The Hilo Art Experience; Gardens and Galleries
Be among the first to book this amazing tour of some of Hilo’s art highlights. Over the past few decades Hilo has begun to become known as a center for the visual arts. Join us while we visit three of its best, the gardens they have built, and the exhibits currently on view at the East Hawaii Cultural Center.
View some of the magnificent large-scale sculptures in Michael Shewmaker's sculpture garden
East Hawaii Cultural Center has established itself as a force for art in the state of Hawaii where changing exhibitions curated by Andrzej Kramars have garnered critical acclaim, a design shop, black box theater, and thriving ceramics studio. This is your chance to see fine art in a classic historical building from old Hawaii.
Stephen Freedman is an accomplished ceramic sculptor with works in many museums throughout the world. Stephen has built a thoughtful and peaceful 3-acre garden that is populated with hundreds of his sculptures, all influenced by a rich and interesting personal journey. To step into his garden is to leave the noise behind, just for a moment, and simply experience what is before you. He operates idspace gallery on his property, an experimental venue with rotating installations of significant local artists, as well as his own personal kiln for his art. For more insight into Stephen’s work, please visit his website at https://stephenfreedman.com/
Clayton Amemiya is a ceramicist as well, but of a very different sort. He specializes in the technique known as ‘anagama’: wood fired pieces that are glazed via ash from a fire. The process of wood firing is fascinating and difficult, and watching how Clayton has worked with it to create objects of natural beauty is a privilege to behold. See the traditional tunnel kiln he has built and view many of his significant works in his charming tea house. His beautiful property is lush with various local plants and flowers. Clayton’s work is exhibited in museums throughout Japan as well as here in Hawaii. A video showing Clayton at work can be seen Here. For more information on Clayton Amemiya’s work, please visit https://amemiyaceramics.com/
Michael Shewmaker is an architectural scale sculptor. He is a metalsmith who specializes in moving metal with a hammer. He has built a unique garden of more than 25 monumental pieces up to 20 feet in height. Ranging from abstract works where he has tried to capture the power of ‘chi’ in metal , to humorous Pop pieces, to representational works that include a bronze sphinx like lion, this 3 acre achievement gem is absolutely unique. For more information on Michael Shewmaker’s work, please visit https://www.shewmakersculpture.com/
There will be some walking through uneven terrain in the garden. This is a 5-6 hour private tour. Please pack water, snacks and a light lunch. Your tour guide may stop at a local venue if you want to grab something to eat.
For questions and to book this tour email reservations@arnottslodge.com or call/text at 808-339-0921.