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Master weavers, carvers and artisans share their expertise about Hawaii

In his youth, Marques Marzan admired the fine craftsmanship of his great-grandmother's heirloom pieces. "I always wanted to learn the art of my kupuna, ever since I was a young boy," he said.

Grow Hawaiian Festival » Place: Bishop Museum » Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday » Admission: Free » Call: 848-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org Schedule of Events Main Stage » 9 a.m.: Hula kahiko by Na Pualei o Likolehua and opening remarks by Hawaiian Electric Co. » 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.: Native plants walking tour » 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Hula by Bishop Museum staff » 11:45 a.m.: Pilioha performs » 2:30 p.m.: Ernie Cruz, Jr. and Friends perform Atrium » 9:30 a.m.: How to grow native plants » 10:45 a.m.: "The Plants of Hula," by a panel of kumu hula » 1:30 p.m.: The plants of Lua Great Lawn Ongoing demonstrations: » Ipu-making » Lei-making » Kapa-making » Woodworking » Weaponry and woodwork » Weaving » Lomilomi massages » Kalo-pounding and kapa-making

Marzan began weaving about 12 years ago under the guidance of Minewa Ka'awa, a lauhala weaver who taught classes at Bishop Museum. She taught him the basics including lauhala bracelets, fans, potholders, baskets and single and double mats.

"I have learned and experimented with many of the intricate and finer weaving styles, including fine lauhala hats, traditional fans, fishing baskets and traps and fine weave makaloa mats," he said.

On Saturday, Marzan shares his skills at the Grow Hawaiian Festival at Bishop Museum, along with an array of artisans who create weaponry, woodwork, kapa, lei and ipu.

As a cultural collections technician at Bishop Museum, Marzan is able to view many artifacts and cultural pieces of old Hawaii. He is passionate about both traditional and contemporary art.

"I feel my grounding in traditional knowledge makes my contemporary work an extension and evolution of the Hawaiian aesthetic," he said. "I like to share the obscure forms and designs of our kupuna to honor their great achievements and share the mastery of their art that I try to continue today."

The festival allows Hawaiian arts and culture to be showcased for the community, he said. "It's geared more toward local families, instead of tourists. We are exposing people to things that are still being done today ... Hawaiian arts that are still alive and well."

After 15 years sponsoring Arbor Day tree giveaways, Hawaiian Electric Co., sponsor of the festival, thought the time was right to expand its environmental efforts, says Brandi Crabbe of HECO's education and consumer affairs department.

The eco-conscious festival, held in honor of Earth Day, also focuses on native and Polynesian-introduced plants of Hawaii.