With warmest winter wishes and happiest holiday greetings, Volcano Art Center welcomes you to the 16th Annual Christmas in the Country celebration starting Friday, November 20, 2015. Featuring the Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit that continues through January 3, 2016 , this year’s Christmas in the Country promises an abundance of art and aloha to kick start your holiday season.
Beginning every Friday before Thanksgiving the VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to the exquisite artwork Volcano Art Center has become known for showcasing year-round, you’ll find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, crafts, ornaments and decorations made by Hawaii Island artists, including some that are VAC exclusives.
The concurrent Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional.
“You’ll be amazed at what some artists choose to include in their highly creative concepts of ‘wreath’,” states Gallery Manager Emily Catey. “Those looking for truly original wreaths will want to be among the first to see and choose from the exhibit.”
As in years past, Christmas in the Country begins with an exclusive members-only preview party and features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.
Friday, November 20, 5:30PM–8:00PM
Member Appreciation Reception and Christmas in the Country Preview. VAC Members are invited to be the first to view the full collection of unique wreaths and high-quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during Christmas in the Country. Enjoy complimentary gourmet pupus, mulled cider and champagne, prize drawings and your membership discount. Not a member? Joining is easy and secure at www.volcanoartcenter.org or purchase a one-day membership upon arrival for $15. Held at the VAC Gallery in HVNP, park entrance fees may apply.
Saturday, November 21–Sunday, November 29, 9:00AM–5:00PM Daily
Volcano Art Center’s 16th Annual Christmas in the Country. Special holiday celebrations include art demonstrations, print and book signings by VAC Gallery artists, plus a fine selection of quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during the holiday season. Held at the VAC Gallery in HVNP. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
Saturday, November 21–Sunday, January 3, 2015, 9:00AM–5:00PM Daily
Volcano Art Center’s 13th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit. Gallery artists working in a wide variety of media, materials and techniques present their highly creative concepts of ‘wreath’. Held at the VAC Gallery in HVNP. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
Saturday, November 21, 11:00AM–2:00PM
Book and print signing with Kathy Long! Kathy will be on hand signing her extensive collection of prints which represent her many years of dedication to Hawaii’s unique culture captured in paint and pastel. Kathy’s work is featured in the new publication Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawaii Artists highlighting 50 of Hawai’i’s award-winning artists. This beautiful coffee table book will become a piece of treasured history. Held at the VAC Gallery in HVNP. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
Saturday, November 21, 11:00AM–2:00PM
Book signing and demonstration with Vicki Penney-Rohner! Well known for her love of color and light watch Vicki create a landscape in a painting demonstration. Vicki will also be signing copies of Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawaii Artists, in which she and her work is featured.
Sunday, November 22, 11:00AM -1:00PM
Book signing of Rainforest Puʻuhonua by Kahikahealani Wight! Rainforest Puʻuhonua tells the story of five years spent living in a Hawaiian rainforest in the 1980s. It combines one woman’s search for her Hawaiian roots, stories about the Hawaiian rainforest and its rare gems, including native birds, plants, and insects, and insights into Hawaiian world view and thinking. Get your copy signed at VAC Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
Sunday, November 22, 11:00AM–2:00PM
Wreath making demonstration with Jelena Clay! Jelena will be demonstrating creative mini wreath making as she transforms fresh and/or dried vegetation into festive decor for the holidays. These 10” wreaths can also be used as center pieces for holiday table settings. Held at the VAC Gallery in HVNP. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
Friday, November 27 –Sunday, November 29, 9:00AM–4:00PM
Christmas in the Country Expands to Niaulani Campus. Come celebrate the spirit of the holidays and view select members of the Volcano Hui displaying handmade art and gifts as part of the annual Volcano Hui Tour. Beautiful live poinsettia will be on display and available for purchase to enhance your home for the holidays as a fundraiser for Friends Of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Located in VAC’s Niaulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village.
Friday, November 27 – Saturday, November 28, 11:00AM–1:00PM
Book signing by various artists! VAC will feature various artists who are featured in the new publication Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawaii Artists highlighting 50 of Hawai’i’s award-winning artists. This beautiful coffee table book will become a piece of treasured history. Exact schedule to be determined. Held at the VAC Gallery in HVNP. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
Saturday, November 28, 11:00AM–2:00PM
Print and book signing with Dietrich Varez! Dietrich returns for the final day of Christmas in the Country for a meet and greet with VAC’s signature artist. He will be on hand to personalize books and prints he has written and/or illustrated, including his most recent “Eva”, as well as his 250+ Hawaiiana prints. At t VAC Gallery in HVNP. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
Sunday, November 29, 11:00AM–1:00PM
Holiday card and gift wrap making with Gretchen Grove! Get creative with Gretchen in making handmade cards and gift wrap to accompany the exquisite gifts purchased from VAC Gallery. Supplies provided, no purchase necessary. Held at the VAC Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
Sunday, November 29, 11:00AM–2:00PM
Book signing with Christine Sprowl Tetak! Christine is on hand to sign copies of her children’s book, Legend of The Hula Moose. This fictional title contains many true facts, along with beautiful illustrations by illustrator Diane Lucas. Parents and grandparents will enjoy sharing this cute story with their keiki. Held at the VAC Gallery in HVNP. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
Saturday, December 12, 11:00am–2:00pm
Book and print signing with Kathy Long! Kathy Long will be on hand signing her extensive collection of prints which represent her many years of dedication to Hawaii’s unique culture captured in pencil and pastel. Kathy’s work is also featured in the new publication Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawaii Artists highlighting 50 of Hawai’i’s award-winning artists. Get your signed copy while visiting Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
