LIHUE — Kauai Society of Artists member Joan Luzney flitted around the space peppered with various artwork, Monday afternoon at the KSA gallery located in the Kukui Grove Center.
She stopped by a piece — her singular artwork to be accepted into the exhibit that KSA members claim is the largest showing in the year — checking for alignment before fluttering off to another piece for placement and adjustment.
“I’ve been doing this for about eight, or nine years,” Luzney said of the flowering orchid she discovered in someone’s yard. “I took a class at the National Tropical Botanical Garden, and have been doing this since then.”
Melissa McFerrin-Warrack, the special events coordinator at the shopping center, said the KSA members hosted a Call for Entries, Saturday in anticipation of the exhibit opening, the artwork acceptance event being joined by a Cover Girl Search being hosted at the adjacent Kauai Film Academy.
The 2019 ART Kauai exhibit, with Juror Tiffany DeEtte Shafto, opens with a reception, Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the ksa gallery.
People are invited to view the array of artwork daily through Oct. 25. Starting Sept. 14, hours are from noon to 6 p.m. daily, and on Fridays, noon to 9 p.m.
There is no admission to view the exhibit that incorporates more than 75 pieces from KSA member artists, and a visit to the exhibit is an opportunity to meet with artists who do gallery sitting duty. Donations are welcome.
“Puhi,” a Raku Ceramics piece created by Joi Labok (how many of you remember Joi and her ‘ohana from the annual Souper Bowl event at the Clayworks at Kilohana?) for the 2018 ART Kauai extends an invitation to those who pass by the gallery doors.
Another ceramist, Miza Sumida of Kekaha, had several pieces being considered for exhibit.
“I believe the Woman Warrior is definitely going to be placed,” said Kris Bean, a “photographer” who was tracking the collection through her computer. “We don’t know where she’s going to settle, but I’m pretty sure the warrior will be here.”
Bean, who will not have any pieces on exhibit, was volunteering time during the set up because she said her media is film — not the still camera variety, but cinematography as compared with digital video.
“I don’t have anything to show,” Bean said. “So I’m just volunteering to do admin work. I learned how to do film in the darkroom. I still love to do darkroom — especially the smell of hypo.”
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.