With warmest winter wishes and happiest holiday greetings, Volcano Art Center welcomes all to the 20th Annual Christmas in the Country celebration starting Friday, November 22, 2019. Featuring the Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit that continues through December 31st, 2019. This year’s Christmas in the Country promises an abundance of art and aloha to kick start your holiday season.
Every year, beginning on the Friday before Thanksgiving, VAC Gallery in Hawai‘i 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, ornaments and decorations made by Hawai`i 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. “Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of- a-kind , handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by our local artistic community, ” states gallery manager Emily C. Weiss.
As in years past, Christmas in the Country begins with an exclusive members-only preview party on Friday, November 22nd at 5:30pm and features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS November 22nd – December 31st
Friday, November 22, 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 pupu, mulled cider and champagne, door prizes and your membership discount. Not a member? Joining is easy and secure at www.volcanoartcenter.org. Members may bring a guest for $15 at the door. Held at the VAC Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, park entrance fees may apply.
Saturday, November 23 – Tuesday, December 31st, 2019, 9:00AM–5:00PM Daily
Volcano Art Center’s 20th 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 apply.
Saturday, November 23, 11:00AM -1:00PM
Caren Loebel-Fried shares new jigsaw puzzles created from her hand-colored block prints. Made by the New York puzzle company, in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, these unique gifts teach as much as entertain. Come see the designs available and pick one or more up, in addition to books and prints, for those special bird lovers on your list! Held at the VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
Make a Holiday Card with Desiree Moana Cruz.in making a one-of-a-kind, hand printed, woodblock holiday card using the beloved designs of artist Dietrich Varez. Dietrich’s small, prized, hand carved linoleum blocks, borrowed from his estate will be used to create unique holiday cards. Come make a card to share with family and friends. All supplies provided. Held at The Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
Sunday, November 24, 11:00AM–1:00PM
Lauhala ornament demonstration by Jelena Clay! Join master fiber artist and nationally recognized gourd artist Jelena Clay, who produces a variety of contemporary and traditional art from natural fibers. Her interest in all Hawaiian art forms led her to lauhala weaving which she now graciously shares through her teaching. Jelena will demonstrate making lauhala ornaments including reindeer! If participants want to try making their own ornaments Jelena will assist in making a star ornament. All supplies provided. Held at VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
Print signing with Kathy Long! Kathy will be on hand signing fine art reproductions of her beautiful artwork. Her extensive collection represent many years of dedication to Hawaii’s unique culture captured in pencil, paint and pastel. Held at the VAC Gallery in HawaiʻI Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
Friday, November 22 – Monday, December 30th, 2019, 9:00AM–5:00PM Monday – Friday
Christmas and More! A beautiful collection of hand crafted quilts will be on display and for sale at the gallery located at VAC’s Niaulani Campus (19-4074 Old Volcano Rd.) through December 30th.
Friday, November 29 –Saturday, November 30, 10:00AM–4:00PM
Christmas in the Country Expands to the Niaulani Campus. Come celebrate the spirit of the holidays and view VAC’s Program Preview Exhibition featuring exhibit and program offerings for the upcoming year at Hale Ho’omana. The building will also host members of the Volcano Hui displaying handmade art and gifts as part of the annual Volcano Hui Tour. Beautiful live poinsettia to enhance your home for the holidays will be on display and available for purchase as a fundraiser for Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. Located in VAC’s Niaulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village.
Friday, November 29, 11:00AM–1:00PM
Aloha Friday: Lei making with Kaipo Ah Chong. Tropical Agriculture farmer Kaipo Ah Chong will share his expert lei-making skills with VAC visitors. As a member of Halau Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. These free cultural events are supported in part by Hawai`i Tourism. Located at VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
Saturday, November 30, 11:00AM–1:00PM
Make a Holiday Card! Join VAC staff member Emily Weiss in making a one-of-a-kind, hand printed, woodblock holiday card using the beloved designs of artist Dietrich Varez. Dietrich’s small, prized, hand carved linoleum blocks, borrowed from his estate will be used to create unique holiday cards. Come make a card to share with family and friends. All supplies provided. Held at the VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
