prints, silkscreen and multi media, Silk Screened T-Shirts, Handmade Gift Wrapping Paper, Raku Bowls and Plates, Origami Gift Bags and Lauhala Bracelets." Children under 12 will be admitted free-of-charge.

The Third Annual Faculty Art Exhibition's kick off will coincide with the Fall Art festival and continue through Dec. 31. The exhibition will shine a spotlight on the work of talented artists who make up Donkey Mill's faculty.

Society for Kona's Education and Art
Honaunau, 328-9392
skea.org
Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture
Holualoa, 322-3362
donkeymillartcenter.org
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