The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo North Hawai‘i Education and Research Center (NHERC) and Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy (HPA) invite the public to a “Symposium on Sustainability and Traditional Pacific Island Arts: The Art of Lauhala, Form and Function,” on May 3 & 4 at the HPA Gates Performing Arts Center. There is no charge for May 3, but there is a $55 fee for May 4.
The purpose of the symposium is to celebrate and educate people on the important role lauhala fiber work traditions played in the settlement and development of the Pacific region. The two-day event includes lectures, talk story sessions, a fiber arts exhibition, and weaving workshops and demonstrations given by some of Hawaiʻi's leading lauhala fiber artists.
Special focus will be given to the role native Hawaiian weavers from Hawaiʻi Island have played over the last century in the development and perpetuation of this fiber art form, especially in the making of lauhala hats. A highlight will be a talk story session with Kona resident and master weaver Aunty Elizabeth Lee, who is the founder and director of Ka Ulu Lauhala O Kona, an organization dedicated to perpetuating the art of lauhala weaving.
Call NHERC at 775-8890 for event details.